Bourg St Maurice
The bustling and characterful valley town sits in the middle of the Tarentaise valley
Bourg St Maurice acts as a local hub for events, transport and commerce. It's the year-round beating heart of the Les Arcs area, boasting a train station which not only links to the mountainside resorts by a rapidly-ascending funicular railway but also provides international connections such as the direct rail route to London. There are regular events throughout the year and innumerable places to eat, drink and shop.
Being the biggest town in the area, Bourg St Maurice provides services, goods and entertainment to the people of Les Arcs and many other popular resorts. The train station includes a coach terminal, from which you can board buses to La Rosière, Sainte Foy, La Plagne, Tignes, Val d'Isère and, in the summer, Italy. There is no shortage of retail options with everything on offer from commercial centre hypermarkets to tiny high street boutiques. Bourg is essentially big enough to have a cinema, a campsite and weekly markets but small enough to remain friendly and manageable, all surrounded by the spectacular mountainous landscape.
History & Culture in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
The economic capital of the Haute Tarentaise region, Bourg St Maurice sits approximately 10km from the Italian border. In the Gallo-Roman period the town was known as Bergintrum and, being on the main Roman road to Milan, was one of the last Gallic settlements before the route rapidly ascended over Col de Petit Saint Bernard into Italy. In the Middle Ages, Maurice became the patron saint of the area and the Tour de Rochefort, which is the last remaining edifice of a defensive keep from this period, still stands in the town centre.
Bourg St Maurice has a rich agricultural heritage with cheeses such as Beaufort being held in very high esteem. The wide variety of regional produce available in the area can be found at weekly markets, specialist shops (including the interminably-popular Coopérative Laitière store) and even the local supermarkets.
There are two annual agricultural festivals during the year, the Salon de l’Agriculture in August and La Démontagnée in October when the cows, sheep, goats and various other animals ‘come down’ from the mountain at the end of the summer and parade through the streets of the town centre. Another summer fair, the Fêtes de l'Edelweiss, celebrates the folk music, traditional costumes, arts and crafts (including lace-making and carpentry) of the Tarentaise region.
Les Arcs truly became a holiday destination in the 1960s when work began on Arc 1600, the first of the mountainside resorts. In 1974, this new village was connected to Bourg St Maurice via a lengthy cable-car. This was upgraded in 1989 to a two-train funicular, increasing capacity at the same time Arc 1800 was being developed. In 2019, to mark the 50th anniversary of Les Arcs, the funicular underwent a major refurbishment with stunning modern carriages and a new concourse area in the valley.
Sights & Attractions in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
There is some interesting architecture in Les Arcs’ main town. The medieval Rochefort tower reveals a medieval focus on fortification, the quaint pedestrianised high street is lined with buildings sporting decorative architraves, transoms and balustrades (just look up) and the grand, early 20th century train station which gained a bus terminal for the 1992 Winter Olympics.
The town has a three-screen cinema, Le Coeur d’Or, which often plays English-language movies (just look out for the ‘VO – Version Originale’ indicator on any UK or US-produced film being shown). There is also a large municipal pool where you can swim indoors or enjoy a jacuzzi during the winter. In the summer, the outdoor pool opens complete with its extensive sunbathing area.
Perhaps the main attraction of Bourg St Maurice is the number of places you can visit from it. In winter it is less than an hour’s drive to a number of ski resorts, including La Rosière, Sainte Foy, La Plagne, Tignes, Val D'Isère and even Les 3 Vallées. In summer, whether you are walking, cycling, driving or riding a motorbike, there are roads leading straight from the town to, amongst other things, the Italian border, spectacular mountain passes made famous by the Tour de France, precipitous ancient fortresses, high-altitude lakes, national parks and panoramic views. It is certainly difficult to get bored when you are surrounded by mountains.
Sights in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
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Maison de la Pomme, Bourg St Maurice
Exhibits and short films about pressing apples in the Savoie region which includes information about experiments conducted to see how to preserve the juice.
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Minerals & Fauna of the Alps Museum, Bourg St Maurica
Alpine collection of minerals from around Bourg St Maurice and Mont Blanc and slideshows on the wildlife of the Alps.
Things to do in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Obviously, one popular course of action is jumping on the funicular railway and heading up to the Les Arcs resorts, primarily for skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer. However, Bourg is also a great starting point for everything from a leisurely walk to a multi-day hike, with walking trails leading in practically every direction.
There are equestrian centres within a few minutes’ walk of the town centre and the Isère river provides an internationally renowned course for white-water kayaking, rafting and canoeing. If you like clambering up rocks, there are via ferrata protected climbing routes dotted around the area, with the closest two probably being Les Bettières in Peisey-Nancroix and Le Roc du Vent near the Cormet de Roselend.
Throughout the year, the town hosts a wide variety of events, concerts and festivals, so it is worth keeping up to date with the Les Arcs events calendar.
Things To Do in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
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Rafting In The Alps, Bourg St Maurice
Located in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
White water rafting is accessible to all who love the natural environment and who are in search of a bit of adventure. These excursions will leave you with some unforgettable memories.
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Hydrospeeding
Located in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
This activity is accessible to those comfortable in water, no need to be a professional diver or swimmer, you just have to be smart at using the water movements, obstacles and waves.
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Helicopter tours
Located in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
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Horse drawn skiing
Learn the skills needed for Ski Joering in Les Arcs.
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Centre Nautique, Bourg St Maurice
This 25m indoor swimming pool is open all year round with the exception of 1st January & 5th August. The outdoor pool is only open in July & August.
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Vital'Gym, Bourg St Maurice
This fitness centre offers an adult gym, cardio-step classes, gymnastics coaching, chi ball, pilates and nordic walking. There are lots of courses running through the week.
Dining in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
If you are looking for something to eat, you are not short of options. For hearty, reasonably-priced and traditional Savoyard fayre in a convivial atmosphere, you really cannot beat Le Refuge on the high street, although it is worth booking a table in advance. Le Bistrot Alpin, opposite the town hall, serves more contemporary French dishes and is particularly pleasant in the summer months when the tables stretch out into the main square, so you can dine whilst people watching. If your tastes are more international you can enjoy Thai cuisine at Cherry Garden opposite the Albert Martin Stadium, Algerian tagines and couscous at L’Oasis adjacent to the bus station, or even all-you-can-eat oriental and fusion food at L’Indochine, just up from the train station.
If you're simply looking for a quick bite check out the coffee lovers’ paradise, Pause Coffee & Kürtös, which always has a selection of fresh and healthy lunch (or brunch) options. Next to the gorgeous, family-run Chez Roger bar, you will find both Station Pizza with its huge menu of takeaway pizzas and the friendly Kebab La Haute Tarentaise restaurant which serves great kebabs at a good price (ask for the samurai sauce).
Restaurants in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
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Plumes et Cassolettes Restaurant
Located in Arc 1600
Restaurant, wine bar, delicatessen and tasting of local products, Plumes and Cassolets offers a one-stop shop for your culinary desires.
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Le Montagnole Restaurant, Bourg St Maurice
Located in Plagne Villages
This restaurant has the 'Asiette Michelin' which is given to restaurants with a great food and wine experience who didn't quite make the grade of a Michelin star.
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L'Arssiban Restaurant, Bourg St Maurice
Food prepared by a chef who is "uncompromising and passionate about using fresh ingredients". Traditional Savoyard cuisine is complemented by the charming wood and stone decor.
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Les Arolles and La Cabuche Restaurants, Arc 1600
Located in Arc 1600
Hotel Arcadien in in Arc 1600 welcomes you to its two fine restaurants.
Nightlife in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Despite its large number of bars, the nightlife in Bourg is fairly relaxed, with events dominating the late-night scene. There are no real ‘clubs’ to speak of, but there are regular DJ evenings and concerts at a variety of locally-known ‘hot spots.’
For an early evening drink head to Chez Roger on the main road (D1090) through town or Le Tonneau, with its large outdoor seating area, which is a bit further down past the railway station. On the tiny high street at the Iseran Kfé bar, you can expect to find a weekly set from the vinyl-only DJs ‘48 Litres of Funk’ which can go on late into the night. Cherry Garden, the Thai restaurant, and L’Entrinque bar also regularly feature live music drawing big crowds. With the large Espace Savoie venue hosting music of all kinds (pop, rock, folk, metal, you name it...) throughout the year and frequent outdoor concerts throughout the summer, keep an eye on local events to keep ahead of the curve.
Chalets in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
The vast majority of chalet accommodation is found in the easily-accessible mountain resorts of Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Peisey-Vallandry and Villaroger. However, there are still a number of larger properties available in Bourg St Maurice, providing the perfect base for accessing both Les Arcs and the surrounding areas. Click below for all the available options.
Chalets in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
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Marmotton Chalet
Chalet Marmotton, les Arcs has five bedrooms all with full en-suite facilities, two of them sharing a balcony. The open plan lounge and dining area has ample comfortable seating around the glass-fronted fireplace. There are French windows opening onto a West facing balcony with dramatic views from les Arcs across the valley to la Plagne.
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Bouc Blanc Chalet
A traditional chalet with ski to door access and a new chairlift just 50 metres away.
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Tetra Chalet
Located in Arc 1800
This lovely ski-in ski-out Chalet Apartment Tetra is located on the second floor of the Alpages du Chantel complex on a blue piste just above the centre of Arc 1800.
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Edelweiss Chalet
Located in Montchavin
Chalet Edelweiss is based in the mountain village of Montchavin, a gem in the heart of Paradiski (La Plagne/Les Arcs) 425km of piste. Edelweiss is located right by the ski lift and is ski-in for most of the season…one of the best located chalets in La Plagne!
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Chamois Chalet
A traditional chalet set in an ideal location, just 150 metres from the fast 6-seater chairlift, the Vanoise Express cable car to la Plagne and the ski school meeting point.
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Yves Chalet
Located in Arc 1800
Set on a hillside, with beautiful views, Chalet Yves is an attractive, traditional chalet. It is 430 metres (approx) and a short ski from the Chantel chairlift in Les Arc 1800.
Apartments in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Bourg is the perfect place to stay if you want to explore multiple ski areas or enjoy a variety of summer activities. There are always apartments available to suit every budget. Click below to find out more.
Holiday Rentals in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
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Marmotton Chalet
Chalet Marmotton, les Arcs has five bedrooms all with full en-suite facilities, two of them sharing a balcony. The open plan lounge and dining area has ample comfortable seating around the glass-fronted fireplace. There are French windows opening onto a West facing balcony with dramatic views from les Arcs across the valley to la Plagne.
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Les Alpages de Chantel Premium
Located in Arc 1800
Located on the hillside of the resort, in Les Arcs 1800, “Les Alpages de Chantel” residence offers a magnificent panorama overlooking the valley, and direct access to the skiing slopes. The two buildings in stone and wood, standing in a forest setting, provide a welcome and restful change of scenery. Home to newly upgraded apartments!
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La Source des Arcs - 2 Bedroom South-facing Apartment
Located in Arc 2000
Comfortable two-bedroom apartment with a private balcony and beautiful views.
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Prestige Residence Edenarc 2-bedroom 6 Person Apartment, Les Arcs
Located in Arc 1800
Holiday rentals in Les Arcs
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Le Belmont - 1 Bedroom Apartment
Located in Arc 1800
Facing Mont Blanc, in the village of Charmettoger, the Le Belmont Residence at Arc 1800 has been refurbished to a high standard, and offers an exceptional panoramic view and snow as far as the eye can see. It has an excellent position on the edge of the forest 500m from the centre of the resort, and 300m from the Les Villards shopping centre and ski lifts. Arc 1800 is a car-free resort.
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Les Alpages de Chantel Premium
Located in Arc 1800
Located on the hillside of the resort, in Les Arcs 1800, “Les Alpages de Chantel” residence offers a magnificent panorama overlooking the valley, and direct access to the skiing slopes. The two buildings in stone and wood, standing in a forest setting, provide a welcome and restful change of scenery. Home to newly upgraded apartments!
Hotels in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Again, most hotels are found on the mountainside. However, there is a selection of mid-range hotels in the valley, catering for keen skiers and snowboarders in the winter and cyclists, motorcyclists and walkers in the summer. So if you're looking for a shorter stay, click below.
Hotels in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
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Le Belmont Apartment Residence
Located in Arc 1800
Facing Mont Blanc, in the village of Charmettoger, the Pierre & Vacances Le Belmont Residence at Arc 1800 has been refurbished to a high standard, and offers an exceptional panoramic view and snow as far as the eye can see. It has an excellent position on the edge of the forest 500m from the centre of the resort, and 300m from the Les Villards shopping centre and ski lifts. Arc 1800 is a car-free resort.
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Les Alpages de Chantel Premium Apartment Residence
Located in Arc 1800
Located on the hillside of the resort, in Les Arcs 1800, “Les Alpages de Chantel” residence offers a magnificent panorama overlooking the valley, and direct access to the skiing slopes. The two buildings in stone and wood, standing in a forest setting, provide a welcome and restful change of scenery. Home to newly upgraded apartments!
Price: €1,241
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Arc 1950 Premium Apartment Residence
Located in Arc 1950
Pierre & Vacances offers you a wonderful ski experience in Arc 1950 through our 8 top-of-the-range residences. A car free village, free from turmoil and nuisance, our residences are built of stone, timber and stone roofing slabs, inspiring desires and well-being while offering comfortable, spacious accommodation. Services include bars, restaurants, free internet connections, individual ski lockers, outdoor pool a fitness room and much, much more.
Price: €797
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Arc 1950 Le Village Premium Residence
Located in Arc 1950
This 5-star concept village with "Green Key" accreditation offers ski-in/ski-out access, swimming pools overlooking the snow-capped mountains and a Deep Nature® Spa for families and skiers to enjoy!Fully pedestrianised, it offers a wide range of activities and spacious apartments.
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Le Roselend Apartment Residence
Located in Arc 1800
Located just 500m from the centre of Arc 1800, the Le Roselend premium residence boasts breathtaking views of Mont Blanc!
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Club Med Resort, Peisey Nancroix
The resort is situated in a fantastic ski in and ski out location offering easy access to both the Les Arcs and La Plagne ski areas.