
Old Town Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Bourg-Saint-Maurice: Your charming gateway to the French Alps, offering easy access to Les Arcs via a scenic funicular and stunning mountain vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Hit the slopes early

Old Town Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Best Time
Hit the slopes early
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bourg-Saint-Maurice: Your charming gateway to the French Alps, offering easy access to Les Arcs via a scenic funicular and stunning mountain vistas.
"A beautiful little place with great views and easy access to the slopes!"

Free Funicular Access
The funicular to Les Arcs is free for pedestrians! Great for exploring even if you're not skiing. :ticket:
Explore Beyond the Slopes
Discover forested areas with parks and outdoor exercise equipment for a change of pace. :evergreen_tree:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Funicular to Les Arcs
Bourg-Saint-Maurice Station
Ride the free funicular for stunning alpine views and access to Les Arcs ski resorts.

Charming Old Town Streets
Bourg-Saint-Maurice Town Center
Wander through historic streets, discover local shops, and soak in the authentic Savoyard atmosphere.

Nama Springs Spa
Eden Arc 1800
Indulge in a unique Indian-inspired spa experience with flotation pools and saunas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to the Slopes
Summer vs. Winter Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Funicular Access
The funicular to Les Arcs is free for pedestrians! Great for exploring even if you're not skiing. :ticket:
Explore Beyond the Slopes
Discover forested areas with parks and outdoor exercise equipment for a change of pace. :evergreen_tree:
Book Ski Train Tickets
Consider the train from Lyon for a scenic and convenient ski weekend. :train2:
Summer Mountain Views
Bourg-Saint-Maurice offers breathtaking views, especially in summer. :mountain:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Funicular Access
The funicular to Les Arcs is free for pedestrians! Great for exploring even if you're not skiing. :ticket:
Explore Beyond the Slopes
Discover forested areas with parks and outdoor exercise equipment for a change of pace. :evergreen_tree:
Book Ski Train Tickets
Consider the train from Lyon for a scenic and convenient ski weekend. :train2:
Summer Mountain Views
Bourg-Saint-Maurice offers breathtaking views, especially in summer. :mountain:
Spa Day Retreat
Treat yourself to a unique spa experience at Nama Springs after a day on the slopes. :spa:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Bourg-Saint-Maurice as a convenient and scenic gateway to the Les Arcs ski resorts, with the free funicular being a major highlight. The town offers a charming atmosphere and beautiful alpine surroundings, appealing to both winter sports enthusiasts and summer visitors seeking outdoor adventures.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the free funicular from Bourg-Saint-Maurice station directly to Les Arcs 1600. From there, free shuttle buses (navettes) connect to Les Arcs 1800, 1950, and 2000.
Yes, you can take a train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, including direct links from cities like Lyon, making it a convenient gateway for ski trips.
Bourg-Saint-Maurice is accessible by car, but parking can be challenging, especially during peak ski season. Consider public transport if possible.
Besides the funicular and ski lifts, hiking trails and mountain biking routes are popular in summer. The forested areas offer pleasant walks.
Yes, there are local bus services, particularly connecting to the different Les Arcs villages, which are often free during certain periods.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, the funicular connecting Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Les Arcs 1600 is free for pedestrians and non-skiers.
For skiing, it's highly recommended to book lift passes in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and potentially get better prices.
The forested areas and parks mentioned often have free access, providing recreational spaces for visitors.
Funicular operating hours vary by season. It's best to check the official Les Arcs or Bourg-Saint-Maurice tourism website for current schedules.
Yes, you can purchase ski passes for the Les Arcs and La Plagne ski areas at the ticket offices in Bourg-Saint-Maurice or online.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
In winter, you can enjoy the town's atmosphere, explore local shops, and use the funicular for scenic rides. In summer, hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the old town are popular.
Les Arcs offers a range of slopes, including beginner-friendly areas. However, it's always good to check specific piste maps and difficulty ratings based on your experience level.
Bourg-Saint-Maurice is described as a beautiful little place with a charming old town, offering a mix of authentic Savoyard culture and access to modern ski resorts.
Yes, the surrounding Alps offer numerous hiking trails, especially in the summer months, with stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
The town is surrounded by impressive mountain scenery, including views of Mont Blanc from higher elevations accessible via the funicular and ski lifts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Expect traditional Savoyard dishes like fondue, raclette, and tartiflette, often featuring local cheeses and cured meats. Many restaurants offer hearty mountain fare.
The old town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice has several charming restaurants and cafes offering local specialties and a cozy atmosphere.
Les Arcs resorts offer a wide range of dining options, from casual self-service restaurants to more upscale dining experiences, catering to all tastes and budgets.
While traditional Savoyard cuisine is meat-heavy, many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's advisable to check menus or ask staff.
Yes, you can find local bakeries (boulangeries) and patisseries in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, perfect for grabbing fresh bread, pastries, or a quick snack.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the charming old town streets, the scenic funicular ride, and the panoramic mountain vistas from higher points in Les Arcs.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful light for landscape and town photography. Midday can be harsh but good for capturing the bright snow in winter.
Look out for the rare hypercars that sometimes visit the town, offering a striking contrast to the alpine setting.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture distant peaks. A sturdy tripod is useful for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Winter offers dramatic snowy landscapes and charming village scenes. Ensure your camera is protected from the cold and moisture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
⛷️ Ski Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Gateway to Les Arcs: The Funicular Experience
Once at Les Arcs 1600, a network of free shuttle buses (navettes) allows you to easily hop between the different resort villages: 1800, 1950, and 2000. This makes exploring the vast Les Arcs domain incredibly convenient, whether you're heading to a specific ski run, a restaurant, or just want to take in the different atmospheres of each village. Planning your connections using the funicular and shuttle buses is key to a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Beyond its practical function, the funicular ride itself is often highlighted as a memorable part of the trip. It provides a unique perspective on the French Alps and sets the stage for the mountain adventure ahead. It’s a testament to how Bourg-Saint-Maurice seamlessly blends town life with high-altitude access.
Beyond the Slopes: Summer and Year-Round Activities
The town itself retains its charm year-round. Wandering through the old town streets reveals traditional Savoyard architecture, local boutiques, and inviting cafes. This provides a more relaxed pace compared to the bustling ski resorts, offering a glimpse into authentic French mountain life. The scenic beauty of the valley is a constant companion, whether you're on a challenging hike or enjoying a leisurely stroll.
For those seeking relaxation, the Nama Springs spa offers a unique escape. This Indian-inspired wellness center, accessible via the funicular, provides a tranquil environment with flotation pools, hammams, and saunas – a perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure, regardless of the season.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit