Explore Aussois through several themes: the village center and its church, the Forts of Esseillon, trails for a range of activities, and the landscapes of Vanoise National Park. Historic sites and outdoor activities have their own visiting conditions. When planning, consider not only your preferred activity but also the season, weather and time required.
Church and Forts of Esseillon
The church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption stands in the village center. It was built in the 12th century and extended and altered in 1648. Its interior has a Baroque character; the chancel beam is considered one of the finest in Savoie. The dates highlight two widely separated phases in the building’s history: its origins in the 12th century and its later alteration.
Three of the five Forts of Esseillon can be visited independently or as part of a guided tour. A footpath leads from the village to the forts; by car, you can reach the parking area at Fort Victor-Emmanuel. In winter, the forts can be reached from Aussois on foot or on snowshoes, as the road is closed. Weather, restoration work and safety conditions can affect access, so check the current conditions before your visit.
The Espace des gravures rupestres is also located within the Esseillon site, at Fort Victor-Emmanuel. It features casts, videos and a cathedral of light installation. It is open free of charge in summer; as visits are seasonal, it is advisable to check before setting out.
For another glimpse into local history, visit the agro-pastoral museum L’Arche d’Oé. Guided tours cover the history and development of Aussois and life in the village in the past. Tour dates vary by season and should be checked before your trip.
Hiking Trails, Land Art and Alpine Activities
The marked circular hike to the Plateau des Arponts is 7 kilometers long and involves 400 meters of ascent. The route information is permanent, but should be checked locally before setting out. Another trail idea is the Sentier des sculptures, a land art trail where Serge Couvert, a sculptor from Aussois, creates art from trees.
The sections of the Via ferrata vary considerably in difficulty. The Via ferrata du Diable comprises seven independent sections, ranging from easy to very difficult. The full circuit is 3,760 meters long and takes six to eight hours. Access depends on the weather, so factor conditions into your plans.
The Aussois alpine ski area offers slopes for all ability levels between elevations of 1,500 and 2,700 meters and faces south. Opening dates and operations are seasonal. In the Monolithe Nordic area, several trails for walkers and snowshoers start at La Croix on the edge of the village. Snow conditions affect seasonal availability here.
The La Buidonnière leisure complex brings together a range of facilities: one building houses a swimming pool, sauna and wellness area, while other amenities include a pump track, tennis courts, mini golf and more. The complex’s availability is seasonal, so check which facilities will be open during your stay.
Vanoise National Park and Reservoirs
Aussois is in the heart of Vanoise National Park, where wildlife and plant life are protected. In summer, you can reach the park’s core area from Aussois by taking the Grand Jeu chairlift. You can also drive or mountain bike along the dam road to the Plan d’Amont parking area. Access options may vary depending on the season and operating conditions, so check before setting out.
The Plan d’Amont and Plan d’Aval reservoirs are in relatively unspoiled surroundings on the edge of the national park and are considered easy to access. Plan d’Aval is also a public fishing lake stocked with rainbow trout. The park area offers both landscapes and trails as well as a specific fishing lake; these options do not have to be combined into a single outing.
Discover more destinations: Bonneval-Sur-Arc, Saint-Sorlin-Darves, Chindrieux, Brison-Saint-Innocent, Val-D'isère, Saint-André, Bourdeau, Villard-Sur-Doron.
For the broader travel overview: Savoie.
