In the heart of the Queyras Regional Nature Park, at an altitude of 2,042 metres, Saint-Véran is often cited as Europe's highest year-round village.
Author: Romain Boisaubert
A wind of freedom is blowing through the Pre-Alps. After two years of passionate work, meticulous scouting, local consultation and even a crowdfunding campaign via Ulule, a new gravel route is ready to see the light of day on the P'tites Routes du Soleil. This brand-new diagonal route, linking Thonon-les-Bains to Nice over a distance of 845km, will go online in a few weeks' time on the website of the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes. Just a little more patience before plunging into one of the year's greatest cycling challenges. ALSO READ: "Les P'tites Routes du Soleil"...
At the foot of the Vallée des Avals, nestling below Courchevel Moriond, Lac de la Rosière dazzles with the beauty of its natural landscape and its many activities.
Nestling in the heart of the Alps, Megève is much more than a prestigious ski resort: it's a true symbol of elegance and authenticity. Behind its glamorous image and refined lifestyle lies a fascinating history, deeply rooted in the traditions of Haute-Savoie. Before becoming an internationally renowned resort, Megève was a peaceful mountain village, dominated by pastoral and agricultural activities. The first records of Megève date back to the 13th century, and over the centuries this Savoyard hamlet has forged a strong identity for itself, marked by its farming roots. ALSO READ: Bonneval-sur-Arc: A...
Trail running requires technical footwear suited to rugged terrain. With the constant evolution of equipment, it's essential to choose the pair that best suits your needs. Here, according to Pacing Trail, are the five best trail shoes in 2025, detailing their advantages, disadvantages and key criteria for making the right choice. 1. Altra Lone Peak 8: the natural approach A true icon in the world of trail running, the Altra Lone Peak 8 embodies a natural approach to running. This model stands out for its zero drop, which encourages a fluid, instinctive stride. Its...
Immerse yourself in the heart of Combloux, a picturesque village nestling in the Alps, where tradition and modernity blend harmoniously against the backdrop of Mont Blanc. With a population of 2,000, Combloux is an ideal setting for exploring the mountains in all seasons, with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. This village, first mentioned in 1284, has a rich history, from the granite quarries exploited by Italian granite quarrymen to the first ski runs in the 1930s. LIRE AUSSI: This mountain village is the highest inhabited community in Europe Today, Combloux is a...
From the Galibier to the Ventoux, via the Iseran and the Glandon, the giants of the Alps are getting ready to come out of hibernation. With the return of spring, keen cyclists, seasoned climbers and those interested in touring are gradually returning to their favourite playgrounds. But you still need to know when the roads will be open... Every year, it's the same ritual: keep an eye on the snow heights, scrutinise the departmental road reports and wait - sometimes until summer - before you can climb the passes at an altitude of over 1500 metres. LIRE AUSSI : Méribel, Courchevel, Val Thorens... We already know the...
Perched at an altitude of 1300 metres, Évol is one of the jewels in the crown of the Pyrénées-Orientales, recognised as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. This medieval hamlet, which is part of the commune of Olette, boasts shale walls and lauze roofs.
Situated between Geneva, Annecy and Chamonix, the Môle & Brasses region is much more than just a summer destination. It's a haven on a human scale, where nature, history and conviviality combine to offer an unforgettable holiday. Here are 5 reasons to choose Môle & Brasses this summer. 1. A life-size playground for the adventurous Between plains and summits, Môle & Brasses offers a diversity of landscapes ideal for outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for family or sporting hikes, mountain bike trails, electric bike rides, canoe-trekking or fishing on Lac du Môle, there's something for everyone...
Whether you're a road enthusiast, a mountain bike fan, a gravel enthusiast or just a fan of gentle rides, Bourg-Saint-Maurice - Les Arcs is THE summer playground for two-wheeled enthusiasts. READ ALSO: Mountain biking: 10 must-see bike parks to try out in our resorts this summer Between must-see events and adventures in the great outdoors, the Haute-Tarentaise has a summer full of cycling, where sport, pleasure and discovery come together. The major cycling events of summer 2025 La Roselende - 25 May A legendary climb, with no time limit and no pressure. From Bourg-Saint-Maurice or Beaufort, cyclists will climb the...
Nestling in the Ubaye valley, Barcelonnette is a small town in the Southern Alps with a surprisingly unique heritage: a surprising link with Mexico. This charming town attracts many visitors every year, intrigued by its unique history and atypical cultural influences. With its combination of majestic mountains and Mexican traditions, Barcelonnette is a must-see destination for the curious and mountain-lovers alike. READ ALSO: This mountain village is the highest inhabited commune in Europe The history of the commune began in the 19th century, when many of the inhabitants of the Ubaye valley emigrated to...
With 20% of French holidaymakers on a summer break in Savoie Mont Blanc taking part in a wellness activity, we have identified six spa towns that are well worth a visit to reinvigorate yourself.
In summer, Courchevel also becomes a haven for gourmets. For the first time, several of the resort's emblematic establishments, usually closed in summer, have decided to extend the pleasure by opening their doors all summer long. A godsend for holidaymakers looking for culinary experiences in an exceptional setting. Asia at altitude with the Asian Chalets From 1 July, palate travellers will be able to embark on a single ticket to Asia without leaving the Alps. The Asian Chalet 1850 and Asian Chalet 1650, set out on two levels of the resort, promise an immersion in the flavours of...
Would you like to recharge your batteries with traditional French cuisine 100% homemade? In the heart of the forest, traditional French cuisine can be enjoyed just like at home at the Chalet du Bresson (La Plagne Tarentaise). Perched in the heart of a peaceful forest, the Chalet du Bresson tells a simple and warm story, that of a refuge turned gourmet restaurant. ALSO READ: Christopher Diericx: "Promoting spring skiing at La Plagne" Nestling in the greenery, this chalet, completely renovated by the commune of La Plagne Tarentaise, is now a place apart, a blend of authenticity and modernity, taken over by three friends...
One of the most beautiful villages in France", Bonneval-sur-Arc is a veritable tableau vivant, where every street seems to tell a story.
To meet the growing demand from people looking for activities that are more in tune with nature and the living world, particularly to reduce stress, the Courchevel resort has created and inaugurated in 2023 the "sentier des contemplations" (contemplation trail), focusing on well-being, meditation and yoga.
The Via 3 Vallées project is the stuff of dreams for cyclists and mountain enthusiasts alike. This ambitious initiative, aimed at linking the main resorts in the 3 Valleys by roads entirely dedicated to cycling, is gradually making headway. But how far have we really got? As Gilles Leonard, Director of Méribel Tourisme, points out, mountain biking is gaining in popularity, whether it's road cycling or mountain biking. "We're thinking about a complete cycling circuit in the 3 Valleys. It's a serious project that we're working on", he recently told us....
Do you have the soul of a tireless explorer, always ready to push back your limits? In Les Arcs, summer is a huge playground for those who want to move, vibrate and marvel endlessly. Here's our selection of 5 must-do activities for a 100 % active holiday in the Haute Tarentaise. ALSO READ: Want to spend your holidays in the mountains? Here are the main events for summer 2025 in our resorts 1. Cycle touring: freewheeling in the mountains Here, cycling is king, and all its disciplines have pride of place. Whether you're a mountain biker or...
This summer, discover the mountains as you've never seen them before. Between animal encounters, contemplative hikes, pastoral gastronomy and educational farms, Orcières and the surrounding area reveal an authentic and unexpected mountain world. Here are five ideas for unusual experiences for young and old. 1. watch the marmots at dusk at Prapic As the sun goes down and the light becomes soft, the marmots emerge from their burrows. Accompanied by a nature guide, set off on a walk from the village of Prapic to catch a glimpse of these emblematic little rodents. An immersive outing to discover the biodiversity of the Écrins, which...
From legendary trails to high-altitude festivals, Chamonix Mont-Blanc is establishing itself as one of the summer capitals of the French Alps. Sport, culture, nature, photography, science and music: the 2025 season promises to be more vibrant than ever. Here's a round-up of the highlights not to be missed. ALSO READ: Chamonix: mountain activities, highlights, restaurants, hotels... What to do this summer in the Mont Blanc Valley? 1. Chamonix Film Festival - From 10 to 16 June To open the season, the Chamonix Film Festival returns for a 5th edition dedicated to mountain, adventure and wide open spaces enthusiasts. Screenings, meetings...