The “Petit Saint-Bernard” pass

LIVE (update 5.12.2023) : The Col du Petit Saint-Bernard is closed. Opening is scheduled on Thursday, May 5th around midday.

Before entering the Italian territory, please read the information to travellers on https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements#entry-rules-in-response-to-coronavirus-covid-19

ACCESSIBILITY

At an altitude of 2 ,188m, the Petit-Saint-Bernard pass (Col du Petit Saint-Bernard or Colle del Piccolo San Bernardo) marks the border between France and Italy

In summer, visitors can drive or cycle from La Rosière to the pass , but in winter the pass can only be reached by ski, via the slopes of the Espace San Bernardo. Once you enter the pass, you cannot help but admire the beauty of the landscapes and quickly realise that the site has been the backdrop for many important historic events.

Thanks to its cross-border position, the pass has been considered a strong strategic foothold since earliest Antiquity, both as a site for discussions and a site for conflicts. Today, however, the border control building is empty and the customs officers are long gone! Visitors can look around the Chanousia botanical gardens, stroll through the Cromlech − which dates back to the Neolithic period − or enjoy a meal at the Petit-Saint-Bernard hospice.

Petit Saint-Bernard Hospice

It was back in the 11th century that Saint Bernard de Menthon, under the administrative supervision of the Aosta Valley, had the Petit-Saint-Bernard hospice built. A hospice was a religious house that welcomed in pilgrims. Over the years, the building has suffered greatly at the hands of history and climate. Originally autonomous, the Hospice was assigned to the Chamoines in 1466 and today pertains to the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus. During the Second World War, the hospice was caught up in many battles. Partially destroyed, it was forced to close.

In 1993, an association created by Jean-Luc Penna put the wheels in motion to restore the Hospice. A collaborative project run by this association, the Communauté de Communes de Haute-Tarentaise, the county of Savoie, the village of La Thuile in Valle d’Aosta and the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus led to the restoration of the building.

Since 2014, the building has recovered its original mission as a place providing hospitality, although pilgrims have now been replaced by hikers, tourists and other travellers who choose to eat or spend the night in this building steeped in history.

The Hospice also houses a tourist information point, which provides information and documentation about the Haute Tarentaise, as well as temporary exhibitions. The Petit-Saint-Bernard Hospice is managed by Sophie and Stéphane Bornet, who receive guests and serve meals day and night!