Summer

Valloire – The Village Built around a 17th century Baroque style church, the reasonably large village of Valloire has managed to retain the charm and authenticity of days gone by with friendly welcoming residents. The resort has kept its traditional feel with buildings blending into their surroundings. The village spreads out across the valley plateau but yet still retains a compact feel. Ideal for families and couples alike, there is plenty to do to keep everyone happy. In the 'Golden Valley', Valloire and its 17 hamlets (including Les Verneys, Les Clots and Les Granges) has 1300 inhabitants and is located between 1400m and 1800m. It is also the largest resort in the Maurienne Valley. In Valloire there is a good selection of bars, discos (although generally nightlife is low key) and shops providing a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. Restaurants will suit all tastes and budgets and range from the much-praised 'Le Gastilleur' to the cosy Crêperie and there are enough shops to cater for most tastes. The resort also has an ice rink, bowling  alley and fitness centre. Alternatively visit a working farm in Valloire to buy the local Beaufort cheese or try spotting the chamois on snowshoe outings, go parapenting or try a microlight flight. Children are catered for in the crèche or kids clubs. The pretty village lies between the mythical Télégraphe and Galbier passes. The Galibier Pass is the natural frontier between the south and north Alps. It has been made famous thanks to the Tour de France. You can admire other summits such as ‘Aiguille d’Arves’ and see the ibexes. Also not far from here are the national parks of ‘la Vanoise’ and ‘les Ecrins’. At the foot of the famous Galibier Pass, Valloire is accessed via the motorway exit and TGV station at St Michel deMaurienne (17km and 4 hrs from Paris by train).