Arith lies in the heart of the Bauges Regional Natural Park. A stay here can bring together a range of interests: an easy hike at Étang du Mariet, the stages of the Tour des Bauges, or the history of Moulin Morand. There is also a geological feature at Mariet. When planning, you can choose between individual natural attractions, a multi-day route, and a visit connected with milling technology and oil.
Hiking at Étang du Mariet
An easy hike at Étang du Mariet is possible in every season. The access route leads from the village of Arith via the hamlet of Montagny to the Parking de Gréson. The Lac et Alpage du Mariet hike, however, starts and ends at the Parking de Montagny. As the two descriptions name different car parks, check which access point is right for you before setting out; local access conditions may change.
Geology of Étang du Mariet
The basin of Étang du Mariet is a limestone synclinal depression filled with glacial moraine material. A synclinal depression is a downward-bending fold structure in rock; moraine material refers to deposits associated with glaciers. These terms do not describe separate destinations, but two aspects of the same basin: its shape in the limestone and its glacial infill. In this way, Étang combines an easy hike with a geological perspective on the formation of the landscape.
Arith as a stage stop
The Tour des Bauges reaches Arith on the first day and continues from Arith to Bellecombe-en-Bauges on the second. Arith is therefore part of the sequence of stages, between arrival and the onward journey. Stage 2 of the GRP® Tour des Bauges starts at the Gîte de la Fruitière d'Arith in Montagny, Arith. Yellow-and-red GRP markings and directional signposts mark the tour and provide guidance along the route.
Moulin Morand: Oil mill dating from 1896
Moulin Morand is an authentic oil mill dating from 1896. Its hydraulic waterwheel is powered by the Nant de St François; the water provides the power for the mill. Visits and oil purchases are possible year-round. Check the opening arrangements before your trip. If you are interested in milling technology and oil production, you will find both here, with a specific historical connection.
Grotte de Prérouge
At Grotte de Prérouge, only the entrance is accessible without a guide; the interior is reserved for cavers with suitable equipment. Bear this restriction in mind if you include the cave in your visit plans.
Accommodation and day plans
When looking for a hotel in Arith, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your stay. The sequence of stages on the Tour des Bauges can serve as a framework for planning overnight stays; for Mariet, the specific access points and car parks mentioned are relevant. For Moulin Morand, check the opening arrangements before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Albertville, Hautecour, Bellentre, Traize, Aix-Les-Bains, Belle-Plagne, Feissons-Sur-Salins, Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis
For the regional travel overview: Savoie.
