As winter draws to a close, I'd like to take you on a little tour of the Tarentaise Valley, one of the two largest valleys in Savoie, with its breathtaking views. You've probably heard of it if you love the mountains and have visited resorts such as Les Arcs, La Rosière or La Grande Motte in Tignes.
1. Situation and history of the Tarentaise
The Tarentaise is a region of France located in Savoie, rich in art and history, with a culture and architecture that are both traditional and avant-garde.
Before it became famous for its tourism, the valley was rural and agricultural, relying mainly on livestock farming and mountain pastures. In addition, mountain ranges such as Mont Blanc to the north, Belledonne to the west and Vanoise and Maurienne to the south have all contributed to the valley's reputation. Nature lovers will also find protected national parks, such as the Vanoise.
This great valley of the Alps is a glacial valley that stretches from the source of the Isère at an altitude of 3,000 metres down to 400 metres on the plains of the Basse Tarentaise. Today, this valley boasts one of the highest concentrations of ski areas in the world.
2. Life in the valley
As you now know, the valley's main activity is tourism. The Tarentaise valley, still an authentic and natural mountain regionIn winter, the region offers activities such as skiing, and in summer, hiking, white-water sports, climbing, thermal baths and more. Of course, you'll also be able to visit heritage sites such as Baroque churches, and enjoy cultural events featuring traditional Tarentaise costume. (Although these difficult times are calling them into question somewhat 😰)
A mountain region, natural and steeped in history, it's everything I love to recharge my batteries and, above all, to photograph.
3. Savoyard gastronomy: another way to discover the region
Your visit would not be complete without sampling the local specialities. Savoie is famous for its cheeses, and you can sample emblematic dishes such as the Savoyard fonduethe racletteor the tartiflette 😜. Local markets are also the perfect opportunity to discover artisanal products and savour typical dishes, such as the mountain charcuterie and diots (Savoyard sausages).
4. Photos of the Tarentaise Valley
La Rosière is where my family and I set up our base. It seemed like an excellent place to start. Indeed, surrounded by forest (I love the forest 😉 ), with hiking trails everywhere and a certain ease of access for shooting at height. (I have a preference for mountain photos taken at eye level).
We are therefore facing the Malgovert forest. (just below Les Arcs 2000 and 1600), with the Ronaz forest to the left and the Miroir forest to the east.
From La Rosière, you can hike east towards Les Eucherts and take a pleasant stroll through the forest. You can see Mont Pourri, often lost above the clouds, at an altitude of almost 3,500 metres.
As you head up the mountainside into the forest, you'll find some great openings to capture some fir trees in the foreground. (But you'll have to climb a bit 🥶)
As you can see below, with the weather changing so often and so quickly, the hunt for images has been rather fruitful, and we've managed to capture some emotionally-charged photos.
Forest of Malgovert engulfed by clouds
Mont Pourri & Malgovert Forest engulfed by clouds
Walking north, a hike towards Italy (a very easy walk, with no change in altitude this time), takes us over the heights of Bourg-Saint-Maurice. With different focal lengths, you'd almost think these photos weren't taken in the same place... 🤣 but they are! With or without the fir trees in the foreground. Below, in the close-up, you can see Aiguille de la Nova, culminating at almost 2893 metres.
Bourg saint Maurice is just down the road behind the fir trees.
Heights from Bourg st Maurice
Aiguille de la Nova & The heights of Bourg st Maurice
5. Suggestions for walks off the beaten track
If you like to get off the tourist trail, there are a number of little-known walks that offer exceptional views. For example, the sentier du Monala listed mountain village, takes you through breathtaking Alpine scenery, while offering a glimpse of life in days gone by. Or the hike to Lac de la Sassièrenestling at an altitude of more than 2,400 metres, is a real gem for photographers in search of wild landscapes.
6. Conclusion
That's it for this little trip to the Tarentaise Valley. If I've made you want to go there, I've succeeded in my mission 😋.
If you've already done so, don't hesitate to tell us about your stay in the comments below.
If you would like to see more images in the region and on the mountains I invite you to visit my online galleries.
Photographically yours,
David
Hello David
You had a particularly good view of Bourg-en-Bresse from where you were.
Best regards Fançois
Ah! hello François, night vision lol on the telezoom!
Thank you
And congratulations on the wonderful photos.
Thanks to you!