La Motte-Servolex: Hiking, Art and History

La Motte-Servolex offers a range of options for a stay: hiking trails through forests and wetlands, views of the lake and mountains, as well as historic architecture and urban art. When looking for a hotel, you might first consider whether nature trails or art and architectural history are the main focus of your trip.

Hiking between forest, marsh and viewpoint

The Parcours santé is a 1,150-metre fitness trail starting at the CLEM. It runs along the Nant Bruyant through woodland and past waterfalls. The exercise stations include platforms for abdominal exercises and push-ups, as well as a pull-up bar. Check trail conditions before setting out.

The route to the Marais de Pré Lombard is easy, close to town and open year-round. It crosses the Plateau de Servolex, through agricultural and wooded areas as well as wetlands. At the Marais, the trail follows the Leysse; information panels introduce the river’s fish. From Chambéry city centre, you can reach the Marais by taking bus C or 1 towards De Gaulle and getting off at the “La Motte Centre” stop. Check the Synchro network for changes before travelling.

The shorter hikes also vary in length and character: Les Hauts de Chamoux is an easy, 3.6-kilometre circular walk, mostly along forest trails. Along the way, there are views of Chambéry, the surrounding mountain ranges and Lac du Bourget. The Boucle des Janons is a two-kilometre family trail in the Tremblay area. The Boucle des hameaux is a different proposition: it covers eleven kilometres and 360 metres of elevation gain through the hamlets of La Motte-Servolex.

The climb to Col de l’Épine is more demanding: this challenging hike runs mostly through the forest, along paths that are steep in places. There are picnic areas at Pré-Puisat and at the pass. The route offers views of Lac du Bourget and the Bauges, Belledonne and Chartreuse mountain ranges. There is also a viewpoint at the Col, with a landscape interpretation panel; check in advance whether the terrain is suitable for your planned hike.

The Château Richard forest hike is very demanding. A section with metal ladders can be bypassed by following the directional signs. The route offers views of Mont-Blanc, the Bauges, Lauzière, Belledonne and Chartreuse mountain ranges, Lac d’Aiguebelette and the Avant-Pays savoyard. Its demands and ladder section make it a different choice from the easy loop at Les Hauts de Chamoux.

Historic sites and architecture

The Domaine Reinach covers 40 hectares in La Motte-Servolex, at the foot of the Épine massif. To the east, it looks out towards Mont Revard and Nivolet. Most of the estate is listed in the Additional Inventory of Historic Monuments. Château Reinach was renovated from 1899 to 1903 and redesigned in the Neo-Louis XIII style, using brick and stone.

At the Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, the square base on the first floor still retains defensive features. It is therefore considered a Romanesque remnant that has been altered several times over the years. Those interested in architectural history will find a different perspective here from the hiking trails: the focus is on the surviving parts of the building and their historical interpretation.

Urban art and contemporary art

In La Motte-Servolex, a 45-minute urban art trail takes you through the town. The municipal cultural brochure for 2025–2026 describes exploring on foot, with a stroller, by bicycle or on a skateboard. For 2025–2026, the brochure lists individual visits at any time, guided tours by appointment and educational materials on request.

According to the municipal cultural brochure for 2025–2026, Le M.U.R. LMS used a wall in La Motte-Servolex to present new, ephemeral urban art works. The same cultural brochure states that a new mural was created there every quarter as part of an annual programme. For La Conciergerie, the municipal cultural brochure for 2025–2026 describes solo and group contemporary art exhibitions, as well as guided tours; the exhibition programme may change. La Conciergerie can be reached from Chambéry by bus C. Check current timetables and possible disruptions on the Synchro network before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Avrieux, Landry, Lépin-Le-Lac, La Tania, Pralognan-La-Vanoise, Cruet, Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise, Aiguebelette-Le-Lac.

See the regional travel overview: Savoie.