Discover Orelle

Orelle is a village with eleven authentic hamlets that you can discover on walks. The area offers several starting points when choosing a destination: village life and architecture, hikes through the alpine landscape, historical landmarks and winter excursions. When planning, consider which of these themes you would like to shape your stay.

Hamlets and traces of history

Traditional features found in the hamlets include washhouses, communal ovens, churches, chapels and stone houses. The Church of Saint Maurice dates back to the 15th century and is included in the “Chemins du baroque” (Baroque Routes). The rocks at La Pierre aux Pieds offer a different perspective on history: the group bears engravings from several periods.

Chez la Tante is a small ecomuseum that recreates a room from a bygone era. It opens by appointment, so arrange your visit in advance locally. Those interested in nature and drawing can find stops for nature-drawing workshops along the Sentiers Couleurs du Temps route from Noiray to Crêt du Vlé. There are places to sit and instructions for drawing natural subjects.

Walks, hikes and mountain views

The hiking trail network ranges from family-friendly walks around the villages to more challenging routes to ridges and high-altitude lakes. There are also trips to the Barrage de Bissorte and along the Tour du Thabor. This offers a variety of routes to choose from, rather than limiting the options to a single hiking destination.

Some sections of the hiking trails pass through alpine pastures where marmots and flowering meadows can be found, while also offering panoramic views of the peaks. The Barrage de Bissorte can be reached on foot in about an hour from the car park at Le Prec and offers views of the surrounding mountains. The dam itself is not open to visitors. Access is seasonal and depends on snow conditions.

Landscape and protected areas

The municipal area includes the “Alpages du mont Bréquin” Natura 2000 site, which corresponds to the Vanoise Massif zone. The “Landes, prairies et habitats rocheux du massif du mont Thabor” Natura 2000 site is also located in the southern part of the municipal area. The two names refer to distinct areas within Orelle; they add another way to explore the landscape alongside the hiking destinations.

Chapel and village activities

The Notre Dame des Anges Chapel offers views across the valley. It can be reached on foot via a forest path or in summer by car via the forest track from Arcelin. A mass is held there once a year in August. If you would like to plan your visit around this date, check the latest event information.

Orelle Quest is a family adventure for smartphones: using clues, puzzles and QR codes, visitors explore the village’s hamlets. As the activity relies on installations in the area, it is advisable to check their current condition before travelling. This playful exploration is distinct from a walk focused on the village’s history and traditional features.

Winter excursions and local cuisine

In winter, La Trace du Loup offers a marked and secured ski touring route starting from Plan Bouchet. Whether it can operate depends on snow and weather conditions. It is therefore different from the hiking trails, which range from walks around the villages to more challenging routes at higher elevations.

At Espace Caron 3200, there is a wine bar serving a selection of fine wines and a restaurant offering local cuisine. Before travelling, check whether both are operating during your visit. The season and the conditions that apply at the time can help you decide between culture, village walks, hikes and winter activities.

Discover more destinations: Demi-Quartier, Aime, Mâcot-La-Plagne, Gerbaix, Hermillon, Saint-Franc, Arbin, Moutiers.

For the broader travel overview: Savoie.