What appeals most here is, above all, the genuine simplicity of the surroundings. The adventure begins the moment you park your car. Up on the heights, the Saint-François-de-Sales plateau offers a vast playground for all nature lovers.
Walk, glide, breathe
Whether on foot, on snowshoes or on skis, everyone makes their own way at their own pace through a peaceful and majestic coniferous forest. In the Savoie Grand Revard Nordic ski area, the cross-country ski trails and snowshoe paths wind gently through the landscape, suitable for all abilities, from the youngest children to seasoned cross-country skiers. Here, nature unfolds without constraints, in a safe and enchanting setting.
Sporting and recreational experiences
Whether the snow is deep or sparse, there are plenty of options: Nordic skiing, fat biking on snow…
The instructors at the École de Ski Internationale (ESI) provide friendly guidance for all abilities: trying out skating technique, an introduction to classic style, or improving your Nordic touring skills… there’s something for everyone, in a fun and sociable atmosphere.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing - Savoie Grand Revard
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Discovering
a natural site
The Creusates peat bog: a hidden gem worth preserving
Those who enjoy a more contemplative experience will be drawn to the Creusates peat bog, a natural site formed 14,000 years ago that bears witness to the Bauges’ glacial past. Accessible on snowshoes or on foot, it reveals a wealth of biodiversity, from typical vegetation to animal tracks.
Sled dogs and Nordic camaraderie
For a timeless experience, set off with Orlane and her pack of Siberian and Alaskan Huskies (Nordic Event 74). Whether it’s your first sleigh ride or an introduction to driving, the experience is fun, immersive and deeply vibrant. And if there’s a shortage of snow, don’t worry: wheeled karts are on hand, proving that nature and adaptation go hand in hand.
Nordicéa,
a cosy haven for adventurers
Before setting off again or to take a breather between activities, a stop at Nordicéa is a must – the perfect base camp for your days in the Nordic mountains. You’ll find everything you need to get kitted out: ski and snowshoe hire, information on routes… as well as a simple and warm welcome, just like the village itself.
Inside, the wood-burning stove crackles, games await the children, and the grown-ups can enjoy a hot chocolate or a plate of homemade local specialities. Takeaway sandwiches, Savoyard dishes of the day, gourmet snacks by the fireside – everything is designed to combine comfort and authenticity.
You’ll also find books, board games, magazines, and even a few local products to take home in your suitcases. And if you’re lucky enough to be there in the late afternoon, don’t miss the sunset over Margériaz: a truly serene spectacle.
A gourmet break
at the Chalet de la Plate
Right by the slopes, the Chalet de la Plate welcomes you on Wednesdays, at weekends and during school holidays. There’s always a homemade soup simmering, a crêpe browning on the griddle or a coffee ready to warm your hands. Simple, hearty cuisine, full of flavour… just like the mountains it reflects.
Nordicea
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Nordicea
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Another of Saint-François-de-Sales’s strengths lies in the men and women who live and work there.
Restaurant owners, instructors, guides: they are all deeply attached to their local area and delighted to share it with you.
Their welcome is genuine, their passion infectious. Please do feel free to ask them any questions: they are the guardians of a living heritage – that of the Massif des Bauges, designated a UNESCO Global Geopark. Thanks to them, every outing becomes a discovery, every anecdote a treasure.
Affordable holidays
to make the fun last longer
Here, winter holidays are affordable for all budgets, without compromising on the quality of the experience. And as one day is never enough, there are several accommodation options available to help you prolong the magic.
L’École à gîter, a former village school converted into cosy holiday cottages, accommodates up to 29 people across five flexible accommodation units. Perfect for families, small groups or large gatherings.
Fancy a stay even closer to nature? The Refuge du Creux de Lachat offers you a night away from it all, to the rhythm of the stars and the silence of the mountain peaks. A moment suspended in time to fully experience the mountains.
A simple yet precious winter break
In Saint-François-de-Sales, every moment counts. Here, winter is lived to the full, yet always with simplicity. The natural beauty of the mountains, the richness of the encounters, the variety of activities and the warm atmosphere combine to create a wealth of authentic and rejuvenating experiences.
Whether you’re coming to get active, reconnect with yourself, or simply breathe deeply, the mountains welcome you with open arms. Authentic, accessible, inspiring: Saint-François-de-Sales promises you a winter that reflects its very spirit.
