The cols here are all world famous, thanks to the rather well known road race, the Tour de France.
Col de l'Iseran
Headline climb from Val d'Isère that is stuff of legend
Col de l'Iseran
This col is one of the most famous and challenging road bike climbs in the French Alps. At 2,764m, it is the highest paved mountain pass in the Alps, making it a legendary route for cyclists. It often features as part of a stage in the Tour de France, adding to its prestige among road cycling enthusiasts.
Can be tackled from down in Bourg-Saint-Maurice or from Val d'Isère
From Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Distance: ~48km
Elevation gain: ~1,955m
Average gradient: 4.1% (but steeper in sections)
Key features:
- a long but steady climb with breathtaking views
- passes through Val d’Isère, a famous ski resort (see more below)
- some tunnels and avalanche protection structures
- the final stretch is exposed and can be affected by wind
From Val d'Isère
Distance: ~17km
Elevation gain: ~895m
Average gradient: ~5.3%
Key features:
- starts around 1,850m the route climbs through wide, open landscapes to the summit
- less steep climb, but still exposed with altitude
Tip: ride early in the day to avoid summer storms and bring layers - it's often cold and windy at the top, even in summer
Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Val d'Isere
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Mountain bike hire
Explore the mountains with their full range of electric mountain bikes for all ages
Discover the beauty of the Vanoise National Park and the Tignes-Val d’Isère bike park on their electric-assist mountain bikes. Safety gear included, plus supervised courses for all skill levels - perfect for families and adventurers alike.
What to see
Sights in Val d'Isere
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Musee Val d’Histoire
Museum of history of the Val d'Isère region
Opened in December 2017 and located in the heart of Val d'Isère, the renovated Maison de Val hosts a museum dedicated to the history of the area.
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La Maison de Val
La Maison de Val
Cultural centre in Val d'Isere
Community space with libraries, cinema, free WiFi and exhibitions about local history.
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Vanoise National Park
Vanoise National Park
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Val d’Isere
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La Cucùcina Restaurant
Italian cuisine at the famous La Folie Douce mountain après-ski hotspot
Located at the top of the Daille bubble, within the celebrated La Folie Douce hotspot, enjoy gourmet Italian cuisine prepared by a renowned chef and his Italian team.
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La Petite Cuisine Restaurant
Canteen-style restaurant in the famous La Folie Douce mountain après-ski hotspot
La Petite Cuisine is La Folie Douce's gourmet-quality, canteen-style restaurant. They serve a perfect mix of high-class local cuisine in a friendly, family atmosphere.
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La Fruitière Restaurant
Contemporary cuisine in a trendy setting at the famous La Folie Douce
Located at the top of the Daille bubble, within the celebrated La Folie Douce après-ski and gourmet hotspot, La Fruitière serves delicious modern dishes based on traditional flavours.
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Le Blizzard Restaurant
Quiet refined restaurant serving gourmet international cuisine in the centre of Val d'Isère
Located inside the 5-star Hotel Le Blizzard, the menu is full of dishes made with fresh, local produce straight from the market.
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La Table de l'Ours Restaurant
La Table de l'Ours Restaurant
An award winning gastronomic restaurant in elegant surroundings with a fine wine cellar
Although Val d'Isère has many fine restaurants, you will be spoilt for choice at La Table de l'Ours, awarded its Michelin star in 2019.
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Arctic Juice & Café
Stock up on healthy deli-style food, coffees and juices in a funky and chilled environment
Organic coffee, cold-pressed juices and healthy meals are all this cafe is about. The place to recharge before venturing out into the mountains.
What to do
Things To Do in Val d’Isere
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Paragliding Flights
35min tandem paragliding flights over Val d'Isere
See the village and mountains from a different perspective and fly with the eagles.
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Guided snowshoe hikes
Half-day and full-day guided snowshoe walks through the mountains
Discover the charm of snowshoeing and venture to parts of the mountains even skiers don't go.
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Wilderness Evening & Fondue Dinner
3hr30 Wilderness Evening with Sledging & Fondue Dinner
An evening adventure in the woods of Les Boisses, Tignes
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Dog Sledding
20-min dog-sledding tours around the Tarentaise mountains
Sledding tours and adventures in the Tarentaise.
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La Maison de Val
La Maison de Val
Cultural centre in Val d'Isere
Community space with libraries, cinema, free WiFi and exhibitions about local history.
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Technic Tennis Academy
Technic Tennis Academy
Tennis school at the Manchet Parc des Sports
Tennis school at the Manchet Parc des Sports offering private coaching, equipment hire and group lessons.
















