Bourdeau lies on the western shore of Lac du Bourget and is the last village before the lake’s wild stretch of shoreline. The Dent du Chat towers over the commune at 1,309 metres. The place can first be identified by three clear landmarks: the western shore of the lake, the wild stretch of shoreline and the distinctive peak. There are also local traces of culture, from the Château de Bourdeau and the Église de Bourdeau to the Grotte de Lamartine and a preserved section of a Roman road.
Finding your way along the lakeshore
The Port de Bourdeau is a small harbour accessible only on foot. If the harbour is on your list, plan to reach it on foot.
The connection to Hautecombe Abbey is also important when finding your way around the lake: there is no lakeside road between the abbey and Bourdeau; the route instead runs along the ridge. So if you want to visit both places, do not plan on taking a continuous lakeside road. Check route conditions before your trip.
Château and church
The history of the Château de Bourdeau is documented from 1263. The château is privately owned and cannot be visited. It has been restored, including the reinstatement of its battlements, machicolations and turrets. An English garden surrounds the property.
The Église de Bourdeau stands in the middle of the cemetery and offers a beautiful view of the lake. Its choir appears to date from the early 15th century. The church is dedicated to Saint Vincent of Saragossa, the patron saint of winegrowers.
Traces by the lake and in the village
The Grotte de Lamartine lies on the shore of Lac du Bourget, at the foot of the Épine and within the commune of Bourdeau.
A preserved section of a Roman road beside the village is known as the Chemin des Romains. You can walk along it near the entrance to the Chat Tunnel; the surface is in poor condition. Take this surface condition into account when planning your route.
The hamlets also share a common feature: each has a fountain, owing to the numerous streams. This connection between waterways and fountains is part of Bourdeau’s rural character.
Peak and cycling loop
The Dent du Chat is a peak above Lac du Bourget offering panoramic views. Depending on your fitness level, you can reach the peak from the Relais du Mont du Chat, the Col du Chat or Le Bourget-du-Lac. Choose your starting point according to your fitness level and check route conditions before setting off.
The Tour du lac du Bourget cycling loop passes through Bourdeau on the D14, then continues along the RD 914 and climbs to the Col du Chat. Road and weather conditions can change; check them before your ride.
Discover more destinations: Grésy-Sur-Aix, Le Châtelard, Notre-Dame-Du-Pré, Saint-Bon-Tarentaise, La Motte-En-Bauges, Landry, Sainte-Hélène-Sur-Isère, Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise.
For the regional travel overview: Savoie.
