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

Imagine a region where nature, authenticity and a gentle way of life come together in perfect harmony. Welcome to the Cœur des Bauges, a group of 14 characterful villages nestling between Lake Annecy and Lake Bourget, just a few minutes from Chambéry, Aix-les-Bains, Annecy and Albertville. This unique area, both secret and generous, can be discovered step by step, season after season, as you encounter a mountain on a human scale.

©Chambery Carte Coeur Des Bauges

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: these are just some of the Bauges villages that embody the soul of the mountains.

Their architecture, sober and harmonious, is rooted in the rural heritage: stone houses topped with slate or tavaillons, balconies called tavalans, barns in the meadows, bread ovens, hamlet chapels… Every detail tells a story. Here, heritage is a way of life.

Take the time to wander through the pastel-fronted streets of Le Châtelard, admire the old shop windows of Saint-François-de-Sales, or visit the church at École with its 16th-century piétà. In Jarsy, the church will surprise you with its grandeur: it is nicknamed the Cathedral of the Bauges. Along the footpaths, you can also discover the dry-stone walls of the Arclusaz mountain pastures, veritable relics of mountain engineering.

Discover

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

A living mountain

In winter

In the Cœur des Bauges, the seasons transform the landscape and bring new pleasures.

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

And for an original experience? Try biathlon, ski touring, or the Hibou nocturnes at La Féclaz, where you ski by the light of the moon and headlamps. An unforgettable experience.

©GCAT_082138|ART PRISM - Grand Chambéry Alpes Tourisme

In summer

Time for adventure and contemplation.

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

The Bauges also offers :

downhill mountain biking in the fir trees
astronomy nights to gaze up at the stars,
or a simple siesta in a mountain pasture lulled by the chirping of crickets.

©Winter - Aillons-Margeriaz|Peignée Verticale

Aillons-Margériaz

Savoie Grand Revard

A gourmet terroir in the image of the destination

In the Bauges, every mouthful is savoured like breathing fresh air: with intensity. The terroir is rich, generous and passed on with passion. When it comes to cheeses, the Tome des Bauges PDO is still a must. Made on farms or by cooperatives, it embodies the identity of the massif. But there are other nuggets to delight the palate: Chevrotin, Margériaz, Montpela, Valbleu, Saint-Bruno, Béret…

Mountain plants are also a treasure trove: healing herbal teas, fruity liqueurs, syrups and wines. Add artisan chocolates from Bellecombe or Lescheraines, organic breads and pastries… and you’ve got a festival of flavours to explore.

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

Meetings at the farm

Living know-how

The Cœur des Bauges is also a land of craftsmen.

Potters, woodturners,sculptors, leatherworkers: here, the hand perpetuates the ancestral gesture. In Saint-François-de-Sales, push open the door of a workshop where sycamore maple crockery, known as Argenterie des Bauges, is still made. The natural lustre of the wood, meticulously turned, is as enchanting as its history.

Everywhere you go, you’ll find workshop-shops opening their doors to you. It’s an opportunity for a sincere exchange, an unexpected discovery and a handmade souvenir.

Designers and craftsmen

to live A Regional Nature Park

Created in 1995, the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park now includes 71 communes, 21 of which are part of the Chambéry Montagnes destination. This park is a veritable refuge of biodiversity, an island of nature between lakes Annecy and Bourget, between Savoie and Haute-Savoie.

Here, nature expresses itself freely. You can :

Take a deep breath, away from the crowds and noise.
Watch the bearded vulture soar over the peaks.
Admire the rare and unspoiltflora of the high meadows.

The park is also an invitation to slow down. Listen to the silence in the mountain pastures, watch a roe deer on the edge of a wood, or chat with a shepherd. The Bauges are alive, welcoming and true to themselves.

UNESCO Global Geopark Another look at the Bauges

Since 2011, the Massif des Bauges has been a UNESCO World Geopark. This prestigious label recognises the area’s geological, cultural and educational wealth.

Just imagine: this mountain range was born from the depths of an ancient tropical ocean. Today, you can walk on fossilised seabed, find petrified coral and observe the folds of the Earth. An entire territory becomes a life-size classroom, an open book on geological history.

Discover 54 geosites, including the Prérouge cave, the Pont du Diable canyon and the limestone lookouts overlooking the valleys. Thanks to the signposted and interpreted trails, even without a guide, every hike becomes a moment of learning and wonder.

Find out more

Green information

You are in a Regional Nature Park. Please respect the signposted paths, avoid over-picking and take your rubbish 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 a tourist. The network of gîtes, chambres d’hôtes and auberges promotes hospitality with a human face. Share a meal, give a walking tip, swap a recipe or a family story.

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

The Bauges is our corner of paradise. Nature still true to itself, a mountain on a human scale. Here, you can breathe in the essentials.

A warden from the Regional Nature Park

You may be wondering...

Where is the Cœur des Bauges located?
Between Savoie and Haute-Savoie, 20 minutes from Chambéry, Annecy or Aix-les-Bains.
Can all 14 villages be visited in one trip?
Yes, they are close together. Allow several days to get the most out of them.
Are there any activities for children?
You bet! Tubing, easy hikes, nature workshops, swimming, fun tours… go to your nearest tourist information office for more information.
Can you visit the Geopark without being an expert?
Yes, there are signposted routes, explanatory panels and enthusiastic guides to guide you.