Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Rémy-De-Maurienne - Top 20

The region is rich in natural beauty, featuring several impressive mountain passes and a unique man-made lake. You can explore challenging cycling climbs like the Montvernier Hairpins, known for its tight bends, or the scenic Col du Chaussy. For a more relaxed experience, visit Lac Bleu, a leisure base with two artificial lakes, one for swimming and another for fishing, notable for its 30-meter-high, naturally operating water jet.

Yes, Saint-Rémy-de-Maurienne offers a glimpse into its past through several cultural sites. The 19th-century Neo-Gothic Church, dedicated to Saint Rémy, is renowned for its splendid trompe l'œil paintings. Another notable site is the Chapel of Notre Dame d'Auxiliaire, also from the 19th century, which houses a rare gilded wooden statue of the Virgin Mary. While privately owned, the 15th-century fortified house, Fort La Landonnière, also stands as a historical edifice.

Saint-Rémy-de-Maurienne is a prime destination for cyclists, especially those seeking challenging mountain climbs. Famous ascents include the Montvernier Hairpins, a short but steep climb featured in the Tour de France, and the Col du Chaussy, which offers significant elevation gain. Another challenging option is the Col du Grand Cucheron, with an 11.6-kilometer ascent. You can find more routes and detailed information in the Cycling around Saint-Rémy-De-Maurienne guide.

The region around Saint-Rémy-de-Maurienne provides a variety of hiking and walking trails, catering to all levels. From short strolls around hamlets and lakes to more strenuous physical hikes towards the summits like Col d'Arpingon, Col du Fort, and Pointe de Rognier, there's something for everyone. For detailed routes, explore the Mountain Hikes around Saint-Rémy-De-Maurienne guide.

Families can enjoy a range of activities, particularly at Lac Bleu. This leisure base offers swimming, fishing, paddle boating, and pedalos. There's also a pumptrack for those seeking a bit more action. Additionally, many of the walking trails around the hamlets and lakes are suitable for family outings.

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. For cycling and hiking, the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (May to October) are ideal, offering pleasant temperatures and clear access to mountain passes. During winter, the region transforms into a hub for snow sports, with numerous ski resorts accessible nearby.

Road cyclists looking for a challenge will find several demanding ascents. Beyond the Montvernier Hairpins and Col du Chaussy, the Col de la Madeleine is a significant challenge, known for its 19km length and an average gradient of 8%. The Col du Grand Cucheron also presents a tough climb with sections reaching 13.1% gradient. These passes have been featured in the Tour de France, making them iconic for serious riders.

Absolutely. The Lacets de Montvernier, while a cycling highlight, also offers a unique visual spectacle with its numerous hairpin bends carved into the mountainside. The Lac Bleu's impressive 30-meter-high water jet is another distinctive natural feature. For panoramic views, the various mountain passes like Col du Chaussy and Col de la Madeleine provide stunning vistas of the Maurienne valley and surrounding peaks.

While Saint-Rémy-de-Maurienne itself is not a ski resort, it serves as an excellent base for accessing numerous renowned ski resorts in the surrounding area. Options include Saint François Longchamp, Le Collet resort, Le Corbier (Les Sybelles), Les Menuires, Val Thorens, Meribel, Les 3 Vallées, Courchevel, and Espace Nordique Du Barioz, offering a wide range of skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning natural landscapes and the challenging yet rewarding outdoor activities. The Montvernier Hairpins are often cited as a highlight for their unique cycling experience and visual appeal. The quiet, scenic roads leading to passes like Col du Chaussy are also highly valued for their tranquility and beautiful views. The blend of cultural heritage with diverse outdoor pursuits makes the region appealing to a wide range of travelers.

Yes, for a unique cultural experience, you can visit the Musée Opinel located in the nearby town of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. This museum provides fascinating insights into the history and craftsmanship of the famous Opinel knife, a significant part of French heritage.

While many mountain passes are popular with cyclists, they also offer incredibly scenic drives. The route to Col de la Madeleine, for instance, provides breathtaking views. There's also a Scenic Secondary Road to Col de la Madeleine that allows you to enjoy the environment with less traffic, offering a more serene journey through the mountain landscape.