The pass
A crossing between the Maurienne and Piedmont since Antiquity, the Mont-Cenis pass (2,081 m) has seen Charlemagne, Napoleon (who had the road built) and the pilgrims’ hospice. The plateau has been French since 1947; the border lies lower down, on the Italian side.
The lake
A dam completed in 1968 flooded the plateau and created a large reservoir, remarkable for its colour. Walking right round it is a long hike; many shorter walks start from the road (Variselle and Roncia forts, the alpine garden, the pyramid-shaped chapel of prayer).
Things to do
- The alpine garden and the pyramid (chapel-museum) near the dam.
- Fort de Variselle and Fort de Roncia, remains of the fortified line.
- Picnic by the water; swimming is unsupervised and the water is cold.
- Continue into Italy by the descent to Susa (see our Susa page): a loop of Mont-Cenis pass – Susa – Fréjus tunnel is possible in a day.
Practical information
- By road: about 1 hour via Modane, Termignon and Lanslebourg, then the climb to the pass (D1006).
- Pass closed in winter (generally from November to May); check whether it is open in spring and autumn.
- Free. Wind is frequent on the plateau: bring a jacket even in summer.