Col de l'Iseran

The Iseran Pass (French: Col de l'Iseran), near Bonneval-sur-Arc, is one of the highest paved mountain passes in the French Alps, sitting at the edge of Vanoise National Park. It separates the Vanoise massif from the Graian Alps and links the headwaters of two rivers — the Isère to the north and the Arc to the south.

Where is the Iseran Pass?

The pass lies in the Savoie department, at an elevation of over 2,700 metres, making it one of the highest asphalted passes anywhere in the Alps. It connects Val d'Isère, in the Isère valley to the north, with Bonneval-sur-Arc, in the Arc valley to the south. The road forms part of the famous Route des Grandes Alpes, a scenic route running from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean coast.

How do you get there?

The pass is reached by car or motorcycle from either Bonneval-sur-Arc to the south or Val d'Isère to the north. The road is fully paved but narrow and winding, climbing through a long series of hairpin bends well above the tree line. Access is seasonal: snow typically closes the road from autumn through late spring, and the full crossing is usually possible only from June to September or October, depending on that year's conditions. It's worth checking the current status before setting off, especially in early summer or late autumn.

What will you see there?

From the top, the pass opens onto sweeping views of the surrounding peaks of the Graian Alps and the Vanoise massif — a stark high-mountain landscape of glaciers, rocky ridges and alpine meadows. The climb is a favourite with road cyclists and mountain bikers alike; it's one of the classic, demanding ascents used in road-cycling races, including the Tour de France. Near the summit there's a small chapel and several viewpoints looking out over the Arc valley. Because the pass borders Vanoise National Park, the surrounding slopes are rich in alpine wildlife, including marmots, chamois and, at times, golden eagles circling above the ridgelines.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Bonneval-sur-Arc, at the southern foot of the pass, is a stone-built mountain village ranked among the most beautiful in France, with traditional slate-and-stone architecture that has changed little over generations. It makes a good base for hiking in the Vanoise area and the natural starting point for anyone tackling the pass from the south. On the other side, Val d'Isère is a well-known ski resort, lively above all in winter — though the pass itself stays closed by snow during that season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high is the Iseran Pass? The pass sits at over 2,700 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest paved passes in the entire Alpine range.

Is the pass open all year round? No. Snow makes year-round access impossible; the road is generally open from June to September or October and closed the rest of the year.

Which towns does the pass connect? It links Val d'Isère in the Isère valley to the north with Bonneval-sur-Arc in the Arc valley to the south.

Is it worth cycling up? Yes — it's one of the Alps' classic, demanding climbs, well known from the Tour de France and prized by cyclists for its views and difficulty.