La Plagne, by a local

The unmissable sights

The 11 villages of La Plagne

La Plagne isn't a single resort but an archipelago of 11 villages, staggered from 1,250 to 2,100 m. Each has its own personality, altitude and crowd — choose carefully, your holiday won't taste the same.

• Plagne Centre (1,970 m)

  The lively epicentre. Covered shopping gallery, restaurants, bars, direct slope access. Practical but concrete-heavy and noisy in peak season. Good if you love the buzz.

• Belle Plagne (2,050 m)

  The chicest of the high resorts, traditional wood architecture, upmarket family vibe. Ski-in/ski-out, good bars (Mojo's), quality restaurants. Our favourite for a comfort/charm compromise.

• Plagne Bellecôte (1,930 m)

  Direct access to the Bellecôte glacier cable car. Practical ski-in, but dated 1970s architecture. Cool Café for après-ski.

• Plagne Soleil (2,050 m)

  The sunniest, as the name suggests. Residential, calm, ideal for families. Ski-in, open view onto Mont Pourri.

• Plagne Villages (2,050 m)

  Next door to Plagne Soleil, even quieter and more residential. For those who want to sleep in peace and only drop down to the centre for skiing.

• Aime 2000 (2,050 m)

  The famous « snow liner ». Unique 1960s architecture, everything is inside the building. Worth trying for the experience, but polarising.

• Plagne 1800 (1,800 m)

  Traditional wooden chalets, more chic and restful. Lower in the forest, bobsleigh access, Cucumber restaurant. For a cosy stay.

• Plagne Montalbert (1,350 m)

  Authentic Savoyard village accessible from the valley. Softer prices, real charm, gondola up to the area. Great budget + character pick.

• Champagny-en-Vanoise (1,250 m)

  A real Savoyard village at the foot of the area, south side. Baroque church, intact charm. Ideal to ski AND live village life. Our authenticity favourite.

• Montchavin-Les Coches (1,250 m)

  Combo of old village (Montchavin) + modern resort (Les Coches), on the Vanoise Express side towards Les Arcs. Easy Paradiski access, village atmosphere.

• Macot-La Plagne (820 m)

  The historic town in the valley bottom. Inhabited year-round, no direct skiing but regular shuttles. Sunday market, local life, very accessible prices.

The best things to do

• Ride the Olympic bobsleigh track on a Bob Raft

  The iconic La Plagne experience. 1,500 m, 19 corners, up to 80 km/h. Bob Raft from age 14, the most popular option. Book online weeks ahead.

• Cross the valley on the Vanoise Express

  Even as a pedestrian, the giant cable car is worth the trip. 4 min crossing 380 m above the void. Magical at sunset.

• Ski the giant Paradiski area (425 km)

  Paradiski lift pass pays off from day 3. Combine La Plagne + Les Arcs via the Vanoise Express to experience one of the world's largest ski areas.

• Go up to the Bellecôte glacier

  Cable car from Plagne Bellecôte, panorama at 3,417 m, memorable high-altitude descents on great snow until May.

• Ski the Aiguille Rouge descent

  From the 3,226 m summit down to Villaroger (1,200 m): 7 km and 2,000 m vertical drop, one of the longest in Europe.

• Take an ESF ski lesson

  La Plagne's French Ski School is one of the most respected in France. Essential for beginners and false beginners.

• Treat yourself to dinner at Cucumber

  La Plagne's fine-dining address (Plagne 1800), creative cuisine in a refined setting. Booking essential.

• Drink at Les Yourtes (3,000 m)

  Mongolian yurts installed in altitude, accessed by ski or snowshoe. Wild après-ski, panoramic view, mulled wine facing the glacier.

• Visit Champagny-Le-Haut

  4 km from Champagny-en-Vanoise, the most authentic hamlet in the sector, gateway to the Vanoise National Park.

Our favourite walks

• Lac de Belle Plagne (summer)

  30 min easy walk from the resort. Small high-altitude lake, swimming tolerated, picnic table. Family-friendly.

• Refuge de Plaisance (from Champagny-Le-Haut)

  2h30 gentle climb into the heart of the Vanoise National Park, alpine pastures, marmots, panorama onto the Grande Casse. Refuge lunch.

• Pointe de Friolin (2,535 m)

  From the Inversens chairlift, 1h30 climb, 360° panorama across the whole Paradiski area. For regular hikers.

• Champagny-Le-Haut → Cirque du Plan du Bouc

  Easy valley-floor walk, waterfalls and pastures. 2h round trip, family-friendly.

• Tour du Mont Jovet

  6h loop from Plagne Bellecôte, panoramic balcony over the Tarentaise. For experienced hikers.

• Ibex trail (from Plagne Centre)

  Short 1h educational walk, interpretation panels, possible wildlife sightings. Family-friendly.

• Lac de Mya (from Plagne Soleil)

  2h round trip, lesser-known alpine lake, fresh summer swimming.

• Chalet de Bellecôte → Col du Plan Séry

  Beautiful high-altitude hike, glacier view, pastures, possible ibex sightings. 3h round trip.

Savoyard specialities to taste

• Tartiflette

  Potatoes, lardons, onions, a whole reblochon melted on top. The king of Alpine dishes.

• Fondue savoyarde

  Beaufort + Comté + Emmental, Apremont white wine. To share after a day's skiing.

• Raclette

  Half wheel of cheese scraped onto steamed potatoes and charcuterie. The winter ritual.

• Croziflette

  Local variation of tartiflette with crozets (small Savoyard buckwheat pasta). Rarer, more typical.

• Diots de Savoie

  Savoyard sausages simmered in white wine and onions, served with creamy polenta or crozets.

• Farçon savoyard

  Grated potatoes, lardons, prunes and eggs slow-baked. An ancient hearty peasant dish.

• Croûte aux morilles

  Toasted country bread with morel and vin jaune cream sauce. The smart Savoyard bistro special.

• Beaufort AOP

  The « prince of gruyères », produced in the Tarentaise by the local cooperative. Aged 12-18 months.

• Reblochon AOP

  Soft-paste Haute-Savoie cheese, the foundation of tartiflette. Best at room temperature.

• Abondance AOP

  Another great Savoyard cheese, slightly fruity, perfect on a cheese board.

• Savoie wines

  Apremont, Roussette, Mondeuse. Fresh and mineral, perfect with melted cheese.

• Génépi

  High-altitude plant liqueur, sipped as a digestif. An alpine institution.

Restaurants by mood and budget

Cafés and pâtisseries

Great bars

• Le Salopard (Plagne Centre)

  THE legendary bar of La Plagne. Wild atmosphere, packed dancefloor, DJs — the resort's party institution since the 1980s. A night out guaranteed.

• Mat & Bar 3000 (Plagne Bellecôte)

  Rooftop with party atmosphere, panoramic view, cocktails and DJs. Perfect for après-ski that drifts late.

• Le Saloon (Plagne Centre)

  Western-themed bar, full saloon decor, pool tables, foosball, relaxed vibe. Cocktails and beers at reasonable prices.

• La Mine (Plagne Centre)

  Restaurant + bar in a mining-themed decor. Very good beer and wine selection, warm atmosphere for a quiet drink.

• Mojo's Bar (Belle Plagne)

  Cosy Belle Plagne bar, more grown-up atmosphere, creative cocktails, sunny terrace. For mature aperitif lovers.

• Cool Café (Plagne Bellecôte)

  Bellecôte's historic après-ski spot. South-facing terrace, cold beers, relaxed vibe.

• Les Yourtes (3,000 m)

  Mongolian yurts in altitude, accessed by ski or snowshoe. Mulled wine, génépi, otherworldly atmosphere facing the glacier. Magical.

Panoramic terraces

No urban rooftop in La Plagne, but high-altitude terraces with breathtaking views over Mont Pourri, the Bellecôte glacier and the whole Vanoise range.

• Les Yourtes (3,000 m)

  La Plagne's ultimate « rooftop »: Mongolian yurts at the summit, 360° view, mulled wine facing the glacier. Access by ski or snowshoe.

• Mat & Bar 3000 (Plagne Bellecôte)

  Rooftop bar with panoramic terrace, view onto Mont Pourri. Cocktails, DJs, party vibe.

• La Cabane d'Aime 2000

  Retro-futurist terrace perched atop the Aime 2000 « snow liner », open view onto the valley and peaks.

• Le Chalet des Verdons (on the slopes)

  High-altitude restaurant with a huge south-facing terrace, tartiflettes and boards facing the panorama.

• Refuge Le Forperet (summer, Montalbert)

  Gourmet refuge on the heights, terrace facing the valley. Savoyard specialities, authentic atmosphere.

Nightlife

• Le Salopard (Plagne Centre)

  The festive institution. Packed dancefloor, DJs, wild vibe until the small hours. This is where every La Plagne night ends.

• Mat & Bar 3000 (Plagne Bellecôte)

  Après-ski that turns into a DJ night. Panoramic terrace, cocktails, party atmosphere.

• La Mine (Plagne Centre)

  For a more chilled evening: wine and beer bar, miner decor, lively conversation.

• Le Saloon (Plagne Centre)

  Western bar, pool tables, foosball, relaxed vibe. For a drink without dancing.

• Mojo's Bar (Belle Plagne)

  More mature cocktail nights in Belle Plagne, lounge atmosphere.

• Festival Live Plagne

  Winter music festival, free concerts across several villages. Varied programming, festive atmosphere.

Good to know: La Plagne doesn't really have a nightclub. Le Salopard doubles as the de-facto club and keeps the nights going. For more urban outings, Bourg-Saint-Maurice (30 min) or Chambéry (1h30) are the nearest options.

Markets

• Champagny-en-Vanoise market

  Thursday morning. The only real producers' market in the area: cheeses, honeys, charcuterie, local vegetables, Savoie wines. Not to be missed.

• Macot-La Plagne market

  Sunday morning in season. Authentic village market in the valley bottom, more rustic and frequented by locals.

• Bourg-Saint-Maurice market

  Saturday morning. The big Tarentaise market, 30 min by car. Very complete: producers, artisans, lively atmosphere.

• Christmas market (Plagne Centre)

  December. Wooden chalets, mulled wine, local crafts, fairy-tale atmosphere in the heart of the resort.

Unique activities

• Bob Raft / Taxi-Bob / Speed-Luge on the Olympic track

  France's one-of-a-kind activity. 1,500 m, 19 corners, descent of the actual 1992 Olympic track. Three formulas depending on your nerve. Booking essential.

• Giant zipline at La Bergerie

  One of the longest ziplines in the Alps. Guaranteed thrills, exceptional panorama.

• Ice diving (Tignes / Aigueblanche lakes)

  Supervised by an instructor, diving in a frozen high-altitude lake. Out-of-the-ordinary, accessible to beginners.

• Guided glacier outing (Bellecôte glacier)

  With a high-mountain guide: crampons, ice axe, roped walking on the glacier. An introduction to the high-mountain world.

• Off-piste with guide (Combe de Charvet, Aiguille Rouge)

  The area's legendary descents, accessible only with a guide. Committing skiing, often exceptional snow.

• Tree climbing & Pirate Adventure Park (summer)

  Tree-top obstacle courses at Montchavin, several levels. Ideal for families and groups of friends.

• MTB Bike Park (summer, Montchavin)

  DH and enduro trails, summer lifts running, MTB school. An excellent playground.

• Intensive ESF ski course

  La Plagne's French Ski School is one of the best in France. All-level courses.

• Snowshoeing in the Vanoise National Park

  Guided outing from Champagny-Le-Haut, immersion in preserved nature, wildlife spotting.

• Beaufort Tarentaise cooperative tour

  Discover how Beaufort AOP is made, tasting included. In Moûtiers, 20 min downhill.

Outings by profile

Where to buy real souvenirs (not magnets)

• Beaufort Tarentaise Cooperative (Moûtiers)

  20 min by car. Beaufort AOP straight from the producer, dairy tour possible. The ultimate edible souvenir.

• Champagny market (Thursday)

  Local producers: alpine honeys, charcuterie, cheeses, homemade génépi. The ritual for curious travellers.

• La Boulange (Plagne Centre / Belle Plagne)

  Traditional breads, brioches, Savoyard cakes to take home. Perfect for the trip back.

• Skiset / Sport 2000 (all resorts)

  Quality ski equipment and outdoor clothing, discounted at the end of the season. To bring home a real ski jacket.

• Vanoise National Park shop (Champagny)

  Books, maps, eco-friendly objects linked to the Park. For a thoughtful souvenir.

• Savoie distillery (Albertville, 1h)

  Artisan génépi, alpine plant liqueurs, eaux-de-vie. Traditional Savoyard production.

• Champagny-Le-Haut artisan workshop

  Wood carving, soapstone objects, small one-off pieces by local artisans.

• Macot butcher-charcutier

  Diots, saucissons, country ham prepared the old way. Vacuum-packed for travel.

Local products to take home

• Alpage Beaufort AOP

  Cooked pressed cheese, travels very well for weeks. Buy two.

• Farmhouse Reblochon AOP

  Keep cold. Vacuum-pack available at any cheesemonger.

• Abondance AOP

  Lesser-known but excellent Savoyard cheese, fruity and melt-in-the-mouth.

• Artisan génépi

  High-altitude plant liqueur. Hold luggage only (strong alcohol).

• Alpine honeys

  Rhododendron, fir, wildflower. Hold luggage (liquid).

• Savoyard diots and saucissons

  Tarentaise charcuterie, perfect in carry-on.

• Bottle of Apremont or Mondeuse

  Local Savoie wines. Hold luggage.

• Buckwheat crozets

  Small traditional Savoyard pasta, the base of croziflette. Easy to transport.

• Opinel n°8 knife

  The Savoyard icon. Hold luggage only.

Getting around — practical tips

• La Plagne Bus (free between high-altitude villages)

  Lines linking Plagne Centre, Belle Plagne, Plagne Soleil, Bellecôte, Aime 2000, Villages, Plagne 1800. Every 15-30 min in season, free.

• Shuttles to lower villages

  Regular lines to Champagny, Montalbert, Montchavin-Les Coches, Macot. Included with the ski pass or guest card.

• Plagne Bellecôte funicular

  Quick link between Plagne Centre and Plagne Bellecôte. Practical with skis.

• SNCF train to Aime-La Plagne

  Direct TGV from Paris (4h30), stop at Aime-La Plagne. Then a 30 min shuttle up to the high-altitude resorts.

• Nearest airports

  Chambéry (1h30), Lyon Saint-Exupéry (2h), Geneva (2h30), Grenoble (2h30). Private and shared shuttle services available.

• Car

  Useful for reaching Champagny or going down to Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Moûtiers. Avoid driving between high-altitude villages in season: use the free buses.

• Paradiski pedestrian lift pass

  If you don't ski, the pedestrian pass gives you access to the Vanoise Express and several cable cars. Very cost-effective for the panoramas.

Mistakes to avoid

• Choosing a village at random

  Each village has its own personality: Plagne Centre = lively; Belle Plagne = chic; Champagny = authentic; Aime 2000 = unique. Picture your stay before booking.

• Confusing La Plagne and Les Arcs

  These are two distinct resorts, linked by the Vanoise Express and bundled into the Paradiski area. The Paradiski pass gives access to both, but accommodation is separate.

• Underestimating the size of the area

  425 km of slopes: impossible to ski it all in 3 days. Pick a priority sector (La Plagne alone already has 225 km), add Les Arcs if you stay 5+ days.

• Not booking the Bob Raft in advance

  Cult activity, limited slots. Book online weeks ahead in season.

• Driving between high-altitude villages in season

  Roads saturated, parking scarce. Use the free La Plagne Bus, faster and more relaxing.

• Aime 2000 without warning your travel companions

  The 1960s « snow liner » architecture divides: some adore it (full-on modernism), others hate it (concrete). Show photos before booking.

• Eating savoyard every day

  Daily melted cheese = heavy digestion. Alternate with La Bull (steakhouse), Sushi Plagne, or world cuisine.

• Skipping the Vanoise Express

  Even as a pedestrian, this cable car is an experience in itself. Use it at least once during your stay.

• Ignoring Champagny-en-Vanoise

  Many visitors stay at altitude. Coming down to Champagny for half a day reveals La Plagne's other, more authentic face.

Insider tips from the locals

• Shoulder season = early March

  Great snow, long days, prices -25%, smaller crowds. The best window to ski La Plagne.

• Paradiski pass pays off from day 3

  If you're staying 3+ days and like variety, the Paradiski supplement (vs. La Plagne-only pass) is recouped through the sheer terrain on offer.

• Vanoise Express at sunset

  Around 5pm in winter: golden light, breathtaking panoramas, magical crossing. Free with your lift pass.

• Champagny-en-Vanoise for lunch

  Drop down by cable car mid-day, eat in the village, head back up in the afternoon. A complete change of mood.

• Plagne Montalbert for budget + character

  Accessible Savoyard village, softer prices than at altitude, direct gondola to the area. Our value favourite.

• Les Yourtes for cult après-ski

  Mongolian yurts at 3,000 m, mulled wine facing the glacier. Drop by on ski at the end of the day, unforgettable experience.

• Beaufort cooperative at Moûtiers

  Tour + tasting + direct purchase. The cheese is cheaper and better quality than in resort shops.

• Aime 2000 for the modernism experience

  If the architecture speaks to you, staying inside the Pierre Schneider « snow liner » is a unique experience.

• La Plagne Bus = the magic solution

  Free, frequent, links every high-altitude village. Forget the car on site.

Suggested itineraries

La Plagne reveals itself village by village. Take time to head down to Champagny for lunch, go up to Les Yourtes in the late afternoon, cross the Vanoise Express at least once, and treat yourself to a Bob Raft descent — that's the memory that will stay. Our SmartStay team is reachable seven days a week to help you book an activity, choose a restaurant or answer a weather question.

Enjoy La Plagne — and don't miss the Mont Pourri panorama every morning.