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Le Salève (Col des Pitons)
Highest road pass on the Le Salève massif (1,335 m), at the foot of Grand Piton. Popular with cyclists (6 climbing routes) and gateway to summit hiking trails.
Mont Blanc panorama · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA
At a glance
Type
Road pass and viewpoint
Access
Free · Complimentary
Duration
Variable depending on climbing route
Best season
May – October (road clear of snow)
Parking
Free (parking at the pass)
Town
Collonges-sous-Salève
What is Le Salève (Col des Pitons)
The Col des Pitons is the highest road pass on the Le Salève massif, located at 1,335 m elevation on the D41A, between Col de la Croisette (1,176 m) and Cruseilles. It sits at the foot of Grand Piton (1,379 m), the massif's highest point, marked by the Bastian Tower at its summit. The pass is accessible by car, bike, and on foot, with dedicated parking on-site.
Le Salève, nicknamed the "balcony of Geneva," is a Pre-Alps mountain in Haute-Savoie but belongs geologically to the Jura chain. Col des Pitons is particularly popular with cyclists: six climbing routes are mapped, from easiest (Cruseilles, 7.5 km at 4.8% average gradient) to most challenging (Collonges-sous-Salève, 11.7 km at 7% average with sections exceeding 12%). For hikers, the pass serves as a starting point or waypoint toward Grand Piton, Thuile alpine pasture, or various trails on the GR Balcon du Léman.
The road to the pass winds through forest for most of the route, then opens to panoramic views in the final kilometres: Mont-Blanc to the east, Geneva basin and Lake Léman to the north, Jura chain to the west. The Pitons sector features a limestone pavement plateau (karst formation) among Le Salève's finest. Each summer, the Haute-Savoie Departmental Council organizes "Haute-Savoie Au Sommet": the D41A closes to motorized vehicles certain Tuesday mornings (9am–12pm) and is reserved for cyclists.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
D41A, Col des Pitons, 74160 Collonges-sous-Salève View on map
Coordinates
46.1432° N — 6.1514° E (estimated) View on map
Altitude
1,335 m
Opening hours
Year-round subject to snow conditions. Road not snow-cleared in winter from Grotte du Diable (1.5 km before pass). Occasional closures on summer Tuesday mornings for cycling event.
Admission
Free
Parking
Free (dedicated parking at pass, limited spaces in peak season)
Pets
Allowed on leash
Accessibility
Accessible by car, bike, motorcycle. Not stroller-friendly (uneven terrain beyond parking). Hiking trails from pass: moderate elevation gain but karst terrain. Hiking shoes recommended.
Travel time
Variable by mode: 40 min–1h 20 min by bike from Cruseilles (depending on level), 1h–2h from Collonges, 20 min by car from Cruseilles, 15 min from La Croisette.
Contact
Monts du Genevois Tourist Office: +33 (0)4 50 04 71 26 · info@montsdugenevois.com
Access
How to get there
By car
From Annemasse (~30 min), reach Collonges-sous-Salève then climb D41 via Col de la Croisette (switchback road, 7 km). From Cruseilles (~20 min), take D41A toward Col des Pitons (steady climb, 10 km). Free parking at pass (spaces limited weekends). Road closed in winter beyond Grotte du Diable.
Open in MapsBy bike
Popular cycling pass: 6 climbing routes mapped. South route (Cruseilles): 7.5 km / 4.8% average (easiest). West route (Collonges): 11.7 km / 7% average, 12%+ sections (hardest). Other routes: La Muraz, Annemasse, Mont Sion, Malbuisson. "Haute-Savoie Au Sommet" event in summer: road closed to cars on certain Tuesday mornings (9am–12pm) and reserved for cyclists.
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
The ideal season for Col des Pitons runs May through October, when the road is fully snow-cleared and accessible by car and bike. In winter (November–March), the road closes roughly 1.5 km before the pass (from Grotte du Diable onward). Cyclists favor June through September for climbs, with peak traffic on sunny weekends. Hikers prefer spring (May–June) and autumn (September–October) to avoid heat and enjoy colors. Note: Tuesday mornings in July and August, the road may close to cars for "Haute-Savoie Au Sommet" (cyclists only). Check the Department website before traveling those days.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is access to Col des Pitons paid?
No. Access to Col des Pitons is free and complimentary year-round. Pass parking is also free (spaces limited in peak season; arrive early on weekends).
How do I cycle to Col des Pitons?
Col des Pitons can be climbed via 6 different routes. The easiest is the south route from Cruseilles (7.5 km, 4.8% average). The hardest is the west route from Collonges-sous-Salève (11.7 km, 7% average, sections exceeding 12%). Other possible starting points: La Muraz, Annemasse, Mont Sion, Malbuisson.
Is Col des Pitons open in winter?
No. The road to Col des Pitons closes in winter (November–March approximately) from Grotte du Diable, 1.5 km before the pass. The final section is not snow-cleared. Full access reopens May through October depending on weather.
What is the difference between Col des Pitons and Grand Piton?
Col des Pitons (1,335 m) is the highest road pass on Le Salève, accessible by car and bike. Grand Piton (1,379 m) is the massif's summit, accessible only on foot from the pass (45 min hike). Bastian Tower stands at Grand Piton.
Is there a viewpoint at Col des Pitons?
Yes. Col des Pitons offers panoramic views of Mont-Blanc to the east, the Geneva basin and Lake Léman to the north, and the Jura chain to the west. The most spectacular views are at Grand Piton (45 min hike from the pass), where an orientation table is installed.
Can I hike from Col des Pitons?
Yes. Col des Pitons is a starting point for several hikes: to Grand Piton (45 min round-trip), to Thuile alpine pasture, or along the GR Balcon du Léman. Marked trails, moderate elevation gain but uneven karst terrain. Hiking shoes recommended.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
