Essential links
Walking
Ski Skiing alpine, cross country and snow racquets : ski centres are easily accessed.
Golf Golf d'Aix-les-Bains (18 hole Par 70) and d'Apremont (9 hole Par 68 - Practise course) Fishing Fishing in local lakes (Chateauneuf etc.) or in local rivers Driving Tours Tour des Bauges, Parc de la Vanoise, les grands cols des Alpes (Galibier, Glandon, Lautaret, les Saisies, l'Iseran, Grand et Petit Saint-Bernard…), near the alpine glaciers.
Hang Gliding Tales from the Savoie region Since the 17th century, the baroque art contained within churches and chapels was renowned and contrasted dramatically with the rather austere buildings themselves. How and why did this art come to be located in our valleys ?
There are 65 churches to discover. Since the reform of the Catholic Church, post 1630, these sanctuaries have been richly decorated in ways that belie their stern exteriors
La route des Grandes Alpes One of the most fascinating routes in Europe for cars, motor cyclists and cyclists from which the character of each region can be uncovered through their natural and cultural riches From Lac Leman (Thonon-les-Bains) to the Mediterranean Sea (Menton), this route, more than 600 km long, featuring 16 mountains, is one of the most famous in Europe. This legendary route allows you to discover the magnificent countryside and unveils the mysteries of alpine life. It will appeal to the curious and will give you time to reflect on this unique panoply. La route des vins This route wines through all the famous vineyards and will allow you to discover the different “crus” of Savoie Places to visit  Vineyards with their numerous grape varieties : Jacquère, Altesse, Roussette, Chardonnay, Roussanne, Malvoisie, Gamay, Mondeuse, Pinot, Persan. Cave des vins fins de Cruet Domaine de la Saussa : C. BOUVET Domaine de L'Idylle : Philippe & François TIOLLIER Domaine de la Méjane : Jean Georges HENRIQUET Domaine de Jean VULLIEN et fils "La Grande Roue" at Fréterive Domaine de Marc VULLIEN Domaine G&G BOUVET Domaine GRISARD J-P & P at Fréterive Domaine Saint-Germain at the Noiriat Saint-Pierre-d'Albigny Museums Musée de la vigne et du vin at Montmélian Le moulin à papier (manufacturing of paper) at Saint-André Musée de l'Opinel (famous French penknife) at Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne Musée du Félicien at Argentine Ecomusée de la Combe de Savoie of the Combe de Savoie at Grésy-sur-Isère,"Les Coteaux du Salin" Le grand filon, (mining site) at Saint-Georges-d'Hurtières Musée de l'ours at Entremont-le-Vieux Musée virtuel des pays de Savoie Musée de la Grande Chartreuse Sites of Historical Interest Albertville, Olympique city The château de Miolans at Saint-Pierre-d'Albigny, a genuine Savoyard fortress The tours de Montmayeur at Villard-Sallet The ancient medieval city of Conflans Château des ducs de Savoie at Chambéry The Charmettes de Jean-Jacques ROUSSEAU at Chambéry L'ancienne citadelle at Montmélian The fortifications "Séré de Rivières" of Montperché, Aiton, Montendry Baroques churches, the santuary Notre Dame de Myans whose history is linked to the fall of Granier in 1248 The caveau des Augustins at Saint-Pierre-d'Albigny. The abbaye Notre Dame of Tamié of Cistercian Monks The Institut Karma Ling dans l'ancienne chartreuse de Saint Hugon The Thermal baths at Allevard, of Challes-les-Eaux, of la Léchère Something to taste La ferme des Allobroges at Châteauneuf This farm was created 3 years ago by Chantal et Guy PEPIN. Nestled in the heart of Savoy, at the foot of the mountains, between Chambery and Albertville, it benefits from a healthy climate, in an area classified “Natura 2000” which guarantees them the right to produce “Canard Gras” La miellerie des Hurtières Biological Honey : you can find out how professional bee-keeping works from the bee-keeper herself : Audrey will explain how she works at each point in the season. You can visit the honey making farm. Audrey produces the rarest and noblest honey from her hives – Royal Jelly - as well as 7 different Savoy honeys, spiced loaf and bonbons. Sites of particular interest The Bauges mountains This natural park was established in December 1995 by ministerial decree. This was designed to preserve our wealth of natural riches and to bind together the 58 communities in order to sustain our way of life The Maurienne valley The Maurienne is a well defined area: it extends to the valley of the river Arc and its tributaries. Geographers separate it into high, mid and low Maurienne, but it is also possible to divide the valley up in to geographic regions, different types of glacial rock type. It is more difficult to analyse the history and the economic and administrative regions. Even a study of the geography must distinguish between the large flood valleys of Valloirette, l’Arvan, the Villards and Bugeon. But even this separation is not entirely satisfactory. As the father of alpine geography wrote: “The Maurienne is quite straight forward: it is the valley of the Arc…” The Tarentaise valley Mountains provide a variety of vegetation, colours, flora and fauna unrivalled anywhere else. You can share this delight and you are welcome to explore this wonderful area. The Grande Chartreuse Mountains The name "Chartreuse" comes from the latin meaning a place to which one can withdraw. This area is the smallest of the Alpine foothills. It has abrupt cliffs, plateaus of leaved forests, containing ash, elm and Norwegian spruce. In winter these plateaus transform in to cross country skiing and racquet pistes. In summer they make ideal terrain for walking. The highest point is the Chamechaude peak (2087 m) The Vanoise Park This national park consists of two zones : the central area and the surrounding area. The central area enjoys the benefit of being a protection zone and it is subject to specific regulations. The surrounding area includes 28 village communities. The park offers a wide array of tourist, cultural and other attractions as it seeks to maintain its way of life. 5 natural reserves, adjacent to the Vanoise Park, shelter and protect the most valuable samples of this diverse natural wonderland. Villages and tradition Several villages in the Maurienne have preserved their architecture and their local traditions. They are worth a visit. Bonneval-sur-Arc This village is classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Located at the foot of one of the highest mountains in Europe (Col d’Iseran 2770m). The authenticity and construction of the stone-built houses and make this a special place. In summer a detour to visit this village is recommended. In winter, you can ski in most of ski stations in the area. The hamlet of l'Écot The highest inhabited village in Europe, this hamlet is a delight. If delight means walking on the banks of the Arc river among the flowers! This hamlet marks the start of a number of short easy walks, through the mountainous landscape that seems to be on the edge of the world. |
