Val-Cenis:
Val-Cenis is a town in Savoie, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, partly on the border with Italy, 50 km east of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne by road.
The town was created on January 1, 2017 following the merger of the villages of Bramans, Sollières-Sardière, Termignon, Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis and Lanslevillard.
With an area of 408 km², it is now the second largest municipality in France after Arles, in Provence.
Covering part of the Vanoise and Mont-Cenis massifs, in Haute-Maurienne, the altitude of its territory varies from 1400 m to 3735 m. However, benefiting from a sunny climate on its southern slopes, agriculture has always been prosperous.
Tourism was added to the traditional high mountain economy in the 20th century. Labeled "green station", the town of about 2200 inhabitants has a winter sports resort, Val Cenis Vanoise, and offers in summer a range of activities and landscapes which delight hikers, in particular. Its historical heritage, its exceptional environment and its "nature" leisure offer make Val-Cenis a privileged destination.
Termignon:
Former French commune, Termignon, or Termignon-la-Vanoise, merged on January 1, 2017 with Bramans, Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis, Lanslevillard, and Sollières-Sardières, in order to become the new commune of Val-Cenis. Partly located in the Vanoise National Park, it takes place in the Savoie department, bordering Val-d'Isère and about twenty kilometers from Modane.
Labeled Alpine Pearls, which rewards the most beautiful alpine destinations in all of Europe, the village of Termignon is particularly appreciated by lovers of board sports and high mountain sports. There is no shortage of natural sites to explore, and the ski resort today connected to the Val Cenis Vanoise area gives it many visitors.
Termignon also has a charming cultural and architectural heritage reminiscent of Alpine traditions, and lovers of gastronomy will be seduced by its great specialty, blue from Termignon, a blue cheese made from raw cow's milk.
Bramans:
Bramans is a small village of about 390 inhabitants, with a glorious past!
In 218 BC Hannibal and his 37 elephants crossed these lands before starting his ascent from La Crosta to the Clapier pass to fight the Romans in nearby Italy. Then Charlemagne climbed the Petit-Mont-Cenis via the Crosta before Napoleon decided to open a road (current N6 now D1006) via Lanslebourg and the Col du Mont-Cenis (different from the Col du Petit-Mont-Cenis !). We can read in some books written in Latin "Bramovicum olim metropolis" (Bramans formerly metropolis) which means that this village had a very important past.
Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis:
Former municipality of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis merged in January 2017 with Bramans, Lanslevillard, Sollières-Sardières and Termignon to form the new municipality of Val-Cenis. It takes place at the Italian border, about twenty kilometers from Modane, in the Maurienne valley.
Formerly attached to Italy, Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis joined France in 1792 following the annexation of the Duchy of Savoy by revolutionary troops. Awarded two stars in the competition of towns and villages in bloom in France, the village is today turned towards nature tourism.
In particular, you can discover a pleasant family winter sports resort on site, as well as many natural sites to learn about hiking or various mountain sports. Old, the village also has a charming architectural heritage in the typical Savoyard style.
Lanslevillard:
A small village in Savoie, Lanslevillard is located at an altitude of 1,500 meters, at the foot of the Mont-Cenis pass, in the Vanoise region. Formerly focused on agriculture and livestock, Lanslevillard is now focused on tourism, and in particular natural and sports tourism. With the neighboring localities, the village indeed offers a ski area of more than 125 kilometers called Val Cenis Vanoise.
Summer and winter tourist resort, the village lives throughout the year to the rhythm of tourism activities, offering a true haven of peace to passing visitors. Nature lovers will be seduced by the charms of the neighboring Vanoise National Park, as well as by the many outdoor activities on offer.
Full of charm, this small Savoyard village also captivates with its gentle way of life and the kindness and generosity of its inhabitants. A true paradise for holidays in the heart of the mountain which benefits from the Green Station label for the quality of its rural tourism and close to nature.
Sollières-Sardières:
A small village in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Sollières-Sardières takes place in the heart of Savoy, in the Vanoise National Park. Located about six kilometers from the Italian border, since early 2017 it has formed the new municipality of Val-Cenis, following its merger with Bramans, Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis, Lanslevillard, and Termignon.
Having become French following the annexation of the States of Savoy by France in the middle of the 19th century, the town of Sollières-Sardières was the scene of numerous massacres and other battles during the Second World War. Today the village is best known for its winter sports resort which attracts many sportsmen in season. Surrounded by high mountains and glaciers, it also enjoys a lot of sunshine.
Sollières-Sardières also has a very interesting architectural and cultural heritage to discover during a stay in the surroundings.
Val-Cenis:
The various new common component villages have a rich architectural heritage which deserves attention.
Bramans is the case of the Church of St. Peter of Extravache, known as the oldest church Savoyard: listed since 1966, its remains suggests that she was attached to a priory. The Assumption Church is later, in the twentieth century moved to a less soft ground, built in a style typical of the Savoyard Baroque. The altarpiece of the main altar dates from 1670. Finally, on another level, to see the valley of Savine would have borrowed in the ancient warrior Hannibal with his elephants to reach Rome.
On Sollières-Sardière, we will focus at the Saint-Laurent (seventeenth century), Baroque and Sollières, at Saint-Etienne, which dates from the seventeenth. Older, the rock of Balmes and related cave classified for their archaeological wealth, form a site inhabited by peasants from 5500 years BC. The tools and objects unearthed allowed the creation of a museum dedicated to prehistory. Information at +33 4 79 20 59 33.
On the old town of Termignon, the church of Our Lady of the Assumption (XV), in baroque style, and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Visitation built in 1536 are both classified. Other chapels dot the area, since they had previously, even in winter, allow the inhabitants to worship.
On the civilian side, Termignon has a singular monument to the dead, with a statue of the "Weeping," Lukan Jaggi-capped. Opened in 1931, this is one the few memorials deliberately pacifists.
On Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin, partly classified, now houses an exhibition space dedicated to Baroque art that has so proliferated in Savoie and particularly about the town. As for the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, which dates to his part of 1830, it is listed for its neoclassical interior. In another, dating from 1880, built when the territory was still Italian, Dewberry strong testament to the strategic importance in the border area of cervical Mont Cenis. This is also the case of Fort Variselle who watched the Susa Valley.
At Lanslevillard, finally, the Saint-Michel church houses a remarkable Baroque-style furniture, including an altarpiece of the seventeenth century. A dozen chapels in the area, all classified, built from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century, mark the "Pathways of History": to go in the season to capture the unique heritage history of the region. Tours. Information at +33 4 79 05 99 06.
Next up sports and leisure activities in an exceptional natural environment, including several protected areas classified Natura 2000, and within the perimeter of the Regional Natural Park of the Vanoise.
Val Cenis Vanoise station is the epicenter of this 'nature' tourism. Its ski area between 1300 and 2800 m is served by 28 lifts and has 5 black runs, 23 red, 18 blue and 9 green. It also has play areas and dedicated to new forms of slips. Ski pass from 25 euros a day. The French ski school private lessons or group lessons are exempt. Information at +33 4 79 20 53 56.
The resort is popular with family audiences who appreciate the authentic charm of the villages as the area where enthusiasts can rub thrill skiers more peaceful...
In summer, hikers, mountain bikers or climbing in particular are equally pampered.
All information +33 4 79 05 99 06.
Termignon:
Termignon is part of the ski resort Val Cenis Vanoise. With over 130 kilometers of slopes, it is the leading Maurienne station. Border of Italy, it takes place between 1300 and 2800 meters above sea level, revealing the tracks of different levels suited to both beginners and the more experienced skiers. Other activities are also available on site as Eski-Mo village and its Nordic hiking sites, pedestrian trails and toboggan runs, the Canopy of Cîmes with his unique perspective on the collar and the Lac du Mont Cenis and suspension bridge in a vacuum, or rides in sleds.
Natural sites to explore in and around Termignon abound like the tip of the Grande Casse, the Réchasse, Grand Vallon, Gaillarde and rocks Pass and Génépy. Discover hiking or climbing, they each are worth visiting for their authenticity and wilderness.
The Notre-Dame-de-la-Visitation is classified as an historic monument since the late 1980s Formerly called Notre-Dame-du-Poivre because it takes place on the spice route between Lyon and Milan, it was built the sixteenth century. Inside the monument to the beautiful pink façade, one can see many offerings of parishioners come on pilgrimage.
Two other chapels can be admired in the village, that of St. Andrew built in the eighteenth century, and the Saint-Roch near the church of Our Lady of the Assumption.
Listed historic monument, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption was built in the fifteenth century and modified in the seventeenth. Baroque style, it reflects the typical local architecture at the time.
The monument to the dead of Termignon is one of the few memorials pacifists France. High after the First World War to protest against the war, he has a statue, The Weeping work of a sculptor Geneva from the village.
Bramans:
Overlooking Bramans on the old Roman road to Italy, Saint-Pierre d'Extravache, one of the oldest churches of Savoy, offers a splendid view of the Vanoise and the village.
The resort is located at the gates of the Vanoise National Park, hiking that you can practice on this beautiful area are numerous. Way of Hannibal, Grand Tour Haute Maurienne (GHTF) or Bramans Huts Trail. At the heart of the park, the Glacier de la Vanoise and Dent Parrachée are one of the wonders that the Alps hide in this little corner preserved.
In winter, Nordic, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoe trails... Bramans is an invitation to come and discover mountain real life in a great environment...
A Bramans Hannibal space, we invite you to an unforgettable experience through the Hannibal crossing the Alps. Route game dedicated to the passage of elephants and Hannibal on the mountain village by telling a part of the history of this epic.
Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis:
The Val Cenis ski resort is the main tourist attraction of the village of Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis. It is part of the ski area of the same name which lies between the Vanoise National Park and the Col du Mont Cenis, on the Italian border. The area has about 125 kilometers of slopes, and about thirty kilometers of cross country ski trails. Also on up two snow parks or different recreational places like the canopy of Cîmes, exceptional views of the valley and its suspended bridge over the void. Are also possible, walks on snowshoes or dog sledding, Nordic walking, or tobogganing.
At Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis, be sure to visit the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin listed historical monument. It now houses a baroque space with regular exhibitions of the valley and the Savoyard Baroque art.
Listed building, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption was built in the early nineteenth century. It reveals a beautiful neoclassical painted decoration.
Considered one of the highest in Europe, the Pyramid of the museum traces the history of the site, a place of passage between France and Italy. We discover, through collections of old objects and documents, everyday places and traditions over the centuries.
The alpine garden of Mont Cenis to discover local flora time a pleasant and fragrant walk.
Located nearly 2300 m above sea level, Fort Bramble dates from the late nineteenth century. He is originally an Italian fortification that protected the new Kingdom of Italy attacks France.
Lanslevillard
Very nice ski area Lanslevillard is also a site with an interesting historical and architectural heritage, recalling his past small Savoyard village.
Together with the neighboring towns Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis and Termignon la Vanoise, the village of Lanslevillard form a ski resort popular with mountain sports. With its family atmosphere, the resort offers various winter activities like snowboarding, freeride, boardercross, snowshoeing or even dog sled rides. In summer, the site is also open to learn about sledding or take advantage of hiking trails nearby.
Inside the village, the church Saint-Michel has been listed historical monument. A magnificent furniture of Savoyard Baroque art of the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, as a beautiful altarpiece can be admired.
Listed historical monument, the dozen chapels recall the past of the village between the sixteenth and nineteenth century. The chapel of St. Anthony, St. Roch Chapel or St. Peter's chapel and bridge over the stream of Arcelle Neuve deserve particular visit. Also note the chapel of St. Sebastian listed building dating from the fifteenth century.
Located at 2750 meters, the Pierre aux Pieds is a white rock engraved many wells dating back 3,000 years ago.
Also note the presence of rock climbing, as the rock of the Saracens, those of the Madeleine or the wall of the guides.
sollières-sardières:
The ski resort of Sollières-Sardières mainly takes place on the Sardières plateau at 1500 meters altitude. It is part of the largest ski area in the Monolith, at the entrance of the Vanoise National Park. Labeled France Cross Country, it offers more than thirty-five kilometers of trails and a discovery trail marked with signs instructing the local fauna and flora and the history of the village and its surroundings. On the station, you can learn to snowshoe or sled dog rides.
Based on the famous Way of the Savoyard Baroque, St. Lawrence Church Sardières is a former church chapel became in the first half of the seventeenth century. Guests can also enjoy Saint-Etienne church Sollières rebuilt in the course of the seventeenth century.
But it is mainly for its natural heritage sollières-sardières is recognized today. Be sure to go through the Sardières monolith, a cargneule block 93 meters in height. climbing site considered, it is located within the Vanoise National Park. To enjoy a breathtaking view of the peaks of Val d'Ambin and glaciers around towards the tip of Bellecombe, a large cliff of quartzite.
Several marked hiking trails are available in the territory, especially in the National Park of Vanoise. Two great hiking trails, GR5 and GR5E, also pass through the territory of sollières-sardières.
The resort also has a small archaeological museum tracing the history of the region over the centuries.
At the airfield Sollières, ultralight flights in summer and winter.
Termignon:
The market is held every Tuesday morning.
The village festival is held every year for a week in January.
On July 14th, the village offers shows and a popular dance to celebrate the National Day.
In October, the Oktoberfest is an opportunity to have fun with various musical and gastronomic events.
Bramans:
Summer-Winter, the animations are present on the village with some events: the Big Odyssey Savoy Mont-Blanc crowd the land of Bramans mid-January, on the occasion of its passage you will have the pleasure to discover several facets of this destination, Bramans side Mountain with the test of the small Mont Cenis, or be charmed by the village of character on the occasion of the stage of the bottom of valley, unequaled way to discover the heart of Bramans. This sled dog race, considered by its participants to be the most difficult in the world, accumulates more than 25,000 m of cumulative elevation gain.
August 15 in Bramans is an event not to be missed, if many Mauriennais gather every year here, it's good for one thing, to perpetuate the pagan tradition of blessed bread. In the morning a parade with the fire brigade in Napoleonic Second Empire outfit, women and children in traditional costume, and every even year the Spadonari of the twin village of Giaglione.
Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis:
Mountain bike race, the Transmaurienne goes through Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis.
The EDF Cenis Tour Trail, a two-day sports hike, takes place at the beginning of August.
Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis hosts a tango festival in August.
Lanslevillard:
If Lanslevillard is a small village, there is no shortage of entertainment throughout the year.
All year round, the Lanslevillard market settles in the center of the village on Wednesday morning.
In January, the village hosts the Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont-Blanc, a race of mushers and dogs that crosses the region.
The festival C'est la printemps in Val Cenis, offers comedy shows all over the ski area, including the Lanslevillard auditorium.
In early August, the EDF Cenis Tour, a trail offering four courses of 17, 30, 50 or 73 kilometers, passes through Lanslevillard.
Every year at the end of August, the Val Cenis, and more specifically Lanslevillard, hosts the tango festival of Val Cenis. This event aims to pay tribute to the massive emigration of thousands of high-Mauritians to Uruguay and Argentina during the nineteenth century. Concerts and dance demonstrations are on the program of this unique event.
Sollières-Sardières:
The Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc is the most difficult international dog sled race in the world. In January, it passes on several sites of the locality of Sollières-Sardières.
In June, the spring market offers to discover several activities around liqueurs, whiskey and local digestive, as well as a musical meal or a raffle.
The St. Lawrence Festival is held every year in mid-August with various activities such as folk dances.