A Step Back in Time: Discovering the Villages

Bonneval-sur-Arc – A postcard-perfect medieval village, where stone houses with slate roofs blend seamlessly into the mountain landscape. A visit here feels like stepping into the 16th century, especially in winter when it’s covered in snow.

Saint-Véran – Europe’s highest inhabited village, perched at 2,042 meters. Here, wooden houses built from larch wood stand against panoramic Alpine views, and the clear night skies make it one of the best stargazing spots in France.

Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval – Hidden in a stunning nature reserve, this village is surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and waterfalls. It’s perfect for those who want to combine village charm with breathtaking hikes.

La Grave – A rugged mountain village known for its unspoiled authenticity. It attracts adventurous skiers in winter but remains blissfully quiet and untouched the rest of the year.

Traditions & Local Life

Despite modernization creeping into many Alpine regions, these villages have held onto their traditions. In Bonneval-sur-Arc, shepherds still move their flocks through the valleys as they have for centuries. In Saint-Véran, the old communal bread ovens are fired up regularly, baking the same rustic loaves that sustained villagers for generations. Local crafts like woodcarving, cheese-making, and wool-spinning are still practiced, and visitors can witness these skills firsthand.

How to Experience Them Authentically

Stay in a traditional chalet – Avoid modern hotels and opt for small, family-run accommodations or converted farmhouses for a truly immersive experience.

Hike between villages – The best way to explore is on foot, using ancient trails that once connected shepherds and traders. Routes like the GR5 or Tour du Mont Blanc pass through some of the most remote settlements.

Eat locally – Try regional specialities like Tartiflette, Raclette, and Beaufort cheese, often made by the same families who have produced them for generations.

Visit outside of peak season – Summer and early autumn offer the best opportunity to experience these villages without the crowds, when the air is crisp, and the meadows are in full bloom.