Visiting Les Belleville
Les Belleville is a scenic mountain town located in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Established in 2016 through the merger of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and Villarlurin, it is best known for its direct connection to the massive Les 3 Vallées ski area.
Winter in the mountains
Sitting at an altitude of 1450 metres, the village of Les Belleville is an integral part of the Les Trois Vallées ski area. It is a premier winter destination for skiers during the cold months. It ranks as the largest ski area in the world, spanning eight resorts (such as Val Thorens) with more than 600 kilometres of runs. Downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, off-piste terrain, and snowboarding are all readily available.
A wide range of alternative winter activities fills out the local calendar, including dog sledding, groomer rides, chairlift sightseeing, snowshoeing, and microlight flights. The valley fills up with vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts during the snow season, when the village takes on a picturesque alpine look under a heavy coat of snow. Traditional chalets, mountain refuges, and gîtes d'étape lodge skiers across the commune. It is also the place to fuel up on hearty Savoyard cuisine after a long day on the slopes, with regional staples like tartiflette, fondue, and crozets. For high-end dining, the restaurant La Bouitte holds three Michelin stars.
And summer in the mountains
Les Belleville offers plenty of warm-weather appeal when the snow melts. It serves as a prime base for hikers tackling the alpine trails. Notable routes include the Balcon des Belleville trail, which passes traditional mountain pastures, and the Perron des Encombres, known for its expansive distant views of Mont Blanc. The village also marks a stop along the Chemins du Baroque heritage trail. Mountain bikers will find plenty of singletrack and rugged terrain designed for two wheels.
The village itself rewards walking around without a rigid itinerary. Stone, wood, and slate chalets line the narrow streets, creating a classic alpine aesthetic. For local heritage, the Notre-Dame-de-la-Vie chapel features distinct Savoyard baroque architecture and serves as a major pilgrimage site in the Tarentaise Valley. The local parish church and the Burdin mill are worth adding to the itinerary.
When to go
Les Belleville welcomes visitors year-round, with completely different experiences depending on the season. Shoulder seasons in spring and autumn bring fewer crowds for travelers looking for quieter trails.
How to get there
Les Belleville is located a 2.5-hour drive from Lyon and 1 hour and 40 minutes from Grenoble. For rail travelers, the nearest station is Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains, sitting about 18 kilometres away by bus or car.
