Haute-Savoie / France
Conveniently situated between the Mont-Blanc, Beaufortain and Aravis mountain ranges, the resort of Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe is a real find for those who love nature, culture and sports. Discover the traditions of Savoie and the heritage of the Val d'Arly, including its religious, Baroque and contemporary heritage, as well as its rich history of food and wine. Many of the region's farms are happy to show visitors how their delicious cheeses are made.
Sitting at the foot of Mont Vorès, which rises to an altitude of 2,070m, the village of Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe is linked to the other Val d'Arly resorts (Flumet/Saint-Nicolas-la-Chapelle, Crest-Voland/Cohennoz and Praz-sur-Arly) and to the areas of Les Saisies/Hauteluc, giving access to the 192km of pistes and 84 lifts in the Espace Diamant. Free, regular shuttle buses run between the valley and the mountain hamlets, offering a wide range of skiing and snowboarding activities.
Outside the ski season, Lac de Flumet is a popular place for families to swim and relax, with picnic tables, a children's play area, a skatepark and paddleboard lessons. It's also a great place to discover the fascinating Alpine countryside on foot or by bike, particularly along the popular Route des Grandes Alpes.
Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe is an idyllic destination for a holiday at any time of year, and is easily accessible from Lyon and Geneva airports.
A day at the lake The lakeside beach at Flumet is an idyllic place for the whole family to swim and relax. Try your hand at paddleboarding or swimming, or relax in the sun with a picnic. Snacks and drinks are available on site, and a leisure area with a skatepark and children's games is nearby. A festival is held on the lake every July, while in winter the area around the lake is transformed into toboggan runs.
Alpine treasure hunt Here's an escape game like you've never seen before, with the mountains transformed into a giant treasure hunt. Puzzles, riddles, physical challenges and an orienteering course will put your group to the test in a unique adventure at this summer playground in Les Saisies (12km away). There are several scenarios to choose from, but you can also create your own to suit your tastes.
Snake Glisse End your day on the slopes with some fun at Snake Gliss! Several sledges are joined together to form a snake that will take your group down the slope together, under the guidance of an instructor. Although the activity is open to everyone aged 10 and over, the more adventurous will opt for the rear seats, to make the most of the bumps and twists!
Explore a water mill The Ainoz water mill, which has belonged to the same family since 1750, is located in an enchanting setting between Crest-Voland and Cohennoz. After milling the flour used to bake bread for the residents, the mill diversified into making different types of wooden objects. You can discover its history during a 90-minute guided tour.
Treetop adventures In winter and summer, Escaladventure offers an adrenalin-fuelled experience with its network of ziplines, footbridges, assault courses and via ferrata. Several trails cater for all ages from four upwards, including pre-teens, teenagers and adults. A footpath follows the courses so that those not taking part in the action don't miss out.
Visit a cheese dairy Céline and Edvane welcome you to their farm “Au Bonheur des fromages”, where you can sample all their fabulous products and meet the cows and goats behind them. During the summer, you’ll find them at their traditional farm at Plan Dernier, but in winter they move down to a more modern farm near Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe. Of course, you can taste and buy their delicious cheeses all year round.
Animal trail This family-friendly animal trail is the perfect way to get to know the region’s animals. Some of them are very shy, but silhouettes posted along the path will help you to recognise them. Open all year round, you can ski to this trail from the Belette piste, or get there on foot or snowshoes from Les Evettes, in Flumet.
Relaxation and well-being There’s so much to keep you busy in the mountains, but it's important to enjoy a moment of well-being from time to time. Let professional staff pamper you with a beauty or relaxation session, with manicures, waxing, massages and sports coaching, as well as facilities such as a steam room and whirlpool bath.
Visit a medieval town Step back in time when you visit the 14th-century walled town of Conflans in Albertville, just 22km from Flumet. Stroll through its narrow cobbled streets, discover its ancient facades, gardens and Baroque churches, ending with a visit to the art and history museum. You can also enjoy a unique view over the Combe de Savoie, as well as the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges.
Enjoy a hot air balloon ride Discover the mountains from a whole new angle with a hot-air balloon ride over the Alps. Departing from Praz-sur-Arly, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Aravis, Beaufortain, Bauges and Mont Blanc mountains. Flights last between 45 and 75 minutes, depending on the air currents, and are celebrated with a glass of champagne on arrival. An unforgettable experience!
La Ferme de Victorine (141, route du plan Dessert, 73590 Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, tel: +33 4 79 31 63 46)
Elegantly furnished in a real Alpine farmhouse, this traditional restaurant offers authentic yet modern cuisine. The chef uses local produce and highlights the riches of the region's terroir in a menu that changes with the seasons. An on-site shop also offers a selection of produce, so you can enjoy prepared dishes, jams, soups and desserts at home.
L’Alpage (35, impasse du Fay, 73590 Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, tel: +33 4 79 89 94 83)
This high-altitude restaurant offers generous servings in a traditional interior or on the terrace overlooking the snow-capped peaks. The menu features delicious Savoyard specialities, as well as carefully prepared cuts of meat. You'll also find various sharing platters, a dish of the day and a children's menu.
Le Randonneur des seigneurs (207, route des Evettes, 73590 Flumet, tel: +33 4 79 32 51 89)
This family-run restaurant just opposite the Seigneurs ski lifts offers a tasty meal on your way back from the slopes. Open all year round, you can choose from local specialities, delicious cheese dishes, burgers, salads and several options for vegetarians. All with a smile and affordable prices.
Le Toi du Monde (64 Chemin des Zorgières, 73590 Flumet, tel: +33 4 79 10 63 53)
An elegantly-renovated former barn houses this beautiful restaurant, recommended by the Michelin guide. It offers delicious modern cuisine using local ingredients, some of which they grow themselves. The menu changes with the seasons, and vegetarian options are always available.
Le Saint Nicolas (Le Marteray, 73590 Saint-Nicolas-la-Chapelle, tel: +33 4 79 31 71 55)
This is a warm and friendly, no-frills restaurant where Savoyard decor blends perfectly with regional cuisine. Located in the heart of the village, it even has a wood-burning stove in winter, and in summer guests can use the sunny terrace with a swimming pool and swing. Prices are affordable and pets are welcome.
L’Ours blanc (749, route du Cernix, 73590 Crest-Voland, tel: +33 4 79 31 16 21)
The Hôtel Mont Charvin restaurant is housed in a traditional, wood-panelled room heated in winter by a wood-burning stove. Its “bistronomic” menu offers Savoyard specialities and modern Italian dishes. Open seven days a week during the ski season, it also has a south-facing terrace with a wonderful view.
Le Chalet des Marmottes (215, chemin des Challiers, Les Saisies, tel: +33 4 79 38 91 86)
You can ski or drive to this mountain restaurant and it’s worth the trip, if only for the splendid views from the terrace. The cuisine is traditional, featuring fondue, raclette and pierrade, as well as grilled meats and burgers. Save room for one of the tempting homemade desserts..
You'll find everything you need for your stay in Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe: a supermarket, a delicatessen, a butcher's shop, a bakery and a number of sports shops. The neighbouring villages of Flumet and Saint-Nicolas-la-Chapelle also offer art and souvenir shops where you can buy gifts to take home.
If you're in the mood for more shopping, head to the popular shopping street in Megève, just 15km away. You're bound to find something to your taste!
By plane: The nearest airport to Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe is Chambéry Savoie-Mont-Blanc, 90km away. Geneva airport is 103km away, while Lyon and Grenoble airports are both 165km away.
By car: Take the motorway towards Lyon, then follow either the A43 to Albertville or the A40 to Sallanches. Take the D1212 to Flumet, then the D218 to Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe. From Lyon, the journey takes around 2hrs 30mins.
By train: The nearest stations are Albertville and Sallanches, both around 30km away. You can then reach Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe by bus or taxi.
By bus: The companies Altibus and TRA Mobilité run buses in the region, connecting Notre-Dame-de Bellecombe to all the surrounding towns. Throughout the summer, free shuttle buses run between the various Val d'Arly resorts and to the start of the main trails.
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