Discover Valloire

Beyond the ski slopes and hiking trails, Valloire is a village of character that has preserved its heritage and traditions. Discover the soul of this authentic Savoyard village.

A Bit of History

Valloire takes its name from "Vallis Aurea" (golden valley), a reference to the gold mining that once existed in the region. The village developed over the centuries through pastoral farming and cross-border trade via the Col du Galibier.

Key Dates

• 11th century: First mentions of the village
• 17th-18th centuries: Golden age of Savoyard baroque
• 1891: First Tour de France ascent of the Galibier
• 1950s: Development of ski tourism
• 1979: Creation of the Galibier-Thabor area with Valmeinier

Baroque Heritage

Valloire possesses exceptional baroque religious heritage, testament to the prosperity of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Notre-Dame de l'Assomption Church

A jewel of Savoyard baroque, this 17th-century church houses:

• A monumental gilded wood altarpiece
• Remarkable painted frescoes and decorations
• Period pews and furniture
• An intricately carved pulpit

The Chapels

The Valloire area has 17 chapels scattered across its hamlets, witnesses to the religious fervour of the inhabitants:

• Saint-Pierre Chapel at Les Verneys
• Les Granges Chapel
• Le Mollard Chapel
• And many more to discover on walks...

Traditional Architecture

Walking through Valloire, observe the typical Maurienne architecture:

• Traditional chalets: stone base, wooden upper floors (larch or spruce)
• Lauze roofs: flat stone tiles characteristic of the region
• Wooden balconies: once used for drying hay, now decorated with flowers in summer
• Granaries: small buildings on stilts for storing crops

Traditions & Crafts

Straw and Hay Sculpture Competition

Every summer for over 30 years, Valloire has hosted an international straw and hay sculpture competition. Artists from around the world create monumental works displayed throughout the village. A unique event attracting thousands of visitors.

Transhumance

Pastoral farming remains alive in Valloire. In spring and autumn, herds of cows (Tarine and Abondance breeds) move up and down from the alpine pastures, perpetuating a centuries-old tradition.

Local Crafts

• Woodworking: carving, turning, toy-making
• Cheese-making: Beaufort production in the dairies
• Textiles: traditional Savoyard costumes

Village Life

Valloire maintains a dynamic local life beyond tourism:

• Local shops: bakery, butcher, groceries
• Markets: weekly market in season
• Associations: active clubs (sports, culture, traditions)
• Schools: Valloire is a year-round community

The Col du Galibier

You can't talk about Valloire without mentioning the Col du Galibier (2,642 m), one of the most legendary passes in the Alps:

• Tour de France: regular feature since 1911, with legendary stages
• Panorama: 360° views of the Alps, from La Meije to Mont Blanc
• History: road built in the late 19th century for military purposes
• Tunnel: passage beneath the pass in bad weather (2,556 m altitude)

Practical Information

Tourist Office

The Valloire tourist office is your contact point for:

• Information on activities and events
• Guided tour bookings
• Maps and documentation
• Tickets for certain events

Nearby Visits

• Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne: valley town, shops and heritage
• Valmeinier: neighbouring resort linked by slopes
• Modane: Fréjus tunnel, access to Italy
• Aussois: Esseillon forts, military heritage

To explore Valloire in depth, stay at Chalet de la Marmotte, your ideal base in the heart of the village.