Nestling in the heart of the mountains at the gateway to the Vanoise National Park, the typically Savoyard village of Champagny-en-Vanoise is perched at an altitude of 1,250 m on the south-facing slope of the La Plagne ski area, so it enjoys optimum sunshine all year round. It backs onto the La Plagne and Paradiski ski areas (Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry and La Plagne), which skiers access via the Champagny cable car (arriving at an altitude of 1,970 m). There's nothing like a piste map to help you locate the village and the Champagny-en-Vanoise sector of the ski area! Because of its geographical configuration, Champagny-en-Vanoise deserves a little topo. Nothing complicated, the site is divided into two parts:

- Champagny-le-Bas (1,250 m), which has a rich mountain heritage and is the subject of guided tours, particularly by guides from the Facim Foundation. The village's most outstanding monument is the church of Saint-Sigismond, which boasts an exceptional Baroque décor with a tabernacle and altarpiece covered in gold and cherubs, dating from 1710. As for skiing, Champagny-le-Bas is the departure point for the cable car that links the village to the La Plagne and Paradiski ski areas. The village has two kindergartens. Champagny-en-Vanoise also boasts a swimming pool (with paddling pool) and spa. In summer, the pool becomes a dream spot for lounging thanks to its removable roof that opens out onto the landscape.

- Champagny-le-Haut (1,500 m) is a listed glacial valley. It is linked to Champagny-le-Bas by a narrow road about 5 km long, which passes through steep gorges. It's a climb you can do on foot too! Once past this gully, the entrance to the valley widens and opens onto a natural sanctuary where traditional hamlets emerge from a backdrop with a Far North atmosphere in winter. In spring and summer, it's an ibex paradise! In this listed natural site, the Nordic area offers a wide range of winter activities: 24 km of cross-country ski trails, sledging, snowshoeing and horse-riding trails, dog sledding...
Sheltered from the sun for most of the winter, Champagny-le-Haut is also home to the Ice Tower, a 22-metre-high structure that is covered in ice from December to March. The only site of its kind in Europe, it hosts international competitions every year. And no, ice climbing isn't just for top athletes! Supervised introductory courses are available from the age of 10, with equipment on loan. One of the highlights of the winter season is the Gorzderette, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024. An unusual and unconventional event, it attracts between 200 and 250 mountain enthusiasts every winter. Its success is largely due to its crazy multi-activity tournament, organised around the ice tower, and its mythical slogan ‘Relax, it'll be fine’. Where does the name come from? Les Gorzdérés’ is the dialect name of the inhabitants of Champagny-le-Haut, literally “those who live behind the gorges”!

Champagny-le-Haut is also home to the Espace Glacialis, a glacier interpretation centre designed to raise awareness of the fragility of glaciers: from the scientific approach to the historical and mythological dimensions through a fun and interactive exhibition (films, model, photo gallery, workshops, etc.). Self-guided or guided tours, open summer and winter).

Champagny-le-Haut - Sentier des Gorzdérés en automne
Champagny - Friburge en automne
Champagny en Automne
Champagny - Cascade du Py en automne

Champagny-en-Vanoise in #interseason mode

Autumn and spring are the best seasons for hiking and observing the flora and fauna in Champagny-en-Vanoise. Every off-season, the Tourist Office organises supervised nature walks: outings to get a breath of fresh air, of course, but also to learn about different themes linked to the natural environment and landscapes of Champagny-en-Vanoise: engraved rocks (also known as cup stones), ibexes, the bearded vulture, the bellowing of the stag...
More of a thrill-seeker? Via ferrata, climbing and paragliding are also available in Champagny-en-Vanoise between seasons.
During the All Saints' Day holidays, the outdoor festival Xplore Alpes Festival celebrates mountain sports, activities and heritage: film screenings, talks, introductory courses, etc.
 

Champagny
Champagny en hiver
Champagny 2020

A lively village with a soul!

Made up of hamlets built in the traditional style (wood and stone), the village was linked to the La Plagne ski area in 1971 and has kept its mountain charm intact. The narrow streets are home to chapels and oratories, and a Baroque church not far from the torrent that runs through the village. La Plagne Resort travel agency offers a wide range of accommodation, from studios to chalets for 15 people.
Champagny-en-Vanoise is a village bursting with energy! Whether it's sport, culture or mountain traditions, the two sites in Champagny-en-Vanoise host a host of events and activities : Nordic derby, marathon, trail, ice climbing championship, etc. Every week, in summer and winter, there's a wide choice of activities: orienteering races, film screenings, festivals, family shows, open-air concerts, treasure hunts... In summer, the two village festivals are a great opportunity to meet the local people and sample the local specialities. To make sure you don't miss a thing, come along to the traditional welcome drink on Sunday evening!
 

Champagny - Louna - Coupe du monde d'escalade
Champagny activité en famille
Sublicimes 2024 Col des Sorciers
Feu d'artifice descente aux flambeaux
Champagny - fête du village

An animated village

Champagny en Vanoise is a village with a lot of energy, always on the move. The site offers numerous events and activities in all fields, but always built on its legitimate values. In summer, the two village festivals are a special time to meet the inhabitants. You will discover the customs and traditions, without forgetting to taste the local specialities.The site hosts numerous sporting events every season: nordic derby, trail, nordic marathon... Every week in summer as well as in winter, the entertainment is varied: orienteering races, film screenings, family shows, open-air concerts, treasure hunts... Don't miss the traditional welcome drink on Sunday evening so that you don't miss anything during your week!

Champagny - tour de Glace
Champagny - Escalade sur glace
Tour de Glace Champagny
Gorzderette Champagny

Relax, it’s all going to be fine!

Helmet on your head, crampons on your feet and an ice axe in each hand, you are ready to set off on the assault of the ice tower of Champagny-en-Vanoise.
This artificial structure offers several routes along its icy blue tentacles. The world's best ice climbers compete on the overhangs, while casual climbers choose the easier routes. The ice is crumbly at the first strike, the ice axe anchors at the second and allows you to pull yourself up. You take your rhythm: right arm, left arm, right foot, left foot and so on. All the way up, you secure your anchors to reach the summit; an invigorating and invigorating experience!

The ice tower is regularly the scene of international ice climbing competitions and the Gorzderette ice tournament, under the slogan "Relax, it will be fine! They celebrate their 20th anniversary this year. Look forward to an unforgettable week-end !

 

What's on in Champagny

On 16/11/2024
Competitive sport
On 16/11/2024
Dinner / Meal show, Meal organised by an association
Welcome drink, Soirée à thème
On 23/12/2024
Treasure hunt
Champagny chiens de traineaux
raquettes Champagny le Haut
Ski de fond Champagny le Haut
Champagny-le-haut sous la neige

Champagny-en-Vanoise is home to a hidden treasure: the Champagny le Haut vale

A paradise for nature lovers, the listed natural site of Champagny-le-Haut is home to five hamlets of character listed in the architectural heritage inventory: La Couaz, La Chiserette, Le Bois, Friburge and Le Laisonnay. The landscapes here are of rare beauty, with a view of the Grande Motte glacier. The setting is peaceful, ideal for disconnecting.

Champagny-le-Haut is the place for unforgettable experiences. After tackling the ice tower, why not discover the valley on cross-country skis? The Nordic domain has 24km of trails, for all levels, with an unbeatable setting.

Animal lovers? You can admire the landscape from a sledge, pulled by dogs, with a Great North atmosphere! The activity is also available for the youngest with the kid-sled version. You will love it! As for the toboggan run, which is self-service, it will ensure you have a good time with your family.

Don't forget to visit the Espace Glacialis. This glacier interpretation centre is unique in the Alps. In summer and winter, it offers creative workshops for children, as well as guided tours.

Grande Casse
Escalade à Champagny-en-Vanoise
Escalade cascade Tour de Glace

Recently awarded "Terre d'Alpinisme", Champagny-en-Vanoise, Pralognan la Vanoise and le Planay partagent share the conviction that mountaineering is real "Art of living", a strong marker of the identity of their territory.

 

Terre d'Alpinisme aims to be a catalyst for experience and best practice in mountaineering that is firmly rooted, alive and shared, and is structured around 3 key:

  • Legacy, by perpetuating the values of mountaineering and its tangible and intangible heritage.
  • Passing on the values of mountaineering by setting up specific initiatives to introduce people to mountaineering, initiatives targeting families and new mountaineers, and training the mountaineers of tomorrow.
  • Promotion: raising the profile of Terre d'Alpinisme; encouraging the participation and growth of the mountaineering community.

Village map

Discover the highlights of our village and its convenience shops.

 

Village of Champagny le Haut map

You'll love it!

There's always a good reason to come to La Plagne ❤️

Tour de France
La Plagne, host resort
Aérolive
New for 2024