Nature and landscapes
Mountain villages - 9 resorts with authentic charm!
Small cottages clustered in hamlets, peaks as fascinating as they are impressive, doll’s villages… The French mountains are full of villages, each more characteristic than the last, with undeniable charm and authenticity. A legacy of the past, these destinations offer a real journey back in time and tradition.
We take you on a tour of France’s authentic mountain villages!
Charming village
#1 – Saint Martin de Belleville
This small village in the Belleville valley, with its many hamlets, has kept traces of its pastoral traditions while modernising to become one of the top-of-the-range gateways to the 600km of pistes in the 3 Vallées ski area.
In days gone by, the narrow streets served the stone farmhouses and stables. Today, these buildings have kept their soul and given life to cosy, upmarket addresses that set Saint Martin de Belleville apart from the other villages in the valley.
The address not to be missed: La Bouitte, a 5-star hotel with a Michelin three-star restaurant.
A little jewel facing Mont Pourri
#2 – Sainte Foy Tarentaise
Sainte Foy Tarentaise is a young resort, yet a village that has been alive and well for many years. It stands out for its chalet atmosphere and its hamlets that look like doll’s villages.
Here, nature meets simple luxury, with chalets built in the traditional style of stone, wood and lauze, and houses with columns. And if you want to discover its best-kept secret, head for the Vallon du Clou, a natural site listed in 2013, to marvel at the Monal, a legacy of the Tarentaise pastoral tradition. A real little gem facing Mont Pourri.
Don’t miss: Chez Mérie, in the tiny hamlet of Le Miroir, a cosy, confidential address.
Breathtaking views of Mont Blanc
#3 – Combloux
With its baroque bell tower and breathtaking view of Mont Blanc, Combloux is an emblematic village in Haute-Savoie.
Here, farms are ubiquitous, and many farmers still work in the village. It is also linked to the Portes du Mont Blanc ski area, a sign of its modernity, and boasts an exceptional panorama of the Mont Blanc range, perfect for lovers of postcard photos.
With its Family Plus status, the resort is ideal for a family holiday.
Cocoon of authenticity
#4 – Les Houches
A visit to Les Houches means plunging into the intimacy of a village at the foot of the giant Mont Blanc that is the stuff of dreams for so many enthusiasts.
Despite its proximity to Chamonix, the village resort is still a cocoon of authenticity, synonymous with a successful mountain experience. In addition to its confidential nature, the village offers exceptional panoramic views.
Postcard village
#5 – Villard de Lans-Corrençon
Nestling on the Vercors plateau, with its hamlets spread out on either side, Villard de Lans-Corrençon is a real picture-postcard village.
The traditional dwellings are home to a host of charming accommodation in listed localities such as Les Pouteils, Les Guillets…
In the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees
#6 – Les Angles
In the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees, the pretty village of Les Angles takes on the air of a lost kingdom.
Perched on a hill, with the remains of an ancient castle, and overlooking Lac de Matemale, the charm of this old Catalan village is working!
The best part? The slopes reach the foot of the bell tower and offer a splendid view of the Capcir plateau.
Haute-Maurienne jewel
#7 – Bonneval-sur-Arc
There’s no need to introduce this little jewel of the Haute-Maurienne, already listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, which is regularly in the news for its heavy snowfalls.
With its stone-built cottages and lauze roofs, everything here is done with respect for tradition.
And what about its exceptional setting? At the foot of the glaciers and overlooked by numerous peaks, you can take the opportunity to visit the unmissable hamlet of l’Ecot.
Near the Ecrins National Park
#8 – Serre Chevalier
Close to the Ecrins National Park, in the Southern Alps, Serre-Chevalier is made up of a town, Briançon, and 3 main villages: St Chaffrey-Chantemerle, Le Monêtier les Bains and La Salle les Alpes – Villeneuve, surrounded by hamlets.
Each village has preserved its traditional soul and charming atmosphere with its old chalets. With 250km of pistes, Serre Chevalier offers an exceptional skiing playground.
On the edge of the Mercantour Park
#9 – Val d’Allos
Comprising two ski resorts (La Foux and Le Seignus) and a traditional village, this destination is dressed in the typical garb of a mountain village in the Southern Alps (in the Alpes de Haute Provence), with the added bonus of Mediterranean vegetation!
Nestling at an altitude of 1400m, on the edge of the Mercantour Park and with the Family Plus label, it’s the ideal destination for young and old alike.
