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Valloire
ℹ️Practical info — Valloire
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the Baroque church, Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption. Its plain exterior hides an incredibly rich and gilded interior, a masterpiece of Savoyard art.
- The Col du Galibier pass is closed in winter. Cycling fans should plan their visit for the summer to tackle this legendary Tour de France climb. Drive to the very top for the best view, not just the tunnel.
- If you're there in January, don't miss the international Snow and Ice Sculpture contest, where huge, temporary works of art are created throughout the village.
- Take a tour on the 'Petit Train' (little train) to get a quick overview of the village and its 17 hamlets.
🍽 Food
Try these local Savoyard sausages served with crozets, a unique buckwheat pasta. A specialty you'll find in the village's auberges (inns).
A delicious blueberry tart. Enjoy a slice from one of the bakeries or as a dessert in a restaurant, especially when blueberries are in season.
As throughout the region, these cheese dishes are a staple. Look for a restaurant that uses local cheeses for an authentic experience.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
The mountain flowers make for delicious honey. Look for it at the weekly market or in local delicatessen shops.
While not made directly in Valloire, this iconic folding knife is a symbol of the Savoie region and makes a great souvenir. Available in many gift shops.
An easy, flat walk along the river that runs through the village features a peaceful break from the bustle of the centre.
Walk up to this small chapel above the hamlet of Tigny for a panoramic view of the Valloire valley, away from the main tourist paths.
In summer, take the Crey du Quart chairlift up to start your hike. The trail has remarkable views and relative solitude.
Water temperature…
Situated in the Maurienne Valley, Valloire is a quintessential Savoyard village centered around its striking 17th-century Baroque church, Notre-Dame de l'Assomption. Unlike purpose-built ski stations, Valloire maintains its year-round community and agricultural roots. It serves as the gateway to the Col du Galibier, one of the most iconic and challenging mountain passes often featured in the Tour de France. The Galibier-Thabor ski area links Valloire with neighboring Valmeinier, offering over 150 kilometers of diverse terrain. A unique cultural event is the international snow and ice sculpture competition held every January, turning the village streets into a temporary art gallery. In summer, the town becomes a hub for cyclists aiming to conquer the legendary hairpin turns leading up to the Galibier pass. The local gastronomy features Alpine staples such as Diots (Savoyard sausages), polenta, and the famous Beaufort cheese produced in the valley. Access is typically via the Maurienne Valley to Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, followed by a scenic ascent into the sunny high valley. The best time for skiing is from December to March, while cyclists should visit between June and September when the passes are clear of snow.
- Location: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
- Top sights: Piscine · Expo-photo Bernard Grange · Concours de sculptures sur paille et foin
- Nearby: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne (14 km)
- Population: ~1.346
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -7 | -7 | -3 | 2 | 6 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 5 | -1 | -6 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 54 | 67 | 61 | 90 | 71 | 58 | 59 | 59 | 75 | 89 | 79 |
Geography
Facts
- Foot of Col du Galibier
- 17th-century Baroque church
- Galibier-Thabor ski area
- International snow sculptures
- Elevation: 1430m
- Traditional Maurienne village
- Iconic Tour de France climb
- Beaufort cheese region
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Valloire (15)
Frequently asked questions
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