Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard
A 2,188-metre pass on the France–Italy border, with prehistoric stone circles, an ancient hospice and an alpine botanical garden, and views of Mont Blanc's south face.
The Petit-Saint-Bernard Pass lies about 40 kilometres north of Val d'Isère (via Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise and La Rosière). It is an ancient route linking the Tarentaise valley in France with the Aosta valley in Italy, and legend says Hannibal crossed the Alps here. On the pass are a prehistoric stone circle (cromlech), a hospice founded in the 11th century by Bernard of Menthon, and the Chanousia alpine botanical garden. On the Italian side, Mont Blanc's south face is visible. Cafés line the pass, and you can make a side trip into Italy to La Thuile and Courmayeur. Note: the pass is closed in winter. There is no border checkpoint, but you must carry your passport.
Opening hours
Approx. June–October (depends on snow)
Nearby sights
- Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise
- Aiguille Percée
- Lac du Chevril & Tignes Dam
- Lac de Tignes & Tignes-le-Lac
- Lac de la Sassière
- Rocher de Bellevarde & Face de Bellevarde
- Val d'Isère Village & Saint-Bernard Church
- Espace Killy (Val d'Isère–Tignes)