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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.
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1. Tignes
(Summer Ski)
Tignes is located within the Espace Killy and
offers many activities for the summer months
including summer skiing on the Grande Motte
Glacier.
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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.
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Saint Martin de Belleville, 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.
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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.
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In the 'Golden Valley', Valloire and its 17
hamlets is a reasonably large traditional
village built around a XVII Baroque church. A
mountain bike centre with 130kms of routes,
with organised courses, excursions and events.
Try the 18 hole Alpine golf course, or the
exciting adventure Park for kids of any age!
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In the heart of the scenic and unspoilt Haute
Maurienne and bordering the stunning Parc
National de la Vanoise, Val Cenis is has
retained its charm and tradition and visitors
are guaranteed a genuinely warm welcome. A
newly built sports centre, and many mountain
activities available.
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Saint Sorlin is a rustic little mountain
village set in a sunny valley with incomparable
landscape and surrounded by majestic peaks such
as the Aiguilles d'Arves. Plenty of marked and
maintained mountain tracks, activity clubs for
children, and traditional fromageries to visit.
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At the foot of one of the highest summits in
Vanoise, Aussois is on a vast sunny plateau. It
is first and foremost a charming and friendly
village, which has retained its traditional
appeal. Approved by the French Cycling
Federation, & popular with walkers.
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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
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Termignon is THE village of the Parc National
de la Vanoise. The village is situated in the
upper Maurienne valley in the Savoie department
in the Northern Alps.
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The area is easily accessed via main trunk
Motorway network from Chambéry.
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