Best route from Chamonix to Maggiore?

[thenobbler]

Hi, apologies if this ends up being in the wrong forum, we're doing a 15 day driving holiday in May (though France to Chamonix, Italian Lakes, San Remo, Hyeres (Toulon), Figeac, Tours and home, and the only day with a really interesting route choice is the day we go from Chamonix to Maggiore - Goole Maps offers either the Mont Blanc tunnel and through Northern Italy on the south side of the Alps (250km and 3 hours) or route 9 and the E62 though Switzerland and Italy on the northern side (205km and 3.5 hours). Just interested in any perspectives that anyone has to offer. Cars in question aren't supercar standard, btw, just a nice pair of 981 Boxsters, so we're not looking for epic action, just a stunning view and a lovely drive.

Any thoughts gratefully received (including known excellent stops en route or other route ideas).

Cheers
Tony.

[rcspeirs]

The Mont Blanc tunnel only makes sense if you are in a hurry. Otherwise it's a ghastly option.
Take the pass via Argentiere into Switzerland to Martigny. I would prefer the Grand St Bernard pass over to Aosta. Spectacular drive, but quite slow.
The E62 route is via the Simplon Pass. Great views but carries heavy trucks, so can be frustrating. You'll need to pay CHF40 for a motorway vignette for this option. Trying to get along the Rhone valley to Visp without paying for a vignette will have you banging your head on the steering wheel in frustration, it is desperately tedious and slow going the "non vignette" route.

[thenobbler]

Thanks, sounds like excellent advice.

[mr pg]

As above, avoid the tunnel and take either of the passes (Grand St Bernard is the better drive). Non M'way route to Brig can be pretty redious.

[thenobbler]

Thanks for that!

[shirt]

Agree, Mont Blanc tunnel route is the least interesting.

If you go in via Aosta, there’s a cracking place for lunch between Nus and Fenis, called Trattoria Le Bourg. Came recommended by the waiter at a starred restaurant and it didn’t disappoint. All dishes sub 20 euros, menu changes daily. You’ll need a reservation at the weekend.

[thenobbler]

Thanks Shirt, that's a great tip!

[Deesee]

TMB is useful if you want to stop in Courmayeur (personal choice I prefer to Chamonix as its on the south side, and theres a nice pool at 1800).. Food and Drinks are much less although hotel rooms a little more pricey.. theres also an option to go up to the glacier in relative comfort.

As above motorway 9 on the Swiss Side.. its a nice drive, with views of the mountains, snow tunnels, have a stop at the mountain dog sanctuary & thermal SPA in Brig, thats nice for a stop off..

[thenobbler]

Spa looks like fun!

[Deesee]

thenobbler said:

Spa looks like fun!

Big Slide!

[Jarcy]

I'm doing a similar trip at a similar time.
I want to include as many of the classic passes that are practical, but as I understand it they tend to open late May (which will be touch and go for my half term trip).
Q - if the passes are open, are they likely to still be snow covered? I ask because I will be on summer tyres and no chains.

I found this app that seems great for negotiating the various Swiss mountain pass options.
Also it has a bit of history, and tells you the historic dates that the passes opened up for summer:
https://alpen-paesse.ch/en/#
Furthermore, viaMichelin marks in real time whether a road is closed or not.

My expected or anticipated route is:
Interlaken to Maggiore 29/05/23: Grimsel Pass, Furka Pass, St Gottard Pass.
Maggiore to Cinque Terre 30/05/23
Cinque Terre to Chamonix 02/06/23: Gt St Bernard Pass, Col de la Forclaz (Martigny).

I understand from my friends in St Gervais that the Col de la Forclaz is already open, which should help the Op. (Despite the online info saying it's closed).

[shirt]

Jarcy said:

Interlaken to Maggiore 29/05/23: Grimsel Pass, Furka Pass, St Gottard Pass.

make sure you include the jaun pass on the way through to interlaken. not a classic pass but some wonderful and unexpected scenery with views

Maggiore to Cinque Terre 30/05/23
Cinque Terre to Chamonix 02/06/23: Gt St Bernard Pass, Col de la Forclaz (Martigny).

google the routes des grandes alpes. you could join it west of turin by taking the saint nicholas plateau. you've then got 5 passes between there an lac le man and could even modify it to take in col de la forclaz at the end.

sure misses GSB but if driving/scenery is your aim then imo more than worth it.

[Jarcy]

Thanks for the tips Shirt.
My route is still very flexible, and I have 3 days to get from the Italian Med to Calais. Maybe stop at Annecy on the way home.
I'll line many options, depending upon which passes are ....passable.

[shirt]

if you have the time then the full route starts at nice.

my friend lives in lausanne and i spend a lot of time there, lots of road trips into france, italy and beyond. only heard about the grand route earlier this year and now planning to buy a bike to keep in ch purely for this reason.

[thenobbler]

OP here, quick thanks to all that replied, suggestions were mega helpful and the thermal baths at Brig really good for both relaxation and a decent meal. So thanks, here’s a quick pic of the cars recovering in Sanremo.

Edited by thenobbler on Tuesday 23 May 10:25