Discover Bozel: Heritage, Hiking Trails and Water

Bozel combines historic buildings with hiking trails and seasonal activities at Plan d’eau.

Town Centre and Heritage

In the centre of Bozel, the Tour Sarrazine stands on the right bank of the Bonrieu stream. The tower dates from the late 12th century and is considered the oldest building in the Tarentaise Valley. Fully restored, it houses a permanent exhibition about life in the canton from the Neolithic period to the present day. Here, a medieval building and a broad view of the canton’s history come together in one place. Check current access arrangements for the exhibition before your visit.

The Chapelle Notre-Dame de Tout-Pouvoir was an important pilgrimage site for the entire valley; its altarpiece is classified as a historic monument. At the Église Saint-François-de-Sales, the tower’s double onion dome is considered one of the most distinctive silhouettes in Savoie. The altarpiece depicts not only the healing of a child but also a scene from Raphael’s “Transfiguration of Christ”.

Compare Hiking Trails by Length and Difficulty

The Boucle du Mont Jovet starts in Bozel, is waymarked and is 13 kilometres long; it is rated difficult. At 14 kilometres, the Sentier des Vignes is slightly longer but is considered an easier hiking trail. The difference in ratings is just as useful when choosing a route as the small difference in length. Snow may affect access to the Sentier des Vignes; conditions on the Boucle du Mont Jovet may also vary seasonally.

The Sentier des Vignes starts at the Bozel Tourist Office and can also be cycled. A shorter route is the “Les Rives du Doron” Promenade Confort: it is 2.1 kilometres long, very easy and circular. This gives you a choice of routes of varying lengths and difficulty ratings, with the number of kilometres not the only factor in choosing a walk.

The route to Mont Jovet leads to the 2,558-metre summit, which offers panoramic views. Snow and weather affect conditions. The summit route is another hiking option in Bozel, distinct from the details given for the two named trails.

Water Activities and Swimming at Plan d’eau

Seasonal activities at Plan d’eau de Bozel include kayaking, airboating, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, group paddling and rafting for individuals and groups. Check the operating dates for water activities before travelling.

Swimming is free and supervised seasonally from 27 June to 27 August. There are two pools: one for children and one for adults. Parking is available at Plan d’eau, including a bus parking area; the site is accessible to pushchairs. Check swimming times and current operating and access information before travelling.

Pony Activities and Leisure

Les Poneys du Jovet offers pony taster sessions from age two, forest rides and introductory outdoor riding lessons. Introductory rides lasting 20 to 30 minutes are also available for children aged two to ten; a parent leads the child’s pony. Activities are seasonal, so check availability before travelling.

Bozel Aventure is a high ropes course in a spruce forest by the Doron de Bozel. Bozel Fun Park is a children’s play park with trampoline nets, a trampoline cage, inflatable games and beach volleyball; it is suitable for children aged two and over. The two activities therefore differ in type. Check the seasonal play park’s availability and find out about Bozel Aventure’s operating details in advance.

Discover more destinations: Le Bois, Hermillon, Avressieux, Grignon, La Ravoire, Aix-Les-Bains, Le Pré, Saint-Colomban-Des-Villards.

For the wider travel overview: Savoie.