Aussois
Over the centuries, the village has conserved its cross-shaped radiating disposition, with the square's fountain as its centre. All through the summer season the Tourist Office, Maison d'Aussois, organises a varied choice of events as well as themed walks, concerts, nature treks, exhibitions, discos, shows for young or older audiences... and numerous sports activities...
At the foot of the ‘Dent Parrachée’, one of the highest summits in Vanoise, Aussois is on a vast sunny plateau offering a magnificent panorama of the surrounding massifs and direct access to the Vanoise National Park. All through the summer season the Tourist Office, Maison d'Aussois, organises a varied choice of events as well as themed walks, concerts, nature treks, exhibitions, discos, shows for young or older audiences... and numerous sports activities...
Once a week Aussois's musher invites you to discover the world of Siberian huskies and Greenland Eskimo dogs. Visit the doghouse, and learn about dog care and breeding.
Approved by the French Cycling Federation, there are 200km of marked and maintained trails. A quad chairlift runs all summer for cyclists and walkers.
A must ‘do’ is a visit to the restaurant in the fantastic setting of XIXth century Fort ‘Marie-Christine’.
It is a very accessible resort, only 10 minutes drive from the motorway exit near the TGV station of Modane (4 hrs from Paris by train).
Places of interest
· The Aussois Museum - Exhibits of objects and tools give a vivid image of daily life for Aussois's inhabitants in yesteryear. Complemented by the "Bread Museum", in the former and recently restored communal oven in the heart of the village. A permanent exhibition explains the making and uses of bread in the mountains. The communal oven is at times still used on special occasions.
· The Esseillon Forts - Built for military purposes, these fortifications testify to a rich and eventful historical past. Built by the Sardinians between 1817 and 1834 to protect Piedmont and Europe from French invasions, they illustrate Marquis de Montalembert's defensive theories.
· The stone engravings of Aussois - The engravings, discovered in 1977, testify to human occupancy on the passageways to Italy between the Neolithic era and the Iron Age. They were made on glacier-eroded stone slabs by pecking or chiselling the rock with stone utensils.
Top summer activities to experience in Aussois
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website
Here are some ideas of activities, however there is plenty more on offer!
Mountain biking
The enduro and downhill mountain bike courses are easily accessible thanks to the Grand Jeu chairlift which is open all summer (except Saturdays).
Pump track
A real track for mountain bikes, BMXs, scooters etc. 2 interlocking loops and sliding area.
Tandem paragliding
Discover the magic of flying. Meeting point at the start of the Grand Jeu chairlift.
Indoor artificial climbing wall
Session 2h max (deposit and release required), subject to availability and supervision of an adult. Min. age 5 years old.
Walking/hiking
Plenty of trails and routes to choose from in the mountains, from easy to challenging.
Aussois shops, bars and restaurants
A variety of bars, restaurants and shops are open in the summer.
A must try during your stay is the restaurant in the fantastic setting of XIXth century Fort ‘Marie-Christine’, it offers excellent value for money, and was praised by the famous Gault et Millau guide. Italians even make the journey just to eat there!
Mini-supermarket, bank with cash point, laundry, bakery, fromagerie, butcher/delicatessen, hairdresser, regional specialities, several sports shops, doctor.
Getting to Aussois, France
By road
Driving distance from Calais to Aussois is approx. 794km (583 miles) (approx. 9hrs30). From Calais, take A26 Motorway towards Reims and Troyes, then Dijon, Lyon, Chambéry. Follow the A43 Motorway to Modane. Aussois is 7km (10 minutes) from the motorway exit at Modane.
By rail & air
The nearest train station for Aussois is Modane, 9km away.
5 international airports are nearby. We don't book flights, we invite you to do your own research.
Geneva Airport to Aussois is roughly 197km, approximately 2hr
Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Aussois is roughly 118km, approximately 1hr
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Aussois is roughly 185km, approximately 1hr 30 mins
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Aussois is roughly 196km, approximately 2hr 30 mins
Turin Airport to Aussois is roughly 125km, approximately 1hr 45 mins
Private taxi transfers
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.
News & Events 2024
News:
Market every Tuesday from 8.00-13.30.
Events:
- Base Camp Festival: 23rd July-26th July 2024 - the festival is dedicated to “Mountain Airs”. Aerial sports, mountaineering, dizzying passages, kites and wind instruments: discover air in all its forms!
