Montailleur: Culture, Nature and Water Sports

Montailleur offers a range of options for a stay: historic buildings, a varied landscape and lakeside leisure. The local sights and activities provide practical ways to explore the area.

Landscape and nature around Montailleur

Montailleur lies within the continental ZNIEFF Type 1 area “Versant sud-est des Hautes-Bauges”. In the wider landscape of the Haute-Combe de Savoie, rocks and steep slopes shape the terrain. The relatively undisturbed forests in this landscape are home to a diverse bird population. The natural setting thus ranges from the specific protected-area designation to the broader landscape of rocks, slopes, forests and birdlife.

Château and churches: different historical connections

Château de Montailleur stands above the town centre and Les Bognons, on a promontory overlooking the glacial valley of the Isère. It was built on an oval feudal motte. A square tower is all that remains of the site: each side measures eight metres, and the tower dates to the 12th or 13th century. The château’s location, origins and tower each offer a distinct point of historical interest.

Chapelle Saint-Michel is also connected to the château’s history: it was associated with Château de Montailleur in the 15th century. Église Saint-Maurice offers a different architectural and historical perspective. The neo-Gothic church was consecrated in 1885 and built to plans by diocesan architect Joseph-Samuel Revel. These sites bring together different themes: the medieval connection between chapel and château, and the church’s 19th-century construction history.

A 2019 account describes how regional skydivers revived the Saint-Michel tradition in Montailleur. In connection with this tradition, the parish church celebrates the feast of its patron saint, Saint Maurice of Agaunum, a week earlier. Those interested in local architectural and religious history will find another point of historical interest here, alongside the buildings themselves.

Water sports and a circuit around the lake

WAM PARK in Montailleur has two water-ski lifts, one large and one small. They are designed for water skiing and wakeboarding. You can also walk or cycle around the lake. Water sports and a circuit around the lake are therefore two different activities available at the same location. Which one you choose depends on whether you would like to water ski or wakeboard, or explore on foot or by bike.

WAM PARK is located at 866 RD1090, 73460 Montailleur. Operating details may change, so check them before your visit. This lets you plan around the latest information about what is available without assuming specific opening hours.

Find a hotel to suit your travel interests

Château, Chapelle and Église Saint-Maurice offer historical and architectural points of interest; WAM PARK is a destination for water skiing, wakeboarding and a circuit around the lake. The wider landscape adds rocks, steep slopes, forests and birdlife to the mix. This makes it easier to choose a hotel that suits the main focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Presle, Modane, La Thuile, Vions, Brides-Les-Bains, Montaimont, Le Châtelard, La Bâthie.

For the broader travel overview: Savoie.