Val-d'Isere Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Andy Parant/Office du Tourisme Val d'Isère
Photo provided by Andy Parant/Office du Tourisme Val d'Isère
Photo provided by Andy Parant/Office du Tourisme Val d'Isère
Photo provided by Andy Parant/Office du Tourisme Val d'Isère
Photo provided by Office du Tourisme Val d'Isère

The traditional streetscapes, superb ski fields and pretty alpine meadows of this Tarentaise Valley village make it a year-round destination in the French Alps.

The alpine commune of Val d’Isere is situated in the Tarentaise Valley, bordering Italy and the Vanoise National Park. Val d’Isere is home to a world-renowned alpine ski resort and is part of the Espace Killy, the ski area named after the triple Olympic champion. Explore magnificent pistes and backcountry trails at the Val d’Isere Ski Resort in winter or check out green alpine meadows and awe-inspiring mountains in the warmer months.

Stroll around Val d’Isere’s Old Town and admire the traditional chalets. Some of the architecture harks back to the commune’s beginnings as an alpine farming village. Spend some time checking out the variety of shops and cafés to get a feel for local life in Val d’Isere. You’ll also find art galleries, a cinema and stores selling specialty skiing gear and the latest fashions in snow wear.

Each Thursday during the winter season, the main street, Avenue Olympique, becomes a pedestrianized zone and is filled with family-friendly entertainment. You might see ice sculpting, live music performances and parades. A market is set up nearby the visitor center on Mondays. You can peruse traditional French produce, such as local cheeses, cured meats and tasty sweets. The town extends into several little hamlets, each with their own distinct atmosphere and connections to the ski fields.

In winter, Val d’Isere turns into a world-class ski resort and an exciting destination for families and seasoned alpine explorers alike. Check out a wide expanse of skiable terrain connected by convenient lifts. There are plenty of slopes for beginner and intermediate skiers and boarders, as well as thrilling black-graded pistes, such as Le Fornet. Explore the cross-country trails to find unbeatable views of the Alps.

Summer months bring a beautiful array of alpine wildflowers to Val d’Isere. Explore a network of 15 different hiking trails, including the Seven Chapel Trail that runs through the center of the village and the more challenging Fours Peak and Prariond Valley. Stay in mountain refuges, luxury chalets or modern apartments in Val d’Isere.

Fly into Geneva, Chambéry or Lyon or catch a train to Bourg-St. Maurice, where you can connect by car or catch a shuttle to your lodgings in the scenic alpine village.

Where to stay in Val-d'Isere

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Le Fornet

If you're spending some time in Le Fornet, Le Fornet Ski Resort and Val-d'Isere Ski Resort are top sights worth seeing.

Le Fornet
Experimental Chalet Val d’Isère

Experimental Chalet Val d’Isère

4 out of 5
Place de l'Eglise, Val-d'Isere, Savoie
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Val-d'Isere. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Tignes Ski Resort and Savonnette ...
9/10 Wonderful! (260 reviews)
"Parking was a nightmare. Didn't know you have to book in advance... Had to park a car in a super dirty and tight parking garage 7 mins walking from the hotel."

Reviewed on 21 Mar. 2025

Experimental Chalet Val d’Isère
Victoria Lodge, Friendly Hotel

Victoria Lodge, Friendly Hotel

3 out of 5
48 Avenue du Prariond, Val-d'Isere
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Val-d'Isere. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Tignes Ski Resort and Savonnette ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (47 reviews)
"It was very comfy stay. The location of the hotel is great, the spa is nice. People at the reception were kind and helpful (Especially Cedric) The only handicap of this hotel is there is no parking area for their guests. You have to go to find the private car park which is close by but need to pay ..."

Reviewed on 14 Mar. 2025

Victoria Lodge, Friendly Hotel
Les Crêtes Blanches

Les Crêtes Blanches

3 out of 5
Rue du Parc des Sports, Val-d'Isere, Val d'Isère
The price is NZ$263 per night from 22 July to 23 July
NZ$263
22 July - 23 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Val-d'Isere. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and an area shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Tignes Ski Resort and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (132 reviews)
"Breakfast is outstanding. Short walk to ski lifts. Very convenient"

Reviewed on 25 Apr. 2025

Les Crêtes Blanches
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Résidence Pierre & Vacances La Daille

Résidence Pierre & Vacances La Daille

3 out of 5
La Daille, Val-d'Isere, Savoie
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified residence in Val-d'Isere. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Tignes Ski Resort and La ...
7.6/10 Good! (56 reviews)
"Convenient and affordable"

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2025

Résidence Pierre & Vacances La Daille
Pierre & Vacances Residence Les Balcons de Bellevarde

Pierre & Vacances Residence Les Balcons de Bellevarde

4 out of 5
La Daille, Val-d'Isere, Savoie
Stay at this 4-star ski residence in Val-d'Isere. Enjoy free WiFi, a free ski shuttle, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Tignes Ski Resort and La ...
7.6/10 Good! (28 reviews)
Convenient functional hotel near the ski lifts
"Convenient hotel for La Daille lifts and funicular train. Supermarket and tabac opposite. Good for a family holiday. Not a luxury hotel by any means but clean and well equipped rooms with comfy beds and kitchenette. We had breakfasts and most dinners here no problem. Would recommend for a reasonably ..."

Reviewed on 9 Apr. 2017

Pierre & Vacances Residence Les Balcons de Bellevarde
Right in the center, 400m from the slopes: south-facing apartment - 90 M2 with fireplace

Right in the center, 400m from the slopes: south-facing apartment - 90 M2 with fireplace

Val-d'Isère
Stay at this vacation home in Val-d'Isere. Enjoy laundry facilities, balconies, and in-room jetted tubs. Popular attractions Tignes Ski Resort and Centre Aquasportif ...
Right in the center, 400m from the slopes: south-facing apartment - 90 M2 with fireplace
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Val-d'Isere

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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5 - Excellent 100%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

Mark

Most staff on the mountain spoke good English, overall very friendly. Lift uplift capacity and speed excellent never waited more than 3 minutes, mostly no queues at all. Nightlife Apre skiing great drank too much.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great resort but worth investigating location of bars and nightclubs if staying with family.

Cities near Val-d'Isere