Discover Val d'Isère...
|
After the final few bends through
the narrow Daille gorge, you arrive at last...
The mountains open up revealing a spectacular valley in which
Val d’Isère and its hamlets nestle.
Firstly, the Daille with its sturdy stone houses in the heart
of the hamlet surrounded by larger more modern buildings.
To your right you may catch a glimpse of the Daille ski slopes
(these are the very slopes on which the World Cup Skiing events
take place) as well as the ski lifts (of which the Funiculaire
mountain railway promises to whisk you to the summit of Bellevarde
in no time)
Continue on your way and cross the Daille plains. A cross-country
skiing track on your left, ice driving circuit on the right,
breathtaking snow covered-mountains all around with Solaise
and its slopes in front.
There’s no doubt about it, you have just entered a winter
sports paradise !
|
 Aerial
view of Val d'Isère
|
You then pass the Cret hamlet on
your left. This residential quarter of Val d’Isère
is a real architectural treasure, home to a number of chalets
each more beautiful than its neighbour.
Finally you cross the threshold of Val d’Isère
village along the main road. Bus station, shops, restaurants,
bars...All present and correct...
Small village squares and fountains are dotted along your way,
simply to encourage your carefree wanderings.
Village & Face de Bellevarde |
Joseray hamlet |
Once in Val d’Isère, you may choose to turn right.
This choice will take you :
Either to the foot of the slopes and Solaise and Bellevarde
ski lifts
Or towards the old town and the pedestrianized Val Village,
where old houses, chalets and more recent buildings encircle
the church steeple. A sprinkling of traditional balconies decorate
the narrow streets and epitomize the character of a carefully
preserved genuine alpine village.
Or towards the “Rond Point des Pistes” and the Joseray,
Legattaz and Chatelard hamlets situated at the gateway to the
Manchet valley. This valley may be reached on foot or by car.
The view is exceptional and a peaceful atmosphere reigns over
the entire valley.
Or towards the residential Balme quarter at the foot of Bellevarde
|
Le Fornet view |
Keep straight on and you will go through
Val d’Isère and out of the other side.
New plains stretch out before you on which the Laisinant
hamlet nestles (to the right). The picturesque chalets
disperse and reveal the ski slopes descending from the
Fornet and Solaise ski areas beyond.
Continue on your way and you will reach the final hamlet
in Val d’Isère : Fornet. The main dwellings
are antiquated stone chalets which have been carefully
preserved. It seems that this hamlet has remained aloof
from the effervescence of Val d’Isère’s
centre. A haven of peace and quiet, it’s not only
an ideal place to recharge your batteries but also houses
the lower station of the main lift to the Pissaillas
glacier.
|
|
|
