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).

Hameau Le Bois à Champagny-le-Haut
Champagny 2020
Eglise Saint Sigismond

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 - fête du village
Trails alpins du Grand Bec
Visite guidée du village
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!

Refuge du Plan des Gouilles
Marmotte
Le Laisonnay à Champagny-le-Haut
Refuge de Plaisance

Reconnect with nature in the Vallon de Champagny le Haut and the Vanoise National Park

Paradise for hikers and nature lovers, the listed natural site of Champagny le Haut, at the altitude of 1500m, is home to five hamlets of character listed in the architectural heritage inventory: La Couaz, La Chiserette, Le Bois, Friburge and Le Laisonnay.

Exceptional setting, ideal for recharging your batteries, it offers many hiking possibilities as well as mountain bike and electric mountain bike routes. Choose your location at the Le Canada campsite or stop at one of the area's refuges: Le Bois and Le Laisonnay (accessible by car), La Glière, and Le Plan des Gouilles.

Discover the Gorzdérés trail, labelled a comfort walk, accessible to all, especially families, senior citizens and people with reduced mobility.

Animal lovers will appreciate the cani-rando, the cani-trotinette, the horse rides (or pony rides for the little ones) and the marmot ride.

Beyond Champagny-le-Haut lie the vast wild spaces of the Vanoise National Park, the first national park created in 1963. Whether you go alone, with your loved ones or in a group with a guide, you will not forget these mythical places, such as the dry lake of Glière and its chapel, the Col de la Grassaz… Pay attention to the movements of ibex, chamois and marmots and watch bearded vultures hovering. The flora is not to be outdone with its edelweiss, rhododendrons and gentians. Finally, mountain bikers will appreciate the pastoral track of La Grande Plagne, the only mountain bike route in the heart of the Park from Champagny-en-Vanoise.

Visite Champagny en Vanoise
Espace Glacialis CHAMPAGNY

A vast territory to recharge your batteries, to get some fresh air, to spend some energy but also to cultivate yourself

Take advantage of your stay to visit the Espace Glacialis, the interpretation centre on glaciers. You will discover the secrets of these giants of ice, from their scientific aspects to their historical and mythological dimensions. A fun and interactive visit with films, models, photo gallery...
Afterwards, round off your visit with a short hike on the Glaciological Trail. Here you can observe some of the highest glaciers in the massif and, thanks to the numbered markers and the glaciology booklet, you will become a real expert on glaciers and the Vanoise.
Would you like to know more about Champagny, its history and traditions? Sign up for one of FACIM's guided tours: the mountain stories and fantastic stories in Champagny-le-Haut and the visit of the village and the Church of St Sigismond. If you prefer to visit the village at your own pace and in a playful way, we suggest you play interactive games on your phone thanks to the Géodyssée application

 

 

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

Champagny-en-Vanoise, Terre d'Alpinisme

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 ❤️

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