Switzerland is the dramatic centrepiece of the full route. The transition from the French lowlands to the high Alps happens over about 10 days — from the elegant shores of Lake Geneva to one of the great mountain crossings in European history.
It's also the most expensive section (Switzerland is Switzerland) and the one that demands the most physical preparation. The Great St Bernard Pass is a serious mountain day — but for walkers who complete it, it's often the most memorable moment of the entire journey.
Route Overview
Lac Léman (Lausanne → Martigny)
~95 km · 5–6 stages · The most beautiful and accessible section. The route follows the northern shore of Lake Geneva through vineyards (the Lavaux UNESCO wine terraces) before turning south up the Rhône Valley.
Rhône Valley (Martigny → Bourg-Saint-Pierre)
~60 km · 4 stages · The valley narrows and climbs. Impressive mountain scenery. Martigny is a good rest day city with a Roman amphitheatre. The climb begins in earnest from here.
The Pass (Bourg-Saint-Pierre → Aosta)
~45 km · 2 stages · The Alpine crossing. Bourg-Saint-Pierre to the hospice at the summit (2,469m), then a long descent into the Aosta Valley in Italy. The most demanding 2-day section of the whole route.
Key Stages
Lausanne → Vevey
20 kmLeaving Lausanne along the lake shore, passing through the UNESCO Lavaux vineyards — some of the most beautiful walking of the entire Switzerland section. Vevey was Chaplin's home for the last 25 years of his life.
Villeneuve → Martigny
40 km (2 stages)The route turns south here, entering the Rhône Valley proper. Martigny is the last major town before the high mountains — use it as a rest day base. The Roman amphitheatre and Fondation Pierre Gianadda art museum are both worth visiting.
Bourg-Saint-Pierre → Great St Bernard Hospice
15 km · ↑900mThe great climb. Bourg-Saint-Pierre (1,632m) to the famous hospice and monastery at the summit (2,469m). The path follows an ancient Roman road for much of the ascent. The hospice has been welcoming pilgrims and travellers since the 11th century — stay overnight here if possible. The St Bernard dogs are housed here.
Great St Bernard → Aosta (Italy)
35 km · ↓2,000mA long descent from the summit into the Aosta Valley. The path drops through alpine meadows, small hamlets and eventually the ancient Roman city of Aosta. After weeks of France and Switzerland, Italy is a physical and sensory jolt — the language changes, the food changes, the light changes.
Practical Information
💰 Budget
Switzerland is the most expensive section of the route. Budget CHF 100–160/day (approx. £90–145). Accommodation in guesthouses and mountain hotels runs CHF 80–150/night. The hospice at the Great St Bernard offers dormitory accommodation at more reasonable rates for pilgrims.
⛰️ The Pass
Open approximately June–October. Check snow conditions at cols-cyclisme.com or the official hospice website before travelling. Weather can change rapidly — pack warm layers, a good waterproof, and leave early.
🏨 Accommodation
No pilgrim hostel network in Switzerland. Guesthouses (Gasthaus/auberge) are comfortable and reliable. The Great St Bernard Hospice has pilgrim dormitory accommodation — book in advance for June–September. Lausanne and Martigny have hotels for all budgets.
🎿 The alternative route
If the pass is closed or conditions are poor, a road tunnel connects Bourg-Saint-Bernard to Italy. It's not a walking route — you'd take a bus or taxi through the tunnel. Not ideal, but a safe alternative. Some walkers deliberately choose this to save energy for Italy.