Ever since drone use became more widespread, our Instagram feeds have been flooded with breathtaking panoramic images... but also some very frustrating ones! Dreamlike landscapes, distant horizons, breathtaking overhangs: it's almost easy to become jealous of these little technological gems, which take advantage of the best view without being able to feel the emotions that go with it.
Would you too like to take in the sights and sounds without a screen in your way? Good news: at La Plagne, you don't need a pilot's license (or your name is Tina Arena) to go higher! Here's proof in five with our selection of perched activities.
Live 3000: take on the summits at 3080 m altitude
We start with the highest point you can reach without leaving the cow floor: the Live 3000viewing area, at an altitude of 3080 m. You'll need to take two gondolas (the Roche de Mio gondola from Plagne Bellecôte, then the Glaciers gondola) to reach the impressive panoramic terrace on the roof of La Plagne.
In front of you: a 360° view of Mont Blanc and the Vanoise glaciers. At your feet: the Tarentaise valley and the 11 villages of La Plagne. All the more reason to dream of the next trails to explore, lakes to discover and summits to climb! Take your time, there's no hurry: you can even indulge in a sweet or savoury treat at the Le Sixième Ciel restaurant if hunger interferes with your mental wanderings.
Buy your summer pedestrian pass (1 day / 7 days / season)
Aérolive: minimalist air travel
Imagine a gondola lift... with no windows and no seats! Just an elegant, minimalist structure, equipped with metal bars on which to hang your harness and ride safely at over 3,000 meters altitude. A vertiginous experience that perfectly combines thrills and exhilarating contemplation, without the fear of having to throw yourself into the void. Bonus: you can even privatize your cabin for a special occasion (a marriage proposal, perhaps? Shh, we won't tell 😉 ).
Reserve your place in one of the two cabins (from 1 m 40)
Super Tyro: activate rocket mode!
Ever heard of a Tyrolean traverse? It's nothing to do with a traditional song that resonates in the Austrian Alps (the famous Tyrolean yodel): this adrenalin-filled activity involves sliding down a long metal cable using a pulley, itself connected to a harness in which you sit.
In La Plagne, zip lines come in a variety of lengths. But the one we're interested in here is the Super Tyro, which links Plagne Aime 2000 to Plagne Centre: 600 m of cable to hurtle down with the wind in your hair (or rather: tied up tightly), and a top speed that can reach 90 km/h! A breathtaking descent that's 100% safe, with a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc 40 km away, and Lac Vert at your feet.
Book a Super Tyro descent (from 20 to 130 kg)
Paragliding: make like a bird
Of the five activities we've selected, this is undoubtedly the one that will give you the greatest sense of freedom! For 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour or more, soar over forests, alpine meadows and peaks in the thermals, enjoying the view without worrying about flying the glider overhead.
You don't need to know anything about paragliding to take off in a tandem glider: all you have to do is trot a few meters to feel the glider inflate behind your back. A few seconds later, your feet no longer touch the ground! A smooth take-off, with no sensation of falling, that will reassure less adventurous lovers of wide open spaces.
Book a paragliding flight (discovery flight, panoramic flight, prestige flight...)
Tour of Château Montmayeur: everyone to their (observation) posts!
What better way to take in the sights than with a tower built to watch for potential enemies in the distance? The tower of Château Montmayeur d'Aime was built for defensive purposes in the 13th century.
Eight centuries later, the belligerent spirit has been forgotten. But the panoramic view from the top of the tower has remained. A must-see for history buffs... and children (machicolations! Scale models! Wooden games to pretend you're in the Middle Ages!)
