Aillon-Le-Jeune: Monastic History, Nature and Hotels

Monastic history and cultural activities

The Chartreuse d’Aillon is located among the remains of a monastery built from the 12th century onwards. Its exhibition presents the history of the Bauges through first-hand accounts, photographs, videos and models. Guided tours, exhibitions, workshops and activities for families are also on offer; the program may vary by season. An outdoor trail runs alongside the still-visible remains of the former religious estate.

The Chapelle Saint-Michel, also known as “de la Correrie,” was part of the monastery of the Combe d’Aillon, built around 1421 by the Carthusian order. Aillon-le-Jeune is therefore home to tangible evidence of monastic history with a range of historical connections.

Orchids, themed trails and winter tours

The Sentier des orchidées is located at the edge of Aillon-le-Jeune, on the road to Aillons-Margériaz. Along the trail, you can spot wild orchids and other plants such as black columbine and Carthusian pink. The trail is accessible year-round; mid-May to the end of June is considered the best time for orchid spotting, although natural conditions play a role. The Sentier des orchidées is also suitable for a family outing. This lets you distinguish between year-round access and the seasonal peak for plant watching when planning your visit.

The GEO-RANDO des tannes et glacières takes you past nine main discovery points, marked in the landscape by upright stones. In the Tanne du Névé section, the Spéléo-Rando provides independent access to the underground world. Check local safety conditions before visiting this section. The nine points and their markers give the GEO-RANDO a clear structure for exploring the area.

Two easy snowshoe circuits start in Aillon-le-Jeune: Les hameaux de la vallée du Lindar is 4.1 kilometers long, and La Grotte des Fées is 3.1 kilometers long. The second circuit is therefore one kilometer shorter; winter access to both depends on snow conditions. Aillons-Margériaz 1400 also offers marked ski touring routes. Conditions for these depend on operations and snow.

When choosing when to travel, you can compare the seasonal highlights: the best period for orchid spotting is from mid-May to the end of June. Snow conditions are key for the snowshoe circuits, while ski touring also depends on operating conditions.

Cheese culture and farming

The Fromagerie du Val d’Aillon makes Tome des Bauges and has a museum area dedicated to the history of local cheeses and the lives of farmers and cheesemakers. By reservation, it offers self-guided and guided tours, as well as cheese-making workshops. Workshop dates may vary by season. The program focuses both on the history of the cheeses and on how they are made.

On a free, self-guided visit to the Ferme de la Correrie, you can see dairy cows, goats and other farm animals, and learn about milking. The visit may depend on the farm’s operating conditions.

Information for your stay

The Aillons-Margériaz tourist office provides year-round information about activities, hikes, shops, and the cultural and natural heritage of the Aillons-Margériaz resort. It can help you find information about practical aspects of your visit as well as nature and cultural activities.

Discover more destinations: Brison-Saint-Innocent, Levassaix, Méribel-Mottaret, Moutiers, Saint-Avre, Cohennoz, Le Bettaix, Aussois.

View the regional travel overview: Savoie.