At 2,188 metres above sea level, between France and Italy, the Little Saint Bernard Pass stands out as one of the sites to rediscover this summer 2026 in Haute Tarentaise. For a long time merely a transit point, this high-altitude plateau is transforming into a destination in its own right, blending heritage, nature, and immersive experiences, accessible from June to September.
When you reach the pass, the landscape suddenly opens up. The gentle lines of the mountain pastures contrast with the stone remains that tell of centuries of crossings. On these peaks, people no longer just pass through. They stop, sometimes for several days, to explore a unique territory.
Sleeping and living to the rhythm of the hospice
At the heart of the site, the Hospice du Petit-Saint-Bernard organises life in the pass. From June to mid-October, Sophie welcomes visitors, continuing an ancient tradition.
The place operates as a refuge open to all. You can have lunch there, spend the night in a private room or dormitory, and also learn more about the history of the passage between Tarentaise and the Aosta Valley. Guided tours, offered every summer Monday, trace the passage of time. Monks, pilgrims and soldiers are woven into the narrative, all the way up to the terrace that overlooks the border.
Half-board ranges from €60 to €124 depending on the package. A way to prolong the experience in a place where hospitality remains at the heart of things.
A mountain to explore in a new way
Around the pass, activities take on a different rhythm. Children participate in workshops on alpine flora, using their senses to understand their environment. Observing, touching, smelling, listening. The approach is simple and educational, with groups limited to twelve participants.
A little further on, La Chanousia Alpine Garden continues this work of passing on knowledge. Created at the end of the 19th century, it now brings together nearly 1,200 species of mountain plants over 10,000 m². At over 2,100 metres altitude, the site remains subject to demanding climatic conditions. Snow sometimes lingers until mid-July.
Other offerings are aimed at an audience seeking more sensitive experiences. Artist Natacha Rottier is taking over the pass with an installation around the summer solstice. Each week, she leads walks that combine breathing, observation, and artistic creation.
A meeting to taste the region
On September 5th, the mountain pass changes its atmosphere with the «A Tavola!» event. A day dedicated to local flavours, organised between France and Italy. Visitors wander between stalls, tastings, and themed walks.
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Here you can discover products from Haute Tarentaise and the Aosta Valley, in an approach that goes beyond simple tasting. The aim is to tell the story of a region through its cuisine, traditions, and exchanges. Free and open to all, the event attracts locals and visitors alike. It extends this idea of a pass that is no longer just a border, but a meeting place.
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