La Lechere: Thermal History and Mountain Trails

La Léchère combines thermal history with mountain activities in landscapes between Beaufortain, Lauzière and Vanoise. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in La Léchère, you can use the purpose of your trip as a guide: spa treatments, winter activities and trails each offer a different focus and vary in their seasonal schedules.

Thermal Tradition and Thermal Park

The La Léchère thermal spa offers treatments for phlebological conditions such as venous or lymphatic insufficiency, as well as rheumatological conditions such as osteoarthritis and chronic synovial disorders. The first bathing establishment in La Léchère was built in 1897; this date is part of the history of the spa town.

A guided tour focuses on the thermal park and the history of La Léchère. It includes an easy walk between the spa town’s landmark buildings and through the thermal park. Dates and availability may change; check them before planning your visit.

Winter Activities by Type

On the Plateau du Tovet, 49 kilometres of cross-country ski trails for classic and skate skiing are groomed daily. Grooming is seasonal. The Nâves Nordic area has 76 kilometres of marked routes for classic and skate skiing and snowshoeing. From Grand-Nâves, there are also 27 kilometres of marked and secured snowshoe routes for all ability levels.

When comparing the options, consider which activity you are looking for: the information about the Plateau du Tovet refers to classic and skate-ski trails, while the routes in the Nâves Nordic area also include snowshoeing. The 27 kilometres from Grand-Nâves refer specifically to snowshoe routes. When planning a winter visit, take seasonal grooming and changing conditions into account.

Trails Through Landscape and History

The Sentier Sports-santé-nature du Bois Chaniet is accessible year-round. The circular route through Bois Chaniet is 2.3 kilometres long, takes about an hour and has 100 metres of elevation gain; its highest point is at 530 metres. Cool forest sections alternate with dry grasslands. A viewpoint offers a view of the Vanoise glaciers.

The Sentier des paravalanches de Celliers explores a different subject: it explains how people lived with avalanches and later developed protective measures against this natural phenomenon. Information boards and artistic contributions supplement the interpretation; sound is used at certain points. The route is listed as 3.5 kilometres, around two hours and 150 metres of elevation gain. This lets you compare the time required with the circular route in Bois Chaniet: around one hour versus around two hours. Both times are approximate.

Planning Information

The TER point in La Léchère sells regional train tickets and provides information about timetables and train connections. If you plan to arrive by train, check the relevant timetable in advance. The tourist information office provides brochures, posters and other materials about events and activities in the municipality and its surroundings. These resources can help you tailor your travel plans to your preferred focus without conflating the different offerings.

Discover more destinations: Gilly-sur-Isère, Aix-Les-Bains, Bramans, Pralognan-La-Vanoise, Presle, Jarrier, Saint-Jean-D'arves, Challes-Les-Eaux

For the regional travel overview: Savoie.