The Maurienne Valley, in the heart of the French Alps, is perfect for a whole range of Alpine adventures and activities.
Summer
The
outstanding surrounding scenery offers superb walking opportunities in summer,
with spectacular displays of wild flowers, crystal clear lakes, forests and
beautiful clear mountain air. The rugged and varied nature of the terrain here
means that you can walk through pine forests, alpine meadows and high
mountainous areas whilst taking in the abundant wildlife.
The
Maurienne Valley, with its multitude of cols and climbs, is also a cyclist’s
paradise and features every year in the mountain stages of the Tour de
France. The region has some of the most scenic and challenging cycle rides
in France, ranging from the glacial heights of the Col de l’Iseran, one of the
most famous cols in the world of cycling climbs, to the stunning Lacets du
Montvernier's 18 hairpin bends.
Other
summer activities include: swimming lake with beach 5 minutes away,
mountain biking, horse riding, rock climbing and via ferrata.
Winter
There are
22 ski resorts in the Maurienne Valley, many of them family-friendly with great
slopes and prices. The 3-Valleys Express from Orelle, 25 minutes away, links to the world's largest ski
area (including Méribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens) with a maximum altitude of
3230m, guaranteeing snow.
Other
resorts within approximately 30 minutes are Saint
François Longchamp and the quaint Saint Colomban Des Villards, part
of Les Sybelles area, which links half a dozen
villages by 310km of piste and is ideal for beginners and intermediates.
The Maurienne also offers outstanding off-piste
opportunities. Maurienne Hors Piste has supremely qualified
mountain guides who guarantee to find you the best powder in the valley.
Click here to see what The Telegraph had to
say about "refreshingly affordable skiing" in this area.
