In La Bâthie, you can shape your stay around a range of discoveries: hiking trails in the mountain landscape, buildings with their own history and architecture, and a seasonal glimpse of alpine farming. To plan your trip, it is worth first considering whether you mainly want to spend time outdoors, explore cultural heritage or include a visit to an alpine pasture.
Hiking: Circular Trail, Viewpoint and Other Routes
A circular hiking trail marked in green and yellow leads towards Château de Chantemerle. It also goes to the Belvédère du Char de la Raclaz, which offers views down into the valley. This route therefore connects two different points of interest: a historic building and a viewpoint. Check the trail markings locally before setting out; access to the viewpoint may depend on trail conditions.
Other hiking trails also cross the municipality and the Col de La Bâthie. You can choose between the marked circular route, with its connection to the viewpoint, and trails that cross the pass. In the warmer months, the mountain landscapes around La Bâthie also offer opportunities for walks and mountain biking. These seasonal activities provide a timeframe for planning your trip; check trail conditions before setting out on a specific route.
Château, Church and Chapels
Château de Chantemerle has existed since at least the 12th century. Eglise Saint Didier is an example of Sardinian neoclassical architecture. Chapelle de Biorges is notable for its dedications to Saint Aubin and Notre-Dame du Puy. Chapelle de Fugier was founded in the 1660s and is now dedicated to Saint Sauveur and Saint Félix. The cultural heritage therefore offers several points of interest: the history of the château, the church’s architecture, and the dedications and history of the chapels.
Alpine Pasture Life and Beaufort at Alpage de Bellachat
At Alpage de Bellachat, visitors can learn about work on the alpine pasture, including milking cows and making Beaufort cheese. The focus here is on alpine farming activities and cheesemaking. Visits are seasonal; check dates and participation requirements again before making plans.
Beaufort chalet d’alpage and Sérac are also sold on site. Availability depends on the shepherds. If you plan to buy these products, bear this limitation in mind and check availability for your visit. This makes a visit to the alpine pasture different from visiting the hiking trails and buildings: both the seasonal visiting opportunity and the conditional availability of products need to be considered when planning.
Getting There and Choosing a Hotel
La Bâthie can be reached via the Nationale 90 (N90). In 1992, the road was upgraded to a dual carriageway with separate lanes for each direction. This should help you clarify which destinations you want to include and what to consider when choosing a hotel in La Bâthie.
When considering a specific accommodation option, compare its location with the places you want to visit and check the relevant booking conditions. If Alpage de Bellachat is part of your plans, also take seasonal dates and participation requirements into account. For hiking, trail markings and conditions remain important practical considerations; the marked circular trail and the routes over the Col de La Bâthie provide different points of reference.
Discover more destinations: Chamoux-sur-Gelon, Montagnole, Gerbaix, Le Pré, Valloire, Les Marches, Les Coches, Montalbert.
For the broader travel overview: Savoie.
