Close your eyes and imagine a postcard: the mountain, the sun and the cows grazing peacefully… are you there? Beaufortain, with its strong character, is ideal for a family getaway, between sport and relaxation. Only 2 hours 15 minutes from Lyon, treat yourself to a breathtaking view of Mont-Blanc and the Savoy peaks.
To reconnect with certain mountain traditions, it is not necessary to convert back into a solitary shepherd… There are many alpine farms and each one adds a stone to the building of life at altitude. And at a time when short circuits are on the rise, visiting a farm is an authentic, ecological and free activity.
The farmers of Arêches-Beaufort will be delighted to present to the most curious their profession and the activities that punctuate their days. For some visits, it will even be possible to participate in the milking of animals. And to end this experience in style, the cheese tastings are a real moment of joy!
Impossible to present Beaufortain without the star of these mountains: Beaufort. This fruity, subtle cheese with a light golden color, delights the palate of gourmets. Whoever has tasted it knows that it is worth the detour.
If you are joining Arêches, stop at Beaufort. A few switchbacks below the small family resort, Beaufort is home to the dairy. The dairy cooperative was born in the 1960s in the midst of an agricultural crisis. The farmers then come together to promote their cheese, which they know is an exceptional product. Between modernization of techniques and respect for traditions, the cooperative even obtains the precious key to success: the Beaufort appellation of origin. Today, some 180 farmers bring their milk to the cooperative, and a quarter of the national production passes through the doors of the dairy each year, or more than 30,000 wheels per year.
To learn all about this characterful cheese, several circuits are offered, including one free. The museum-type route invites visitors to put themselves in the shoes of farmers with the help of interactive modules. If you are really very curious, you can enjoy a tour of the cellars, the showing of a film and the tasting of the precious cheese. Remember to organize your visit in advance by contacting the cooperative directly.
Beaufort cooperative – 1 to 4.5 euros for visits, 5 euros for educational workshops for the youngest.
www.cooperative-de-beaufort.com – 04 79 38 33 62
When traveling the mountain, lakes and dams are among the most spectacular landscapes. From Arêches-Beaufort, you can easily access a dozen of them on foot, by bike or by car.
The great Roselend dam is known to be one of the most beautiful in Savoy. Its turquoise waters which sleep quietly impress more than a walker. Located at 1,557 meters above sea level, it is accessible by a 4-hour hike around the lake. The opportunity to meet the cows of the Tarine breed which graze peacefully on the trails.
Once there, the summits are revealed: look up and contemplate the rock of the Wind, the Aiguille du Grand Fond and the famous Pierra Menta.
At the same altitude, the Saint-Guérin dam offers, in addition to a beautiful family hike, a Nepalese footbridge 83 meters long. At more than 20 meters in height, cross the lake by joining one of the two banks. The walk is accessible to people with reduced mobility and strollers.
These large tropical-colored lakes are the best known, but if you are more fond of wild nooks and more intimate lakes, get the topoguides at the tourist office, or opt for a ride with a mountain guide who will trace the paths for you.
With more than 500 kilometers of trails, Arêches-Beaufort offers a multitude of possibilities to discover the most beautiful summits of Beaufortain.
UTB, Pierra Menta… If these names resonate in your ears, it is because you are a trail junkie and the Beaufortain offers endless possibilities to all-terrain runners. 13 different routes have been marked out by professionals. In total, 180 kilometers of trails await both experienced and curious people who want to try their hand at trail running with small loops designed especially for beginners or children.
But before setting off to attack the mountain and its valleys, start with a training session at the Marcôt stadium which offers so-called “dry” climbs but also a cardio course and specific modules for different exercises.
Between two trails, if your muscles still allow it, other activities such as mountain biking, canoeing, tree climbing or even fishing are possible to enjoy this magnificent territory. And if you are not yet satisfied, go to via cordata de la Marzellaz. Thanks to a fun course, you can try your hand at climbing in a facilitated version of the via ferrata for an hour. And, who knows, maybe you will find the desire to storm the most beautiful summits of Beaufortain?
Marcôt cardio trail training area – Free access. www.areches-beaufort.com
With 2,000 inhabitants a year, Arêches-Beaufort is a small family village ideal for recharging your batteries. The Marcôt leisure center offers activities, beaches and sunny terraces. Around its pond, young and old can enjoy archery workshops, mini-golf, inflatable structures or even one of the seven trampolines.
To reconnect with traditions, the association “Les Coteaux du Salin” invites visitors to discover three centuries of rural life in Savoy. Several thousand typically Savoyard objects are preciously exhibited in the museum-village. A journey back in time to meet the Savoyard workers renowned for their iron will. This discovery of the tools of yesteryear and the encounter with the fauna and flora that inhabit the mountainsides ends with a tasting of Savoy wines.
Marcôt leisure center – Free access, paid activities on site, from 3 euros.
Museum-village – 10 euros, free for children under 16.
1992, France shines on televisions around the world by hosting the prestigious Winter Olympics. For the most enthusiastic, the memory is still so vivid. And in Albertville, home to athletes from all over the world, the vestiges of sports competitions are far from being erased.
The Olympic Hall, located in the heart of Albertville, brings together the tourist center and especially the Tremplin 92, a huge space of 500 m2 inaugurated in 2019. Virtual reality, sound showers, olfactory modules … All the senses are involved in relive the few days of February 1992 that made Savoy vibrate.
The large permanent exhibition retraces the prowess of sportsmen but, through this modern and interactive museum, visitors are also invited to discover the Savoyard territory. Paragliding over Beaufortain, visit of Pierra Menta or Conflans… The Olympic Games have drained in this already sporting territory a mad desire to discover the places while playing sports.
Olympic Hall – 15, avenue de Winnenden, Albertville – 04 79 39 02 10 – 6 or 4 euros, free for children under 12.
The event: 10th stage of the Tour de France 2021. Departure on July 6 for 186 km towards Valence.
Albertville is also a land of older history. On the mountainside, the small district of Conflans is a medieval jewel not to be missed. Located on the other side of the Arly river, the small town is an invitation to the imagination. To discover it, you will have to leave your vehicle below, because many streets are pedestrianized, which makes the visit even more pleasant.
Perched in the heights, the buildings which outline the district of Conflans reveal a breathtaking view of the peaks along the alleys. Remember to look up so as not to miss the wrought iron signs. In the central square, the Maison Rouge hosts within its walls the Museum of Art and History of Savoy and Albertville. On leaving, let yourself be carried away by the stroll and discover the many small stalls and shops that animate this medieval quarter.
• Self-guided tour of Beaufortain
From June 24 to September 16, 2021.
This itinerant hike in the heart of Beaufortain without accompaniment will seduce walkers, with the key to immersion in an authentic massif and sumptuous panoramas of Mont-Blanc! The stay includes accommodation, breakfasts (from the 2nd to the 6th day), dinners (from the 1st to the 5th day), luggage transfer (optional) and the journey log.
Prices: from 668 € / pers. half board. Information and reservation: www.espace-evasion.fr
• Croc’Local – Local producers’ store in Beaufortain
You will find the essentials to concoct good meals from local Beaufortain and Savoy farming – 06 79 88 60 03 – www.croc-local.fr
• Le Boetet – New caterer located in Arêches, at the hotel les Ancolies – 04 79 10 84 51 – www.le-boetet.com
• Le Bus Givré food truck in Beaufort – On the spot or to take away, refresh yourself with a cone or a cup of homemade ice cream! Waffles, beers, organic softs, focaccias, sandwiches, hotdogs, salads… Upstairs, Le Bus offers artisanal products for sale: soaps, cream, vegetable candles, clothes… Information: 06 78 86 09 00
• Chalet Les 9 Névés – 06 58 28 35 48 – www.les9neves.fr
• Chalet du Bersend – 06 73 05 64 53 – www.chaletdubersend.com
• Hotel Les Ancolies – 04 79 38 10 67 – www.hotel-les-ancolies.com
• Gîte du Plan Maya – 06 08 46 03 10 – www.refuge-mya.com
• Plan de la Laie refuge – 04 79 89 07 78 – www.chaletplandelalai.ffcam.fr
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