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SAVOIE-MONT-BLANC, a mountain... of heritage sites!

Composed of both départements of Savoie and Haute-Savoie, Savoie-Mont-Blanc is the name now used to talk about this iconic region and its heritage! Today, we propose great ideas to take a day trip within a 2-hour radius around Meribel, in case driving around is not a problem!

Nature, history, culture... we have selected many different activities for everyone to enjoy!

 

Ready? Let's go then!

 

 

Less than 30mn away

Less than 30 minutes away, the choice may sound limited, but there are actually several sites of interest:

 

- for a barbecue in a pleasant place: lac de la Rosiere (Courchevel)

Located in Courchevel 1650, we could compare the place to "Tueda" lake! Around this emerald-coloured lake, which lies at the centre of this little plateau surronded by mountains, there are several nice activities such as an adventure park or a via ferrata. Families with young children, even in a stroller, can enjoy a tour of the lake along the purposed-design walk which even crossed the lake to better observe its wildlife. For those who are looking to stay for lunch, there are a few barbecues around: just bring some paper, wood and juicy meats to have an upgraded picnic experience!  Walkers can proceed to Cascade des Poux, located further up. And on the way back, why not stop for a refreshment or piece of pie at the buvette du lac? Brochure about the lake. 

 

 

- To take a dip: Lac du Praz... or Aquamotion

Is the summer heat oppressing you? If getting up the mountains does not sound like an option, take a dip into lac du Praz, in the neighbouring valley of Courchevel ! This summer, it will be supervised by lifeguards every afternoon. A nice lake to cool down as you get back from a walk!
And if choosing the best place to chill is turning into a nightmare, head to to Aquamotion! As the smaller ones will be soaking in the paddling pool, the bigger ones will be slide down the "canyon" or challenge each other in the "pentagliss"; the bravest of them will have to choose between 2 diving platforms, the teenagers will ride the artificial surfing waave while the parents will have to make a decision who is going to relax the spa and who is going to play games on the outside lawn!

 

-  To discover Moutiers in a different way, the "Street Art" walk

For a few years now, Moutiers has welcomed a Street Art festival: Eternelles Crapules. During the first edition, as artists from all around the globe has covered many facades with large mural paintings, the city of Moutiers has developped a passion for street art. The city, that people just pass on the road to Meribel, now proposes a street art walk to admire the large, if not monumental, frescos, and has found an original way to incite tourists to discover its heritage, among which St Peter's cathedral. Find out more and download the "street art" map.

 

- To learn about the industrial history of the valley: Galerie Hydraulica, at Villard-Du-Planay (Bozel)

How have such secluded valleys developped thaks to dams? How can you produce electricity out of water? As you visit galerie Hydraulica, at Villard-du-Planay, all the answers will become crystal-clear! The exhibition starts indoor but you will be invited to proceed outside and to follow the stream to better understand the importance of water in the development of the surronding mountain valleys. Some guided tours, organised in partnership with energy company EDF, allow the children to get a clear answer to the relevant technical questions they may have and which leave the parents speechless! More information.
On the way back, do not miss the bulb-shaped bell tower of Bozel church, typical of Savoy region, or the local lake, to take a dip during hot summer days!

 

 

 

 

 

30-45mn away

At a rough 45mn-ride, you get to discover 2 outstanding natural sites.

 

- To feel like you have reach the end of the world: Champagny-le-Haut

End of line, everyone out please! As you get to the plateau of Champagny-le-Haut, at the end of a winding road, you enter a whole new world. Here, it does not quite look like France: it is Nepal, Canada or Chile! Surronded by rumbling waterfalls and green pastures where alpine ibexes are quietly grazing the loans, Champagny-le-Haut is an outstanding plateau in the middle of which lies a little hameau. The visitor may have a drink or visit the "espace Glacialis" to get all the information about how the surrounding glaciers evolve and how fragile the balance to keep this site in the best condition is!

 

- To discover one of the iconic sites of Alpine mountaineering: Pralognan

It is no coincidence that "Pralognan's logo is an ibex on its rock! This lovely mountain village, nestled down the majestic Grand Bec, is one of the hot spot of climbing and mountaineering of the Alps. Besides the treks and and pleasant natural climbing sites of the area, "Pralo" turns out to have a great location to challenge the highest summits and glaciers of Vanoise, whereas it is as mountaineering or glacial hike. Grand Bec, Grande Casse, Grande Glière... here, verticality establishes itself in the name of the surrounding summits, just like to remind you the adventure that is waiting for you!

Still, if ropes and ice axes are not part of your backpack, do not worry! There are plenty of trails snaking around the village and leading to viewpoints that are just as breathtaking, without having to leave your breath on the way up! One of the options is a gondola ride up to Mont Bochor's platform (2.230m high), where the orientation table will give you the names of each peak you can see 360° around!

 

45mn-1h AWAY

You have to push it a bit further to reach the following sites but they are definitely worth it!

 

- To rush down the summer sledge in Les Menuires

Do you miss rushing down the mountains in a sledge? With the Menuires summer sledge ride, find this unique sensation again while feeling completely safe again! Open 7/7, the 1.000m-track lets you have some great family time as children can drive their sledge from 5!

 

- To experience what life is in the pasture farms: Visit Pépé Nicolas's FARM!

Since you have chosen to visit the Vallee des Belleville, pay a visit to Ferme de Pépé Nicolas! All at once a pasture farm, a permacultured garden and a yummy restaurant, Ferme de Pépé Nicolas  show what living in the mountains with animals can be and how diverse the activites of a farm can be. Milking the animals, making cheese, caring for the animals (rabbits, goats, cows, pigs, chicken, gooses etc.), pastoral life will have no more secrets to you, and the kids will leave the farm with the best possible souvenirs of the Pépé Nicolas's experience!

 

 

- Find out how wool is made: visit Arpin spinning mill in Séez

 

The history of Arpin's spinning factory starts in 1817 in Séez, just a few kilometers from Bourg-Saint-Maurice, when 2 brothers decide to create their own brand of clothes. 13 years later, the first knickerbockers, produced out of Bonneval cloth, has spread in the mountain village and even equips local soldiers. At the start of the XXth century, the mill is fited with a turbine to feed the machines with electricity. It becomes the first place to have electricity in Haute-Tarentaise! The collection is then extended and used by French famous polar expedition leader Paul-Emile Victor! But the activity slows down at the end of the century, despite some machines being recorded at the French National Heritage registry. A new boost is given as the XXIst century starts, notably with the renovation of the spinning mill in 2006 and the development of high quality fabrics.

Labelled Company of the Living Heritage, the Arpin spinning mill can be visited some days (contact them) to discover the different steps wool has to go through to manufacture the items proposed by this long-established brand that you can now find in the most luxurious chalet of the Alps!

 

- To wander around a medieval city: Conflans

Overlooking Albertville, this medieval town is a pleasant stop to visit this small medieval city and admire the point of view over the entrance of Tarentaise and Arly valleys. Many artists and craftmen have established their shops in the cobblestone streets, which gives to Conflans an additional charm Find out more.

 

- To (re) live the incredible era of the 1992's Olympics with the brand new "Tremplin 92" museum

Host city if the XVIth winter Olympics, Albertville has kept several buildings and venues, such as the Dome Theater, the Place de l'Europe, the ice rink or the famous pole around which Philippe Découflé's choregraphies had mesmerised the viewers of around the world during the opening and closing ceremonies.

And it is precisely inside the Halle Olympique, which hosts the ice rink, that Tremplin 92, has settled lately. Besides the temporary Olympism-related exhibitions, the museum retraces the epic of the last Olympics held in France. In adition to the classic space with pictures and objects in display (such as star designer Philippe Stark's iconic Olympic torch), the new museum venue now proposes more immersive experiences! Get the chills as you set on board of a bobsleigh which rushes down La Plagne's track, confront the mythical Bellevarde pist in Val d'Isere or fly over Savoie during a paragliding session, thanks to a VR helmet! A more lively experience that everyone will surely appreciate!

 

- Spend a crazy day with your family at WAM: the water park for all ages!

 

If you live to play into water and that your tribe is composed of adults, who like to chill and get a tan, thrill-seeker teenagers and kids who just want to have fun, WAM park is the ultime destination for a day of water fun! This park has settled on a lake and proposes a nautical abse with draglifts for wakeboarders, waterslides ending in the lake, bouncy castles on water, paddle boards, slackline etc.

You can have lunch there too, which makes it a great spot for a day outing in the area!

 

- If you see yourself as a knight: Miolans Castle

Built from the XIIth century, Miolans' castle has expanded most in the XIVth century when the artillery developped rapidly. With its strategic location, on the road to Italy, the castle was part of a defensive chain, along Montmelian and Montmayeur castles, to protect the area from the attacks of their enemis, notay the Dauphinese.

Outdated in the XVIth century, it becomes a state prison which has notably hosted famous French writer the Marquis de Sade. Nowadays, this historical monument offers the visitors a pleasant tour and, for the most playerful, an immersive escape game (in French).

 

 

 

1h-1h30 away

A bit further again, but you will not regret it!

 

- To embrace the view of the Beaufortain from Cormet de Roselend

Regulary crossed by Tour de France, Cormet de Roselend is a splendid pass (1.967m) overlooking Roselend lake. This lake, sustained by a massive dam, is curled in the scenic green pastures of the Beaufortain valley, just 30mn away from Bourg-Saint-Maurice. The road leaging to the pass gets across small villages and their houses with flower-filled balconies, then meanders through the fields where Tarine and Abondance cows are grazing. The road then hangs on the steep and snow-dotted hills of Haute Tarentaise. A stop at Ville des Glaciers is a must to admire the eternal snows of the surrouding glaciers and walk along the vigourous ice-cold torrent.

Once you have crossed the pass, where you can buy regional products, the way down leads you to the emerald-green lake and its picturesque chapelle Sainte Madeleine. For a yummy break to get a coffee and some Savoy "bugnes" (local donut), stop at Café des Lanches, unless the menu, filled with Savoy specialities, leads you to turn this break into a real lunch! Then, you can keep going towards Albertville through the scenic Col des Prés or, if driving a narrow and winding road is not your cup of tea, using the main road to Beaufort. Make a last stop to buy a piece of the famous eponymous cheese or head to the London double-decker bus to treat yourselves with a yummy ice cream!

- To visit the "Venice of the Alps": Annecy

Coiled between the Bauges and Aravis mountain ranges, along one of the largest lake of the Alps, Annecy is a city you absolutely need to visit if you take a holiday in Savoie-Mont-Blanc.

Everyone has a reason to pay it a visit: walkers will stroll through the old city, along the Thiou canals, as they lick a tasty icecream; the sport lovers will enjoy a dynamic afternoon on the crystal-clear Waters of the lake to try wake-boarding; the contemplative may take some height at Col de la Forclaz to fly over Lake Annecy with a paraglider!

Located 1h30 far from Meribel valley, Annecy is definitely worth the trip but, be careful in summer, the traffic may be awful: choose your days of visit wisely! 

- To discover Chambéry and Aix-les-Bains region

For over 850 years, Savoie has belonged to the House of Savoy, a dynasty of Counts and then Dukes who have extended their territory towards Piedmont and Nice regions. Chambery was the capitale of the Dukes of Savoie from 1416 to 1563, when Turin was preferred as a capitale city, even if Chambéry remained an important administrative centre. From this era of strong development, the city centre has retained pleasant town houses, courtyards and even Lyon-like traboules. The Chateau of the Dukes of Savoie, which now hosts the Prefecture and department council, is worth a visit too.
Go up Rue de Boigne with its arcades, typical of Piedmont style, and reach the Elephant fountain, also known as the "4 sans culs" (the four-with-no-ass)!. If you are looking for a cultural break, galerie Eureka often proposed interesting exhibitions; books lovers will probably favor the visit of Les Charmettes mansion, where Jean-Jacques Rousseau lived with Madame De Warens.
The visit of Chambéry can be completed with a tour along the Lac Bourget, the largest natural lake in France, just 17km away.

And it is precisely on its shores that lies Aix-les-Bains (photo), a renown spa city which was particularly popular during the Belle Epoque. If you like architecture, the city centre is filled with outstading Art Déco and belle Epoque buildings, but if you prefer to favor the lake activities, you can have a boat tour, rent a canoe, a paddle board or reach the heights to see the lake from the Belvedere du Revard. If you still have time, board a boat to the mermerising Hautecombe Abbey and pay it a visit (see below).

We call Annecy the "Venice of the Alps" but do you know the "Small Venice of Savoy"? If you don't and still have some time, head to Chanaz! Whatever the season, visiting this beautiful village aon the shores of Saviere's canal is a delight and proves that great pleasures of life can be experience just a few kilometers around us!

 

- To discover the outstanding Abbey of Hautecombe, necropolis of the House of Savoie

At the view of it as you approach from a boat, you feel like you are in a Walt Disney's movie: between two mountain ranges, along an emerald-green lake, surrounded by a deep green forest, rises up a splendid architectural complex, whose shape is punctuated by stone roofs, towers and pinnacles.
In Hautecombe, the picture is perfect. Down the Epine range, at the XIIth century, a Cistercian community has decided to establish a church along the shores of France's largest natural lake. With the help of the Counts of Savoy, the modest church is turned into an abbey and hosts the remains of the members of the House of Savoy, particularly between the XIII and XVth century, when the abbey shines over the region. Little by little, forsaken by the commendataire abbots, pillaged during the French Revolution, its ruins seems to fade into the reflection of the lake and in people's mind. But the Romantics - French poet Lamartine at the head - see the region as a source of inspiration and their texts contribute to revive the interest for the Abbey. When Savoy is binded to the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia at the beginning of the XIXth century, the monarch Charles-Felix decides to restore the Abbey in a flamboyant neogothical style and to be buried there along with his wife. When Italy unifies at the middle of the XIXth century, The House of Savo settles on the throne of Italie and Hautecombe strenghens its aura. Thus, the last King of Italy, Umberto II, get buried in 1983, followed by his wife in 2001.

Nowadays, the Congregation du Chemin neuf runs the Abbey and welcomes seminarian from around the world, but also tourists for a visit f the Royal Royal Abbey.

2h away

With a 4h round-trip time, you will have to wake up early. But it is worth the pain!

 

- For a little getaway in Italy, through the pass of Petit Saint Bernard

In addition to sharing a border, Savoie also shares a common history with Italy and the passes are often a good testimony of it. At roughly 1h30 from Meribel valley, the Petit Saint Bernard pass reaches 2.188m and marks the border with the Italian Val d'Aosta. A stop at the pass will give you the opportunity to discover the history of the Petit Saint Bernard Hospice, whose existence dates back from the XIth century, and which accommodated passing travelers. Renovated at the end of the XXth century, it now features several exhibitions rooms, hotel bedrooms, meeting rooms as well as a weather station.

As you start your descent on the Italian side, you will get to the village of La Thuile and will have to choose between heading to Aosta, head city of this small region, or the charming resort of Courmayeur, located at the other side of tunnel du Mont Blanc it shares with Chamonix. If you precisely feel like visiting Chamonix, there is a possibily to reach the Muntaineering capital of France... with gondolas through the range of Mont Blanc!

 

- To visit onE the most beautiful villages of France via the mythical Iseran pass

Highest road pass of the Alps since it was inaugurated in 1937, the Iseran pass has built its myth on the efforts of the Tour de France competitors, who has climbed it for the first time in 1938, but also on the mind of everyone who had passed it, whether they are motorbike riders, cyclists, or Route des Grandes Alpes pilots. Everyone who get up to the top ends up taking a snap next to the roadsign confirming its altitude of 2.467m.

After sweating on the roads of the lower part of the valley, visitors will experience a much chiller environement - it may even snow up there in the summer! - but can appreciate the amazing view on the valleys of Haute-Tarentaise and Haute-Maurienne one can find on a clear day on top of this rocky and windy pass.  
Down the Maurienne side of Iseran, Bonneval-sur-Arc blends with the same mineral scenery, at 1.800m of altitude. Proud of being one of the most beautiful villages in France, this superb stone-made hamlet that watches the swirling waters of the Arc seems to have resisted to modernity. There is no antena to be found here, nor electric wires hanging between the houses, the 300 inhabitants preserve their heritage with passion. Another tiny hamlet is within reach a bit further up: the Hameau de l'Ecot, at 2.000m d'altitude. by car, there is a parking roughly 15mn from the village center, but we recommand you go walking, upstream the Arc, so you can pass over the Lama Roman bridge. There, you can find small stone houses nestled in a large field, all overlooked by a lovely Roman chapel. You will feel like you have reached France's last village... and you might just be right!

 

- To see Mont Blanc in Chamonix!

To reach Chamonix, you can go through the Petit Saint Bernard pass or Mont Blanc tunnel but the quickest (and cheapest), is to drive through the Gorges de l'Arly from Ugine. Be carefull, the road is often closed due to rock falling on the road, you'd better check before hitting the road! 

Historical capital of european mountaineering since the XIXth century, Chamonix is just as popular in summer than it is in winter thanks to the loads of activity yo can find there. One of the main attractions is, of course, going up to Aiguille du Midi (3.777m high) to embrace the exceptionnal view of Chamonix valley and Mont Blanc (4.810m). You can alternatively board the train du Montenvers and proceed to the gondola to gaze the Mer de Glace and, for the braver ones, go down the stairs to visit the ice cave.

 

The possibilities of day-outing at less than 2h from the valley seem endless. Apart from the cities like Lyon, Grenoble or Geneva, some mountain ranges are definitely worth a hike, like in the Bauges, the Aravis or the Vercors areas.

 

What will be your next excursion?

 

 

 

Photo credits: Pixabay (photo Annecy, Aiguille du Midi), Petit Bivouac for Courchevel Tourisme (Lac de la Rosière), WAM Park (water park), Olivier Allamand for La Plagne Tourisme (Photo valley of Champagny-le-Haut), Pépé Nicolas (Pépé Nicolas' farm), and, for Aix-les-Bains Riviera des Alpes: Etienne Veuillet (centered view of Hautecombe abbey), Gilles Lansard (view of the lake with Hautecombe abbey down the picture, ceiling of the abbey, ceiling of the hall of the Casino), C. Baudot (facades rue des Bains).