Saint Francis de Sales: the Savoie Grand Revard nature reserve

Unspoilt nature and adventures all year round

In the heart of the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park, Saint-François-de-Sales charms visitors with its Creusates peat bog, peaceful forests and vast northern landscapes. Come summer or winter, this Savoyard village is an ideal destination in the Savoie Grand Revard region. Family walks, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, stargazing or nature festivals: here, you can experience the mountains in a different way, combining scientific discovery, fun activities and shared experiences.

Chambery Carte Sgr

An exceptional peat bog, 12,000 years old

In Saint-François-de-Sales, the Creusates peat bog is a true natural landmark. Situated at an altitude of 1,320 metres, it formed in a karst depression created by a collapse, which was slowly filled with clay and then colonised by sphagnum mosses around 7,000 years ago. These mosses have accumulated successive layers of organic matter, forming up to 11.5 metres of peat without any breaks, making it one of the deepest peat bogs in the French Alps.

A veritable climate archive, the peat preserves pollen and plant matter buried since the end of the last ice age, tracing 12,000 years of climate and landscape change. Designated a Natura 2000 site and protected by a prefectural biotope order since 1985, the bog can be explored via a safe interpretive trail, featuring footbridges, an educational viewing platform and information boards, which allow visitors to discover this sensitive ecosystem gently, without trampling the ground.

Natura 2000 site Between science and contemplation

Situated within the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park, the commune of Saint-François-de-Sales is home to an environment rich in remarkable natural habitats: beech and fir forests, flower-filled clearings, wetlands… The peat bog itself is home to rare plant species characteristic of boreal environments and is a site of high ecological value.

To maintain this balance, two local farmers practise sustainable pastoralism, in collaboration with the Park and the Savoie Conservatory of Natural Areas. By limiting the natural encroachment of the forest, they play an active role in conserving biodiversity. Water management measures (a small dam) also help to maintain the wet conditions necessary for the site’s ecological balance.

New facilities for all seasons

In response to the decline in winter snowfall, the local council launched an ambitious diversification project in 2025. Three themed trails, accessible all year round, invite visitors to discover:

sustainable forest management (aimed at schoolchildren),
sky and stargazing,
the poetic ecosystem of the peat bog.

These trails are enhanced with rough-hewn wooden features, offering a playful and sensory approach to the mountains.

The Chalet des Plantes, a meeting place for the curious, offers workshops on local plants, ranging from foraging to herbalism – see Naturalp for the programme and opening times.

Peaceful snow, Nordic adventures

In winter, Saint-François-de-Sales becomes the ideal base for exploring the Savoie Grand Revard Nordic ski area, one of the largest in France. From the friendly and well-equipped cross-country skiing centre, cross-country skiers can access a network of groomed trails for skating or classic-style skiing, whilst five marked snowshoe trails, such as the Champ des Creusates or the Piste du Trappeur, invite you to explore the forest and peat bog at a leisurely pace. From a family stroll around the peat bog to the long traverse to La Féclaz, there’s an adventure to suit everyone.

In Le Revard, winter is all about enjoying the great outdoors at a leisurely pace. From biathlon taster sessions offered by the ESI, to snowshoe walks and fondue evenings in mountain huts organised by Azimut Rando, or even a gourmet break at the Chalet de la Plate or Nordicéa, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the mountains. A blend of authenticity and fun to be shared, with family or friends.

Skiing, snow sports and snow

Little Adventurers Festival 3 days of family adventure in the great outdoors

Every early July, Saint-François-de-Sales hosts the Festival des Petits Baroudeurs, a family-friendly event organised by Chambéry Montagnes. For three days, the plateau is transformed into a playground for children and their parents.

On the programme: treks with donkeys or huskies, tree climbing, nature yoga, via ferrata, singing in the forest, astronomy… In the evenings, there are gatherings round the campfire, tales of adventure, cheese and drinks, and toasted marshmallows. All in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Three options allow you to experience the event however you like: