Apremont combines winemaking with trails through vineyards and woodland. The Sentier du Pichut passes “sartos”, the vineyard huts, and winds through the Apremont vineyard. Wineries offer different insights into grape varieties, terroir and wine tastings; there are also natural attractions around Mont Granier and traces of local history. When planning your trip, consider whether wine, hiking or the history of the village should shape your stay.
Winemaking and tastings
Domaine Dupraz at Le Reposoir in Apremont has been run by generations of the Dupraz winemaking family since 1880. It produces Apremont, Roussette and Mondeuse. Visits include cellar tours, walks through the vineyards and explanations of vineyard work and the history of the terroir. If you are interested in cultivation and provenance, you will find these insights here alongside the wines.
Domaine Philippe Chapot cultivates around 14 hectares in Apremont, growing traditional Savoyard grape varieties such as Jacquère, red Mondeuse and Altesse. Wine tastings in the tasting room are by appointment. At Caveau Betemps Philippe, vines grow on the slopes of Apremont across 8 hectares, producing AOC Apremont and AOC Abymes wines; visitors can taste a range of crus, and reservations are required. Domaine Maréchal – Le P'tiou Vigneron is located in the heights of Apremont and welcomes visitors to its tasting room, decorated in an antique style, for wine tastings.
The landscape also tells the story of the connection between terrain and winemaking: the Abymes and Apremont AOP wine-growing areas developed on the scree slopes at the foot of Mont Granier. Local offerings vary in focus, from explanations of vineyard work and the history of the terroir to tastings in various tasting rooms.
Hiking and the landscape around Granier
The Sentier du Pichut is an easy trail through woodland and vineyards. It is 3.7 kilometres long, has a cumulative elevation gain of 150 metres and takes about two hours. Along the way, it passes the vineyard huts known as “sartos” and crosses the Apremont vineyard. The distance, elevation gain and approximate duration provide a practical guide for planning your time; check trail conditions and the latest route details before setting off.
Another natural attraction is the Cascade du Pichut, which plunges down the Torrent du Rouselet. It can be reached from Apremont church via an accessible walking path at the foothills of the Chartreuse. At Col du Granier, you will find information panels, hiking trailheads and a rest area.
Mont Granier has a cliff face over 900 metres high and towers above the Combe and the Cluse de Savoie. With a little luck, you may spot the rare lady’s slipper orchid, which is protected in France, on the many hiking trails near Col du Granier. It blooms at the beginning of summer—a seasonal reason to keep an eye out for plants along the trail while hiking.
Traces of local history
In the 12th century, Château d’Apremont formed part of the defensive system against the Dauphiné. The restored Pont de la Mercière offers a different connection to the landscape: it still provides a way to cross the Torrent des Favières on foot. Apremont thus has two distinct points of interest: a historic defensive structure and a bridge that is still used by pedestrians.
Planning your stay
If you are looking for a holiday apartment, let your priorities guide your plans for your stay. Wine tastings at Domaine Philippe Chapot require an appointment, while a reservation is required at Caveau Betemps Philippe. For a hike, the approximate duration of the Sentier du Pichut gives you a time estimate to factor into your day’s plans. Before setting off, check trail conditions and the latest route details.
Discover more destinations: Montricher-Albanne, Valmorel, Aussois, Barby, Les Avanchers Valmorel, Aime, Challes-Les-Eaux, Les Chapelles
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