What to do in Savoie when it rains?
In short
When the rain sets in over the Tarentaise, five outings let you stay dry without missing out on Savoie: two immersive museums, historic caves, an aquatic centre and our own indoor area at the campsite. Enough to turn a gloomy day into a cultural or fun break, with family or friends.
Key takeaways
- Musée savoisien in Chambéry: free entry, fully renovated, modern exhibition design.
- Aquamotion in Courchevel: 15,000 m² of aquatic and wellness space, adult price €23.
- Cave Bear Museum in Entremont: virtual reality, price €7.
- Saint-Christophe caves: underground route open to dogs on a lead, price €11.
- Wine Museum in Montmélian: “Vignobles et Découvertes” label, price €5.
Clouds gathering over the peaks of the Tarentaise? Wet weather is the perfect opportunity to discover hidden gems under cover, outside our usual area around Landry. From our campsite in Savoie, L’Éden de la Vanoise, here is our selection of the best indoor activities in the region, between 50 km and 115 km from the campsite depending on the destination.
Wondering what to do in Savoie when it rains? Make the most of the weather to relax in an aquatic centre or visit interactive museums. In Savoie, the adventure continues, even indoors!
Practical information for your rainy-day outings
This table sums up the best options for your days under cover in Savoie.
| Activity | Location | Distance | Main highlight | Adult price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Musée savoisien | Chambéry | 105 km / 1 h 20 | Free and interactive | €0 |
| Aquamotion | Courchevel | 50 km / 55 min | 15,000 m², wellness area | €23 |
| Bear Museum | Entremont | 115 km / 1 h 45 | Virtual reality | €7 |
| St-Christophe caves | St-Christophe | 115 km / 1 h 45 | Historic site | €11 |
| Wine Museum | Montmélian | 85 km / 1 h 10 | “Vignobles & Découvertes” label | €5 |
What historical treasures can you discover at the Musée savoisien?
Housed in a former 13th-century convent, the Musée savoisien is a must-see. Fully renovated, it offers a modern, warm exhibition design in light wood. Entry is free for everyone, making cultural outings with the family easy.
Seven themed areas trace local history through 2,000 objects. With digital displays, children's booklets and models of alpine dwellings, the tour is fun and lively. A great way to learn while staying dry.
How to relax at Aquamotion Courchevel?
Located between Courchevel 1550 and 1650, Aquamotion is a flagship destination for leisure at altitude. The complex offers a variety of areas: the Aqualudique area entertains children with its canyon and giant slide, while toddlers enjoy a safe heated paddling pool.
For complete serenity, the Aquawellness area (adults only) guarantees total calm. Between the salt cave and the heated indoor and outdoor pools, you can swim through the showers without ever shivering. The ideal place to forget the grey skies.
Why visit the Cave Bear Museum?
In the heart of the Chartreuse massif, in Entremont-le-Vieux, this museum reveals an incredible prehistoric treasure. You will discover the story of these giants that once hibernated in the caves of Mont Granier. With modern displays including virtual reality and animated videos, the tour immediately captivates young explorers.
An immersive show also invites you to follow the animal's life through the seasons. Fully accessible, this educational outing is ideal for discovering ancient wildlife while staying dry.
What legends haunt the Saint-Christophe caves?
Located in the north of the Chartreuse, this historic site offers an unusual underground route through two distinct caves. The upper cave bears witness to the passage of troops and shepherds, while the lower cave is revealed from a suspended walkway with a dizzying view. Despite the rain, the site is open all year round.
Our tip: bring a jacket to enjoy the coolness of the galleries, even in midsummer.
The little extra: your four-legged friends are welcome! Dogs on a lead can join this guided adventure.
What wine heritage can you discover in Montmélian?
The Savoie Vine and Wine Museum is a true showcase of the local terroir. Located in Montmélian, it holds the “Vignobles & Découvertes” label, a guarantee of a quality welcome. The collection highlights old machines and tools that have shaped the alpine landscapes over the centuries.
To enrich the experience, an audio guide is available to accompany visitors through the different rooms. The visit lets you immerse yourself in the rural soul of the department, safely under cover.
How to make the most of our Eden de la Vanoise campsite?
Our campsite L’Éden de la Vanoise adapts its facilities perfectly to the whims of the weather. Its heated indoor aquatic area guarantees moments of relaxation every day, whatever the weather. For your comfort, the heated washrooms now include a drying area for your clothes and hiking boots.
For moments together, the indoor games room with billiards, a library and a giant screen is at your disposal. Ideally located near Landry station, the campsite lets you easily reach Chambéry or Annecy by train, so you do not have to drive in the rain. Our team is there every day to advise you on the best options depending on the weather.
Our tip: check the train times at reception to organise your city trips stress-free.
The little extra: use our drying area so your hiking gear is ready to go the next day!
Sébastien’s tipOn rainy days, I always advise our guests to keep a fallback option close by: our heated indoor aquatic area, the games room with billiards and a giant screen, and the drying area for hiking gear. No need to take the car if you do not want to brave the weather, everything is designed so you can stay dry on site.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Musée savoisien open every day?
Located in Chambéry, the museum is open to the public every day except Tuesdays and certain public holidays. Entry is free for everyone and no booking is needed. It is an ideal cultural stop when visiting Savoie.
Can you go climbing at Aquamotion Courchevel?
The centre has an indoor climbing wall with areas suited to both adults and children. Sessions are held regularly to vary the sporting fun, making it a perfect activity when visiting Savoie in cloudy weather.
What is acro-caving at the Saint-Christophe caves?
This activity combines thrills and geology on a course of zip lines, rope bridges and abseils in the heart of the lower cave. Available on booking, it offers a fun and original approach to the underground world, an ideal complement to the classic guided tour.
What workshops does the Bear Museum offer?
“Little bears” aged 6 and over take part in modelling sessions to create a clay bear. The price is €6 per child. These hands-on activities complete the immersive tour and help the youngest discover the prehistory of the Chartreuse.