Petit St Bernard Pass France/Italy

Day 68/France 53/Italy 1

Travelled:87km from Meribel France to Col Petit St Bernard Italy staying in one of the many parking areas (45.6836,6.8866)

We began the morning with a pleasant 45mins walk to Tueda Lake with some lovely views.

As the forecast was for still more hot weather above 36°c we decided to continue to head for places that were high in altitude. We had to descend back into the Tarentaise Valley, driving through Bourg St Maurice (2014) and up to La Rosière 1850. A ski resort developed during the 1950’s. 

Lovely slate roof with their chimney

Haven’t seen a marmot for a while.. we can hear them whistling tho.

It’s all about the cheese in this area..

We continued our ascent to the Petit StBernard Pass 2188m alt. (also visited in 2014). 

We were given some great information at the tourist office and walked through their exhibit about the history of the Pass. This ancient thoroughfare during the Gallo-Roman era was the only pass where horse drawn transport could cross the alps. The pass has various historical remains that bear witness to its past uses. The legend of Hannibal goes that on his way to conquer Italy he set up camp on the bank of Lake Verney, with his 40,000 men and 37 war elephants.

The remains of a Roman built Mansio that once served as a modern day B&B for the weary traveller.

During the 11th century Bernard Archdeacon of Aosta built 2 hospices and a place of worship up on the pass. He was confirmed as the patron Saint of the Alps in 1923. Although throughout history the hospices were destroyed numerous times they were alway quickly rebuilt to continue to provide shelter for those in need. 

Rector Chanoux dedicated 50 years of his life on the pass continuing the work of St Bernard. He also established an alpine garden that is still being restored after its destruction in WWII.

Of course there was also conflict on the pass due to it being a strategic crossing point between 2 countries. 

The remains of fortified ditches and walls from WWII are still visible. 

The origins of the Saint Bernard dog breed can be traced to this pass and kept the monks company. 

Mont Blanc is in the background..

The checkpoint at the French border.

While across in Italy…

After our walk we drove Bluey into Italy and settled in one of the many parking areas here.