Les Grands Cols: Nature and Adventure in Saint-jean-de-maurienne

Since the esplanade of the chapel, the view on the city of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne is magnificent and we can make a survey on the mountains which surround it. A delightful trail linking Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to Montandré, giving you a bird's eye view of the historic capital of the Maurienne. On this open, easy route, you'll catch a glimpse of the Aiguilles d'Arves and then reach the Montandré chapel, a perfect spot for a relaxing break and a sunny picnic. The area is open to the public and offers a range of facilities for discovering the flora and fauna. What to see / What to know : Every year, during the September 8 pilgrimage, pilgrims gather in front of each oratory before attending an open-air mass in the grounds of the Notre Dame de Montandré chapel.

This exceptional circuit begins with the climb to Albiez-le-Jeune, which includes over 40 hairpins! It continues below the Aiguilles d’Arves and finishes with a steep descent through the Combe des Moulins - where the famous Opinel knife was born. This circuit is nothing other than the combination of routes 17A and 17B. It can be done in both ways.

Departing from Saint-Jean-Maurienne, a young pass in the history of the Tour de France - it only entered in 2015 - but one that will make you sweat and harden your calves like a big man, with its laces of all sizes! You leave Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne from the north, following the course of the Arc. But you soon fork right and set off uphill on the aptly named "Route des lacets". This takes you through a series of playful little bends that almost make you forget the slope. There are hardly any cars, the route is quiet and offers lovely views over the valley. When you reach Montvernier, you can refill your water bottle. Be prepared for a little "ass kicking" before the cliff face. It's an impressive and magnificent place. Catch your breath, because it's not over yet... The climb resumes and there are a few more steep bends before you reach the Col de Chaussy. But here's the final sign! Once you're up there, enjoy the wide-open view of the summits.

A twin to the climb via St. Pancrace, which it joins at Les Bottières. A lovely quiet road to cycle. This variant proposes a less taken road than the classical way in summer season and you will discover the village of Jarrier.

This climb in the foothills of the Lauzière is a good training ride before tackling the Col de la Madeleine. View of the Maurienne Valley and Belledonne Mountains.

The climb through St. Pancrace is the hardest of the three roads to La Toussuire. It is often included in the "Trilogie de Maurienne" race, an annual event based around St. Jean de Maurienne.

This climb exists thanks to a resort that never saw the light of day. As a result, cycloclimbers have inherited a wonderfully peaceful road below the impressive east face of the Croix des Têtes.

Harder than the Croix-de-Fer. A 6.6-km section of the switchbacks has an average gradient of 10.3%. Looking towards the Aiguilles d'Arves, it is easy to see why one of them is called the Tête de Chat (cat’s head).

This route, rather dizzy during the first part, will offer a beautiful view on the Maurienne valley.

This downtown hotel-restaurant, with private parking, welcomes you at the foot of the 24 stations (lockable bike room).

In city center, establishment with 38 rooms, comfortable and warm, existing from 1733 and near all shops and activities. Elevator, air conditioning, free WiFi access... Friendly welcoming. Parking lot for cars / motorcycles and garage for bikes.

Since 1995, the DENIS family welcome you in this former(ancient) relay of diligence situated just a step from the city center. Hotel 2 **(new classification) with 19 rooms any comfort completely renovated since January 2019. Ideally situated in city center for a stopping place on the road of the big passes or for a cultural or sports holiday, it is also a stage towards Italy.

A dream of a cabin at the foot of the mountains... Or the singular experience of a night in an old vineyard house, with only birdsong and the chimes of the nearby cathedral to listen to. This makeshift refuge has been restored in keeping with its original vocation. This vineyard house and its terraced garden invite you to contemplate, and to experience a virtuous stay by offering rustic comfort with its terraces, dry toilets and outdoor solar shower. Just a few minutes' walk from the historic center of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and its prestigious monuments. Refuge Princens is also at the starting point of many hiking trails. It's the ideal pied-à-terre for mountain lovers, whether alone or as a couple, who want to give meaning to their visit to this land steeped in history and nature.

Le Lys Martagon is a spacious, renovated stopover gîte in an atypical house in Albiez-le-Jeune, a small mountain village. Fully furnished, the gîte can accommodate hikers for a stopover, or groups and families on vacation or for a weekend. It comprises on the ground floor : - a living room/kitchen with washing machine and dishwasher - television - free WIFI internet access. - a completely renovated shower room and a separate toilet. On the first floor of lu gîte : Bedroom 1 : 1 bed 140 cm Bedroom 2: 1 bed 140 cm Bedroom 3: 1 bed 140 cm + a single bed Bedroom 4: 3 single beds The apartment's little extra: a mezzanine under the slope, a favorite spot for children... and adults alike, with 80 cm beds and a reading corner. Le Lys Martagon includes a second bathroom and a second independent toilet. Le Lys Martagon also features private parking and a terrace with garden furniture, so you can take full advantage of the panoramic views! Facing the mountains, you'll appreciate the peaceful setting of this apartment, ideal for large families or groups of friends.

At the foot of the Croix des Têtes, Le Lancheton hotel offers spacious, modern, quiet rooms, all built around the tradition of wood, in a typically Savoyard setting, making for a pleasant stay. Seven suites and seventeen rooms among which two accessible to the persons with reduced mobility. Big private parking with green spaces. Terrace or balcony for every accommodation. Premises for bikes. Spacious rooms with heating on the reversible ground. Traditional restaurant and local specialities. Big terrace with magnificent view. Hotel situated at 7km of the departure of the Pass of Galibier and the Pass of the Croix de Fer in a quiet and easily accessible sector.

To add a little sport to your summer vacation, stop off at Lionel Sports, where you can rent: all-terrain electric scooters, tennis, badminton and table tennis rackets, volleyballs, soccer balls and boules!

Situated in the foot of "la Croix des Têtes", the owner of the restaurant and his children welcome you in a warm setting and propose you an original cooking in an artisanal ambiance. Typical restaurant composed of 2 rooms with modern and old style. In one of the two rooms there are more than 100 places, and they can also receive groups, mariage, communions...

Built in the 6th century, rebuilt in the 11th and enlarged in the 15th, the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste features magnificent Gothic walnut choir stalls, all different from one another, as well as a cloister and crypt. Its neo-classical porch was added in 1771 to house the tombs of three of the first princes of the House of Savoy: Humbert aux Blanches Mains (the founder), Amédée "la Queue" and Boniface "le Roland".

This 11th century tower was the bell tower of the Notre-Dame church. In the 15th century, a very large spire at almost 80 meters adorned the bell tower. This part was destroyed by the French revolutionaries in 1794 Part of the Notre-Dame church was damaged during the destruction of its bell tower. The destruction is still visible on the east face. They are now separated by a street. Its condition does not allow it to be opened to the public, however it occasionally hosts exhibitions visible from the windows located at the bottom.

This crypt, where Romanesque art was born, was abandoned in the 15th century. Rediscovered in 1958, it is only accessible during guided tours offered by the Montagnicimes Tourist Office.

Built in 1450 between the canons' refectory and the cathedral, it is a fine example of Gothic art. To access it, enter the Cathedral and, on the left, you'll find a wooden door opening onto the cloister. In summer, its magnificent garden receives a lot of red roses and the tranquillity which reigns make it an ideal place for rest or reading.

The Museum welcomes you all year round to discover the history of the famous Savoyard knife. From the old forge to the filmed presentation of today's workshops, you'll learn all about the evolution of knife-making. In 1890, Joseph Opinel (1872-1960) created the first Opinel knife in the small hamlet of Gévoudaz, near Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. Since 1909, his small pocket knife has been stamped with the La Main Couronnée® trademark, and quickly became a national and international success. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the family business has come a long way! Today, Opinel knives are produced in Chambéry and sold in over 70 countries worldwide. On leaving the museum, discover the boutique where you can have your knives engraved, and enjoy the relaxation area/bar with terrace! The exhibition can be translated into English, Italian and German using QR codes. Tours end 30min before Museum closes.

This chapel was built in the XVIth century by the canon Antoine Poliac. At first this was the Chapl of a small hamlet who burn in 1628. It was rebulit just after the fire. Today the chapel is still used for religious ceremony few time a years. Originally, a chaplain, housed in a building adjacent to the sanctuary, served a small hamlet of around fifteen houses. The hamlet was destroyed by lightning in 1628. The chapel was destroyed and rebuilt a few years later. Sold in 1795 as a national asset and stripped of its furnishings and interior ornaments, the chapel was then used as a barn. Bought back by the clergy in 1820, it housed a new chaplain, who set up a Latin class for around fifteen pupils in the adjacent premises (now demolished). The last custodian of the sanctuary, Victor Mottard, a former page at the Court of the Kings of Piedmont-Sardinia, was buried in the chapel's small cemetery in 1895. The Notre-Dame de Bonne-Nouvelle chapel is still open for worship, but only rarely. The chapel's patron saint's day is March 25, the day of the Annunciation.

In this small museum in the birthplace of resistance fighter Rosine Perrier, you'll discover an exhibition of audiovisual documents and historical artefacts on resistance, deportation and the maquis in the Maurienne from 1940 to 1945. The museum bears the name of its founder: Rosine Perrier Passionate about art and literature, Rosine Perrier was a schoolteacher by trade. Married to Paul Perrier, she actively collaborated with her husband during his electoral terms to rebuild Villargondran after the fire of 1944 and the floods of 1957. After retirement, she devoted herself to her passion: writing. Marked by the German occupation, she collected documents, personal accounts and photos of resistance fighters and deportees, and wrote the historical work "J'appartiens au silence" ("I belong to the silence"). The museum presents information, images and historical exhibits, as well as replicas assembled in three themed rooms. There's also a projection room, where you can listen to testimonies by flashing a QRcode on your mobile phone (Maurienne residents, resistance fighters, women resistance fighters, etc.), and watch the film "La Résistance en Maurienne". Visitors over the age of 14 can also take part in an investigative game entitled "Une maupe dans le réseau" (A mole in the network), in which they take on the role of secret service agents in search of the murderer of a member of a local resistance network. The investigative game is based on an ebook that can be downloaded free of charge from the museum, on phone, tablet or e-reader (based on the "book where you are the hero" principle). Participants can also use the accompanying materials and the museum itself (where clues are hidden).

An ideal spot for swimming (supervised in summer) and resting at the start and finish of several hikes. Located in the leisure area, the lake is close to children's playgrounds, picnic areas, petanque courts and tennis courts. The Albiez-le-Jeune leisure park offers walkers a peaceful place to swim, picnic, play pétanque or tennis, or just relax. Children can enjoy the playground. It's an ideal place to relax in the shade after a hike.

Of the more than one hundred and fifty churches built or rebuilt throughout Savoie between 1815 and 1860, ten were in the Maurienne region, including the first in Albiez-le-Jeune in 1820. Come and discover its interior, decorated by Joachim Maggia. Saint-Germain church was built in the 19th century in a Savoyard neo-classical architectural style. It can be recognized by its simple, sober façade. The church interior is decorated by Joachim Maggia. The dome depicts Saint Germain carried by clouds and accompanied by angels. The nave vault also features the three theological virtues of faith, hope and charity. Finally, on either side of the choir, you'll find four evangelists illustrating Joachim Maggia's art of trompe l'oeil. The altar was financed by Alexis Ducruez and Augustin Ducruet Augustin and made by the Gilarldi brothers. They reused the work of Louis Borrelin (a Baroque sculptor) in a more neo-classical style. Inside, you'll find a number of paintings from the sacristy.

Inside an old mill, built in the traditional village style of leg houses (or columns), discover the restored mill mechanism in operation and all the tools used in the past (loom, saws, planers, etc.).

Come to enjoy this authentic setting where the harmony between the stone and the wood will enchant you. Philippe, restaurateur master, will make you taste traditional and refined dishes, made with fresh products. Philippe Denis, restaurateur master, works essentially with fresh products. The kitchen is traditional, well-kept, sophisticated and simple. You will appreciate the homemade foie gras, the snails of Fontcouverte, Saint Jacques and laughter of Savoy lamb...

A great associative coffee in the center of the village, to have an exchange and convivial time. It's also a point of sale for local and savoyards producers. We'll be happy to chat about the latest film, the book you've been reading, the tomatoes that have caught mildew... We'll offer you a coffee or herbal tea and a convivial moment. And find out more about local producers and artisans, including : - Chalet Magique's engraved handicrafts - Sweet and savoury treats from Crok'Ingnole - Herbal products from Natur'Alpine - Honey from À la Cime du Rucher and other local food products.

The Buddha Plage offers traditional cuisine based on fresh, mostly local ingredients. The snack bar is perfect for a quick lunch, and you can also enjoy the cosy lounge area of the bar. On the restaurant side, you'll find a simple, summery menu featuring mainly fresh, regional produce, following the concept that Emmanuelle and Damien already apply in winter at Buddha Ski. On the bar side, you can spend some quality time in the cosy Bouddha Plage lounge area. On the lake side, there's a beach area where you can rent deckchairs by the day with a view over the lake. On the snack side, you can enjoy a quick lunch at an independent fast-food outlet, offering a different service to the restaurant. As for games, a trampoline area awaits your children to enhance their day at the lake.

A generous cooking, with biologic ans local products, in a warm ambiance. Are you getting peckish after your walk? The "planche du sportif" is serves during the opening of the bar, as ice cream and homemade pastries. If you would like to enjoy the view from the terrace, they propose drinks card, you shouldn't go before having taste the "Kir de la Tuvière" or a local beer "bulle carrée". Vegetarian menu on demand.

Le Grenier, a typical mountain restaurant in an alpine chalet, offers Savoyard specialities with cheeses, the star ingredient of hearty, gourmet local cuisine.

Situated in the foot of "la Croix des Têtes", the owner of the restaurant and his children welcome you in a warm setting and propose you an original cooking in an artisanal ambiance. Typical restaurant composed of 2 rooms with modern and old style. In one of the two rooms there are more than 100 places, and they can also receive groups, mariage, communions...

In the warm mountain atmosphere of our 2 dining rooms or on our sunny terrace, our team welcomes you for a gourmet break at the foot of the slopes. Our menu showcases the generous flavours of Savoie! Special breads and baguettes on order except Thursdays (Hernould bakery). Take away for your evenings: the Savoyard fondue kit!

Traditional restaurant, situated in the delightful village of Montvernier, not far from the famous "lacets de Montvernier". Seb and Gwen propose various menus every week and hope to see you soon! Seb, from Cherbourg in Normandy (the cooker) and Gwen, from St Quentin in Aisne (for the service), just take the restaurant over. The bar / restaurant is open from Wednesdays midday to Sundays midday (include). The service of the Wednesdays evenings is dedicated to the pizzas to take away! (You should call them to reserve your pizzas)

The soul of Albiez somehow, the place to be…together to enjoy a drink or a fondue.

This downtown hotel-restaurant, with private parking, welcomes you at the foot of the 24 stations (lockable bike room).

In city center, establishment with 38 rooms, comfortable and warm, existing from 1733 and near all shops and activities. Elevator, air conditioning, free WiFi access... Friendly welcoming. Parking lot for cars / motorcycles and garage for bikes.

Since 1995, the DENIS family welcome you in this former(ancient) relay of diligence situated just a step from the city center. Hotel 2 **(new classification) with 19 rooms any comfort completely renovated since January 2019. Ideally situated in city center for a stopping place on the road of the big passes or for a cultural or sports holiday, it is also a stage towards Italy.

A dream of a cabin at the foot of the mountains... Or the singular experience of a night in an old vineyard house, with only birdsong and the chimes of the nearby cathedral to listen to. This makeshift refuge has been restored in keeping with its original vocation. This vineyard house and its terraced garden invite you to contemplate, and to experience a virtuous stay by offering rustic comfort with its terraces, dry toilets and outdoor solar shower. Just a few minutes' walk from the historic center of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and its prestigious monuments. Refuge Princens is also at the starting point of many hiking trails. It's the ideal pied-à-terre for mountain lovers, whether alone or as a couple, who want to give meaning to their visit to this land steeped in history and nature.

Set in the heart of nature, this guest house is a fully renovated farmhouse dating from 1898. At an altitude of 1200 m, it's the ideal place to come across a rich fauna of mammals, birds and butterflies. This is an LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux - League for the Protection of Birds) gîte, where everything is done to preserve and maintain biodiversity. In winter, you're sure to spot roe deer in the woods behind the house, foxes on the path and, in summer, squirrels tightrope-walking on tree branches. Make a reservation for our table d'hôtes, and we'll be delighted to share this convivial moment with you. Exchanges with travellers : Discover the village of Albiez and its surroundings, so that your stay is rich in emotions and discoveries. Edith and Vincent are passionate beekeepers, and will be delighted to show you how bees live.

Le Lys Martagon is a spacious, renovated stopover gîte in an atypical house in Albiez-le-Jeune, a small mountain village. Fully furnished, the gîte can accommodate hikers for a stopover, or groups and families on vacation or for a weekend. It comprises on the ground floor : - a living room/kitchen with washing machine and dishwasher - television - free WIFI internet access. - a completely renovated shower room and a separate toilet. On the first floor of lu gîte : Bedroom 1 : 1 bed 140 cm Bedroom 2: 1 bed 140 cm Bedroom 3: 1 bed 140 cm + a single bed Bedroom 4: 3 single beds The apartment's little extra: a mezzanine under the slope, a favorite spot for children... and adults alike, with 80 cm beds and a reading corner. Le Lys Martagon includes a second bathroom and a second independent toilet. Le Lys Martagon also features private parking and a terrace with garden furniture, so you can take full advantage of the panoramic views! Facing the mountains, you'll appreciate the peaceful setting of this apartment, ideal for large families or groups of friends.

At the foot of the Croix des Têtes, Le Lancheton hotel offers spacious, modern, quiet rooms, all built around the tradition of wood, in a typically Savoyard setting, making for a pleasant stay. Seven suites and seventeen rooms among which two accessible to the persons with reduced mobility. Big private parking with green spaces. Terrace or balcony for every accommodation. Premises for bikes. Spacious rooms with heating on the reversible ground. Traditional restaurant and local specialities. Big terrace with magnificent view. Hotel situated at 7km of the departure of the Pass of Galibier and the Pass of the Croix de Fer in a quiet and easily accessible sector.

The Les Contamines motorhome park is located at the entrance to the village, close to a playground, petanque area, shops, restaurants and a shuttle bus stop in winter. It has dirt pitches, toilets and a fountain in summer. The Albiez motorhome park is ideally located at the entrance to the village, next to the Les Contamines recreation area, and is equipped with a drinking water fountain accessible all year round. It is on the route of the free winter shuttle bus (Aire de loisirs stop). In winter, access is cleared of snow. Payment for access to electricity is made at the Mairie during opening hours (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm) by cheque or in cash. Water canisters can be emptied and filled, and access to WCs in winter is possible in the Mairie building during opening hours. From spring to autumn, when there is no longer a risk of frost, WCs are available. For emptying only, there is a grate behind the fountain. Dogs are allowed on a leash.