Tilby Vattard
Drone view Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne valley
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Coeur de Maurienne
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Saint-Jean-de-MaurienneA town in the mountains
Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne is located in the heart of the Maurienne valley, the southernmost of Savoie’s great transverse valleys.
Long before big industry made the valley one of the major centres for aluminium production, it was home to a host of small trades. It was here that Joseph Opinel developed the famous knife that is now known the world over.
Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne is the gateway between France and Italy, at the foot of the greatest Alpine passes, the Sybelles® ski area and the Vanoise National Park, and has more than enough to attract nature and sports enthusiasts. It is an ideal starting point for the Croix-de-Fer, Télégraphe, Galibier, Glandon and Madeleine passes.
Albiez-MontrondThe pearl of the Alps
Nestling on a sunny plateau overlooking the Maurienne valley, Albiez-Montrond is the epitome of an unspoilt village resort. Facing the grandiose panorama of the Aiguilles d’Arves, this natural balcony offers a gentle interlude in the heart of the Savoyard Alps.
Long before it became a popular destination for family tourism, Albiez forged its identity in mountain farming and local legends. It’s here, in this picture-postcard setting, that the soul of an area that has managed to retain its pastoral character while opening up to the pleasures of skiing and hiking is to be found.
Les BottièresThe secret door of Les Sybelles
A veritable jewel box of serenity suspended above Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Les Bottières is the village resort par excellence for those looking to combine absolute calm with great skiing. Situated at an altitude of 1300 metres, this ‘natural’ gateway to the Sybelles® ski area offers an intimate setting where wooden chalets blend into a forest of fir trees.
Before it became a haven for authentic mountain lovers, this slope was the secret garden of the Alpine pastures of the Maurienne. Today, the resort has managed to preserve this discreet charm, away from the crowds, while offering direct access to one of France’s largest ski areas.
The villages
Albiez-le-Jeune
From Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and Villargondran, wind your way through more than 50 switchbacks plunged into a wild alpine forest. This confidential and little-travelled route will take you to Albiez-le-Jeune, a little haven of peace on a sunny plateau facing the Aiguilles d’Arves and the Arvan valley.
This authentic village is home to many small producers of cheese, honey and other mountain produce, and has a population of around 150 who have chosen to settle here and adopt a lifestyle closer to the land.
Jarrier
Jarrier is located on the south-east balcony of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, at an altitude of between 760m and 2,143m, with the Grand Châtelard peak as its highest point. A typical Maurienne village, you’ll be surprised by the myriad of small hamlets that surround it: 27 hamlets organised around ovens, chapels and oratories!
An ideal place to recharge your batteries and take full advantage of the peace and quiet of the mountains, you can walk the many signposted footpaths in the area and admire the leg houses, atypical constructions linked to the specific geology of this area.
La Tour-en-Maurienne
Between Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and the Col du Chaussy, this municipality comprises three villages: Hermillon, Le Châtel and Pontamafrey-Montpascal. These small mountain villages will win you over with their charm and character.
They offer marvellous views over the Arc valley, as well as a host of activities including hiking, climbing and via ferrata. Cycling enthusiasts can take the famous Montvernier lacets from Pontamafrey or the Col du Sapey from Hermillon. And all this facing the Aiguilles d’Arves!
Montvernier
Montvernier lies to the north-west of the town of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. This Maurienne village, comprising a main town and two hamlets, Le Noirey and Montbrunal, lies between 800 and 1,500m above sea level.
To reach this traditional village, take the famous Montvernier winding road. This vertical ascent of 18 switchbacks is one of the most spectacular routes in Savoie.
Saint-Julien-Montdenis
At the foot of the Croix des Têtes, the highest limestone cliff in Europe, the village was famous for its fine crops: vines, almond trees and saffron.
The local history is strongly marked by centuries of continuous slate quarrying, which was exported throughout France and beyond. The ‘Ardoisiers’ trail tells the story of these local people, the village workers who worked this ‘black gold’ in the mines.
Villargondran
Situated 10 minutes from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and at the foot of Albiez-le-Jeune, the village offers magnificent views of the Croix des Têtes. In summer, the Oudins lake welcomes bathers and anglers. It’s the ideal place to cool off in the valley.
The Rosine Perrier museum plunges visitors into the heart of the Resistance, the deportation and the maquis in the Maurienne from 1940 to 1945. The church of Saint-Albain boasts beautiful stained glass windows.
