When the mountains regain their calm and serenity, it’s time for you to share in their wisdom. Our region welcomes you in a completely different context to offer you the beauty of its nature. Away from the crowds, in spectacular surroundings, this is your chance to reconnect.
This guide gives you an overview of what we can do to make your stay a rewarding experience.
Activities in the Maurienne
In addition to the nature activities on offer in the Montricher Albanne area, the Maurienne Valley has some great things in store for you to discover.
discoveries. From Hurtières to Haute Maurienne, you can learn about the history of the area through a number of museums and activities.
Cultural activities
The valley’s most emblematic museum: the Opinel Museum. Come and retrace the history of the famous knife invented in Albiez. Through permanent and temporary exhibitions, this free museum invites you to understand the major events that have made the Opinel brand what it is today.
If you’re interested in the industrial revolution, come and discover the Aluminium Museum. In 2007, the town hall of Saint Michel de Maurienne opened the Espace Alu, the first and only museum in the world entirely devoted to aluminium.
To keep yourself occupied on chilly autumn nights, you can go to the cinema in Saint Jean de Maurienne. The Cinéma Star offers a rich and varied programme all year round, available at www.cinemastar.fr
The legendary mountain passes by bike or car
There are a thousand and one ways to discover the Maurienne, whether by road bike, electric bike or mountain bike. From legendary mountain passes to secret trails and must-see tours, there’s something for everyone.
More Galibier or Col de la Madeleine?
Take on the famous mountain passes crossed many times by the Tour de France:
> Col d’Albanne (1652m)
> Col du Glandon (1924m)
> Col du Télégraphe (1566m)
> Col de La Croix de Fer (2064m)
> Col du Mollard (1638m)
> Col du Sapey (1306m)
> Col de la Madeleine (1993m)
> Col du Galibier (2642m)
> Col du Mont Cenis (2085m)
> Col de L’Iseran (2764m)
Fancy a day trip to Italy?
Take a day trip by car through the Fréjus Tunnel to discover the mythical city of Turin, its heritage, its narrow streets and its market.
Turin is famous for its refined architecture and gastronomy. Superb Baroque buildings and old cafés line the boulevards and the main squares, such as Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo. Nearby are the soaring spire of the Mole Antonelliana, the Egyptian Museum, the Palaces, etc. Close by are the pedestrian and shopping streets …
Les grands lacs de Savoie
Lac des Hurtières (Saint Alban des Hurtières)
Lake Hurtières, located in Saint Alban, is the perfect place for young and old to spend some quality time together as a family or with friends!
Lac du Bourget (Aix les Bains)
The largest natural lake in France at eighteen kilometres long, Lac du Bourget is surrounded by the Epine massif, Mont du Chat, Chambotte, Mont Revard and the Bauges.
Lac d’Annecy
Lake Annecy is one of the purest in Europe. From the shores of the lake to the turquoise waters so dear to Cézanne, via La Tournette, Le Roc de chère and Le Semnoz, the landscapes are enchanting landscapes.
Family play areas
> Pump Track in Saint Julien Montdenis,
> Skate Park in Saint Jean de Maurienne,
> Play areas for children up to 8 years old in Les Karellis, Montricher, Albanne and Le Bochet,
> Tennis courts at Le Bochet (open all year) and Les Karellis (open until 15 October).
Where to stay in autumn?
Looking for accommodation in the area? Come and discover the different types of accommodation available in Montricher Albanne.
> Montricher
Communal gîtes
The local council has renovated two communal gîtes (two 6-person flats) on the first floor of the former Montricher school. The building is located in the centre of the village, overlooking the Valloirette valley and offering a remarkable panorama.
Bookings can be made at Montricher-Albanne town hall in the village of Le Bochet.
Contact: 04 79 59 61 50 Mondays and Thursdays from 1.30pm to 5pm
Email: montricher.bochet@wanadoo.fr
Albanne
Gîtes du Blanchon and Gîte de l’Ours
Beautiful traditional farmhouse dating from 1860, tastefully renovated in keeping with the local architecture and ‘family home’ atmosphere. Albanne is a charming, typical hamlet, nestling in the heart of an unspoilt natural setting of meadows and forests. South-east facing slope. Very quiet location. Very comfortable. Warm mountain atmosphere. Lots of charm. Ultra cosy.
Exposed terrace. Pleasant little shared garden.
Booking: Gîtes de France 04 58 14 12 12
Local private rental companies
Information by telephone from the Tourist Office on +33 (0)4 79 59 50 36.
Saint Jean de Maurienne
The valley’s main centre, Saint Jean de Maurienne offers a wide range of accommodation.
Information: Montagnicimes Tourist Office
Ancien Evêché, Place de la Cathédrale
73300, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne
+33 (0)4 79 83 51 51
Where to eat?
The nearest restaurants are in Saint Jean de Maurienne, a key town in the valley. It takes around 20 minutes to drive from Montricher, 30 minutes from Albanne and Les Karellis and 10 minutes from Le Bochet.
Le Sun – Restaurant et pizzeria
388 Avenue du Mont-Cenis
73300 Saint Jean de Maurienne
Open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday
04 79 83 17 79
Le Gavroche – Restaurant
44 Pl du marché,
73300 Saint Jean de Maurienne
Open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday inclusive – Open on public holidays
Closed on Mondays
04 79 20 49 30
To find other restaurants, you can contact the Montagnicimes Tourist Office directly
Ancien Evêché, Place de la Cathédrale 73300, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne on +33 (4) 79 83 51 51
A new challenge: soft mobility
If you want to get around the area, remember to use soft mobility: mountain biking or walking.
On foot:
From Albanne, take piste 9 to Les Karellis. You’ll pass by Lac de Pramol, one of the region’s most remarkable sites.
Take the opportunity to walk around it and discover the peat bog.
Then take trail 20 to the village of Montricher.
The paths can be taken in the opposite direction if necessary. Good footwear is essential.
By bike:
From Albanne, take the road towards Les Karellis or Montricher. You’ll pass the Col d’Albanne or Lac de Pramol
which offer great views.
