Maurienne & Tarentaise Valley, French Alps in Summer. Summer Ski in Tignes. Lakes and Mountains holidays with Peak Retreats

Maurienne Valley & Tarentaise

Previous Image Stop Slideshow Next Image

In the heart of the French Alps, the Maurienne Valley was the ancestral passage between France and Italy, running from east of Chambéry to the ‘Arc’ water springs and glaciers just past Bonneval. In the Haute Maurienne, the Parc National de la Vanoise is one of the largest protected areas in Europe and offers raw natural beauty on a grand scale.

Situated in the Vanoise National Park it is a superb area for alpine walking and mountain cyclists. South of Chamonix and east of Grenoble it is perhaps best known to skiers, but in summer it is an area of stunning mountains, crystal clear lakes, pine forests and alpine valleys. It is vast and unspoiled, with traditional alpine villages, abundant wildlife and an artistic tradition dating back to the Middle Ages.

Discover prehistoric relics, rock engravings, sculpted devils, baroque treasures, and traditional crafts, alongside delicious mountain produce. The hospitality, warmth and friendliness of its inhabitants has been renowned since Hannibal, Montaigne and Napoléon came here.

The metallic blue-green river Arc snakes through the 75-mile long Maurienne valley and you’ll get the best view from the Col du Télégraphe. The famous hairpin bends of Montvernier lead up to Montpascal which opens onto the extensive cross-country skiing area of the Col du Chaussy. For the most photographed site in the Maurienne, make your way to Montrond with its 17th century church set against the impressive backdrop of the Aiguilles d’Arves, a fabulous trio of needle-like mountains. Keen walkers should climb to the top of Les Evettes for an unforgettable 360 degree panorama.

Unspoilt Alpine villages surrounded by flower-filled meadows abound, many with a legacy of rich Baroque chapel art. In Les Villards, the women sometimes still wear the traditional costume of an embroidered full skirt accompanied by a large cross. Sample the Mont Corbier liqueur made from mountain herbs and, if you’re anywhere near the hamlet of Beaufort, try and visit Les Arves cooperative where a particularly good Beaufort cheese is produced.

Tignes (Summer Ski) The old village of Tignes disappeared beneath the waters of the Lac du Chevril when the valley was dammed in 1952. The resort of Tignes 2100, is now made up of many smaller resorts at varying altitudes. Tignes Les Brévières, Tignes Les Boisses, Tignes Le Lavachet, and the purpose built Tignes le Lac and Val Claret. There is plently to do in Tignes in summer including skiing/snowboarding on the Grande Motte Glacier.	Sainte Foy Sainte-Foy is very much a gem of the Rhône-Alpes region and the area around it is one of pristine landscapes uncluttered by crowds. It's the place to go to really get away from it all and Les Fermes de Sainte-Foy is a brand new luxury residence to help you do just that. Bordered to the south by the Isère river and to the north by the Italian border, this smart new resort makes a great base for mountain biking, river rafting, rock climbing and hiking.
Saint Martin de Belleville Saint Martin de Belleville is composed of 22 hamlets along the highly scenic Vallee de Belleville and, with its traditional-style wood and stone buildings, offers a real dose of Savoie charm. The surrounding area has a particularly rich natural and architectural heritage. The summer months see a series of festivities that haven't changed for decades where simple pursuits such as bread baking in the village oven and trout fishing competitions are celebrated.	La Rosiere Located at an altitude of 1850m, between Mont-Blanc and the Tarentaise valley, La Rosiere boasts stunning views of the mountains. Only eight kilometers from the Italian border, the Savoyard resort greets you with a warm welcome.
Bourg St Maurice Bourg St Maurice is the largest town along the Tarentaise valley. The old town is directly lift-linked by 'Arc en Ciel' funicular railway to Les Arcs (in 7 minutes) should you wish to venture by foot or mountain bike and is just a few minutes drive from some of the world's other leading alpine areas, including La Plagne, Tignes, Val d'Isere and La Rosiere.	Champagny At the gateway to the wonderful Vanoise National Park, Champagny is a traditional Alpine village set in outstanding natural surroundings. Referred to as the 'great garden of France' in French literature, the Vanoise National Park was initially created to protect the Alpine ibex from extinction. With its numerous discovery trails there is no better way to discover the protected wildlife, flora and cultural heritage.
Valloire In the 'Golden Valley', Valloire with its 17 hamlets and 16 chapels is a reasonably large traditional village. Built around a XVIIth century Baroque style church, Valloire has retained the charm and authenticity of days gone by with friendly welcoming residents. The pretty village lies between the mythical Télégraphe and Galbier passes which are crossed by the Tour de France. It is a mountain bike centre with 130kms of routes, with courses, excursions and events organised all year long. In July the Famous Tour de France comes to the area.	Val Cenis Val Cenis comprises two traditional villages - Lanslebourg and Lanslevillard - which have been combined into one resort. Overlooked by the high summits of the Dent Parrachée, the Grand Roc Noir, and the Pointe de Ronce, the village has retained its charm, tradition and genuine warm welcome. It is a quiet resort, but the many restaurants and bars, variety of shops and supermarkets, 2 cinemas and 2 discos, should keep everyone happy.
Saint-Sorlin d'Arves Saint-Sorlin has successfully managed to preserve the atmosphere of a rustic and isolated little mountain village. Imbued with genuine mountain spirit it takes visitors on a journey back in time with its old-established shops, carefully preserved Savoyard farm houses, colourful local costumes, traditional crafts and baroque church. There are many delightful restaurants, bars, and a regional speciality take-away shop.	Aussois Aussois is first and foremost a charming and friendly village, which has retained its traditional appeal. Over the centuries, the village has conserved its cross-shaped radiating disposition, with the square's fountain as its centre. All through the summer season the Tourist Office, Maison d'Aussois, organises a varied choice of events as well as themed walks, concerts, nature treks, exhibitions, discos, shows for young or older audiences... and numerous sports activities...
Saint Jean d'Arves In the sunny valley of the Aiguilles d'Arves, Saint Jean and its 22 tiny hamlets are surrounded by truly majestic peaks. This charming rural village which takes its name from the local dialect word 'Arva' (running water) is still the scene of many traditional feasts and celebrations.