Hidden heritage trail through the village of Le Praz.
Saint-Bon and Le Praz were the two biggest villages before the Courchevel resort was founded in 1946. Most of the local population still lives here to this day. Saint-Bon, at an altitude of 1100m, is the capital of the area where you’ll find a town hall and parish church. The first hotel, Le Lac Bleu, opened here in 1908. Le Praz, at an altitude of 1300m, was the highest constantly inhabited village until Courchevel’s foundation with which it is linked by ski lifts and pistes. Both villages still have the traditional charm of the mountain setting.
The sole village built on a berm was where some of the most extensive farm work in the area occurred. Nowadays most of its appeal comes from the existence of a natural lake and beautiful spruce forest.
Soak up the age-old village atmosphere as you hunt for the site of the old bread oven on the square which is also home to the chapel devoted to Sainte Marie-Madeleine (15th century and extended in 1697). Don’t forget to stroll along Rue des Beauforts where you’ll find some traditional houses and a former Beaufort maturing cellar.
1 km
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max. 1265 m
min. 1253 m
8 m
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Styles : BaladeDiscovery Public : FamilyOccasional hikersSeniorsAccessible with prams/stroller |
Head for the Le Praz Lake and go past the ski lift terminal!
As the village grew, so did the number of facilities at this natural lake. You’ll find picnic areas with a barbecue here. There is also a Tourist Information kiosk and toilets nearby.
Walk alongside the lake towards the village (you can walk right around it), cross the road and continue straight on to the chapel square (Place de la Chapelle).
Continue straight on from the square then turn right onto Rue des Beauforts. There are still some traditional houses and the relics of a former Beaufort maturing cellar. Walk along the lane to your left to reach Rue de la Culaz. Continue on your right to the crossroads where you’ll find the school (Le Praz educational group). At the intersection continue right onto Allée des Cerisiers then turn right again to get back to Place de la Chapelle.
THE OLYMPIC SKI JUMPING VENUE Le Praz Plateau was chosen to host the ski jump and Nordic combined competitions at the 1992 Albertville Olympic Games. Two ski jumps were built for the occasion: one measuring 120m and the other 90m. Previously there had been a 40m ski jump on this site used for the Grand Prix in the interwar period. The site has now been developed and has two additional 60m and 25m ski jumps and a gym called L’Envolée. -> The annual Ski Jumping World Cup in mid-August.
The village chapel is devoted to Sainte-Marie-Madeleine. It is sometimes open during the day (summer and winter). Inside you can see statues of local saints and an altar made of leather from Córdoba.