Col du Petit Saint-Bernard - Image 1
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Little St Bernard Stone Circle

4.8
·1k reviews·Séez, France

Ancient stone relics atop a breathtaking mountain pass on the French-Italian border, offering historical intrigue and majestic alpine views.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clearer skies, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Col du Petit Saint-Bernard - Image 1

Little St Bernard Stone Circle

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clearer skies, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ancient stone relics atop a breathtaking mountain pass on the French-Italian border, offering historical intrigue and majestic alpine views.

4.8
(1k reviews)

"Breathtaking mountain pass between Italy and France with a lake nearby ... great for a walk or hiking if weather is on your side."

Vertical photo
TIP

🧥 Pack for All Weather

Mountain weather is unpredictable! Bring layers, including waterproofs, even in summer. :cloud:

🚶‍♀️ Enjoy the Walks

Great for walks and hiking if the weather permits. The scenery is breathtaking. :hiking_boot:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Little St Bernard Stone Circle

Little St Bernard Stone Circle

Summit

Mysterious ancient stone relics offering a glimpse into prehistoric rituals.

Petit Saint Bernard Pass

Petit Saint Bernard Pass

Border of France and Italy

Breathtaking mountain scenery and a historic route connecting two countries.

Lake Verney

Lake Verney

Near the summit

A serene alpine lake offering beautiful reflections and a peaceful atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

High-Altitude Weather Preparedness

This mountain pass sits at a high elevation, meaning weather can change rapidly. Pack layers, including waterproofs and windproofs, even in summer. Check forecasts before you go, as conditions can impact visibility and hiking safety.

Seasonal Access & Crowds

The pass is generally accessible in warmer months, but can be busy with skiers in winter. Visiting outside peak ski season offers a quieter experience with stunning, historical views. Be aware of potential closures due to snow.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late Spring/Early Autumn
Why
Quieter, stunning landscapes
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Driving the Little St Bernard Pass, from France to Italy-040
@bachtkavsv0
0 likes • 229 views

🧥 Pack for All Weather

Mountain weather is unpredictable! Bring layers, including waterproofs, even in summer. :cloud:

🚶‍♀️ Enjoy the Walks

Great for walks and hiking if the weather permits. The scenery is breathtaking. :hiking_boot:

Driving the Little St Bernard Pass, from France to Italy-024
@katherinejohnson37
0 likes • 270 views
Driving the Little St Bernard Pass, from France to Italy-021
@yuswazwpxaa
0 likes • 105 views

☕ Stop for Coffee

Don't miss the chance to enjoy a coffee with incredible views. :coffee:

🚗 Border Crossing

It's a border between Italy and France, offering unique cross-country vibes. :flagit: :flagfr:

Tips

from all over the internet

🧥 Pack for All Weather

Mountain weather is unpredictable! Bring layers, including waterproofs, even in summer. :cloud:

🚶‍♀️ Enjoy the Walks

Great for walks and hiking if the weather permits. The scenery is breathtaking. :hiking_boot:

☕ Stop for Coffee

Don't miss the chance to enjoy a coffee with incredible views. :coffee:

🚗 Border Crossing

It's a border between Italy and France, offering unique cross-country vibes. :flagit: :flagfr:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the breathtaking mountain scenery and the historical significance of the Little St Bernard Stone Circle. The pass offers a quiet, majestic landscape perfect for walks and enjoying the border between Italy and France. Some note that facilities can be limited outside peak season, and weather can change quickly.

"Beautiful mountain pass on the French - Italian border with a good souvenier store."

Jurij Guna

"Breathtaking mountain pass between Italy and France with a lake nearby ... great for a walk or hiking if weather is on your side"

Enjoy life

"I very blessed full with this random tour and find great spot like Petit st Bernard. Must stop here and enjoy their coffee"

Rudi Nurahmat

What People Like

Breathtaking mountain views
Historical significance
Quiet, majestic landscape

What People Dislike

Limited facilities off-season
Unpredictable weather

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The stone circle is located at the summit of the Petit Saint Bernard Pass, which straddles the border between France and Italy. You can drive up the pass from either the French side (near Bourg-Saint-Maurice) or the Italian side (near Aosta). The road is scenic but can be winding. Check road conditions, especially outside of summer months. :car:

The pass is generally open during the warmer months, typically from late May/June to October/November, depending on snow conditions. It can be closed during winter due to heavy snowfall, especially for skiers. Always check local road status before planning your trip. :snow_cloud:

The roads are well-maintained but are mountain roads with many turns. Drive cautiously and be aware of other vehicles, including cyclists and motorcycles during peak season. The views are spectacular, so allow extra time for stops. :road:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, access to the Little St Bernard Stone Circle and the surrounding pass area is generally free. It's an open-air historical site. :ticket:

The pass itself is an open road, so it's accessible whenever the road is clear of snow. The stone circle is an ancient monument and can be viewed at any time. Some facilities like souvenir shops or cafes may have seasonal hours. :clock:

There is no entrance fee to drive over the Petit Saint Bernard Pass. You only pay for fuel and any optional purchases at local establishments. :moneybag:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Besides the ancient stone circle, you can enjoy the stunning alpine scenery, visit the nearby Lake Verney, explore the botanical garden (seasonal), and learn about the area's rich history spanning prehistoric, Roman, medieval, and WW2 periods. It's also a great spot for short walks and photography. :camera:

Yes, the pass offers opportunities for walking and hiking, especially when the weather is favorable. Trails range from easy strolls around the lake to more challenging mountain routes. Always be prepared for alpine conditions. :hiking_boot:

There are typically souvenir shops and cafes at the summit that offer refreshments, including coffee, and sometimes light meals. Restroom facilities are usually available at these establishments. :coffee:

The Petit Saint Bernard Pass has been a crucial route for centuries, used by Hannibal, Roman legions, and medieval travelers. The stone circle itself is a prehistoric monument, and the area also holds remnants from World War II. :scroll:

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the dramatic mountain vistas, the ancient stone circle against the sky, reflections in Lake Verney, and the unique border signage between France and Italy. Sunrise and sunset can offer magical light. :sunriseovermountains:

Early mornings often provide clearer skies and softer light, ideal for landscape photography. Late afternoons can also be beautiful with golden hour light. Be mindful of changing weather. :camerawithflash:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Petit Saint Bernard Pass offers a unique educational and scenic experience for families. The Little St Bernard Stone Circle can spark curiosity about ancient history, and the vast open spaces are great for kids to explore (under supervision). The nearby Lake Verney provides a picturesque spot for a picnic. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities can be limited outside of peak season. Dressing children in layers is crucial due to the unpredictable mountain weather. :child:

🚗 Road Trippers & Scenic Drivers

For those who love a good drive, the Petit Saint Bernard Pass is a must. The route offers spectacular alpine vistas, hairpin turns, and a sense of adventure as you cross the border between France and Italy. The journey is as much a part of the experience as the destination. Stop frequently at designated viewpoints to capture the breathtaking panoramas. Be mindful of other road users, especially cyclists and motorcyclists, and drive defensively. :steering_wheel:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ancient History of the Stone Circle

The Little St Bernard Stone Circle is a fascinating prehistoric monument located at the summit of the pass. Believed to date back to the Bronze Age, these standing stones are thought to have served astronomical or ritualistic purposes for ancient peoples. Their exact function remains a subject of archaeological debate, adding to the site's mystique. Visiting this ancient site offers a tangible connection to the region's deep past, long before Roman roads or modern ski resorts. The quiet, windswept atmosphere enhances the feeling of stepping back in time. Reddit

Archaeological findings in the area suggest continuous human activity for millennia, with evidence of Celtic, Roman, and medieval presence. The pass itself was a vital trade and military route, famously used by Hannibal's army. The stone circle stands as a silent testament to the earliest inhabitants who navigated this challenging alpine terrain. It's a powerful reminder of the enduring human connection to these high mountain landscapes.

Navigating the Petit Saint Bernard Pass

The Petit Saint Bernard Pass is a high mountain pass connecting the Tarentaise Valley in France with the Aosta Valley in Italy. It's a stunning drive, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Alps. The road is well-maintained but winding, so it's best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Allow ample time to stop at viewpoints and soak in the majestic scenery. Reddit

During the summer months, the pass is a popular route for tourists and motorcyclists. In winter, it transforms into a ski area, with the road often closed to general traffic due to snow. Always check the latest road conditions and weather forecasts before your journey, especially if traveling in the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn). Be prepared for rapid weather changes, even on a sunny day. Reddit

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