The pass has been included in the Tour de France cycling race over 40 times since its first appearance in 1911.
The summit serves as a geographic boundary marker between the historic provinces of Faucigny and Beaufortain.
The Saint Anne chapel was rebuilt in its current form in the 17th century, though a place of worship has existed on the site since the 13th century.
During clear weather, the orientation of the pass provides one of the most unobstructed vantages of the Aiguille du Goûter on the Mont Blanc range.
The surrounding slopes are utilized for alpine pasture during summer months, leading to the local production of Reblochon cheese.
Col des Aravis is a high mountain pass situated at an elevation of 1,487 meters on the border between the Haute-Savoie and Savoie departments in the French Alps. The pass provides a direct visual link to the Mont Blanc massif, offering panoramic views of the glacier. A small, historic chapel dedicated to Saint Anne stands at the summit, serving as a landmark for travelers and cyclists. The site features multiple restaurants and shops catering to tourists and motorists traversing the D909 road. It serves as a popular transit point for cycling enthusiasts and is frequently featured in the Tour de France route. The area acts as a gateway connecting the town of La Clusaz to the Arly Valley. It is accessible via paved mountain roads that remain subject to seasonal conditions.
The north side of the parking area, which provides a direct, wide-angle view of the Mont Blanc range.
Check live road status websites for mountain pass closures if traveling during early spring or late autumn.
Bring a windbreaker or additional layers, as temperatures drop significantly at this altitude compared to the valley floor.
If arriving by car, aim to use the dedicated parking areas near the restaurants to avoid blocking the narrow mountain road.
Attempting to drive the pass during or immediately after heavy snowfall without proper winter tires or snow chains.
The pass is subject to closure during winter months due to heavy snow; accessibility depends strictly on local road clearing operations.
No specific dress code, though sturdy footwear is recommended for walking the perimeter of the pass.
