Le Bois: Waterscape and Architectural History

Le Bois combines a waterscape with architectural history. When looking for hotels in Le Bois, you can first consider which aspect you would like to shape your stay most: rivers and high points, or historic buildings. Local highlights range from the Sècheron to the church, Château and hydroelectric power.

Waters and high points

The municipal area extends across the basin of the Sècheron, the outlet of Lac de la Coche. The Sècheron rises at 1,611 metres below Mont Longe-Chat. It runs for 3,200 metres within Le Bois and flows into the Isère at Aigueblanche. This makes it possible to trace three stages in its watercourse geography: its source, its route through the municipality and its mouth.

Part of the Nant Noir runs through the municipal area and forms the boundary with Bellecombe. The territory of Le Bois extends over the ridges above Lac de la Coche as far as Pas de Pierre Larron, at an elevation of 1,789 metres. The La Coche dam lies at 1,401 metres. Together with the Sècheron’s source at 1,611 metres, these provide three specific elevations to compare: the dam, the source area and the mountain pass.

The Barrage d’Aigueblanche also spans the Isère between Aigueblanche and Le Bois and is visible from the RN90 national road. The walking trail to the Morel waterfalls passes through Le Bois.

Hydroelectric power and planning your visit

The La Coche hydroelectric power station uses reversible turbines to pump and turbine water. Reversibility describes the turbines’ two functions: they are used both to pump and to turbine water. The summer 2026 program included guided tours of the power station. If you are considering a visit at a later date, check current dates and availability.

The Church of Saint Nicholas and the Château de Le Bois

The Church of Saint Nicholas dates from the 17th century; the Château de Le Bois dates from the 15th century. The church stands on a rocky promontory, far from the other villages. From there, you can enjoy a view over the entire Aigueblanche basin and the surrounding peaks. The church’s altarpiece was renovated in 1694. The century places the church in its historical context, while the year marks a specific intervention on its furnishings.

The Château retains the former lord’s living quarters, a round tower, a spiral staircase spanning three floors, the main building and a square tower. The Château is privately owned. If you are considering a visit, check in advance whether tours are possible.

A historic transport route

The Roman road from Lyon to Milan ran at the foot of Le Bois, along the left bank of the Isère. A military milestone at La Pierre in Sainte-Hélène-du-Bois marked its route. Thus, the road’s route by Le Bois and the marker at La Pierre provide two points of reference for the same historic transport route.

Discover more destinations: Motz, Challes-Les-Eaux, Montcel, La Côte-D'aime, La Trinité, Praranger, La Table, Hautecour.

For the broader travel overview: Savoie.