Val Thorens (Northern Alps) - Located in the Vallée des Belleville, this is the world's leading winter sports destination, with 600,000 visitors between November and May, Val ThorensThe town of Les Menuires, like Les Menuires and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, also has a lot to offer summer holidaymakers. Here's the proof!
What's new
One of the new features of this event is the soapbox races. The Val Thorens and Les Menuires Sports Clubs are organising three soapbox races in the form of a championship. Three dates, three venues, three races, with a classification for each race and an overall classification.
The good news is that 10-13 year-olds will have their own race, so they can do what the grown-ups do! And because after the effort, it's always time for comfort, there will be a barbecue and entertainment at each stage. See you on 30 June in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, 14 July in Les Menuires and 11 August in Val Thorens. Information and bookings from the Les Menuires and Val Thorens Sports Clubs.
- Rates from 6 euros
Outdoor activities
Water in all its forms
Because water is a rare, precious and fundamental natural resource in the mountains, it's important to preserve it and make it safe. La Vallée des Belleville is offering two water-related events, including one in Val Thorens.
The "Glacier" activity will tell you all about the life of a glacier, its different shapes and the resulting relief. The meeting point is at the Lac de Tête Ronde in Val Thorens.
- Rates free of charge
The Kids Survivor programme
When Koh-Lanta comes to the mountains... Tailor-made for young adventurers aged 8 and over, this mini one-day survival course in the heart of nature, departing from Les Menuires, a nearby resort, gives them the keys to becoming real mountain pros!
On the programme: finding your way around, building a shelter, lighting a fire, learning about edible plants and, of course, first aid. For more information, contact the Vallée des Belleville Guides and Companions Office on 04 69 96 55 15.
- Price : 40 euros for children
Pedalling on the Via 3 Vallées, the royal road
This 34-kilometre tarmac cycle route criss-crosses the mountains from Courchevel to Val Thorens, passing through Méribel and Val Thorens. Les Menuires. Accessible since 2022 to both families on electric bikes and accomplished sports cyclists, it is dedicated exclusively to cyclists and remains off the beaten track.
Although it takes in a few stretches of road, most of it remains on the mountain, winding through meadows. It's the perfect opportunity to take a breath of fresh air in complete tranquillity, while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
- Rates free of charge
Events not to be missed
The Val Tho Summit Games
This year, from 2 to 4 August, it's time for the 9th edition of the Val Tho Summit Games! If you're a trail enthusiast, don your trainers and get ready for a packed programme of sport and fun.
Whether it's a vertical kilometre, a 10-kilometre, 20-kilometre or 42-kilometre race, there's something for everyone, even the little ones, with a race just for them. And families won't be left out either, with the Family Fun Marche, a fun and tasty walk with a host of activities just for them.
- Price : from 6 euros
Craft Beer Festival
For those of you with a passion for moss, on 26 and 27 July, a festive and popular rendezvous awaits you in the neighbouring resort of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville.
On the Craft Beer Festival programme: a brewers' exhibition bringing together around ten professionals from the region, brewing demonstrations, a competition for the "Best Beer of the Beer Festival 2024", fun and educational workshops to discover how beer is made, tastings... Not forgetting the guinguette evening followed by a concert on the Friday evening and a musical evening with a concert and DJ on the Saturday evening.
- Prices: not communicated
Unique dinner concert at La Bouitte
Foodies and music lovers be sure to put the date of 2 August in your diary.
As part of the Tarentaise Baroque Festival, an exceptional dinner concert is being organised at La Bouitte, a 2-star Michelin Guide restaurant. Behind the scenes, a musical, culinary and oenological journey is being prepared. When the different arts merge, the pleasure can't help but be multiplied tenfold!
Price : from 420 euros per evening
Our favourite : bivouac in a Mini Countryman
With family or friends, it's a unique experience. Climb aboard a Mini Countryman and spend the night under the stars.
Equipped with a roof tent and all the camping gear you need, you'll head off to the banks of Lake Tête de Ronde for a sunset barbecue with a magnificent view of Val Thorens and the peaks. It's a convivial experience for both novice adventurers and seasoned adventurers.
- Price : free of charge but reserved for Val Thorens Club members on registration
Where to stay in Val Thorens?
Le Val Thorens hotel
Why not treat yourself to a night in a legendary hotel? One of the very first hotels in the resort, the views are breathtaking, and your stay promises to be as vibrant as it is soothing.
Wood-panelled walls, woollen drapes, cosy velvet... The rooms invite you to relax, as do the spa and swimming pool, which will complete your stay at this 4-star hotel.
- Rates Around 250 euros per night in July
- Address : place de L'église, 73440 Val Thorens
- Contact : 04 79 00 04 33
The Machu Pichu residence
The Pierre et Vacances residence "Le Macchu Pichu" invites you on a 100% nature holiday just 600 metres from the heart of Val Thorens.
With its spa and jacuzzi, you can enjoy a moment of relaxation after a busy day. Practical: there's a grocery shop on site.
- Rates Prices: expect to pay around a hundred euros a night in June
- Address : rue du Soleil, 73440 Val Thorens
- Contact : 04 69 96 04 04
Le Chamois d'Or residence
For travellers looking for independence and good deals, this 3-star tourist residence is perfect.
Located in the centre of the Val Thorens resort and a stone's throw from the shops in the Galerie de Caron, it offers studios and flats ranging from 20 m² to 70 m², for two to six people, with balconies and uninterrupted mountain views, at very reasonable prices. Quite simply, it's the ideal place for families and friends.
- Rates A studio apartment for two nights from 160 euros in July
- Address : rue du Soleil, 73440 Val Thorens, France
- Contact : 04 79 01 34 34
Where to eat in Val Thorens?
Le Chamois d'Or
Ideally located, the Le Chamois d'Or restaurant will delight your taste buds with its mountain specialities, served in a warm, rustic setting inside or on its sunny terrace.
Good to know, the restaurant has enough space to accommodate groups, and a 7-day half-board option and a 7-dinner option are also available on reservation.
- Rates The house speciality, creamy tartiflette, costs 25 euros.
- Address : rue du Soleil, Val Thorens, 73440 Les Belleville
- Contact : 04 79 00 08 79
Le Rendez-Vous
With its warm atmosphere, Le Rendez-Vous is THE place to be for a moment of relaxation and gastronomic pleasure. In the morning to enjoy a continental breakfast, at lunchtime and in the evening to discover the Italian and Savoyard specialities on the menu, and after dinner for a drink in the bar area.
In this multi-faceted restaurant, the products are carefully selected, in particular by the Maison's Italian chef and pizza maker, who will take you on a journey from the very first bite. One of his star dishes is paccheri with gorgonzola cream, pear and walnuts. A real treat!
- Rates main course: around 35 euros
- Address Rue du Soleil, 73440 Val Thorens
- Contact : 04 79 00 10 40
Il Gusto
Isn't Italian cuisine the best in the world? If you doubt it, book a table at Il Gusto, located at the entrance to Val Thorens, in the 4-star Oxalys residence. You'll be welcomed by the restaurant's dynamic new team.
She'll be delighted to help you discover our succulent pizzas, Asian cuisine and regional specialities. Bonus: the panoramic south-facing terrace. It's full of vitamin D!
- Rates For the pizzas, expect to pay around twenty euros.
- Address : Résidence l'Oxalys, 73440 Val Thorens
- Contact : 04 79 23 26 58
How do I get to Val Thorens?
- By car
You have two options:
> Access via the Tarentaise: from Albertville, take the N90 towards Moûtiers. Then take exit 40 - St-Jean-de-Belleville / St-Martin-de-Belleville / Les Menuires / Val Thorens and follow the D117 to Val Thorens.
> Access from the Maurienne (Orelle): take the A43 motorway, then exit at junction 29 - St Michel de Maurienne and follow the D1006 towards Orelle.
Val Thorens can also be reached by ski lift from Orelle. This link allows visitors arriving from the Maurienne Valley to reach Val Thorens with their luggage in 45 minutes, via the mythical Cime Caron and its 360° panorama of the Alps.
- By plane
The three nearest airports to the resort are : Chambéry at around 120 kilometres, Grenoble at 190 kilometres, Geneva at 200 kilometres, and Lyon also at 200 kilometres.
- By train
The Moûtiers Salins Brides-les-Bains TGV station is around twenty kilometres from Val Thorens. Shuttle buses run from the Moûtiers bus station to the Vallée des Belleville.
- By bus
The Val Thorens bus station, at Place des Arolles, is open every day during the winter season. It caters for buses, taxis and VTCs to and from Moûtiers - Salins - Brides-les-bains station and the airports of Chambéry, Grenoble, Lyon-Saint-Exupéry and Geneva.
Bus timetable: https://www.valthorens.com/sejour/infos-pratiques/gare-routiere-bus-taxi/
Please note:
> If your accommodation is not available immediately on arrival, luggage storage is located in the bus station, allowing you to wander freely around the resort while you wait to pick up your accommodation.
> The Go Val Thorens platform allows you to create a tailor-made itinerary by combining different forms of transport: trains, planes, buses, shuttles, car hire, taxis and VTCs.
Val Thorens, in brief
Perched at an altitude of 2300 metres, Val Thorens offers pure, invigorating air, synonymous with relaxation and fitness for those who stay here. The landscape? Majestic mountains, sparkling lakes, jagged ridges and flower-filled valleys...
READ MORE: World Ski Awards: French ski resort voted "best resort in the world
For families, friends, clubs or companies, Val Thorens offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the benefits of altitude, with modern sports facilities suitable for everyone. All you have to do is book!