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Col de l’Iseran and the Maurienne passes
Over the highest paved pass in the Alps, down the Maurienne valley and across the Croix de Fer to the hairpins of Alpe d’Huez.
- Distance
- 159 km (99 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 12 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 9
- Countries
- France
- Updated
- August 6, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 159 km (99 mi) with 9 stops, from Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Le Bourg-d'Oisans. About 2 h 12 min of driving in total.
More road trips in France · More road trips from Martigny
Route description
This trip only works in summer: the Col de l’Iseran usually opens in June and closes in early October, and the Croix de Fer has a similar season. From Bourg-Saint-Maurice take the D902 up the Isère valley, through avalanche galleries, to the Tignes dam. Stop in the lay-by above Lac du Chevril to see the painted giant on the dam wall.
Beyond Val-d’Isère the road climbs in wide bends to the Col de l’Iseran at 2,764 m, the highest paved pass in the Alps. There is a small chapel and a café at the top. The descent to Bonneval-sur-Arc is steep but not too narrow, and the village of stone houses with stone roofs is a good place to stop for lunch.
Follow the Arc down the Maurienne through Lanslebourg and Modane to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, about 80 km. From there the D926 climbs through Saint-Sorlin-d’Arves to the Col de la Croix de Fer, with views of the Aiguilles d’Arves. The upper section is narrow and exposed in places; motorhomes over about 8 m will find it slow going.
Descend on the D526 past the Grand’Maison reservoir to Allemont and turn up to Le Bourg-d’Oisans. From there drive the 21 hairpins of Alpe d’Huez, each bend signed with the names of Tour de France stage winners, and come back down the same way. The valley has several campsites, and the Galibier and the Lautaret, on the Route des Grandes Alpes, are within reach for another day.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Bourg-Saint-Maurice
France - 223 km
Lac du Chevril and Tignes dam
OdditiesTignes, FranceA reservoir that drowned the old village of Tignes in 1952. The 180 m dam wall carries a huge painted giant, and a lay-by on the D902 above the lake gives the best view.
- 38 km
Val-d'Isère
France - 47 km
Col de l’Iseran
ViewsBonneval-sur-Arc, FranceAt 2,764 m the highest paved pass in the Alps, linking the Tarentaise and the Maurienne on the D902. It is usually open from June to early October; snow walls line the road early in the season.
- 56 km
Bonneval-sur-Arc
France - 670 km
Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne
France - 716 km
Col de la Croix de Fer
ViewsSaint-Sorlin-d’Arves, FranceA 2,067 m pass marked by an iron cross, with views of the three sharp Aiguilles d’Arves. The D926 and D526 are narrow in places and closed from about November to May.
- 823 km
Alpe d’Huez hairpins
ViewsHuez, FranceThe famous climb of 21 numbered hairpins from Le Bourg-d’Oisans, each bend signed with the names of Tour de France stage winners here. The road is wide and open all year; expect cyclists at every turn.
- 96 km
Le Bourg-d'Oisans
France
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Bourg-Saint-Maurice → Bonneval-sur-Arc · 45 km · 0 h 37 minOn the way: Lac du Chevril and Tignes dam, Val-d'Isère, Col de l’Iseran.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping-car Park Bessans, Haute Maurienne Vanoise (6 km); Camping de Lanslevillard (14 km).
- Day 2: Bonneval-sur-Arc → Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne · 70 km · 0 h 58 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping des Grands Cols (< 1 km); Camping Caravaneige de Sainte-Thècle (14 km).
- Day 3: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne → Le Bourg-d'Oisans · 45 km · 0 h 37 minOn the way: Col de la Croix de Fer, Alpe d’Huez hairpins.Overnight nearby, for example: Aire de camping car - Les 2 alpes (8 km); Aire de camping-car Auris en Oisans (4 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Cold, short days in December–February. Mountain passes on this route are usually open July–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
- Col de l’Iseran (2,764 m). Usually open July–September; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: Go round via the Maurienne valley.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Col de l’Iseran and the Maurienne passes?
3-day road trip of about 159 km (99 mi) with 9 stops, from Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Le Bourg-d'Oisans. About 2 h 12 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Col de l’Iseran and the Maurienne passes?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 12 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Col de l’Iseran and the Maurienne passes start and end?
It starts in Bourg-Saint-Maurice and ends in Le Bourg-d'Oisans.
Which countries does Col de l’Iseran and the Maurienne passes pass through?
France.
Where can you camp along Col de l’Iseran and the Maurienne passes?
OpenStreetMap lists 93 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Canopee, Camping Caravaneige Montchavin and Les Amis.
When is the best time for Col de l’Iseran and the Maurienne passes?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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