The most beautiful motorbike rides in Savoie
In short
Haute-Tarentaise is home to several of the highest passes in the Alps: Cormet de Roselend, Iseran, Little St Bernard and Madeleine, all reachable in less than 30 minutes from the campsite. The Col de l’Iseran peaks at 2,764 metres, the Alpine record for a paved pass. These roads are open from June to September, depending on snow cover.
Key takeaways
- Col de l’Iseran: 2,764 m, the highest paved pass in the Alps, 77 km and about 1 h 30 from Bourg-Saint-Maurice, open from late June to mid-September
- Col de la Madeleine: 1,993 m, starting from Aigueblanche, 19 km and about 1 hour of climbing, open from May to October
- Recommended season: June to September for clear passes and stable weather
- Bring a warm layer even in summer: the temperature drops quickly at the top of the passes
- Dairy farms sell alpine Beaufort cheese directly to passing bikers
Savoie is a dream playground for bikers. Between high passes, hairpin bends and views of the peaks, every bend holds a surprise. Haute-Tarentaise, between Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Landry, lies at the crossroads of several legendary roads. Cormet de Roselend, Iseran, Little St Bernard and Madeleine are all accessible from our campsite in Savoie. With passes rising to over 2,700 m, the region attracts two-wheel enthusiasts.
Here are 4 motorbike rides in Savoie to add to your roadbook!
The Cormet de Roselend and the reservoir lake
The Cormet de Roselend is probably the most famous motorbike ride in Savoie. The road climbs over 19 km through a series of tight bends. The surface is good and traffic remains moderate outside the high season. Arriving at the Roselend reservoir lake, with its turquoise waters, is well worth the trip.
The pass peaks at 1,967 m. The descent towards Beaufort crosses the Beaufortain, a green and peaceful valley famous for its cheese. You can complete the loop via Albertville, around 130 km and 2 h 30 of riding. This loop is part of the Route des Grandes Alpes.
| Key facts | Details |
| Start | Bourg-Saint-Maurice |
| Altitude | 1,967 m |
| Distance (loop) | 130 km |
| Duration | About 2 h 30 |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Open | June to October |
Our tip: stop for cheese in Beaufort. The dairy cooperatives sell alpine Beaufort directly to visitors. It is the kind of stop the guidebooks do not always mention, but the locals recommend!
The Iseran, the highest paved pass in the Alps
The Col de l’Iseran is a must for any biker passing through Savoie. At 2,764 m, it holds the title of highest paved pass in the Alps. The road passes the Tignes dam and Val d’Isère, then climbs to the summit.
The hairpins reveal open views of the Vanoise glaciers. The descent on the Maurienne side leads to Bonneval-sur-Arc, listed among the most beautiful villages in France. Allow 77 km and about 1 h 30 of riding. The temperature drops quickly at the top: bring a warm layer, even in midsummer. This motorbike ride in Savoie is for the summer months only, as the pass is usually open from late June to mid-September.
| Key facts | Details |
| Start | Bourg-Saint-Maurice |
| Altitude | 2,764 m |
| Distance | 77 km |
| Duration | About 1 h 30 |
| Difficulty | Demanding |
| Open | Late June to mid-September |
The Little St Bernard, heading for Italy
The Little St Bernard Pass links France and Italy via a panoramic road. The climb passes through Montvalezan and its hairpin bends. The surface is decent and the road is well maintained on both sides of the border.
The summit reaches 2,188 m. On the Italian side, the descent leads to La Thuile and then the Aosta Valley. You can extend the motorbike ride via the Mont Blanc tunnel or the Great St Bernard for an international loop, or even try our complete Tour du Mont Blanc by motorbike itinerary. The one-way trip from Bourg-Saint-Maurice is about 30 km and 45 minutes. The pass is open from June to October, depending on snow cover.
| Key facts | Details |
| Start | Bourg-Saint-Maurice |
| Altitude | 2,188 m |
| Distance (one way) | 30 km |
| Duration (one way) | About 45 min |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Open | June to October |
The Madeleine, bends and panoramas
The Col de la Madeleine links the Tarentaise to the Maurienne via a technical road. From Aigueblanche, the climb stretches over 19 km with a steady gradient. The bends follow one another in an unspoilt alpine setting.
The highest point is 1,993 m. At the top, the view over the Vanoise and the Lauzière rewards the effort. This motorbike ride in Savoie is popular for its layout and low weekday traffic. Allow about 1 hour for the climb.
| Key facts | Details |
| Start | Aigueblanche (Tarentaise valley) |
| Altitude | 1,993 m |
| Distance (climb) | 19 km |
| Duration (climb) | About 1 h |
| Difficulty | Demanding |
| Open | May to October |
Fancy unpacking between two passes? Our campsite for bikers welcomes you in every season! Book your stay now and share your roadbooks over a drink at the bar!
Sébastien’s tipHaving lived in Haute-Tarentaise for more than thirty years, I know these passes by heart. My advice: set off early in the morning for the Iseran, the light on the Vanoise glaciers is incomparable and you avoid the midday tourist traffic. And keep a warm layer even in midsummer, the thermometer drops fast above 2,500 metres.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a motorbike ride in Savoie?
The best time for a motorbike ride in Savoie is from June to September. The high passes are then clear. The Col de l’Iseran usually opens in late June.
What is the most beautiful pass in Savoie by motorbike?
The Cormet de Roselend is often cited as the most beautiful motorbike ride in Savoie. The turquoise reservoir lake and the hairpins of the Beaufortain make it a memorable route.
Do you need special gear to ride at altitude?
Yes, adaptable gear is recommended for a motorbike ride in Savoie. At altitude, the temperature can drop below 10°C. Bring a warm liner and suitable gloves.
Are the Savoie passes dangerous by motorbike?
The pass roads in Savoie are well maintained and signposted. Caution is still needed on tight bends and in wet weather. Respect the speed limits.
Can you ride several passes in the same day?
Yes, the passes are close enough to each other. You can combine the Cormet de Roselend and the Little St Bernard in one day. Plan an early start and regular breaks.
Where to stay to ride the Savoie passes by motorbike?
Camping L’Eden de la Vanoise in Landry is at the crossroads of the great Haute-Tarentaise passes. It offers mobile homes in Savoie, chalets and pitches where you can park your motorbike.