The Col de la Colombière and the Col des Aravis are two scenic passes in the Aravis range, linking Le Grand-Bornand and La Clusaz with the Arve valley and the Val d'Arly towards Megève. Both lie within easy reach of Geneva Airport, which is only about 44 km from nearby Annecy, so they make an ideal half-day or day drive. AirportsTransfers.ch can include either in a transfer to the Aravis resorts or offer a chauffeur by the hour for a scenic loop.
- Col de la Colombière: Le Grand-Bornand to Le Reposoir and Cluses
- Col des Aravis: La Clusaz to Flumet and the Val d'Arly
- Winter status: the Colombière closes in winter; the Aravis is generally kept open
- Character: pastures, chalets and limestone cliffs, with Mont Blanc views
- Heritage: regular Tour de France stages and the Route des Grandes Alpes
The Aravis range: Geneva's nearby mountains
Seen from Geneva, the Aravis is the jagged limestone chain to the south-east, beyond the Salève. Its western valleys hold Thônes, Le Grand-Bornand and La Clusaz, traditional villages turned ski resorts, best known for their farms and for reblochon, the soft cheese made from the milk of the local cows. In summer the slopes are green pastures, with cattle bells and wooden chalets; in winter they are busy family ski areas.
The two passes cross this range in different directions, and together with the Arve valley they form a natural loop that shows both the pastoral Aravis and the Mont Blanc massif.
Col de la Colombière
From Le Grand-Bornand, the road climbs through the hamlet of Le Chinaillon before rising more steeply to the summit at around 1,600 metres. The upper section runs beneath the cliffs of the Pointe Percée and the Bargy, with sweeping views back over the valley. Cyclists know it well, as it appears frequently on the Tour de France.
The descent on the northern side passes the Carthusian charterhouse at Le Reposoir and drops through forest to Scionzier and Cluses in the Arve valley, on the motorway between Geneva and Chamonix. In winter, the road above Le Chinaillon is closed and becomes a ski and snowshoe area, so the Colombière is strictly a summer and autumn route.
Col des Aravis
The Col des Aravis rises from La Clusaz to a broad summit at around 1,490 metres, with a small chapel and some of the most famous views of Mont Blanc in the region. On a clear day the whole massif appears to the east, framed by the meadows of the pass. The road then drops to Flumet and the Val d'Arly, from where it is a short drive to Megève, which lies about 75 km and 1 h 10 from Geneva Airport.
Unlike the Colombière, the Aravis is generally kept open in winter as an important link between the Aravis and Megève areas. It may close temporarily during heavy snowfall or high avalanche risk, and winter tyres or chains are required in snow.
A classic loop from Geneva
- Geneva – Annecy or La Roche-sur-Foron – Thônes – Le Grand-Bornand
- Col de la Colombière – Cluses, then along the Arve towards Sallanches
- Megève – Flumet – Col des Aravis – La Clusaz, and back to Geneva
Driven in summer, this loop combines two passes, a view of Mont Blanc and several characterful villages in a single day. Lunch in one of the Aravis villages and a stop at a farm selling reblochon fit naturally into the route.
Seasons and practical tips
Late spring to autumn is the time for the full loop, with the Colombière usually opening once the snow has melted from its upper section. Summer weekends bring cyclists and motorbikes, and the narrow descent towards Le Reposoir requires care. In winter, the Aravis road is the main way between La Clusaz and Megève, and transfers to the Aravis resorts use the approach via Annecy or La Roche-sur-Foron and Thônes.
Because these roads are close to Geneva, they suit travellers with only a few hours to spare: a short scenic drive before a late flight, for example.
Passengers who suffer from travel sickness may prefer the Aravis, whose bends are wider and gentler than the narrow descent of the Colombière. In autumn, the larch and beech woods on both passes turn gold, and the quieter roads after the summer holidays make this one of the most pleasant times to drive them.
Booking a drive or transfer
For a resort transfer or a scenic afternoon, AirportsTransfers.ch shows a fixed price per vehicle before you pay online by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Chauffeurs can be hired by the hour, with a minimum of two hours. Arriving at Geneva Airport, you are met in arrivals with a name sign, and flight tracking ensures your driver is there even if the flight is late. Child seats are available on request, and skis should be declared at booking. To arrange a route, call or WhatsApp +41 78 346 56 77.
