Excursion from Tignes

You were looking for wide spaces, nature and fresh air for your summer? Even though you made the right (best) choice by coming in our beautiful resort at 2100m high, take the time during your stay to have a look around Tignes and discover more about the area.

Here is a selection of the must see around Tignes !

Located at 1800m high, the village of Val d’Isière is a must see of the Haute Tarentaise valley.

The typical architecture with woods and stones chalets, you will be immerged in a full Savoie atmosphere. For a wonderful experience,

After a walk in the city center, go along the Isère river until the Saint Charles bridge before going up to the Col de l’Iseran, highest road pass of Europe.

Founded in 1817, the Arpin spinning mill is a wool spinning company located in Séez (near Bourg-Saint-Maurice). The spinning mill, which has been awarded the Living Heritage label, uses machines that are listed as historic monuments.

Take a leap back in time and discover an ancestral know-how that has been preserved and perpetuated from generation to generation by the Arpin family.

Made famous by the Tour de France and Criterium du Dauphiné circuits, the Haute Tarentaise is an unmissable playground for cycling enthusiasts. Here’s a short ‘bucket list’ of the must-do passes around Tignes.

So, how many summit selfies can you manage to take during your stay?

The Iseran pass

Europe’s highest road pass, linking the Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys in summer, is on the bucket list of every cyclist looking for a sporting challenge. With a summit perched at 2770m, the Iseran remains quite a challenge, but the view from the summit is more than worth the few cramps in the calves on the way up.

Cormet de Roselend

The gateway to the Beaufortain region, this iconic pass offers breathtaking views of Lac de Roselend and the Mont-Blanc massif at the finish.

The Petit Saint Bernard pass

The tipping point towards Italy, the Col du Petit Saint Bernard lies at an altitude of 2188m. Famous for its hospice founded by Saint Bernard de Menthon (patron saint of mountaineers) in the middle of the eleventh century, it is also popular with amateur and professional cyclists during the summer. It’s the perfect route for enjoying a good pizza… although you’ll need to be able to climb back up afterwards!

This listed site, belonging to the municipality of Saint-Foy-Tarentaise, is a haven of peace with its wooded forests, gullies and streams winding between the stone chalets.

Come and stroll along the narrow streets surrounded by mountain chalets that have retained all their 18th and 19th century charm, and discover all the nature and Savoyard heritage of Le Monal: the fountain and chapel of Saint Clair or Yvette’s production of Sainte Foy marmalade.

If you’re looking for something a little more natural, take one of the many signposted hiking trails with Mont Pourri as a backdrop.

A visit not to be missed, just a 25-minute drive from Tignes!

Situated on the southern slopes of the Iseran pass, this authentic village promises a change of scenery.

Bonneval-sur-Arc’s stone houses with their larch roofs and lauze roofs, surrounded by the Alpine peaks, have earned it a place in the list of France’s most beautiful villages. It was even voted most beautiful village in Savoie 2021!

About an hour and a half’s drive from Tignes, via the famous Col de l’Iseran, this charming village should be on your to-do list for your summer holiday in Tignes.

Roasting in the heart of the Alps? Are we roasting Reblochon now?

No, you’ve got it right, unusual as it may seem, you can visit a Bourg-Saint-Maurice roasting plant! The Or Vert roastery still uses machines dating back to 1935, which are unique in France.

We couldn’t close this list without talking about cheese! If finding a coffee roaster in Savoie is surprising, finding a dairy cooperative is much less so.

To immerse your sense of smell and taste buds in the Alpine pastures, come and visit this authentic cooperative that smells of local produce and Beaufort. The tour is fun, educational and innovative, with videos, interactive animations and virtual reality.

You won’t come away empty-handed!

While you’re no doubt familiar with the region’s reputation for its famous ham, are you aware of its architectural, historical and natural wealth? Located in Italy, just over the Petit Saint Bernard pass, this Alpine region offers an exceptional blend of nature and history.

The town of Aosta

To reduce Aosta to its delicious ham would be to overlook the town’s rich history and architecture. With its rich Roman history, Aosta will take you back to that period in history.

Architecture is also a must in Aosta. Rich in Roman remains, the town is packed with monuments not to be missed. These include the city walls, the Roman theatre, the Arch of Augustus and the Cathedral of Notre Dame de l’Assomption.

A real step back in time in this Roman town at the foot of the Alps, around 2h30 from Tignes.

The typical village of Courmayeur

Come and discover this famous village on the UTMB and Tour du Mont-Blanc route! Situated at the foot of Mont Blanc, Courmayeur has quickly established itself as one of the capitals of mountaineering. Its Alpine architecture and natural setting are sure to delight visitors.

Treat yourself to breathtaking panoramic views and get closer to the summits by taking the Mont Blanc funicular up to an altitude of 3,466 metres!

Located around 1h30 from Tignes, it’s a great way to spend a day on the other side of the Alps.