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Passy

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City
—°6712
Passy (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Passy

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The best view of Mont Blanc is from the Plaine-Joux plateau, especially at sunrise or sunset.
  • Don't miss the modern art inside the Eglise Notre-Dame-de-Toute-Grâce on the Plateau d'Assy.
  • Mountain roads can be steep; always check traffic conditions in winter and carry snow chains.
  • Take advantage of the often-free ski shuttle running between villages in winter to save on parking.

🍽 Food

🍽
Tartiflette

Try this hearty cheese and potato dish at a mountain refuge near Plaine-Joux.

🍽
Diots

Savoyard sausages, often served with polenta. Look for a classic brasserie in the town center.

🍽
Local Cheeses

Pick up some Reblochon or Tomme de Savoie directly from a local fromagerie.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Alpine honey and jams

Find these at local farm stalls or the weekly market.

🛍
Outdoor gear

Specialty shops in the village provide everything needed for hiking or skiing.

🧘
Lac Vert

A beautiful, serene green lake surrounded by trees, well-suited for a peaceful walk.

🧘
Jardin des Cimes

An alpine botanical garden offering a calm stroll and spectacular panoramic views.

Highlights of 2026

6

Passy, located in the Haute-Savoie department, is often referred to as the 'Balcony of Mont Blanc' due to its strategic position facing the highest peak in Western Europe. The municipality is spread across a vast altitudinal range, from the Arve valley floor to high alpine meadows. In the early 20th century, Passy became renowned for its high-altitude sanatoriums, which attracted patients from across the globe seeking the therapeutic mountain air. This period led to the creation of the Notre-Dame-de-Toute-Grâce church on the Plateau d'Assy, an architectural landmark featuring works by modern art giants like Matisse, Chagall, and Braque. Today, Passy is a hub for recreational activities; the Lac de Passy provides an impressive lakeside beach with mountain views, while the higher elevations serve as gateways to the Fiz mountain range and the Sixt-Passy Nature Reserve. Blending industrial heritage in the valley with world-class art and alpine adventures, Passy is a unique destination in the French Alps.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-104812171918141040
Rain mm987390751111009399769296106

Live webcam – Passy

See what it looks like near Passy right now.

Passy: Aire de repos de · 2.1 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
11,613
Coordinates
45.92360, 6.68640

Facts

  • Elevation range: 542 m to 2,880 m
  • Total area: 80.03 sq km
  • Consecration of Notre-Dame church: 1950
  • Lac de Passy area: 35 hectares
  • Current population: 11,350
  • Highest peak in the commune: Tête du Colonney

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Passy (7)

Église Notre-Dame-de-Toute-Grâce⛪ religious

A 20th-century church famous for its modern art decorations by masters like Léger, Matisse, Chagall, and Georges Rouault.

Lac Vert🌿 nature

An emerald-colored mountain lake renowned for its crystal-clear water and the spectacular reflection of the Mont Blanc massif.

Jardin des Cimes🎡 recreation

An educational botanical garden at over 1000m altitude, showcasing diverse alpine landscapes and contemporary art installations.

Plateau d'Assy🏺 historical

A historic area previously famous for its sanatoriums, now offering a unique heritage of 20th-century architecture and art.

Cascade de l'Arpenaz🌿 nature

A memorable 270-meter high waterfall in the Arve Valley, representing one of the most impressive natural landmarks in Haute-Savoie.

Passy Plaine-Joux🎡 recreation

A family-oriented ski resort and recreational area that serves as a premier launching spot for paragliders during summer months.

Les Laouchets🌿 nature

A small lake in Passy that is great for relaxing excursions into nature.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main attraction of Passy?
The modern Notre-Dame-de-Toute-Grâce church on the Plateau d'Assy, featuring works by Matisse and Chagall.
Is the Mont Blanc visible from Passy?
Yes, Passy has some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif in the entire region.
Is there a swimming lake in Passy?
The Lac de Passy is a popular leisure lake with a beach, Alpine views, and windsurfing opportunities.
Is Passy a hiking area?
Yes, the Passy Nature Reserve features many hiking trails through the high Alps, such as to the Désert de Platé.
What was the Plateau d'Assy formerly known for?
It was world-renowned for its sanatoriums treating tuberculosis due to the pure mountain air.
Passy: where is it located?
Passy is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.
Passy: what is there to see?
Highlights include Église Notre-Dame-de-Toute-Grâce, Lac Vert, Jardin des Cimes.
Passy: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Passy: why is it worth visiting?
Passy, located in the Haute-Savoie department, is often referred to as the 'Balcony of Mont Blanc' due to its strategic position facing the highest peak in Western Europe.
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