One of the most spectacular road passes in Europe, it joins Martigny (CH) and Aoste (I). The name Grand St. Bernard Pass is mythic, evoking Roman legionnaires and the big dogs of the hospice reviving medieval travellers with brandy. The Grand St. Bernard Pass fits in a itinerary on the way to Piedmont and Tuscany or as part of a tour of Mont Blanc.
Good roads on both sides, Italian and Swiss though with the inevitable roadworks. Huge long switchbacks leading to super-tight hairpins so a workout on the gears and clutch as well as opportunities to rev the engine.
The traffic eases above the tunnel, leaving the high tarmac clear to enjoy the climb, curves and ride. The Grand St. Bernard is always a treat, this time I was driving the hired Clio 1.2 turbo so letting numerous bikes pass and have their fun, though still able to pass camper-vans etc ourselves. Envy at the organisation of a group of Spanish riders who cooked up a hot goulash in the parking at the col for their lunch break and warm-up.
