Tignes, by a local

The unmissable sights

The resort's villages and hamlets

Tignes is made up of five villages stacked between 1,550 m and 2,300 m. Each hamlet has its own atmosphere, altitude and crowd — choosing your village means choosing your holiday.

• Tignes Le Lac (2,100 m)

  The original village, around the lake. More authentic and lived-in atmosphere, the widest choice of traditional restaurants and bars. Our favourite for a first stay: everything walkable, magnificent lake view, direct access to the ski area.

• Val Claret (2,100-2,300 m)

  The highest and most modern village. Total ski-in / ski-out, direct access to the Grande Motte funicular. Liveliest for après-ski (Folie Douce, Couloir, Loop). Unapologetic 1970s architecture. Ideal for hardcore skiers and partygoers.

• Lavachet (2,100 m)

  Small hamlet tucked between Le Lac and Val Claret. Quiet, residential, a few charming chalets. Ideal for families wanting calm while remaining walking distance from Le Lac (10 min).

• Les Brévières (1,550 m)

  The authentic old Savoyard village, 5 km lower down. Stone walls, slate roofs, a timeless feel. Slope access via the Brévières chairlift. For those who want skiing plus the character of a real mountain village.

• Tignes 1800 (1,800 m)

  The « new » family-oriented village, recently built in a softer chalet style. More accessible prices, ski area access by gondola. Family crowd and first-time visitors.

• Tignes-les-Boisses

  A tiny hamlet on the access road, quiet, a few isolated chalets. For those truly seeking absolute peace.

The best things to do

• Ski the Grande Motte glacier early

  Summer and winter alike, first lifts at 7am. Hard cold snow in summer, magical light, zero queues. The glacier closes between 12pm and 1pm in summer (re-freeze).

• Lake Tignes loop

  Flat 3 km trail around the lake (1h), perfect at sunrise or sunset. Doable running, mountain biking or with a buggy.

• Walk up to l'Aiguille Percée

  1h30 hike from Palafour to the iconic natural arch. 360° view at the top, perfect for a memorable photo.

• Water-skiing on the lake (July-August)

  A genuinely unusual activity: water-skiing at 2,100 m altitude. Cable-tow water-ski system on the lake, open in summer. Surprisingly pleasant water by afternoon.

• Tandem paragliding from la Tovière

  Take-off facing Mont Blanc, landing at the lake. €130-170. Tignes Air Expérience, Bowlex, Air'Eden. Summer and winter.

• Off-piste with a guide in the Manchet valley

  One of the finest off-piste sectors in the Alps, Val d'Isère side. A guide is mandatory — glaciated terrain, avalanche risk. ESF, Evolution 2, Compagnie des Guides de Tignes.

• Via Ferrata des Tufs

  Above Les Brévières, a vertical route on limestone with valley views. With or without instructor depending on level, equipment mandatory.

• A day to Val d'Isère via Espace Killy

  With a Killy pass, ski across is possible: col de Fresse, Solaise sector, lunch at the top of La Daille. The cult outing for intermediate skiers.

Our favourite walks

• Lake Tignes loop

  3 km flat, 1h, accessible to all. Sunrise by the water with Grande Motte reflected: the signature walk.

• Aiguille Percée via Palafour

  1h30 climb through alpine pasture, natural arch at the summit, descent possible via the Naturel'L trail. The most iconic Tignes hike.

• Refuge de la Leisse (2,487 m)

  Beautiful 3h hike from the Leisse bridge, right at the heart of the Vanoise National Park. Overnight refuge stay possible — the quintessential altitude experience.

• Lac de la Sassière

  Small alpine lake at the foot of the Rhêmes-Golette glacier, outstanding view. Road access then 30 min walk. Family, picnic, marmots.

• Col de la Tourne

  From the Palafour chairlift, 2h round trip, splendid panorama over the Vanoise glaciers. Intermediate level.

• Pointe du Lavachet (2,642 m)

  Short 1h30 ascent from Tignes Le Lac, magnificent viewpoint over the lake and Grande Motte. Ideal late in the day.

• Refuge du Palet (2,587 m)

  Above Les Brévières, 2h30 climb through marmot pastures. Renowned refuge cooking, overnight possible. Heart of the Vanoise.

• Grande Motte balcony

  Balcony trail between 2,500 and 2,700 m, facing the glacier. 4h, advanced level. For experienced hikers wanting an altitude panorama.

Savoyard specialities to taste

• Tartiflette

  Potatoes, lardons, onions, a whole reblochon melted on top. The Alps' iconic dish.

• Fondue savoyarde

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

• Raclette

  Half wheel of cheese, scraped onto steamed potatoes and mountain charcuterie. The cosy winter dish.

• Croziflette

  A variation of tartiflette made with crozets (small buckwheat pasta squares), 100% Savoyard speciality — rarer and delicious.

• 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 peasant dish, rich and hearty.

• Croûte aux morilles

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

• Beaufort AOP

  The « prince of gruyères », made in the alpine pastures all around Tignes. Best aged 12 to 18 months.

• Reblochon AOP

  Soft raw-cow's-milk cheese, perfect for tartiflette but also excellent on a board.

• Tomme de Savoie

  Pressed uncooked paste, grey and flowery rind, rustic flavour. Best on country bread.

• Savoie wines

  Apremont, Chignin-Bergeron, Mondeuse. Crisp and mineral, perfect with melted cheese.

• Génépi

  Traditional Savoyard liqueur made from an alpine herb (Artemisia). Emblematic digestif.

Restaurants by mood and budget

Cafés and tea rooms

Great bars

• The Couloir (Val Claret)

  THE legendary Tignes bar. Ski-touring session spot, international crowd, craft beers, raw-chic décor. An absolute must in après-ski.

• Loop Bar (Val Claret)

  Hipster bar, creative cocktails, sharp musical programming. The new generation of resort bar.

• Crowded House (Le Lac)

  Packed pub, just like the name. Beer flowing freely, international atmosphere, live concert programming. The British HQ.

• Jack's (Le Lac)

  Festive bar, loaded atmosphere every evening in season, themed nights. For those who want to dance from 10pm.

• Le Drop (Val Claret)

  Slope-side après-ski: you barely take off the skis before a beer and chips. Warm atmosphere, sunny terrace.

• Brewery Tignes (Le Lac)

  Craft beers brewed on site, authentic brewery atmosphere. Extensive selection of local and international beers.

• Black Diamond bar

  The hushed bar of the 5-star palace. Polished mixology, whisky and champagne cellar. For a calmer evening.

Panoramic terraces

Tignes doesn't really have « rooftops » in the urban sense — the resort sits between high summits. But several altitude and lake-side terraces offer unbeatable panoramas.

• Le Panoramic (summit of la Tovière, 2,700 m)

  The reference panoramic terrace. 360° view onto Mont Blanc, Grande Motte and lake. Fine-dining restaurant or simply a drink in the afternoon.

• Black Diamond terrace (Tignes Le Lac)

  Open view onto Grande Motte from the terrace of the 5-star palace. Cocktails and boards at the end of après-ski.

• Refuge de la Leisse (summer season)

  Refuge terrace at 2,487 m, panorama over the Vanoise glaciers. Simple, good cooking, lunch or snack after the hike.

• La Marra-Mar terrace (Le Lac)

  Right at lake level, facing Grande Motte reflected at 6pm. Magical at sunset with a glass of Savoie wine.

• Le Drop (slope-side, Val Claret)

  Sunny terrace at 2,100 m, facing the slopes. Après-ski drink with a live band or DJ set.

Nightlife

• La Folie Douce Tignes (Val Claret)

  The wild après-ski institution. DJ set, cabaret, dancing on tables from 2pm until sunset. To experience at least once in a lifetime.

• The Couloir

  The most respected bar in the resort, international ski bums atmosphere. Live concerts on some evenings, sharp programming.

• Crowded House

  Packed pub until 1am, live concerts every evening in season. The seasonal workers' and British crowd hangout.

• Loop Bar

  Indie DJ sets, creative cocktails, more refined atmosphere. For those who've had enough of unbridled après-ski.

• Jack's

  Festive bar then late-night dancing, themed nights, light club atmosphere. Fun for dancing without going to a proper club.

• Le Blue Girl (nightclub)

  One of the resort's few genuine discotheques. House and electronic programming, open until 4am.

Good to know: Tignes is younger and more party-oriented than Val d'Isère. Nightlife revolves around the Val Claret bars (Folie Douce, Couloir, Loop) and the Le Lac pubs (Crowded House, Jack's). For an even more international night out, Val d'Isère is 20 min away by shuttle.

Markets

• Tignes Le Lac market

  Tuesday morning in season, on Place du Lac. Local producers: Beaufort, reblochon, charcuterie, alpine honey, Savoie wines. The residents' weekly fixture.

• Les Brévières market

  Friday morning in season, in the old village. Smaller, more authentic, ideal for taking home local products. Savoyard village atmosphere.

• Bourg-Saint-Maurice market

  Saturday morning, 30 min down the valley. The valley's main market, much broader: fishmonger, cheese maker, wines, florist. Worth the detour on a Saturday.

Unique activities

• Summer skiing on the Grande Motte glacier (June-July)

  One of only two summer skiing experiences in France (along with Les 2 Alpes). Glacier open mornings only (8am-1pm, re-freeze). A unique sensation: skiing in a t-shirt at 3,600 m.

• Water-skiing on the lake (July-August)

  Cable-tow water-ski at 2,100 m altitude. Surprisingly pleasant water by afternoon. A genuinely unusual activity, viral photo guaranteed.

• Paddle / SUP on the lake

  Hourly rental, flat water, Grande Motte view. Ideal early morning or late afternoon when the wind drops.

• Under-ice diving in winter (Tignes Le Lac)

  An exceptional activity: dive beneath the frozen lake with certification and supervision. Out-of-the-ordinary sensation, by reservation with specialist schools.

• Via Ferrata des Tufs

  Equipped vertical route above Les Brévières, intermediate level. With or without guide depending on experience, harness and helmet required.

• Tandem paragliding from la Tovière

  Take-off facing Mont Blanc, 15-20 min panoramic flight, landing at the lake. Bowlex, Air'Eden, Tignes Air Expérience.

• Downhill mountain biking (summer)

  Bike park open in summer, MTB-adapted chairlifts, descents for all levels. Enduro and DH MTB rental in the resort.

• Floating obstacle park on the lake

  Inflatable acrobatic course installed on the lake in summer: zip lines, bridges, climbing structures. Guaranteed hit with children and teens.

• Black Diamond spa

  The resort's reference spa, in the SmartStay-managed 5-star hotel. Indoor-outdoor pool, sauna, hammam, premium treatments.

• Off-piste with guide (Manchet valley, Glacier Tour)

  One of the finest freeride playgrounds in the Alps. Guide mandatory. Compagnie des Guides de Tignes, Evolution 2.

• Tignes Trail (summer)

  Trail running festival in July. Several distances from 10 km to 80 km around the glaciers. Inclusive atmosphere, spectacular routes.

Outings by profile

Where to buy real souvenirs (not magnets)

• Coopérative laitière de Haute-Tarentaise (Bourg-Saint-Maurice)

  30 min down the valley. House-aged Beaufort AOP, tomme, raclette straight from the producer. Dairy tour available.

• La Maison du Pain de Tignes

  Gâteau de Savoie, AOP butter brioches, exceptional viennoiseries. Guaranteed flavour-keeper for the journey home.

• Génépi distillery

  Authentic génépi, distilled locally. Several producers in Tarentaise. The perfect gift souvenir.

• Alpine beekeeper

  Rhododendron, fir, thousand-flower altitude honeys. Available at the Tignes Le Lac and Les Brévières markets.

• Artistic photos of the lake and glacier

  Several local photographers exhibit their prints in the village. Original, personal gift.

• Black Diamond boutique

  Upscale accessories in the colours of the 5-star palace: bathrobes, candles, leather sets. For a chic gift.

• Opinel knives

  The Savoyard icon. Special mountain models available in the resort.

• Alpine wool jumper

  Several shops in the resort offer traditional Savoyard knitwear in alpine wool.

Local products to take home

• Alpage Beaufort AOP

  The « prince of gruyères », aged 12 to 18 months. Travels very well for weeks if kept cool.

• Farmhouse Reblochon AOP

  Keep cold. Ask for vacuum-pack at the cheesemonger.

• Tomme de Savoie

  More rustic, ideal on an aperitif board. Travels very well.

• Génépi from Tignes

  Emblematic altitude liqueur. Hold luggage only (spirits).

• Alpine honey (rhododendron, fir)

  Unique altitude-flower flavour. Hold luggage (liquid).

• Savoie dry sausage

  Dry-cured charcuterie from the valley. Perfect in carry-on.

• Bottle of Mondeuse or Apremont

  Crisp, mineral Savoie wine. Hold luggage.

• Opinel n°8 knife

  The regional icon. Hold luggage only.

• Crozets de Savoie

  Small buckwheat pasta squares, ideal for making croziflette at home. Don't expire, perfect in luggage.

• Alpine crystal

  Crystals found in the massif, several shops sell them. Authentic, discreet souvenir.

Getting around — practical tips

• FREE Bus Tignes

  Free shuttle running continuously between Le Lac, Val Claret, Lavachet, Les Boisses and Les Brévières, from 7am to 1am in season. Genuinely useful — no need for a car in the resort.

• Grande Motte funicular (Val Claret)

  Underground funicular linking Val Claret to the glacier in 7 min. Included with the ski pass. Ideal for fast summit access, summer and winter.

• Killy ski pass (Tignes + Val d'Isère)

  300 km of linked pistes. Worth buying from 5 days' skiing onward. Allows ski-across to Val d'Isère.

• Altibus shuttle

  Direct service from Geneva, Lyon, Chambéry and Grenoble airports. Booking required in high season.

• SNCF train + shuttle

  TGV to Bourg-Saint-Maurice from Paris (4h30). Then Altibus shuttle or taxi to Tignes (1h).

• Car

  Access road from Bourg-Saint-Maurice (40 min, 30 km climb). Snow chains mandatory in winter. Paid underground car parks in the resort, or free Rosset car park (Val Claret).

• From Geneva airport

  2h45 by car or direct Altibus shuttle. The smoothest journey from abroad.

• From Lyon Saint-Exupéry

  2h30 by car or Altibus shuttle. Good alternative from the south.

Mistakes to avoid

• Confusing Tignes 1800 and Val Claret

  Tignes 1800 = family-friendly, calm, chalet architecture. Val Claret = young, party-oriented, 1970s. Choosing the wrong village can spoil the holiday — check with your host before booking.

• Underestimating the altitude

  Tignes starts at 2,100 m, the glacier climbs to 3,656 m. Headaches, breathlessness and disturbed sleep are common in the first 24 hours. Hydrate, avoid alcohol the first evening, ascend the glacier gradually.

• Thinking the glacier is reachable by car

  The Grande Motte glacier is only accessible by funicular + cable car from Val Claret. No road. Factor the ascent into your planning.

• Booking summer skiing without checking snow cover

  The glacier may close in July if heatwave melting is severe. Check tignes.net 48h ahead. Plan a backup (lake, hike, paddle).

• Eating « savoyard » every evening

  Fondue Monday, raclette Tuesday, tartiflette Wednesday = heavy. Alternate with La Marra-Mar (fish), El Coyote (Mexican), Yes Madame (Asian).

• Underestimating altitude with children

  Restless sleep, agitation, headaches are common in young children at 2,100 m. Prefer Tignes 1800 (lower), avoid the glacier under age 6.

• Coming without booking during school holidays

  Tignes is one of France's most sought-after resorts. February = saturated, prices x2, queues everywhere. Book 6 months ahead or avoid these periods.

• Driving to the resort without snow chains in winter

  The road between Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Tignes can be snowy from October to May. Chains mandatory when signs are up. Frequent checks.

Insider tips from Tignards

• Killy 7-day pass = cost-effective from 5 days' skiing

  At around €380, the Killy pass grants access to 300 km of pistes (Tignes + Val d'Isère). Essential if you're skiing 5 days or more.

• Free Bus Tignes — forget the car

  Shuttle every 10-15 min between all villages, free, until 1am. Park at the free Rosset car park and use the bus.

• Summer skiing: mornings only, afternoons relaxing

  The glacier closes at 1pm (re-freeze). Afternoon: Lake Tignes (paddle, water-skiing, swimming), spa, sun nap. The winning combo.

• Les Brévières to escape the crowds

  Old village 5 km lower down. Authentic restaurants, off-peak feel even in high season. Free shuttle from Le Lac.

• April = the gem of the season

  Long sunny spring days: sunshine, snow still good high up (glacier intact), accommodation -30%, crowds absent. Our favourite season.

• Lake Tignes at 8am in summer

  Water flat as a mirror, golden light, no swimmers, magical photos. Set your alarm.

• Refuge de la Leisse for an altitude night

  At 2,487 m in the Vanoise National Park. Convivial dinner, dormitory night, sunrise on the glaciers. Book 1 month ahead in summer.

• Val d'Isère side to escape queues

  With the Killy pass, ski-across via col de Fresse. Less crowded pistes on certain days, and lunch at La Cuca'a Croza near the summit.

• Tignes Trail for a July visit

  Trail running festival. Even if you don't run, the resort atmosphere is exceptional, with many free events.

• Ask your host for the guest card

  Grants discounts on certain activities (paragliding, paddle, spa), ski rental, and the Grande Motte funicular outside winter.

Suggested itineraries

Tignes is lived at altitude — literally. Take time to breathe in the first 24 hours, hydrate, alternate between mountain and lake, and look up often at the Grande Motte. And if you need advice during your stay — weather, guide, last-minute table, shuttle — our SmartStay team is reachable seven days a week. We notably manage the 5-star Black Diamond hotel in Tignes Le Lac, do drop by.

Enjoy Tignes — and don't forget to watch the lake at sunrise at least once.