Apremont – Wine, Hiking Trails and History

When looking for a hotel in Apremont, it’s worth first deciding what you’re interested in during your stay: Château d’Apremont offers a connection to local history, several local wineries offer tours or tastings, and hiking destinations take you through vineyards and forests and to waterfalls. The range of options can help you decide whether to focus your trip on winemaking, local history or nature.

History in the Townscape

In the 12th century, Château d’Apremont formed part of the defensive system against Dauphiné. Another connection to the town’s history is the restored Pont de la Mercière, which still allows pedestrians to cross the Torrent des Favières. This gives visitors two different starting points for exploring Apremont: a historical landmark and a bridge that pedestrians can still use.

Wineries and Terroir

Domaine Dupraz at Reposoir in Apremont has been run by the Dupraz family of winemakers since 1880 and produces Apremont, Roussette and Mondeuse wines. Visitors can tour the cellars, walk through the vineyards and learn about vineyard work and the history of the terroir.

Domaine Philippe Chapot cultivates around 14 hectares of traditional Savoyard grape varieties, including Jacquère, red Mondeuse and Altesse. Wine tastings in its Caveau are available by appointment. Caveau Betemps Philippe cultivates eight hectares of AOC Apremont and AOC Abymes vines on the slopes of Apremont and offers tastings of various crus; reservations are required. Domaine Maréchal – Le P'tiou Vigneron in the hills above Apremont welcomes visitors for wine tastings in a Caveau with antique décor.

The regional wine landscape is also linked to Mont Granier: the Abymes and Apremont AOP wine-growing areas developed on the scree at its foot.

Hiking Trails and Nature

The Sentier du Pichut is an easy trail through forests and vineyards. It is 3.7 kilometres long, has 150 metres of cumulative elevation gain and takes about two hours. Along the way, it passes vineyard huts known as “sartos” and crosses the Apremont vineyard. Check trail conditions before setting out.

Another destination is the Cascade du Pichut, where the Torrent du Rouselet plunges down. From Apremont church, it can be reached via an accessible walking trail along the foothills of the Chartreuse. When planning your visit, the Sentier du Pichut’s information on distance, elevation gain and approximate duration and the walking trail to the Cascade, which starts at the church, offer different points of reference.

Mont Granier has a cliff face over 900 metres high and towers above the Combe and Cluse of Savoie. At Col du Granier, there are information panels, hiking trailheads and a roadside rest area. On the many hiking trails near the Col, you may be lucky enough to spot the rare lady’s slipper orchid, which is protected in France. The orchid blooms in early summer.

Discover more destinations: La Perrière, Trévignin, Saint-Jean-De-Maurienne, Thoiry, La Lechere, Aix-Les-Bains, Fontaine-le-Puits, La Giettaz.

For the broader travel overview: Savoie.