Le Monal

France has wonderful surprises in store in each of its regions. Savoie, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is simply magical. Its breathtaking views, unspoilt landscapes and charming resorts promise an unforgettable experience. But to truly immerse yourself in the mountains, head for its traditional villages, which are like nowhere else in the world. Discover Le Monal, a few kilometres from our campsite near Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise, a delightful destination whose beauty words can never fully describe.

Le Monal, a village that makes you work for it…

The village of Le Monal (1,874 m) is simply one of the most beautiful in the French Alps. Proof of this: it is listed for its architectural, historical and landscape interest. This pastoral hamlet, where traditional chalets and a traditional chapel seem to form a single whole, is truly exceptional.

The authentic buildings, dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, seem to have been set down on the sunny slopes by the hands of a giant. In this timeless place, the stone and wood buildings blend perfectly into the landscape. When the snow melts, glacier water winds between the houses, and flows all year round in the surrounding alpine streams. To get there from Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise, there is just one forest trail.

Things to do and see in Le Monal

On foot, by bike (mountain bike, e-bike…), on snowshoes or on skis, the path from the resort is already worth the trip. After the climb, take time to catch your breath and wander through the lanes. Stop at the Refuge du Monal®, a family-run mountain pasture chalet from the 16th century, near the Saint-Clair chapel. The view of the imposing Mont Pourri (3,779 m, home to the refuge of the same name) and the Dôme de la Sache is sublime. To discover the village's secrets, chat with the locals. They will be happy to share the best views of the Vanoise massif or the Tarentaise valley.

The Tarine dairy cows, with their plain fawn coats, will also be there. The sonnailles (traditional bells) of this mountain breed will announce their presence in the meadows. Food lovers can taste the region's renowned AOC cheeses (Beaufort, Tome des Bauges, Reblochon, Abondance…).

It is also a lovely spot for a picnic, and you can leave with some « Persillé », the cheese made from the milk of the goats of the Monal pastures.
The sportiest can tackle the Monal climbing route or continue their hike to Lac du Clou or the Pointe de l'Argentière.

Additional and practical information

For the Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise to Le Monal round trip, allow 13 km (about 1h30 by mountain bike). Walkers should take care on some sections of the trail where visibility is sometimes limited. The village is accessible all year round and the guided tour of Le Monal's heritage is included in the resort's Activities Pass.

The other side of the mountain, beyond Les Arcs, the Hauts de Villaroger nature reserve and Mont Pourri, is just as stunning. Le Monal is just over 10 km as the crow flies (less than 30 km along beautiful winding roads) from the 3-star Camping Eden de la Vanoise in Savoie. This haven of peace on the banks of the Isère, at the edge of the Vanoise National Park, promises special moments all year round with family or friends around its heated indoor pool, or during a weekend in Savoie.