👉 This article is taken from the10th edition of our newsletter, Les carnets de La Plagne. To subscribe and receive it directly, click here. Enjoy the read!
The Deep Blue
The thrill of a complete change of scenery, just 10 minutes from the nearest SNCF train station? It’s possible in La Plagne thanks to its unique geographical setting—nestled among rivers, alpine pastures, forests, and high altitudes.
As you follow the contour lines, the contrast is spectacular: the turbulent rivers and the pastoral landscape, reminiscent of the Irish countryside, give way to dizzying peaks worthy of the American Wild West. Whether it’s a two-hour refreshing hike, a descent down the Isère River, or a backpacking trip with an overnight stay— there’s something for everyone, depending on your desire for the unexpected.
The Grand Canyon, with a dip included
As you make your way down the Isère by raft or hydrospeed, the river narrows, temporarily squeezed between imposing cliffs—these are the Pucelle Gorges. The landscape transforms, giving you the strange impression of having entered a whole new world in just a few minutes.
The setting is magical, and the water grows calmer; the turquoise pools offer the perfect opportunity to take a break, stepping off the raft to swim in this incredible natural setting; the more daring can even jump several meters from the overhang.
Ancient ruins, with a guide
As the geographical gateway to La Plagne, the town of Aime also serves as a portal through time, taking you back centuries. Axima is the ancient name of the town, which served as a provincial capital during the time of ancient Rome.
Today, not only are excavations regularly conducted, but Fabien Thevenon, a young doctoral student at Lumière Lyon 2 University, has settled there for three years with two missions: to reconstruct daily life from that era and to catalog the artifacts collected locally since the 1970s.
He also meets with the public during the summer season to discuss his research.
Canada, without the mosquitoes
No bears or maple syrup either, but with an undeniable Canadian vibe that stems from the wild, vast expanse of the designated glacial valley of Champagny-le-Haut.
A lush green plateau stretching as far as the eye can see, framed by mountains and overlooked by glaciers. It’s THE paradise for hikers (and ibex) thanks to exclusive access to Vanoise National Park.
At the entrance to the valley, the Huttopia campground has added its own touch to the scene, with charming pointed chalets scattered throughout the forest and furnished tents with terraces.
Aiming for the moon—but in a UFO
The moon? It’s the roof of La Plagne, the Live 3000 summit, at an altitude of 3,080 m. A rocky landscape and a 360° view of the Alpine massifs and Mont Blanc. The UFO? It’s Aérolive, a glass-walled gondola offering a contemplative ride with the wind in your hair. One of a kind in the world.
Offshore fishing—anything but intensive
When it comes to casting their lines, both casual anglers and enthusiasts are spoiled for choice: La Plagne boasts four natural lakes at altitudes over 2,000 m, two on the Versant du Soleil (Presset and Portette), and two on the north face (Carroley and Etroits).
Brook trout and brown trout are the most common fish in these pristine bodies of water. For a “whitewater” experience, the banks of the Isère and Doron de Bozel rivers down in the valley are also excellent spots. Fishing is strictly regulated, and the specific “Savoie” fishing license is required.
Today’s number
This is the number of mountain huts in the La Plagne area, two of which hold the “Esprit par national de la Vanoise” certification. The Plan des Gouilles hut, accessible from Champagny-en-Vanoise, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer.
Perched a 2.5-hour hike from civilization, its caretaker, Sabrina, single-handedly manages welcoming hikers, cooking, serving, and cleaning… All without running water or electricity—not to mention Wi-Fi… She shares what her daily life is like inan informative audio interview!
