While the big Alpine resorts attract the crowds every winter, some mountain villages have managed to retain their authenticity and charm of yesteryear. With their stone and wood chalets, picturesque lanes and breathtaking scenery, these villages offer an immersion in Alpine history and culture. Here are ten nuggets not to be missed.
1. Bonneval-sur-Arc, the pearl at the end of the world
Perched at an altitude of over 1,700 metres in the Haute-Maurienne, Bonneval-sur-Arc seems frozen in time. Its stone houses with lauze roofs, cobbled streets and unspoilt atmosphere have earned it a place among the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Here, the history of the Alps is brought to life, particularly in the hamlet of l'Écot, accessible only on foot, with its 12thᵉ century chapel and magnificent scenery.
2. La Grave, the sanctuary for freeriders
At the foot of the majestic Meije massif, La Grave is a paradise for off-piste skiing and mountaineering enthusiasts.. This listed village offers a unique blend of tradition and adventure. With its legendary cable car that climbs up to 3,200 metres, it's the perfect playground for extreme skiers, while retaining a peaceful atmosphere far from the hustle and bustle of the big resorts.
3. Val d'Isère, the jewel of the Alps
World-famous for its exceptional ski area, Val d'Isère has lost none of its charm of yesteryear. Nestling at an altitude of 1,850 metres, this authentic village, with its traditional chalets and Baroque church, attracts winter sports enthusiasts and lovers of magnificent scenery alike. In summer and winter alike, the magic works in this village, which has managed to combine modernity and tradition.
4. Le Grand-Bornand, the soul of the Aravis mountains
Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Aravis mountains, Le Grand-Bornand is a picture-postcard village where the farming tradition is still very much alive. Here, century-old farms are home to the famous farmhouse Reblochon cheese. With its well-preserved architecture, warm atmosphere and bountiful natural surroundings, this village appeals to visitors in search of authenticity and a gentle way of life.
5. Abondance, cheese and heritage
In the valley of the same name, Abondance is a village with an evocative name, synonymous with natural and gastronomic riches. Famous for its PDO cheese, this charming Savoyard village is also home to a remarkable historical heritage, with its 12th-century abbey and narrow streets full of character.
6. Pralognan-la-Vanoise, a haven for nature lovers
Nestling in the heart of the Vanoise National Park, Pralognan-la-Vanoise is a prime destination for lovers of unspoilt mountain scenery. The birthplace of French mountaineering, the village has a spectacular setting, unspoilt landscapes and deep-rooted traditions. Here, nature reigns supreme, and each season offers its own set of wonders.
7. Samoëns, a treasure trove of history and mountains
Listed as a Pays d'Art et d'Histoire site, Samoëns is a unique village. Unlike traditional resorts, it is distinguished by its rich heritage, inherited from the local stonemasons. With its period chalets, fountains and peaceful atmosphere, it offers a charming alternative to the major resorts of the Grand Massif.
8. Courchevel, from luxury to authenticity
Courchevel is often associated with glamour and luxury, but it's nonetheless a mountain village full of charm. From Courchevel-Le Praz (1,300 m), steeped in Savoyard tradition, to Courchevel 1850, the temple of refinement, each altitude reveals a different facet of Courchevel. this iconic 3 Vallées resort.
9. Valmorel, a village resort on a human scale
With its harmonious architecture of stone, wood and lauze, Valmorel has a warm, authentic feel. There's no concrete or tall buildings here: the village blends in perfectly with its natural surroundings, on the edge of the Cheval Noir massif. An ideal destination for a gentle immersion in the pleasures of the mountains.
10. Chamonix, the capital of mountaineering
The historic birthplace of mountaineering and a legendary resort at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is a village where tradition and high mountains meet. With its lively centre, Savoyard chalets and spectacular views of the peaks, it's a magical place to be in any season. A meeting place for adventurers from all over the world, Cham embodies the mountain spirit in all its splendour.
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