The 14 villages of the Cœur des Bauges

The beating heart of the mountains

In Aillon-le-Jeune, the mountains whisper to the rhythm of the seasons. Here, it all begins in the heart of an open valley, nestled between the wooded slopes of Mont Pelat and the spectacular cliffs of Margériaz.

In winter, the village comes to life with its family-friendly ski resort. In summer, the footpaths take centre stage, leading you to flower-filled mountain pastures, breathtaking views and unspoilt nature.

Aillon-le-Jeune is also a way of life. People meet up at the cheese shop or on a café terrace to spend time together. The village spirit is strong, and the atmosphere is naturally friendly. Striking a balance between deep-rooted traditions and a relaxed way of life, Aillon-le-Jeune cherishes what really matters.

Discover the Aillons-Margériaz resort
Discover the walks starting from Aillon-le-Jeune

The very essence of the Bauges

Peaceful and sun-drenched, Aillon-le-Vieux radiates all the wisdom of the mountains. This hamlet, with its authentic charm, nestled on the valley slope, invites you to find serenity and contemplation. Deep forests, gentle meadows and a living heritage combine here to create a setting of rare harmony. An ideal starting point for both leisurely strolls and more challenging hikes, it offers that precious feeling of a genuine, welcoming place, where time seems to move in tune with nature.
Aillon-le-Vieux does not reveal itself: it is a place to be discovered… and cherished in one’s memory.

A window onto geology and the forest

Perched on a sun-drenched slope of the Bauges Massif, Arith shines amidst forests, mountain pastures and sweeping views.
Nicknamed the “Little Nice of the Bauges”, the village cultivates a gentle way of life and a preserved sense of authenticity.
Its traditional houses, its still-operating mill and its hamlets tell the story of a simple, authentic heritage.
All around, the mountains of Bange, La Revêche and Le Mariet invite you to go for a walk and take in the views.
Arith embodies the bright and tranquil spirit of the Bauges.

A vibrant village, in its natural state

Nestled at the foot of the Trélod and Mont Julioz, Bellecombe-en-Bauges blends tradition with a fresh energy. This vibrant village is the beating heart of the Bauges Massif Regional Nature Park. Here, we cherish the passing on of traditions and community spirit, and you’ll meet craftspeople, farmers, herb gatherers and mountain storytellers. People come here to discover, learn and understand.

Bellecombe is also a vast playground for adventure. There are numerous hiking trails and spectacular viewpoints. From the heights, the Bauges reveal themselves from a unique angle, with the jagged silhouettes of Pécloz and Arcalod as a backdrop. A vibrant, deeply endearing place.

The hidden charm of the hills

Doucy is like a balcony opening out onto the sky. Discreet, almost secret, this hilltop village offers a bird’s-eye view of the Chéran valley and the iconic peaks of the Bauges. Look up and you’ll see the Trélod standing proudly on the horizon. Close your eyes and you’ll hear the wind rustling through the branches and the bells of the herds.

Here, life follows the rhythm of the mountains. The built heritage – alpine chalets, old farmhouses – bears witness to an agricultural past that is still very much alive. Doucy is that well-kept secret whispered to those who love peace and quiet and a break from it all. The sort of place you don’t just visit. You experience it.

A simple name for a great lesson in nature

In École, it all begins with the river. The Chéran, designated a “Site Rivières Sauvages”, flows through the village and leads you to exceptional natural surroundings. Here, water reigns supreme, the rocks tell tales, and the forest is an endless playground for exploration.

But École is also a school of life, where you learn through experience, the senses and contemplation. Every walk becomes an immersion, every encounter a story to share. Whether you’re a budding botanist, a patient angler or a curious walker, you’ll find your playground here. And perhaps… a lesson in humility in the face of the world’s raw beauty.

Between sky and valley, beauty in its purest form

In Jarsy, the mountains become sculptures. Perched like a balcony above the Bellevaux valley, this village seems to watch over the massif like a benevolent guardian. The ridges of Pécloz and Trélod form a rocky horizon, whilst the deep forests beckon adventurers.

But Jarsy also has a soul. A chapel, an inn, exceptional cheeses, and locals who take the time to chat. From the Bellevaux valley, a haven of spirituality and tranquillity, to the most challenging peaks, every step in Jarsy is an encounter with something greater. A powerful, inspiring place, like a call to rise above.

The peaceful capital of the Bauges

Welcome to the very heart of the region. Le Châtelard is the geographical and historical centre of the Bauges massif. A village square lined with stone buildings, a welcoming market hall, a modest church, and that certain something in the air that tells you: here, we take our time.

Here, life follows the rhythm of the seasons and chance encounters. In summer, hikers set off towards Le Colombier or Mont de la Coche. In winter, snowflakes transform the landscape into a fairytale setting. Le Châtelard is also a vibrant village: a farmers’ market, local events, and passionate craftspeople. It’s the perfect base for those who want to explore the Bauges, whilst never losing sight of authenticity.

Amidst streams and mountain tales

With its gentle, melodious name, La Compôte is an invitation to simplicity. This little village nestles in a lush green setting, on the banks of the Nant d’Aillon, not far from the wild Chéran. Here, water is ever-present, nourishing and invigorating.

Walkers find their bliss on the forest paths and shaded riverbanks. Nature lovers marvel at the unobtrusive wildlife and mountain flowers. People speak softly, listen to the sounds of the forest, and watch a black kite in flight. In La Compôte, you reconnect with nature… and with yourself. It is a haven of tranquillity, a distillation of the Bauges to be savoured slowly.

The elegance of discretion

La Motte-en-Bauges shuns the limelight. It prefers the soft morning light, snow-covered rooftops in winter, and quiet paths winding through the meadows. It is a peaceful retreat, a village that exudes sincerity.

The houses are nestled close together, and the narrow streets smell of warm stone and wood. Here, life is lived close to the land, the seasons and the animals. People cultivate the essentials, and you can really feel it.

A haven nestled between mountain pastures and peaks

Le Noyer is pure tranquillity. A charming village, nestled amongst forests, pastures and mountain peaks. The landscapes here open up like windows onto the mountain range, with the majestic Pécloz as a backdrop. People come here to hike in complete freedom, to take a break, or simply to enjoy a picnic on a terrace with a view.

Its residents are passionate about their local area. Here, people are happy to share their favourite walking spots, family recipes and memories of the mountain pastures. Le Noyer is a small, lively and authentic village, where each season redefines the contours of unspoilt nature.

The village that loves water… and life

In Lescheraines, water is a shared joy. You’ll find it in the lakes at the Îles du Chéran leisure centre, a playground for young and old alike. You can hear it murmuring in the streams and enjoy its cool refreshment in the waterfalls. Here, happiness is simple and abundant, just like village life.

Lescheraines also has a beating heart: events, markets, shops, craftspeople, community life… Everything is in place to make you feel at home. Just a stone’s throw away, the Maison du Parc des Bauges invites you to discover more about this remarkable region. Come and wander, sample the local fare, and meet the locals. And why not… settle down here?

The leisure centre

A gourmet break at the Bauges’ artisan chocolate shops

Saint-François-de-Sales, a natural viewpoint over the Bauges massif

Perched at altitudes ranging from 700 to 1,430 metres, the vast open spaces here come into their own. With its mountain pastures, forests and sweeping views of the Savoyard mountains, the village invites you to slow down and enjoy unspoilt nature.

In both summer and winter, Saint-François-de-Sales is an ideal playground for lovers of outdoor activities: hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and family walks. In the heart of the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park, the northern plateau of Saint-François-de-Sales is linked in winter to the Savoie Grand Revard cross-country skiing area.

The Creusates peat bog, a Natura 2000 site, is one of the deepest in the French Alps, with up to 11.5 metres of peat accumulated over nearly 7,000 years. A true record of the climate and landscapes since the end of the last ice age, this protected natural site can be explored via a specially designed educational trail.

Every July, the Nordic plateau hosts the Les Petits Baroudeurs Festival for three days of family adventures in the heart of nature.

The hidden viewpoint of Les Bauges

As its name suggests, Sainte-Reine reigns from on high. Perched on an unassuming promontory, this village offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the massif. Here, the sunrises are a spectacle, the stars seem closer, and the horizon is all yours.

Sainte-Reine is an off-the-beaten-track village, almost a secret. You make your way up there as if searching for treasure. And you always come back down a changed person. The stone houses tell tales of days gone by, whilst the boxwood-lined paths invite you to linger. It is a place that must be earned… and savoured.