Saint-Etienne-de-Cuines lies at the entrance to the Vallée des Villards and on the route to its Col du Glandon. For planning your trip, you can choose between local history, walking paths and a dedicated cycling focus. The Musée ouvert can be explored along paths through the village; there are also historic fortifications, a church and a chapel. By bike, a climb leads to Col du Glandon. Each theme offers a different focus for your stay.
Fortifications, Church and Chapel
Le Châtelet was a fortified tower belonging to the lords of Cuynes. From 1482, the year of the first rediscovered notarial deed, it was owned by noble families. The Maison forte de Gruyère was also initially a fortified tower; in the 15th century, it was owned by the De Pont family.
The Église Saint Etienne was almost entirely rebuilt in 1845. It preserves a bronze bell dating from 1560, which was classified as an A.O.A. in 1942. The renovated building and the older bell stand side by side in the same church.
The Chapelle de la Visitation au Mollaret dates from the 19th century. It contains old statues and paintings and adds to the picture of the village’s religious history.
Village History and Walking Paths
The Musée ouvert can be explored on foot along paths through the village. Its illustrated panels present the history of the municipality of Saint-Etienne-de-Cuines and were installed in the municipality in 2012. This way, you encounter local history on a walk through the village rather than focusing only on individual buildings.
The hamlet of Hameau du Loup can be reached by several paths, including one from the hamlet of Villaron. The path there offers views of the panorama and the plain below. The Musée ouvert draws attention to village history; the landscape takes centre stage on the way to Hameau du Loup.
Cycling to Col du Glandon
The Montée cyclo du Col du Glandon from Saint-Etienne-de-Cuines is 19.9 km long and has an elevation gain of 1,439 metres. Its distance and elevation gain make the cycling tour a distinct focus for trip planning, separate from the walking paths through the village. Conditions on the cycling route depend on the season; check them before setting off.
An Industrial Chapter
The Pâtes La Lune factory is also part of the village’s history. Its output rose from 4 tonnes per day in 1889 to 125 tonnes per day in the 1920s. Alongside the fortifications and religious buildings, this historic industry offers another perspective on Saint-Etienne-de-Cuines, focusing on the development of production.
Discover more destinations: Champagneux, Landry, Barby, Aiguebelette-Le-Lac, Chignin, Salins-Les-Thermes, Crest-Voland, La Bâthie.
For the broader travel overview: Savoie.
