Saint Martin de Belleville
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.
Situated in the vast adventure sports domain of Les Trois Vallees, St Martin – together with the resorts of Les Menuires and Val Thorens – has 50 marked pedestrian paths for walkers to choose from, a total of 250km leading through forests and high pastures up to lofty mountain tops. The lifts will take you to the Mont de la Chambre at 2850 metres or the Tougnète summit at 2434 metres. With both, there are spectacular views out over the Alps. The Evasion 3 Vallees one or seven-day pass covers the lift system in St Martin and several other key stations and provides particularly good value for money; a week’s pass for adults costs 36 Euros.
This corner of the Alps is really one giant outdoor playground and it’s possible to participate in pretty much any sport and activity you can think of: ice climbing, via ferrata, biking, canyoning, fishing at a high altitude lake, hydrospeed or white water swimming… In the afternoons in Saint-Martin, applied arts workshops are organised where, among other things, you can learn to paint on silk or wood and make mosaics. Try and find the time to go out into the valley to one of a number of Alpine chalets where you can see cheeses like Beaufort and Tomme de Savoie being made on site. At the chalet “La Chasse”, it’s even possible to join in the milking! There’s also a restored mountain mill where you can see how the renovated mechanism works.
Savoie’s mouthwatering cuisine is a big part of the attraction of any holiday in the region and Bellevilloise delicacies include country ham cooked in white wine, served with polenta, and special sausages called “Pomonniers”. Then there are the crisp Savoyard wines, the aromatic mountain honey and the spiced gingerbread to sample too. You could also book yourself on a cooking course with well-known local chef René Meilleur who runs the acclaimed La Bouitte restaurant in St-Marcel.
In the nearby resort of Les Menuires, just five minutes’ away by car from Saint Martin, it’s possible to go summer skiing (depending on snow conditions) and summer sledging as well as have a go at quad biking, horse riding, tennis, archery and judo.
Places of interest in Saint Martin
· Vallee de Belleville – the valley is a major stopover on the Chemins du Baroque cultural itinerary. The two most important churches are the 17th century Notre Dame de la Vie sanctuary, an important place of pilgrimage, and the lovely parish church in Saint Martin. In the summer months, classical, Baroque and gospel concerts are held there.
· Once a week, local volunteers give guided visits of the valley's villages. For amateurs of history and patrimony, this is an opportunity to get to know the valley better, via olden day life, pastoral traditions and local anecdotes
· Worth a look is taking the Cime Caron cable car in Val Thorens which has ‘The most beautiful view in the Alps’ according to the Green Michelin Guide. Apart from having amazing views, it is also interesting to take a ride in this huge cable car (one of the largest in the world). Interesting to see how it all works
· St Martin and its villages have lots of rural heritage, a visit to the museum is a must.
Top summer activities to experience in St Martin de Belleville
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable. For more information about pricing and availability, please contact the St Martin de Belleville Tourist Office on 0033 479 00 20 00 or visit www.st-martin-belleville.com
St Martin Multi Activity Card Summer
With the multi-activity card, you have more unlimited access to more than 20 activities and discounts of up to 20% at many shops, services and activities.
Use it in 3 resorts: Saint Martin de Belleville, Les Menuires, and Val Thorens
ACTIVITIES IN THE 3 RESORTS INCLUDED IN THE CARD
• Aqualudique des Bruyères swimming pool • Skilifts in the Vallée des Belleville • Outings with the Mountain's Guides • Indoor Fun Parks in the sport centres • Sport for children and teenagers • Archery • Outdoor Tennis 1h / day • Outdoor Basket / Volley / Football • Table tennis • Shows, night entertenmaint and concerts • Judo (Les Menuires) • Outdoor Trampolining (Les Menuires) • Museum (Saint Martin) • Petanque (Val Thorens) • Toro rodéo (Val Thorens)
Bureau des Guides des Belleville
The Belleville guides’ office arranges various activities:
Half-day walk
Theme day ramble
La Vanoise National Park outing
Evening in a mountain refuge
Ice hiking
Rock climbing school
Rock climbing course for children
Via Ferrata
MTB 1 lesson
MTB outing 1 day
Canyoning
Raft & Canyoning
3 Valleys Microlight / Paragliding
Discover some exceptional views by flying over the Vallée des Belleville in a two-seat microlight.
St Martin Forêt des Aventuriers
Forest adventure circuit: different circuit and challenges for both adults and children.
St Martin Horse Riding Outing
Discover La Vallée des Belleville on horseback. The rides are supervised by a state qualified tourist equestrian guide. Unforgettable moments for all riders, from beginners to experts!
3 Valleys Mountain Biking
There are fantastic routes with over 32 bike itineraries covering a total of 2985km. There is no shortage of hidden gems just off the beaten track: a stone bridge; a mountain lake with crystal clear water; or marmots and chamois!
Les Menuires Roc'N Bike Mountain Bike Descent
3.9km long downhill trail of 500m. This fun run is a difficult level, with its raised bends and crosses. The Run is open every day, accessible via the Roc 1 gondola, except Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Val Thorens Zip Line
Secured by harnesses, the adventurers set off feet first, on this long zip-cord for a magnificent slide over the "Plan de l'Eau" or "Le Lac des Grenouilles" in Val Thorens.
In Les Menuires there are 34 restaurants, 7 bars and 2 nightclubs, whereas Saint Martin de Belleville offers a quieter atmosphere and has a selection of 20 restaurants and bars. Restaurants in Les Menuires include La Perdrix Blanche and La Trattoria with its French ambience. In St Martin, there’s L'Eterlou and the British-run piano bar Pourquoi Pas.
Between them, Saint Martin de Belleville and Les Menuires have a good selection of shops and services. These include banks, chemists, a doctor's surgery, grocery shops, hairdressers, laundrettes, sport shops and fashion shops. There is also a cinema in Les Menuires.
By Road:
Driving distance from Calais to Saint-Martin 587 miles (approx 8hrs30)
Motorway A 43 Lyon/Albertville. Main road N 90
By Rail:
The nearest train station for Les Menuires and Saint Martin de Belleville is Moutiers.
Airports:
Chambéry is 104km from St Martin (1 ¼ hours).
Bus from Chambery to resort – Transavoie (Sats only)
www.chambery-airport.com
Grenoble Airport is 174km from St Martin (2 hours)
www.grenoble-airport.com
Lyon is 181km from St Martin (2 hours)
Bus to resort Satobus Alpes
www.lyonairport.com
Geneva is 183Km from St Martin (2 hours)
www.gva.ch/en
Getting around the local area
Free shuttle buses between different hamlets
So that visitors can enjoy to the full the activities and entertainment in Saint Martin, Les Menuires and Val Thorens, free buses link these three sites, 4 times a day, from Sunday to Friday.
News and Events 2024
News:
Craftsmen market - Thursdays from 9am-6pm.
Events:
- Soapbox race: 30th June 2024,
- Artisan beer fete: 26th July-27th July 2024,
- 15th August festival, 15th August 2024.
