Nestled at the base of the Paradiski skiing area, Bourg-Saint-Maurice is an important recreational hub in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. In the winter months, it provides access to several ski resorts while in the summer, it’s the departure point for whitewater rafting trips and multi-day hikes to Mont Blanc.
Things to do in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Sprawling south of Bourg-Saint-Maurice is Vanoise National Park, which encompasses around 100 peaks over 3,000 metres in altitude. Its rugged alpine terrain provides habitat for ibex, chamois and marmots, as well as Eurasian lynx and badgers. More than 100 bird species have also been recorded in the park, including bearded vultures, golden eagles and rock ptarmigans.
If you’re visiting in the winter months, you can take advantage of the skiing and snowboarding trails of the Paradiski ski area, which encompasses the resorts of Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry and La Plagne. They offer around 425 kilometres of piste trails and 160 lifts in total, with options to suit beginner, intermediate and advanced snow enthusiasts.
In the summer months, Bourg-Saint-Maurice provides a popular base for hiking through the French Alps, with the summit of Mont Blanc visible from the town. Whitewater rafting expeditions from Bourg-Saint-Maurice take in the incredible mountain scenery of the Upper Tarentaise Valley, including the magnificent Gorges de la Pucelle.
Getting around Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Bourg-Saint-Maurice is just under three hours’ drive from Lyon and around two hours from Geneva International Airport. Regular trains connect from Lyon to the Gare de Bourg-Saint-Maurice and as far away as London in winter months. Shuttle buses access the ski lifts in winter while the centre of Bourg-Saint-Maurice is compact enough to explore on foot.