Saint Bernard Panoramic Road Itinerary
The Saint Bernard Panoramic Road is an 80 km journey that starts in Martigny, Switzerland, and ends in Aosta, Italy. It is best undertaken in the summer months to take full advantage of the stunning scenery, which includes the towns of Sembrancher, Bourg-St-Bernard, and Grand St. Bernard Pass. The road conditions are excellent, making it a suitable journey for all drivers. A border crossing is required, and the route should take about one day to complete.
This road trip provides an unforgettable experience, and can easily be managed on a moderate budget. The journey will provide the traveler with a wealth of memories, from the alpine villages to the majestic mountain passes. There is no better way to experience the beauty of the Alps than to take this iconic road trip.
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number of days
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route length
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START
Martigny
Distance 82 km
Driving time 1.8 h
Pace: modest
21.2 kWh
Airports
GVA
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Martigny is a great starting point for the Saint Bernard Panoramic Road. Located in the Valais region of Switzerland, Martigny is known for its stunning views of the Alps and its rich cultural heritage. The best way to explore this area is by car, and the closest international airport to Martigny is Geneva Airport (IATA: GVA), which offers car rental services.
When visiting Martigny, be sure to check out the old town of Martigny-Ville, situated on the banks of the Rhone River. This charming town is home to some of the best preserved medieval architecture in Switzerland, including the Castel de la Bâtiaz, the Grand-Pont, and the Church of St. Martin. Other attractions in the area include the Martigny Museum, the Grand-St-Bernard Hospice, and the nearby mountain resorts of Verbier and Crans-Montana.
No matter how you choose to explore the region, Martigny is a great place to start your road trip on the Saint Bernard Panoramic Road. With its breathtaking views of the Alps, its abundant cultural heritage, and its convenient access to Geneva Airport, Martigny is an ideal destination for travelers from all over the world.
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Martigny
- Sembrancher
Distance 15 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: modest
3.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Martigny-Sembrancher road trip! This is one of the stages of a larger tour, and it is a great opportunity to explore the Swiss countryside. This 13km journey will take you less than an hour, so make sure to enjoy the ride!
In Martigny, you can visit the ancient Roman ruins and the beautiful Cathedral of Saint-Maurice. The city also has some great restaurants and cafes, so make sure to plan a stop here.
Once you leave Martigny, you will find yourself in the beautiful countryside of Valais. Don't forget to take some pictures of the stunning mountain views! As you drive towards Sembrancher, you will pass through the town of Orsières, home to the lovely Château d'Orsières.
Finally, you will arrive in Sembrancher, a small village located at the foot of the Alps. Here you can visit the old castle and the historical church. You can also take a stroll along the river and explore the village.
We hope you enjoy this stage of your road trip! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Sembrancher - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - pixabay.com
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2
Sembrancher
- Bourg-St-Bernard
Distance 25 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: modest
6.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome road-trippers! This stage of your journey will take you from Sembrancher, Switzerland to Bourg-St-Bernard. The 25km drive should take you less than an hour, so you'll have plenty of time to explore the area.
Starting in Sembrancher, you can explore the nearby nature reserve, which is home to a variety of fascinating animals, including ibex, chamois, and marmots. If you're looking for something a little more thrilling, you can also take a ride on the Sembrancher-Le Chable Cable Car, which offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.
From Sembrancher, you'll make your way to Bourg-St-Bernard. Here, you can visit the historic Château de Valere, a 12th century castle that was once the home of the Counts of Savoy. You can also explore the nearby nature trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
At the end of your journey, you'll have plenty of time to explore the charming village of Bourg-St-Bernard. Here, you can visit the local museum, or take a stroll through the streets, where you'll find plenty of quaint shops and cafes.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Bourg-St-Bernard - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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3
Bourg-St-Bernard
- Grand St. Bernard Pass
Distance 8 km
Driving time 0.2 h
Pace: slow
1.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you looking for an unforgettable road trip? Look no further! Start your journey in Bourg-St-Bernard, Switzerland and drive to the majestic Grand St. Bernard Pass, just 8km away. The drive itself will be an incredible experience, as you will be surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Make sure you don’t miss the beautiful views of the Alps, the vineyards, and the villages you’ll pass by.
Once you reach Grand St. Bernard Pass, you can explore the incredible historical and spiritual attractions of the area. Visit the Grand St. Bernard Hospice, the chapel, and the museum, and learn about the history of the area. You can also take a walk around the area to enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains and the nearby villages.
This is just one of the many stages of a larger tour, so make sure you check out the ‘Itinerary’ for more information on attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites along the way. So don’t wait any longer and start your road trip adventure from Bourg-St-Bernard to Grand St. Bernard Pass!
Grand St. Bernard Pass - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
Grand St. Bernard Pass - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
Grand St. Bernard Pass - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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4
Grand St. Bernard Pass
- Entroubles
Distance 17 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: modest
4.4 kWh
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Are you looking for an exciting road trip? Then the stage from Grand St. Bernard Pass, Switzerland to Entroubles is a must-do for you! This 17 km route will take you less than an hour to complete and you will cross a state border. Along the way, you will have the chance to visit the picturesque villages of La Fouly and Ferret, as well as the stunning Lago di Lei. The breathtaking views of the mountain peaks of the Valais Alps will make your journey even more memorable. Don't forget to take a break and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Matterhorn! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Start packing and get ready to explore the beauty of Grand St. Bernard Pass and Entroubles!
Entroubles - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Entroubles
- Aosta
Distance 17 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: modest
4.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you looking for a great road trip experience? Then the 17km drive from Entroubles to Aosta is the perfect stage for you! In less than an hour you will be able to take in the beautiful sights of the Italian Alps and discover some of the most interesting places in the region.
Start your journey in Entroubles, a small town in the Valle d'Aosta region, and take the time to appreciate its unique historical sites. Then, continue your drive to Aosta, the capital of the region. Here, you can explore the old city center and its ancient Roman ruins, such as the Arch of Augustus and the Porta Praetoria.
Make sure to keep your eyes open while driving, as the scenery is breathtaking. You will be able to admire the majestic mountains and lush valleys that surround the area.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Aosta - Switzerland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.wallpaperflare.com
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Aosta
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Aosta is an Italian town located in the Northwest of the country, in the Aosta Valley, and is the perfect ending point for the amazing road trip called “Saint Bernard Panoramic Road”. This route, which starts in the Swiss city of Martigny, is full of incredible views and Italian culture.
Aosta is full of attractions and activities to enjoy. Tourists can explore the Trajan Arch, built in the 1st century AD and the most important Roman monument of the city, or visit the Roman Theatre, which is still used today to host events. The Cathedral of Aosta, built in the 12th century, is another great place to visit.
The city’s old town is also a great place to explore. Here you can find some of the best restaurants in town and the Savoy Castle, a medieval fortress with beautiful gardens. Aosta is also a great place to go shopping, with plenty of stores offering local products.
For those who arrive by air, the closest international airport is Turin Airport (TRN), located about 80 km away from Aosta. From there, you can rent a car and drive to the city in about an hour and a half.
Aosta is the perfect ending point for the “Saint Bernard Panoramic Road” road trip. With its incredible monuments, great restaurants, and shopping opportunities, it has something for everyone.
Saint Bernard Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Martigny
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End:
Aosta
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Distance:
82 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Geneva Cointrin International Airport (GVA)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Grand St. Bernard Pass, also known as the Saint Bernard Panoramic Road, is an iconic 80 km drive that weaves through the majestic Swiss Alps from Martigny, Switzerland, to Aosta, Italy. This scenic route is steeped in history and offers stunning alpine vistas, along with the opportunity to visit ancient towns and cultural sites.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Martigny: Start your adventure in a city renowned for its cultural attractions, including the Fondation Pierre Gianadda museum, which houses Roman artifacts and a classic car collection. Don't miss the chance to sample local wines from the surrounding vineyards.
- Sembrancher: A charming village that acts as a gateway to the Entremont valleys, perfect for a picturesque stop.
- Bourg-St-Bernard: Immerse yourself in the area's rich history by exploring the ancient structures and learning about its role in historical trade routes.
- Grand St. Bernard Pass: At an elevation of 2,469 meters, it's one of the highest mountain passes in Switzerland. Take in the sweeping panoramas and visit the historic hospice, which is famed for its association with the St. Bernard dogs used for mountain rescue.
Best Time to Go:
The optimal time for a Road Trip is during the summer months, typically from June to September, when the pass is free from snow, and you can enjoy clear skies and lush landscapes.
Potential Risks:
- Sudden weather changes in the mountains can result in dangerous driving conditions, including fog, snow, and ice, even during summer.
- Navigating the mountain Roads necessitates extra care due to sharp turns, steep inclines, and potential for falling rocks.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The route is well-preserved and accessible to drivers of all skill levels, with Road safety being a priority for Switzerland.
- Travelers will cross an international border, so ensure you have your passport ready for the transition from Switzerland to Italy.
- The journey can be comfortably completed in a single day, but there are plenty of charming accommodations along the route for those who wish to take their time and explore.
- The hospice at the Grand St. Bernard Pass is one of the oldest in the world and has been offering refuge to travelers since the 11th century.
- The area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking trails in the summer and skiing in the winter.
A good choice for:
Embarking on the Saint Bernard Panoramic Road Trip is an unforgettable experience that blends the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Alps with a deep dive into the region's historical and cultural heritage. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or simply seeking a picturesque drive, this journey will leave you with lasting memories.
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