Drive from Chamonix, France to Martigny, Switzerland - how difficult?

I have driven most of this route and found it to be a bit of a white knuckle ride. I can drive in a city without a second thought, but I do not like driving on roads with steep drop-offs. Judging by the number of people who passed me while I was driving, it seemed that most felt more comfortable than I. The tight turns were a welcome sight after the steep descents because everyone had to slow down to make the turns. The scenery is beautiful.

Thanks for the information. I'm wary about drop-offs but not overly fearful unless the road is narrow and there's oncoming traffic, especially from around blind curves. I think of Switzerland as being so well organized and maintained that I'd expect the roads to be safe.

However I'm as much concerned about the motion sickness. Usually a couple ginger tablets keeps me fine but if the roads are very curvy and I can't pull over on occasion it can get to me.

I'm surprised people could pass you. I'd have thought that the roads were too steep and curved for there to be opportunities to pass.

Thanks again!

If you are taking the roads slowly as I did, when the oncoming lane is clear of traffic, cars will go around you. In parts, the roads are quite curved and winding. They are maintained and designed for travel.

I've driven this route a number of times. The road just above Martigny is quite curvy and full of switchbacks up through the vineyards that cling to the side of the valley above town. There are a couple of places that seem quite high but the views are spectacular! From the top, going over toward Chamonix, the road is a fairly typical mountain road with a few curvy sections, parts that run along valley floors, through trees, and a few sections that go through villages.
In my opinion the route is not dangerous or harrowing. The road is two-lane but is wide enough for cars to pass. Buses and trucks do use this route but it always felt like there was enough room. If you aren't used to it it might seem a bit scary but I really don't think there is anything to worry about. It will take you about 90 minutes to drive between Chamonix and Martigny. It's a very beautiful drive!

Anita,

Thanks for the information. I live in western New York, which is flat country especially in my area. However I've driven in the U.S. and Canadian Rocky Mtns without too much difficulty so maybe I'll give it a go. I'm a bit wary but it certainly sounds beautiful. I presume there are pull-offs to let other cars pass and check out the scenery.

Yes there are plenty of places to pull over on this road. There are some restaurants, gravel pull-outs, a couple of tourist-traps, smaller roads off to the side, etc. Many drivers will simply pass you if they are impatient with you...pay it no mind at all! I think that driving in the Rocky Mountains is very similar to what you'll find on this route but the road in Switzerland is in much better condition than many places in the US mountains.