Espace Diamant brings together several authentic resorts in the Val d’Arly, such as Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, Crest-Voland, Praz-sur-Arly, Flumet and La Giettaz. This winter, the region offers a wide range of cultural events and fun activities. Here’s our selection of must-see highlights to enrich your stay beyond the ski slopes.
Note: all the information presented here is accurate at the time of publication. However, changes may occur, so we recommend checking directly with the organisers before attending. We have included links to the official pages wherever possible.
Summary
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General activities
Local market days in the Espace Diamant
Do your shopping at one of the lively resort markets, where you can pick up local produce such as cured meats and cheeses, as well as local crafts and souvenirs to take home (pottery and more).
Praz-sur-Arly: Wednesdays from 8:30am to 1pm
Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe: Mondays from 8am to 1pm
Flumet: Tuesdays from 8am to 1pm
La Giettaz: Thursdays from 8am to 1pm
Swimming
For your summer or spring holidays, enjoy a refreshing break at one of the aquatic centres or swimming spots in the Val d’Arly:
Praz-sur-Arly: Praz-sur-Arly municipal leisure lake
Flumet / Saint-Nicolas-la-Chapelle: Lake Flumet
Les Saisies–Hauteluce: Le Signal aquatic centre
Praz-sur-Arly is also a 30-minute drive from the Sallanches Mont-Blanc Aquatic Centre.
Sledging
If you or your children enjoy sledging, you’ll find sledding runs in all of the resorts during your stay. Some villages also offer nighttime sledging.
Sledging in La Giettaz
Sledging in Flumet
Sledging in Crest-Voland
Sledging in Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe
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Events and entertainment
December
Festive Igloo escape game
21 December
Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe
Children will have 20 minutes to explore Santa’s North Pole igloo, find the clues, and help Mrs Claus track down her husband. This fun and educational activity will take place from 3-6pm in the village’s central square.
Christmas market
21 December
Crest-Voland
The Crest-Voland community hall will host the traditional Christmas market from 3-7pm. It will be a great opportunity to find last-minute gifts and souvenirs to take home from your stay. There’s also a musical procession and a prize draw.
Ice sculpture show
22, 30 December and 9 February – 2 March (Mondays)
Praz-sur-Arly
A professional sculptor will set up in the village’s central square to amaze visitors with stunning works created from blocks of ice while you watch.
Christmas market
22 December
La Giettaz
The village hall in La Giettaz will host the traditional Christmas market from 3-7pm. It will be a great opportunity to find last-minute gifts and souvenirs to take home from your stay. A face-painting artist will be on hand to add to the festive fun.
Lantern tour of Praz-sur-Arly
23 December
Praz-sur-Arly
Discover the cultural, architectural, and gastronomic heritage of Praz-sur-Arly during this evening guided tour. Everyone will carry their own lantern on this free tour, which is open to anyone aged eight and over, and a hot drink will be offered to each participant.
Christmas market
23 December
Flumet
Flumet’s Place des Trois Rois will host the traditional Christmas market from 3-7:00. It will be a great opportunity to find last-minute gifts or souvenirs to take home from your stay. Visitors can also join in festive workshops.
Hazahan magic show
23 December
Praz-sur-Arly
This show will transport you to an enchanted world where mystery, humour, and magic come together to create an interactive experience. This one-of-a-kind, free performance will take place in the Mountain Hall from 6-7pm.
Sun-watching
23 and 29 December
Praz-sur-Arly
A professional astronomer will reveal the sun’s best-kept secrets. This free activity will take place on the snow front, at the base of the ski lifts.
Show: Yetou’s magical Christmas
24 December
La Giettaz
“Yetou’s Magical Christmas” is a spectacular show with audience participation, aimed mainly at children, but enjoyable for all ages! The village hall in La Giettaz will be fully decorated for this free event, which starts at 6:30 pm.
New Year Party
31 December
Praz-sur-Arly
Residents and visitors are invited to welcome the New Year in style, at the town hall square, where a giant open-air dance floor will be set up. A DJ will host the evening, and a refreshment stall will also be available.
New Year fireworks
31 December
Flumet
Flumet town hall will celebrate the arrival of the New Year with a torchlit descent by ESF instructors, free mulled wine and, of course, the unmissable fireworks display. The event will take place at Place des Trois Rois.
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January
35th International Montgolfiades
10–18 January
Praz-sur-Arly
The “Montgolfiades” of Praz-sur-Arly are eight full days dedicated to hot air balloons. To celebrate the event’s 35th anniversary, the festival offers a range of shows and activities, including balloon launches, night flights, workshops and family-friendly entertainment. Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience a hot air balloon flight.
Saint-Vincent Gourmet week
17–23 January
Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe
This culinary week showcases the delicious products and gastronomic specialties of Savoie. In addition to tastings, you can enjoy shows, activities and dinner dances.
Bacchus in the snow
25–30 January
Crest-Voland
Six days of shows and activities, including ski excursions and a torchlit descent, will be organised as part of this annual festival celebrating wine and winemakers. All indoor activities will take place at the Crest-Voland community hall.
“La Bellecombaise” Ski Mountaineering Race
30 January
Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe
“La Bellecombaise” is an uphill-only ski mountaineering race open to all skiers. There will be two routes with different elevation gains. It costs €18 to enter, and the meeting point is at the base of Mont Rond’s slopes at 7pm.
February
The Frosty Dragon Trail
1 February – 8 March
Praz-sur-Arly
This snowy trail race will feature three routes of different lengths this year, including a night race with headlamps and a course for children. Sign up if you’re ready to take on the challenge!
Snowman competition
9 February
Praz-sur-Arly
Children of all ages are invited to let their imagination run wild in a bid to create the most beautiful and original snowman ever. Carrot noses will be provided, but for everything else, it’s up to you to get creative.
Ice Wood puts on a show
17 February
Saint-Nicolas-la-Chapelle
A professional sculptor will set up in the centre of the village to amaze visitors with stunning works created from blocks of ice while you watch.
Here’s a taste of some of the events taking place this winter in the Espace Diamant. For the full programme, visit the official website of the Val d’Arly Tourist Office.
If you haven’t yet booked your accommodation in the Espace Diamant for this winter, check out our partner properties below:
