Top 20 Mountain Passes around Notre-Dame-De-Bellecombe

For breathtaking views, consider Col du Joly, which offers an impressive natural balcony with spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif, the Aravis mountain range, and the Girotte dam. The Jaillet Pass also provides a magnificent panorama of Mont-Blanc, extending from the Platé desert to the Aiguille des Glaciers.

The Col des Aravis is very popular with cyclists due to its scenic route connecting Haute-Savoie and Savoie. Col des Saisies has been tackled numerous times by the Tour de France, making it a key destination for cycling enthusiasts. Col du Joly is also a popular starting point for mountain bike routes.

Yes, Col de l'Arpettaz is described as a challenging mountain pass, winding through forests and mountain pastures with uncrowded routes and scenic views. The paved track of Col du Joly also offers diverse hiking opportunities around the Aiguille Croche peak, where trails lead to its northern summit featuring Alpine glaciers.

The region around Notre-Dame-De-Bellecombe offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the moderate 'Bonnet Blanc Refuge loop from L'Arcanière', or 'Alpine meadows – Évettes Lake loop'. For mountain biking, explore routes like 'Ban Rouge and Mont de Vorès Loop'. Road cyclists can tackle challenging routes like 'Col de la Colombière and Col des Aravis Loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide, MTB trails guide, and road cycling routes guide for the area.

The summer months are generally ideal for exploring the mountain passes, offering pleasant weather for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the panoramic views. Some passes, like Col des Saisies, are also home to ski resorts, making them popular for winter sports during the colder months.

The Jaillet Pass has historical significance, having been frequented since Antiquity. It features a border marker from the Roman era, indicating the limit between ancient provinces. It was also a main access route between the Mont-Blanc region and the Aravis.

The Jaillet Pass is part of the first sector of the Aravis natural zone of ecological, fauna, and flora interest. It is home to a significant number of rare and protected species, such as the round-leaved sundew and the golden eagle, making it a great spot for nature observation.

Visitors frequently praise the spectacular panoramic views, especially of the Mont Blanc massif, and the diverse opportunities for outdoor activities like cycling and hiking. The uncrowded routes and the wild, unspoiled landscapes, particularly at passes like Col de l'Arpettaz, are also highly appreciated by the komoot community.

When descending passes like Col des Aravis towards Giettaz, caution is advised due to a tunnel with a bend. It's recommended to turn on your lights for better visibility and safety.

While some passes are near villages or ski resorts, options at the very summit can be limited. For example, at Col des Saisies, visitors have noted that there aren't many places to get food directly at the top, sometimes requiring a short journey to nearby towns like Beaufort.

The mountain passes around Notre-Dame-De-Bellecombe vary in altitude. For instance, Col du Joly reaches 1,989 meters, Col des Saisies is at 1,681 meters, and Col des Aravis is at 1,487 meters. The Jaillet Pass is at 1,723 meters. Other passes like Col de la Fenêtre can be even higher, at 2,211 meters.