Aire de Moûtiers
Adresse
Équipements et services
Description
Tourisme
Moûtiers (Savoie, France)
Moûtiers is a small valley town that serves as a gateway to the Savoyard mountain ranges. Located in the Tarentaise, it marks the junction between the Isère plain and the mountain passes leading to the ski resorts. A town of commerce and history, it preserves an old compact center around cobbled streets and ancient churches. Its position makes it a convenient transit point both in winter and summer.
Heritage and history
The historic core is characterized by the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, the former seat of the Tarentaise archbishopric, which shows Romanesque and Gothic elements. Some old houses, narrow lanes and porches recall Moûtiers’s administrative and religious role until the Revolution. Religious heritage remains the most visible feature of the town’s past.
Nature and landscapes
The town stretches along the valley, surrounded by hills and the first alpine foothills. At a short distance there are mountain landscapes quickly accessible, with views of ridges and valleys typical of Savoie. The Vanoise massif is within driving distance for those who want to hike or observe nature.
Outdoor activities and access to the resorts
Moûtiers is best known as a road and rail access point to the major resorts of the Trois Vallées (Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens). The Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains station provides seasonal connections to cities and receives direct trains during peak winter periods. In summer, hiking, mountain biking and mountain excursions occupy visitors.
Gastronomy
Local cuisine highlights Savoie cheeses: Beaufort, Reblochon and cheese-based dishes like tartiflette and diots. The small inns in the center serve local products and simple, hearty mountain dishes.
Not to miss
- Cathédrale Saint-Pierre: visit the building and its ancient architecture.
- Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains station: departure point for the Trois Vallées resorts.
- Old town: stroll through the lanes and discover old façades.
- Access to the Trois Vallées: shuttles and roads to Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens.
- Local inns: tasting Savoyard dishes and regional cheeses.
