Mâcot-La-Plagne: Heritage, Mining and Trails

Heritage in the village

Sacred architecture, mining history and outdoor activities shape the experience of visiting Mâcot-La-Plagne. The Église Saint-Nicolas, several chapels and the Sentier des mineurs offer a glimpse into different aspects of the village’s history. They are complemented by orienteering options and waterside activities, giving you a choice of cultural interests and active pursuits during your stay.

The main altarpiece in the Église Saint-Nicolas in Mâcot-La-Plagne is located in the choir. It was created by the Piedmontese sculptor Delponte in 1806. The Baroque depiction shows Saint Nicholas and Saint Joseph beneath a painting of the Assumption of Mary. The bell tower also tells part of the building’s history: after it was damaged in 1794, it was rebuilt twenty years later in the same architectural style, with an imperial roof and two domes.

The Chapelle Saint-Grat is considered probably the oldest chapel in the village. Traces suggest it was used as a church in the late Middle Ages, before the village developed. The Chapelle Saint-Blaise-et-Saint-Guérin in Sangot already existed in 1594. The Chapelle Saint-Sébastien dates from 1628 and is also known as the Chapelle de la Salette.

Mining history and orienteering

The Lequenay anthracite mine, also known as Lequerray, was worked from 1848 to 1960. Its concession was the largest of Mâcot’s three anthracite coal concessions. Visitors can discover the history of mining and the remains of the mine along the Sentier des mineurs de Mâcot. The trail can be accessed from the multi-purpose hall in Mâcot.

There are two differently described options for orienteering on foot. The “Patrimoine Macot” orienteering course is open to everyone, free of charge and suitable for families with children. Its ten checkpoints are spread throughout the village. The blue orienteering and sport hiking course is also free and freely accessible every day, year-round. It covers 4 km, with 385 m of elevation gain and five checkpoints. The “Patrimoine Macot” course is defined by its checkpoints spread throughout the village and its suitability for families; the blue course specifies the distance and elevation gain.

Waterside activities

The Base de loisirs des Versants d'Aime, also called “plan d'eau de Mâcot,” offers a family-friendly beach and pedal boats. Other facilities include a large transparent water-walking ball and a freely accessible area with playful water jets.

The Base is accessible by car. You can reach it by bike, on foot, on roller skates or by scooter via the Voie Verte along the Isère. A free shuttle runs from Plagne Centre and can be used only with an advance reservation. There are reserved parking spaces for people with reduced mobility in the car park.

Discover more destinations: Le Châtelard, Saint-Jean-De-Chevelu, Apremont, Orelle, Belle-Plagne, Ugine, Méribel-Village, Saint-Michel-De-Maurienne.

For the main travel overview: Savoie.