The Route des Grandes Alpes isn't your average road trip. It's a 720-kilometer masterpiece that stitches together some of the most breathtaking landscapes France has to offer. Starting from Lake Geneva and going all the down to the Mediterranean Sea, this route strings together a series of mountain passes, charming villages, and jaw-dropping panoramas like the ones on National Park du Mercantour.

Route des Grandes Alpes

The road starts at Thonon-les-Bains (on the shore of Lake Geneva), crossing the French Alps from north to south (or from south to north). The route used to end in Nice, but it is now in Menton. The original route has 17 Alpine passes, but over the years, detours have been added to create a route that covers up to 23 mountain passes, depending on which road you will take.

I started in Barcelonnette because I came from the Provence, where I spent a few weeks close to the Mont Ventoux. Honestly, the route des Grandes Alpes wasn't in my planning; I was aiming for National Parc du Mercantour, but I can tell you this... I was thrilled I took the Alp route because it's an insane experience! I'm actually a bit bumped out I didn't see more of this fantastic road because this route strings together mountain passes, charming villages, and jaw-dropping panoramas.

If you're up for driving the Route des Grandes Alpes, ensure you have plenty of time on your hands. Trust me, you won't resist hitting the brakes often to soak in the stunning views and snap countless pictures. Heads up, though—during peak season, it's bustling with traffic: cars, motorcycles, and folks on bikes. Be ready for tight squeezes on those -sometimes- narrow sections; sharing the road can become a bit of a puzzle as you navigate past other excited visitors, but it's very doable! Oh, and don't bring your caravan as they are prohibited on some parts of the route.

National Parc du Mercantour

The National Parc du Mercantour is tucked away in the heart of the French Alps. It's nature's treasure chest waiting to be explored. After being blown by a part of the Grandes Alpes, I arrived at the national Parc du Mercantour. Spanning over 650 square miles, this stunning park boasts diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to lush valleys. Home to rare wildlife like chamois, ibex, grey wolves, marmots, and golden eagles.

Although I didn't do a hike through the park, I absolutely recommend it. Even by driving through this park, you know it will surely be a hiking party.
And with over 600 miles of marked paths, there's something for everyone, whether you seek a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike.

A Road to Remember

Driving the Route des Grandes Alpes isn't just about reaching the destination; it's about the journey itself. It's about embracing the twists and turns, relishing the moments of awe, and creating memories that linger long after the journey ends.

So, to fellow adventurers itching for an adrenaline rush and a rendezvous with nature's grandeur, I say: strap in, rev your engines, and embark on this Alpine escapade. The Route des Grandes Alpes awaits, promising an adventure that transcends mere words. As for me, I'll always cherish the memories of navigating those Alpine roads in my trusty Defender Overland camper—a journey that truly took my breath away.

Want to see more? Check out episode 22 on YouTube, where I drive the route des Grandes Alpes and visit the national park du Mercantour.