Motorcycle routes in the French Alps – rides & roadbooks from La Rosière

Da La Rosière in moto: scopri i grandi passi alpini, strade panoramiche e paesaggi mozzafiato tra Francia e Italia.

La Rosière, the perfect starting point for your motorcycle adventures

At 1,850 metres in the French Alps, La Rosière is a dream destination for bikers looking for thrills and breathtaking scenery. Sitting on the French-Italian border, the resort gives you privileged access to some of the most beautiful Alpine passes, winding mountain roads and spectacular panoramas. Whether you’re a fan of road trips or technical challenges, explore our carefully selected itineraries starting from La Rosière.

Our must-ride motorbike itineraries

1. Italian Escape: La Rosière → Aosta (Italy) via Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard

Distance: 128 km (round trip)
Duration: 1 day
Level: Intermediate
Highlight:

  • Col du Petit-Saint-Bernard (2188m)
  • Col San Carlo (1971m)
  • Aosta: Roman heritage, vineyards and its famous cured ham

Tip: Stop for coffee in La Thuile, stroll through Aosta’s old town and don’t miss a pizza!

Google Map route link

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2. Alpine lakes & high passes: La Rosière → Tignes Lake → Col de l’Iseran → Mont Cenis Lake → Notre-Dame-du-Pré (loop)

Distance: 298 km
Duration: 1 day
Level: Advanced
Highlight:

  • Lake Tignes: Admire the Tignes dam and the resort’s small lake, surrounded by mountain peaks.
  • Col de l’Iseran (2,770 m): The highest road pass in the Alps, with breathtaking views of the glaciers.
  • Lake Mont Cenis: Located at an altitude of 1,974 metres, known for its turquoise waters, spectacular mountain setting and hydroelectric dam.
  • Col de la Madeleine (1,993 m): Famous for its scenery and challenging climb.
  • Notre Dame du Pré: Between the Isère Gorges and the mountain pastures. Known for its tranquillity, traditional chalets and church overlooking the valley.

Tip: Ride slowly on the Col de l’Iseran to spot marmots.

Google Map route link

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3. Short Beaufortain Tour: La Rosière → Les Chapieux → Cormet de Roselend → Saint-Guérin Lake → Beaufort (loop)

Distance: 175 km
Duration: Half day
Level: Confirmed
Highlight: 

  • Les Chapieux: A small, isolated Alpine hamlet, gateway to wild trails and mountain pastures. Ideal for a bucolic break before tackling the mountain passes.
  • Cormet de Roselend Pass (1,968 m): A winding road with breathtaking scenery, between turquoise lakes and rugged peaks. A must for motorcyclists seeking thrills.
  • Lake Saint-Guérin: A high-altitude lake with emerald waters, nestled in a mountain cirque. Perfect for a contemplative break by the water’s edge.
  • Beaufort: A typical Tarentaise village, famous for its cheese and wooden chalets. A picturesque stopover for food lovers.

Tip: Stop for a traditional lunch in Beaufort.

Google Map route link

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Practical tips for motorbike rides

  • Safety: Always check the weather and road conditions; passes may be closed due to snow or works.
  • Equipment: Bring warm clothes and rain gear, even in summer.
  • Fuel: Petrol stations in La Rosière, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Beaufort, La Thuile and Aosta. Fill up before tackling passes.
  • Accommodation: La Rosière offers biker-friendly accommodation with secure parking.