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Motorcycling in La Rosière: Riding Between France and Italy via the Petit-Saint-Bernard Pass
La Rosière, an ideal starting point for a motorcycle road trip in the Alps
Perched at an altitude of 1,850 meters, La Rosière is an ideal destination for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking scenic roads, wide-open spaces, and a sense of freedom. Located on the Italian border, it offers direct access to some of the most beautiful Alpine routes.
From I.L.Y Hotels La Rosière, motorcyclists set out to explore legendary mountain passes, winding roads, and spectacular scenery, taking in alpine pastures, high mountains, and open valleys.
The Petit-Saint-Bernard Pass: a must-do motorcycle route
🗓️ Expected opening date: May 22, 2026
Located at an elevation of 2,188 meters, the Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard connects La Rosière to the Aosta Valley in Italy. It is one of the most accessible and spectacular routes for motorcyclists in the Alps.
Its smooth road surface, wide curves, and sweeping views make it the perfect mountain pass for fully enjoying the thrill of driving while exploring an exceptional natural setting.
Why choose La Rosière for a motorcycle trip in the Alps?
La Rosière offers several major attractions for motorcyclists:
- Direct access to several legendary mountain passes
- Strategically located between three countries
- Varied and scenic routes
- Less traffic than on other Alpine routes
- An authentic and unspoiled atmosphere
Stay at I.L.Y Hotels La Rosière: your motorcycle base camp
I.L.Y Hotels La Rosière is the perfect starting point for a motorcycle road trip. Its location allows you to quickly reach the major Alpine routes while enjoying a comfortable and welcoming setting when you return.
After a day on the road, enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, mountain views, and moments of togetherness that make the experience last even longer.
Tips for driving in the Alps in the summer
💡 The hotel's tip:
- Leave early to avoid traffic and catch the best light
- Always check that the mountain passes are open (especially the Little St. Bernard Pass)
- Adjust your gear to account for temperature changes at higher altitudes
- Take the time to stop and rest: the journey is part of the experience
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The Tour du Mont Blanc by Motorcycle: A Legendary Route Starting from La Rosière
Riding around Mont Blanc on a motorcycle is a unique experience that takes you through three countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland. Starting from La Rosière, this route offers an accessible, immersive, and spectacular adventure.
- Total distance: approximately 350 km
- Duration: 2 to 4 days, depending on your pace
Step 1 — La Rosière → Aosta (Italy)
via the Petit-Saint-Bernard Pass (2,188 m)
Distance: 62 km
Right from the start, you cross the Italian border via the Petit-Saint-Bernard Pass. The climb is gradual, offering sweeping views of the Alps, before a more technical descent into Italy.
The route through Courmayeur offers exceptional views of the Mont Blanc massif on the Italian side, before reaching Aosta, a city steeped in history.
Highlights:
- Spectacular border crossing
- View of the Aosta Valley
- Crossing at Courmayeur
💡 Hotel tip: Stop for a coffee at the Petit-Saint-Bernard Pass, then enjoy a traditional lunch in Courmayeur before strolling through the historic center of Aosta.
Step 2 — Aosta → Champex-Lac (Switzerland)
via the Great St. Bernard Pass (2,469 m)
Distance: 69 km
This stage takes you to another iconic pass, one that is wilder and more rugged. The Great St. Bernard Pass marks the entrance to Switzerland and offers spectacular scenery.
The descent to Champex-Lac takes place in a more relaxed atmosphere, with a soothing alpine setting around the lake.
Highlights:
- Spectacular border crossing
- High-mountain atmosphere
- View of Lake Toules
💡 Tip from the hotel: Take a break at the pass to enjoy the view, then wind down the day by the shores of Lake Champex.
Step 3 — Champex-Lac → Megève (France)
via Col de la Forclaz (1,527 m) and Col des Montets (1,461 m)
Distance: 98 km
This stage crosses the Swiss Alps before returning to France. The route through Trient and its iconic pink church leaves a lasting impression, before reaching Chamonix, the world capital of mountaineering.
The route then continues on to Megève, an iconic resort with alpine charm.
Highlights:
- Panorama of the Swiss Alps
- Stopover in Chamonix
- Diverse and accessible landscapes
💡 Tip from the hotel: Stop at the Col de la Forclaz to take in the view, then enjoy lunch in Chamonix before heading to Megève.
Step 4 — Megève → La Rosière
via Col des Saisies (1,657 m) and Cormet de Roselend (1,968 m)
Distance: 96 km
The final leg of this road trip, this stretch is one of the most spectacular. The roads are more rugged and less crowded, offering sweeping views of the Beaufortain.
The drive past Lake Roselend and the Saint-Guérin Dam offers some of the region’s most iconic scenery.
Highlights:
- Winding, quiet roads
- Panoramic Views of the Beaufortain
- Lake Roselend
💡 Hotel tip: Stop in Beaufort to sample some local specialties, then head to Lake Roselend to enjoy a breathtaking view.
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