Wondering if anyone has suggestions for the most scenic driving route from Vaison-la-Romaine to Chamonix? We are not in a rush, so would like to see as much of the countryside on our way as possible. Driving in late mid-September. Thanks!
Posted by
Paris
7301 posts
Hi!
If you're happy to take a whole day, I would do the following:
Step 1: Vaison la Romaine to Pont en Royans, a great lunch stop, takes 3 to 3.5 hours if you go through Nyons - Bouvieres - Crest - Léoncel. I have driven most of this route in reverse.
D70 between east of Nyons and Bourdeaux is very scenic, yet still reasonably wide and fast.
I would however avoid the same D70 between Saou and Aouste sur Sye, going around via Crest (which you bypass) is faster and safer
you'll find the same D70 again between Aouste sur Sye and Saint Jean en Royans: this takes you through a beautiful part of the Vercors. It is a bit narrow in places but not that winding, and traffic is minimal anyway.
Pont en Royans is just a few miles beyond, and is a stunning village with hanging houses above a river.
Step 2: Pont en Royans to Grenoble (Saint Egreve) through the Bourne Gorge, 1.5 hours
Follow D531 throughout. It is a fun road at the bottom of a gorge to Villard de Lans, then you cross an alpine plateau and descend back towards Grenoble. The road is wide enough for two cars throughout if I remember correctly, but beware of the occasional logging truck.
at the end of D531 in Sassenage, take a left at the roundabout and follow the signs to A48 towards Grenoble. That way you bypass the suburbs of Grenoble
Step 3: Grenoble to Albertville, a little over 1 hour
- Just take the motorways. Don't be confused by the constant changes of road number, follow signs to Turin then to Albertville.
Step 4: Albertville to Chamonix through Arly gorge, 1.5 hours
on the N90 expressway, exit at Albertville Centre and follow signs to Val d'Arly. Chamonix will pop up on signs from time to time as well.
You will drive again at the bottom of a gorge until you gain elevation and reach Megève.
Beyond Megève, you will drive down towards Saint Gervais and Mont Blanc will come into view in clear weather.
you'll then be able to join the highway for the last leg to Chamonix.
I've driven all of steps 2-3-4 and 90% of step 1 on separate occasions.
Step 1 can be shortened to 2h15min if you just take the A7 and A49. Pont en Royans is really worth the detour even if you decide to stick with the motorway.
Step 2 can be bypassed and shortened to 45min if you just take the A49 and A48
Step 3-4 is almost as fast as taking the motorway via Annecy, so I suggest you keep it, unless the weather is bad .