Saint-Martin-De-Belleville: Village Culture and Mountain Trails

The following places and routes showcase different sides of the destination and offer practical points of reference for your stay.

Village History and Heritage

The Saint-Martin-de-Belleville heritage trail is a self-guided route through the village. It introduces the local heritage and life in the village in the past. If you are interested in how the village developed, the trail offers a cultural and historical focus for your visit.

The Church of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville was rebuilt and extended between 1650 and 1750. It is typical of churches in the Tarentaise: behind a simple façade is a richly decorated Baroque interior. The exterior and interior thus bring different architectural accents to the same building.

The Musée de Saint-Martin-de-Belleville is housed in a former farmhouse. The Notre-Dame-de-la-Vie sanctuary stands on a promontory at the level of the village of Saint-Marcel and overlooks the Belleville Valley. It is a 17th-century masterpiece and is classified as a historic monument.

The area's history is also linked to the national park: the former sector of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville has been part of the park's membership area since the former municipality voluntarily joined the charter of the Parc national de la Vanoise in 2015. No part of this sector lies within the core zone.

Hiking and Access to the Ski Area

The Découverte des villages route is classified as an easy hike. It is 7.5 km long, starts and/or ends in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville and Les Menuires, and has a stated duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes. Actual walking time may vary depending on conditions and pace.

The route follows a trail that is more than 100 years old and once connected the villages of the valley from Saint-Martin, before the departmental road was built. The current hiking route thus combines a specific distance and duration with the trail's former role in the valley.

On guided hikes in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, you will learn about the mountain environment and features visible along the route. From the village, which lies at an altitude of 1,450 m, two lifts take you to the Col de Tougnète at 2,437 m. The pass is the gateway to the entire ski area and provides direct access to Méribel and Les Menuires. As lift connections can change over time, check conditions before planning your visit.

Cycling Routes and Wellness

The VTTAE 1 Les Encombres e-bike route starts at the TC Saint Martin 1. It is listed as a return route covering 23 km, with 647 m of elevation gain and loss. Seasonal operating conditions may vary; take this into account when planning.

Another option is the XC 1 Saint-Martin–Au Châtelard mountain bike route. It is listed as 5.9 km long, with 131 m of elevation gain and loss. Compared with the VTTAE 1, it is shorter and has less elevation change according to the stated route figures.

La Belle Vie has an indoor pool with waterfalls, massage jets, and underwater benches, as well as a 16 m outdoor pool that is open in summer. The wellness area includes a 33 °C Nordic-style indoor and outdoor pool, a hammam, a sauna area, and a relaxation area. As facilities may change over time, it is advisable to check what is currently available before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Val Thorens, Les Ménuires, Les Allues, Avrieux, Planay, La Perrière, Le Châtelard, Saint-Colomban-Des-Villards.

For the regional travel overview: Savoie.