Val d'Isère (Northern Alps) - Nestling at the summit of the Haute-Tarentaise, Val d'Isère is a village perched at an altitude of 1,850 metres. This resort with its undeniable, authentic charm is located in the Vanoise National Park and offers sublime landscapes to discover throughout your stay.
READ MORE: Val d'Isère: resort, ski area, ski passes, activities, addresses... The winter guide
What's new
Gourmet reopening in Val d'Isère: l'Ouillette has been completely renovated and serves Alpine brasserie-style cuisine every lunchtime, with a plancha for grilled meats.
Cheese lovers can enjoy a Savoyard fondue on the banks of a pretty lake nestling at an altitude of 2,400 metres. To get there, you can either opt for a hike along the Arolle and Arcelle slopes, or take the ski lifts.
Outdoor activities
The gourmet loop
This summer, you can follow the 18-kilometre Val Pesto signposted VVTAE route, with gourmet breaks along the way in all four corners of the village. You'll be able to sample local produce, sweet treats and a good aperitif!
Prices : 60 per adult, €50 per child.
Accompanied by a guide, two gourmet breaks, the official pin and an engraved Val d'Isère opinel as gifts.
Bikepark
With 11 VVTAE trails covering 71 kilometres and a 200-kilometre mountain bike area, the bike park is the ideal playground for the summer season in Val d'Isère. From green to black trails, enthusiasts will be able to set off through sublime landscapes.
Prices : 1 day - €19; 6 days - €59 per adult and €49 per child
Under the stars
Deep in the Haute Tarentaise valley, you can observe the Milky Way far from any light pollution. After following the road to the Iseran pass, you'll find yourself at an altitude of 2,770 metres. There are two refuges on the heights.
More information on theVal d'Isère Tourist Office
Events not to be missed
Let's get natural!
From 15 to 19 July, holidaymakers can take part in a week dedicated to environmental action. 160 volunteers will be on hand to collect litter on the estate. It's a great way to discover the region through forest walks and to raise awareness of this priority issue among the whole family.
The Avaline fair
The Avaline Savoyard Fair invites you to its 19th edition! From 3 to 4 August, 90 local producers and craftspeople will be on hand to offer you old-fashioned waffles, Italian pasta, farmhouse cheeses, farmhouse diots (sausages) and delicious mountain liqueurs. All this, of course, to the sound of brass bands marching through the village.
More info on www.foire-savoyarde.com
Festival Esprits Curieux
Esprits Curieux is celebrating its 2nd edition this year. From 7 to 10 August, star-gazers can look forward to a packed programme of activities, workshops and evening events.
To register, call 94 79 06 29 20 or email mediatheque@valdisere.fr
Our favourites
The fête du vieux Val will take place on 27 and 28 July. During this authentic village celebration, visitors will take part in a fair, a garage sale, a meal followed by a ball and a grand parade of floats.
Where to stay in Val d'Isère?
Forward
This 60-year-old hotel, which also serves as a restaurant and bar, combines an authentic and modern atmosphere. Completely refurbished a few years ago, it has all the comforts you need for a good, fresh stay.
Address: 554 avenue du Prarions, 73150 Val d'Isère
Contact: 04 79 06 02 00
The Blizzard
This magnificent 5-star establishment, set in the heart of the village, uses mountain-style decor to great effect. With superb views of the mountains and village from every room, it also boasts a cosy bar that is a must in the resort.
Address: 1006 avenue Olympique 73150 Val d'Isère
Contact: 04 79 06 02 07
Hotel Le Val d'Isère
On the square in front of the tourist office is the beautiful Le Val d'Isère hotel. Ideally positioned amidst the shops and village life, it boasts superb rooms in a very mountain style, with a play on materials and modernity.
Address: Place Jacques Mouflier Village 73150 Val d'Isère
Contact: 04 79 06 08 30
Where to eat in Val d'Isère?
The Art of Food
This is the new gourmet spot in the heart of the Manchet sports park. L'Art des Mets welcomes guests all day long on its beautiful south-facing terrace, serving 100% home-made dishes using local produce.
Address: 1020 route de l'eau rousse, Val d'Isère
Ski Gallery & Fondue Factory
Here's an establishment whose decor will leave you breathless. Contemporary and chic, it transports you into an artistic world with an Alpine theme. A permanent collection of skis and vintage equipment from the last 120 years is on display. On the gastronomic side, you can sample specialities from the Franco-Swiss Alps.
Bookings and information on 04 79 08 04 or on www.fonduefactory-valdisere.com
Cow skin
An immersive high-altitude restaurant, La Peau de vache is a unique culinary experience where mountain tradition meets modern gastronomy. This pretty mountain chalet welcomes you for a gourmet break in a sublime setting with panoramic views over the valley.
Bookings and information on 04 79 06 11 29 or at www.lapeaudevache.fr
How do I get to Val d'Isère?
By car
From Chambéry, take the A43 motorway, from Grenoble the A41 and from Bourg-Saint-Maurice the D1090 and D902.
By plane
To get to Val d'Isère by plane, you'll need to use Geneva, Lyon, Chambéry or Grenoble airports, all relatively far from the resort. From there, bus transfers are available via the Altibus or Ben's bus networks.
By train
The resort is well served by the nearby Bourg-Saint-Maurice station.
By bus
From the station, passengers can take advantage of the Altibus network serving the station.
Val d'Isère in brief
This pretty high-mountain village on the French-Italian border is a dynamic resort committed to environmental protection. With traditional ceremonies, outdoor sports, facilities for all the family and a heavenly setting, there's no doubt that your holiday here will be as relaxing as it is exotic.