Discover the hidden treasures of the French Alps
The Tarentaise Valley is world-renowned for its legendary ski resorts, but beyond the famous slopes lies a collection of hidden places where the French Alps reveal their most authentic character.
Peaceful valleys, crystal-clear mountain lakes, traditional stone villages, flower-filled alpine meadows, majestic glaciers and centuries-old forests… far from the bustle of the major resorts, these remarkable landscapes invite you to slow down, reconnect with nature and discover a different side of the Alps.
At Pointe de Sel, we have the privilege of exploring the Tarentaise throughout the year. Season after season, certain places continue to amaze us. These are the hidden gems we would like to share with you in this guide.
Whether you’re staying in La Plagne, Méribel, Courchevel or Les Arcs, each of these remarkable locations makes the perfect day trip from your luxury chalet.
Our favourite hidden gems at a glance
| Place | Best for | Nearest resort |
|---|---|---|
| Champagny-le-Haut | Nature & hiking | La Plagne |
| Lac de la Rosière | Families | Courchevel |
| Saint-Martin-de-Belleville | Alpine heritage | Méribel / Les 3 Vallées |
| Rosuel Valley | Wildlife & glaciers | Les Arcs |
| Le Monal | Traditional architecture & scenery | Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise |
Why visit the Tarentaise Valley?
Nestled in the heart of Savoie, the Tarentaise Valley is one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain regions.
Surrounded by the Mont Blanc, Beaufortain, Vanoise and Lauzière mountain ranges, it offers an extraordinary diversity of landscapes. Within just a few kilometres, dense larch forests give way to glaciers, rushing rivers flow through traditional Alpine villages, vast mountain pastures stretch beneath soaring peaks rising above 3,000 metres, and every valley reveals a new panorama.
During winter, the Tarentaise is home to some of the world’s most famous ski areas, including Les 3 Vallées, Paradiskiand Tignes – Val d’Isère.
Yet many visitors discover that the valley is equally impressive during summer.
Open ski lifts provide easy access to spectacular viewpoints, hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails cross protected natural landscapes, and the villages regain a peaceful atmosphere that invites visitors to explore at a slower pace.
Beyond its exceptional scenery, the Tarentaise is also rich in history and tradition. Baroque churches, Alpine farms, Beaufort cheese producers and centuries-old mountain hamlets all tell the story of a living mountain culture that has evolved over generations.
It is this unique combination of breathtaking landscapes, authentic heritage and Alpine lifestyle that makes the Tarentaise such a captivating destination.
Our favourite hidden gems in the Tarentaise
Every traveller discovers their own favourite place.
Here are a few of the locations we recommend most often to our guests.
All are easily accessible from our luxury chalets and make wonderful excursions for families, couples and groups of friends alike.
Champagny le Hauta timeless Alpine valley
The journey to Champagny-le-Haut is already part of the experience.
The narrow mountain road winds its way between steep cliffs and deep ravines before suddenly opening onto a magnificent valley where glaciers, mountain streams and alpine meadows dominate the landscape. The scenery changes dramatically, and the feeling of entering a completely preserved world is immediate.
Situated at around 1,500 metres above sea level, this protected site is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful gateways to Vanoise National Park.
Facing the glaciers of La Grande Casse and La Grande Motte, the traditional hamlets have retained all their original character. Stone-and-timber chalets blend harmoniously into the landscape, creating the impression that time has stood still.
Throughout spring and summer, the meadows burst into colour while marmots and ibex can often be spotted on the surrounding slopes.
Why we love it
- One of the most unspoilt valleys in the French Alps.
- Spectacular scenery throughout the year.
- Excellent hiking for every ability.
- A true immersion in Alpine nature.
Our tip: Visit early in the morning. The light on the glaciers is simply breathtaking and you’ll enjoy the valley before most visitors arrive.
👉 Discover our guide to What to do in La Plagne in summer
Lac de la Rosière: a peaceful mountain retreat in Courchevel
Situated at 1,530 metres above sea level, just a few minutes from the villages of Courchevel, Lac de la Rosière is one of the valley’s most beautiful natural settings.
Surrounded by dense pine forests and fed by a mountain stream flowing down from the Avals Valley, its crystal-clear waters evoke the wild landscapes of the Canadian Rockies.
Easily accessible, the lake is an ideal destination for families looking for a relaxing walk in the mountains.
Visitors come here to enjoy a picnic by the water, admire the reflections of the surrounding peaks, stroll along the riverside footpaths or simply escape the summer heat beneath the shade of the trees.
Children particularly enjoy the wooden footbridges, the open spaces and the many opportunities to explore the surrounding nature.
Why we love it
- One of the most beautiful and accessible mountain lakes in the Tarentaise.
- Perfect for families with young children.
- A peaceful setting just minutes from Courchevel.
- An excellent starting point for exploring the stunning Avals Valley.
👉 Discover more walking ideas in our guide:
What to do in Courchevel in summer
Saint Martin de Belleville: one of the Tarentaise’s most authentic villages
On the road leading towards the famous resorts of Les 3 Vallées, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is often overshadowed by its better-known neighbours, Les Menuires and Val Thorens.
Yet it is undoubtedly one of the most charming traditional villages in the entire Tarentaise Valley.
Long before the development of Alpine tourism, village life revolved around farming and livestock. That heritage remains visible today through its beautifully preserved stone houses, slate roofs, narrow cobbled streets, fountains and flower-filled gardens.
Unlike many purpose-built ski resorts, Saint-Martin has retained the atmosphere of a genuine Savoyard village where local traditions continue to thrive.
It is a wonderful place to wander at your own pace, enjoy lunch on a sunny terrace or browse the workshops of local artisans.
Why we love it
- One of the most authentic villages in the French Alps.
- Beautifully preserved Savoyard architecture.
- A peaceful atmosphere away from the busiest resorts.
- An ideal introduction to the Belleville Valley.
Our tip: Visit the village museum to discover what everyday mountain life was like before skiing transformed the region.
👉 Discover our guide:
What to do in Méribel in summer
The valley of Rosuel: the gateway to Vanoise National Park
Located above Peisey-Nancroix, the Rosuel Valley is one of the most spectacular natural sites in the Tarentaise.
At around 1,550 metres above sea level, this vast alpine plateau forms one of the main entrances to Vanoise National Park.
The scenery is breathtaking from the moment you arrive. The Ponthurin River winds through flower-filled meadows while the glaciers of Mont Pourri and Bellecôte dominate the skyline.
Rosuel is also the starting point for numerous hiking trails suitable for both families and experienced walkers.
Nature lovers may be rewarded with sightings of marmots, chamois, ibex and, if particularly fortunate, the magnificent bearded vulture, one of Europe’s largest birds of prey with an impressive wingspan approaching three metres.
Why we love it
- Magnificent glacier panoramas.
- Immediate access to Vanoise National Park.
- Outstanding wildlife throughout the summer.
- Hiking routes for every level.
Our tip: Visit towards the end of the afternoon, when the warm light beautifully illuminates the glaciers and surrounding peaks.
👉 Discover our guide:
What to do in Les Arcs in summer
The hamlet of Le Monal : a journey back in time
Around forty minutes’ walk through the forest brings you to one of the most enchanting villages in the French Alps.
The arrival at Le Monal is unforgettable.
Perched at 1,870 metres above sea level, this tiny mountain hamlet consists of around forty traditional stone-and-timber chalets scattered across a peaceful alpine meadow crossed by crystal-clear streams.
Built during the nineteenth century, these former seasonal dwellings—known locally as montagnettes—once sheltered farming families and their livestock throughout the summer grazing season.
Today, Le Monal is a protected heritage site and one of the finest examples of traditional Alpine pastoral architecture anywhere in France.
The magnificent backdrop of the Mont Pourri Glacier completes an already extraordinary landscape.
Everything here encourages visitors to slow down, appreciate the silence and reconnect with nature.
Why we love it
- One of the French Alps’ most beautiful mountain hamlets.
- Exceptionally well-preserved traditional architecture.
- Spectacular glacier scenery.
- An enjoyable walk suitable for most visitors.
Our tip: Visit early in the morning or during the week to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before other walkers arrive.
Other exceptional places to discover in the Tarentaise
The Tarentaise is filled with remarkable natural sites, and selecting only a handful is no easy task.
If you’re spending several days in the valley, we also recommend discovering:
- Lac de Tuéda, near Méribel, a beautiful mountain lake at the heart of a protected nature reserve.
- The Avals Valley, one of Savoie’s most spectacular glacial valleys, located close to Courchevel.
- Col de la Loze, renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views across the French Alps.
- Les Lacs Merlet Refuge, reached via one of Courchevel’s most rewarding hikes.
- Le Saut Refuge, nestled deep within the unspoilt landscapes of Vanoise National Park.
- Lac du Clou, above Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise, one of the valley’s lesser-known mountain lakes.
Each of these destinations deserves at least a full day of exploration and perfectly illustrates the extraordinary diversity of landscapes that make the Tarentaise Valley so special.
Where to stay to explore the Tarentaise Valley
The Tarentaise stretches over a large area, and each part of the valley offers a different perspective on the French Alps.
Wherever you choose to stay, you’ll never be far from spectacular scenery, charming villages and exceptional outdoor experiences.
The luxury chalets selected by Pointe de Sel provide the perfect base for exploring the region while enjoying the comfort of premium accommodation and personalised services.
Stay in La Plagne
A stay in La Plagne provides quick access to Champagny-le-Haut, Vanoise National Park and numerous hiking trails offering magnificent glacier views.
Discover our guide: What to do in La Plagne in summer
Browse our collection of Luxury Chalet Rentals in La Plagne.
Stay in Courchevel
From Courchevel, you’ll be just minutes from Lac de la Rosière, the Avals Valley, Col de la Loze and several of the Vanoise National Park’s most beautiful mountain refuges.
Discover our guide: What to do in Courchevel in summer
Browse our collection of Luxury Chalet Rentals in Courchevel.
Stay in Méribel
Perfectly located in the heart of Les 3 Vallées, Méribel offers easy access to Lac de Tuéda, panoramic mountain passes and some of the valley’s most beautiful alpine meadows.
Discover our guide:
What to do in Méribel in summer
Browse our collection of Luxury Chalet Rentals in Méribel.
Stay in Les Arcs
Thanks to its proximity to Peisey-Nancroix and the magnificent Rosuel Valley, Les Arcs is the ideal base for exploring some of the Tarentaise’s wildest and most spectacular landscapes.
Discover our guide:
What to do in Les Arcs in summer
Browse our collection of Luxury Chalet Rentals in Les Arcs.
Everything you need to know before visiting the Tarentaise Valley
Where is the Tarentaise Valley?
The Tarentaise Valley is located in the Savoie region of the French Alps. Stretching from Albertville to the Col de l’Iseran, it is home to some of the world’s most famous mountain resorts, including Courchevel, Méribel, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Val d’Isère, Tignes and Val Thorens.
Its exceptional natural setting, world-class ski areas and outstanding hiking opportunities make it one of the most popular mountain destinations in Europe.
When is the best time to visit the Tarentaise?
The Tarentaise is a year-round destination.
During winter, it attracts skiers from around the world thanks to its legendary ski resorts and exceptional snow conditions.
From June to September, however, the valley reveals a completely different atmosphere. Hiking trails replace ski slopes, mountain lakes become peaceful picnic spots and traditional villages return to a quieter rhythm, making summer one of the best seasons to explore the region.
Which are the most beautiful villages in the Tarentaise?
Among our favourites are:
- Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
- Le Monal
- Champagny-le-Haut
- Peisey-Nancroix
- Bonneval-sur-Arc, located close to the Upper Tarentaise Valley.
Each village has its own unique identity and offers an authentic insight into traditional mountain life in the French Alps.
Which are the most beautiful lakes in the Tarentaise?
Some of the valley’s most spectacular lakes include:
- Lac de la Rosière near Courchevel
- Lac de Tuéda in Méribel
- Les Lacs Merlet
- Lac du Clou
- Lac de la Plagne
Whether you’re looking for an easy family walk or a peaceful picnic surrounded by mountains, each offers an unforgettable setting.
Can you discover the Tarentaise without being an experienced hiker?
Absolutely.
Many of the valley’s most beautiful sites can be reached by car or after a short walk.
During summer, several ski lifts remain open, allowing visitors to enjoy spectacular panoramic viewpoints without undertaking long or demanding hikes.
Which wildlife can you see in the Tarentaise?
The Tarentaise is home to an exceptionally rich Alpine ecosystem.
Depending on the season and location, you may encounter marmots, chamois, ibex, golden eagles and, with a little luck, the magnificent bearded vulture, successfully reintroduced into Vanoise National Park.
A valley to discover in every season
The Tarentaise is far more than a collection of famous ski resorts.
Its valleys, mountain pastures, forests and traditional villages reveal an authentic Alpine landscape where nature, history and local traditions blend harmoniously.
Whether you’re passionate about hiking, photography, wildlife, heritage or simply looking for a peaceful escape surrounded by spectacular scenery, the Tarentaise offers countless opportunities to create unforgettable memories.
At Pointe de Sel, we love sharing these special places with our guests because we believe that the most memorable holidays are often shaped by unexpected discoveries.
We would be delighted to help you plan your next mountain holiday and introduce you to some of our favourite hidden gems in the French Alps.
Plan your holiday in the French Alps
Continue exploring our guides and collections:
- Discover our selection of luxury chalets for rent
- Luxury Summer Holidays
- Summer Mountain Holidays
- Summer Mountain Activities
- Summer Mountain Holidays with Teenagers
- Summer Mountain Packing Tips
- All-inclusive Summer Mountain Stays
- All-inclusive Mountain Rental
- Luxury Winter Holidays
- Explore the finest luxury chalets with swimming pools in the French Alps
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