Where is the Cœur des Bauges?

Between Savoie and Haute-Savoie, 20 minutes from Chambéry, Annecy or Aix-les-Bains.

Is it possible to visit all 14 villages in a single trip?

Yes, they’re close to one another. Allow several days to make the most of them.

Are there any activities for children?

Of course! Tubing, easy walks, nature workshops, swimming, fun tours… pop into your nearest tourist information office for more information.

Do you need to be an expert to visit the Geopark?

Yes! Signposted trails, information boards and enthusiastic guides are on hand to help you.

A mountain to explore The heart of the Bauges and its 14 villages

Imagine a region where nature, authenticity and the good life blend together seamlessly. Welcome to the Heart of the Bauges, a collection of 14 charming villages nestled between Lakes Annecy and Bourget, just a few minutes from Chambéry, Aix-les-Bains, Annecy or Albertville. This unique region, at once hidden away yet welcoming, is best explored step by step, season after season, as you discover a mountain range on a human scale.

Chambery Carte Coeur Des Bauges Pnghd

14 villages

A living heritage

Aillon-le-Jeune, Aillon-le-Vieux, Arith, Bellecombe-en-Bauges, Le Châtelard, La Compôte, Doucy-en-Bauges, École, Jarsy, Lescheraines, La Motte-en-Bauges, Le Noyer, Saint-François-de-Sales and Sainte-Reine: all these villages in the Bauges region embody the spirit of the mountains.

Their architecture, simple and harmonious, is rooted in the rural heritage: stone houses topped with slate or wooden shingles, balconies known as ‘tavalans’, small barns in the meadows, bread ovens, hamlet chapels… Every detail tells a story. Here, heritage is a way of life.

Take the time to stroll through the narrow streets of Le Châtelard with their pastel-coloured façades, to admire the historic shopfronts of Saint-François-de-Sales, or to visit the church at École with its 16th-century Pietà. In Jarsy, the church will surprise you with its grandeur: it’s nicknamed the ‘Cathedral of the Bauges’. Along the footpaths, you can also discover the dry-stone walls of the Arclusaz mountain pastures, true testaments to mountain ingenuity.

Discover

©
Aillon-le-Jeune
|
©Alpigraphie / Kröll Matthias - Grand Chambery Alpes Tourisme

A living mountain

In winter

In the heart of the Bauges, the changing seasons transform the landscape and bring fresh delights.

The destination becomes a haven for gentle, family-friendly adventures. The resorts of Aillons-Margériaz and Savoie Grand Revard welcome alpine and cross-country skiers in a friendly atmosphere. Children discover the joys of skiing, whilst families enjoy snowshoeing, dog sledging or tubing.

And for a unique experience? Try biathlon, ski touring, or the ‘Nocturnes du Hibou’ in La Féclaz, where you can ski by the light of the moon and headlamps. Unforgettable.

In summer

It’s time for adventure and contemplation.

Hikes along the ridges, walks in the forest, swimming at Lescheraines lake, via ferrata routes ,canyoning in the Pont du Diable, paragliding from Le Revard… It’s up to you to set your own pace.

Les Bauges also offers:

downhill mountain biking through the pine forests
stargazing nights to admire the stars,
or simply a nap on an alpine pasture lulled by the song of crickets.

Your next getaway starts here

Hikes, outdoor activities, stunning views, top tips, accommodation and seasonal ideas: find plenty of inspiration to experience the very best of Chambéry Montagnes, come summer or winter.

Subscribe to the newsletter

Margériaz Aillons

Savoie Grand Revard

A region renowned for its fine food, reflecting the character of the destination

In the Bauges, every mouthful is savoured just as one breathes in the fresh air: with intensity. The terroir is rich and generous, passed down with passion. When it comes to cheese, the Tome des Bauges AOP remains the must-try. Made on farms or in co-operatives, it embodies the identity of the mountain range. But other gems delight the palate: Chevrotin, Margériaz, Montpela, Valbleu, Saint-Bruno, Béret…

Mountain plants also offer treasures: soothing herbal teas, fruity liqueurs, syrups and wines. Add to that artisanal chocolates from Bellecombe or Lescheraines, organic breads and pastries… and you have a festival of flavours waiting to be explored.

Meet the producers, cheesemakers, bakers and winemakers: they’ll welcome you with warmth and share their passion.

Meet-ups on the farm

A living heritage of skills

The Cœur des Bauges is also a region of craftspeople.

Potters, woodturners, sculptors, leatherworkers: here, the hand carries on the age-old craft.
Step inside a workshop where tableware made from sycamore maple – known as ‘Argenterie des Bauges’ – is still crafted. The natural lustre of the wood, meticulously turned, is as captivating as its history.
Workshop-shops open their doors: an opportunity for a genuine exchange, an unexpected discovery, or a hand-crafted souvenir.

Designers and craftspeople

to live A Regional Nature Park

Established in 1995, the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park now comprises 71 municipalities, 21 of which form part of the ‘ Chambéry Montagnes ’ destination. This park is a true haven of biodiversity, an oasis of nature between Lakes Annecy and Bourget, between Savoie and Haute-Savoie.

Here, nature flourishes freely. You can:

Breathe deeply, far from the crowds and noise.
Watch the bearded vulture glide over the ridges.
Admire the rare and unspoiltflora of the high-altitude meadows.

The park is also an invitation to slow down. Listen to the silence in the mountain pastures, spot a roe deer at the edge of a wood, or have a chat with a shepherd. Les Bauges is a vibrant, welcoming place, true to itself.

Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park

UNESCO Global Geopark A Different Perspective on Les Bauges

Since 2011, the Bauges Massif has held UNESCO Global Geopark status. This prestigious designation recognises the area’s geological, cultural and educational richness.

Just imagine: this mountain range was formed from the depths of an ancient tropical ocean. Today, you can walk on fossilised seabeds, find petrified corals and observe the Earth’s folds. The whole region thus becomes a life-size classroom, an open book on geological history.

Set off to explore 54 geosites, such as the Prérouge Cave, the Pont du Diable Canyon or the limestone viewpoints overlooking the valleys. Thanks to the signposted and interpretive trails, even without a guide, every hike becomes an opportunity for learning and wonder.

Find out more

Green Tips

You are in a Regional Nature Park. Please stick to the marked trails, avoid picking too many plants, and take your rubbish away with you. Let’s work together to preserve this unique area.

An authentic experience human and rare

The real luxury here is taking your time.

In every village, in every valley, you’re welcomed as a guest, not as a tourist. The network of holiday cottages, B&Bs and inns celebrates this personal, warm hospitality. You’ll share a meal, be given tips on walks, and swap a recipe or a family story.

You’ll leave with more than just photos. You’ll leave touched by the soul of Les Bauges.