Attractions and Places To See around Arvillard - Top 20

Arvillard is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes. Among the most popular spots are Marocaz Pass, known as one of the region's most beautiful climbs with little car traffic, and Col du Grand Cucheron, a challenging mountain pass with ample shade in summer and a picnic area at the top. Additionally, Crêt du Poulet offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Belledonne range and the Bauges, marked by a large cross at its summit.

Yes, Arvillard is a prime location for challenging cycling. The Col du Grand Cucheron is a significant climb, 11.6 kilometers long with an 805-meter elevation gain. For an even tougher ascent, the Ascent of Col de la Madeleine from La Chambre is a classic Tour de France route, featuring a 1,591 m vertical drop over 19.3 km. Cyclists can also enjoy the Scenic Secondary Road to Col de la Madeleine, which offers a beautiful environment with less traffic.

Arvillard offers several points of historical and cultural interest. The Chartreuse de Saint-Hugon, located in the hamlet of Saint-Hugon, is a former Carthusian monastery that now houses the Karma Ling Institute, a center for Buddhist teachings. You can also explore the vestiges of Château d'Arvillard, believed to have been constructed around 1058, and the historic Devil's Bridge (Le Pont du Diable). Nearby, the majestic Château du Touvet boasts magnificent gardens.

While specific family-friendly highlights are not detailed, Arvillard offers numerous marked and unmarked trails suitable for easy hikes and family walks, particularly around Mont Pezard and Molliet. The former ski resort of Val Pelouse serves as a starting point for various hikes, some of which are suitable for families. The area's rich flora and scenic views make for pleasant outdoor excursions.

Arvillard is a fantastic base for hiking. You can find a variety of trails, from moderate loops like the Perrière Pass – Refuge de la Perrière loop from Institut Karma Ling (8.8 km) to more challenging routes such as the Refuge de la Perrière – Col de la Perche loop (21.8 km). Many trails offer stunning views, including those around Val Pelouse. For more options, explore the hiking guide for Arvillard.

Yes, the region around Arvillard is well-suited for mountain biking and gravel biking. You can find challenging MTB trails like the Prodin – Gelon Bridge Crossing loop from Arvillard (39.6 km) or the Col de la Perche – Arbarétan Pass loop (37.1 km). For gravel biking, options range from easy loops like the Gravel loop from Montmélian (27.1 km) to difficult ones such as the Col du Frêne loop (101.7 km). Discover more routes in the MTB Trails around Arvillard guide and the Gravel biking around Arvillard guide.

The summer months are particularly recommended for outdoor activities in Arvillard, especially for cycling mountain passes like Col du Grand Cucheron due to ample shade. The region's natural beauty, including its rich flora, is best enjoyed during warmer seasons for hiking and exploring.

Yes, the challenging GR 738, a long-distance hiking trail, traverses the entire Belledonne mountain range and passes through Arvillard. This ultra-sporting experience features 11,000 meters of positive elevation gain and connects the sources of the Gargoton on the Joudron to Pré Nouveau on the Bens.

The summits and passes around Arvillard offer spectacular panoramic views. From Crêt du Poulet, you can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Belledonne range, the Bauges, and La Chartreuse. The first part of the ascent to Col du Grand Cucheron also opens up beautiful views of the Maurienne valley and surrounding mountains, including the Plan d’Eau des Hurtières.

Val Pelouse, a former ski resort, is now a significant starting point for various hikes. From here, you can access trails leading to Grande Montagne d'Arvillard, Refuge de la Perrière, and the Vallon du Joudron, which provides access to the magnificent Cirque du Gargotton and features the Lac Vert. An activity involving sunset and aperitif is also offered at Val Pelouse.

Arvillard hosts a few traditional annual events, including the Fête du Molliet (usually the last weekend of July) and the Soupe des Pierrus (first weekend of August). A Brocante (flea market) is also held in either June or September. For local markets, you can visit nearby towns like La Rochette (Wednesdays), Allevard (Thursdays), and Chambéry (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, and Saturdays).

Several significant towns and cities are easily accessible from Arvillard. Chambéry (21 km) is known for its vibrant university atmosphere, while Aix-les-Bains (32 km) is a well-preserved 'belle-epoque' spa town. Albertville (34 km) offers a charming village, Conflans, on the hill, and Grenoble (42 km) is recognized as the 'capital of the Alps'.