Hautecour combines outdoor art, village history and hiking trails with a variety of destinations and difficulty levels. If you are looking for accommodation for your stay, your planned explorations may be the deciding factor: would you like to focus on art and historic buildings, or choose a hiking route with a specific destination?

Hamlets and Architectural History

Hautecour’s five hamlets—La Basse, Grégny, Le Breuil, Le Villard and Pradier—lie at altitudes of 900 to 1,300 metres. The old houses showcase a typical local architectural style that favours stone and wood. The different hamlets give you a tangible setting for exploring on foot and taking in the region’s architecture.

The Sainte-Barbe Chapel stands in La Basse. It was built in 1606 at the expense of André COLLOMB to protect against fires and thunderstorms. Another aspect of the area’s architectural history is the Church of Saint-Étienne, with its Romanesque bell tower dating from the 12th century. Another distinctive feature of La Basse is “la boueda”, a partially vaulted, covered passageway. In the past, it provided neighbouring property owners with sheltered access to their houses, barns, cellars and stables. The chapel, bell tower and passageway offer different insights into the area’s architectural history; the “boueda’s” former function is an explicit part of its story.

Outdoor Art and Trails

The “Les Éphémères Alpines” art trail is an open-air gallery featuring nearly 70 works of art. One of Hautecour’s art trails leads from the town hall through the forest, first to the hamlet of Le Villard and then on to Le Breuil. You can also enjoy art along the easy circular trail around the Plan d'eau; works there include a white rhinoceros.

For a longer hike, the Sentier Moûtiers-Hautecour leads from the Moûtiers tourist office to the Plan d'eau in Hautecour. The difficult round-trip route is 7.6 kilometres long and takes 3 hours 30 minutes. It follows the Boilet stream to Hautecour la Basse, passes beneath the chapel and continues to the Plan d'eau du Breuil. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The Sentier Hautecour-Montgirod also starts at the Plan d'eau in Hautecour. It initially shares the route with the art trail, then follows the signposted Balcon des Adrets de Tarentaise route towards Montgirod. This route passes through traditional hamlets and by a sundial, a church and an old oven. Another hiking destination is the Sentier du Quermoz, which leads to the 2,296-metre summit of Quermoz, offering a 360-degree panorama. Conditions there can vary seasonally.

Leisure Activities and Planning Your Stay

The Plan d'eau de la Trappe is set up as a leisure area. Volleyball, pétanque, tennis and football are available on site; swimming is not permitted. The Plan d'eau therefore combines art viewing along the easy circular trail with other leisure activities, while the swimming restriction is important to keep in mind when planning.

For a different glimpse of local life, visit the Ferme du Pradier: visitors can meet the goats and learn about the farm’s work, followed by a tasting of organic products made on site. Check that this experience is currently available before your visit.

The trails offer different experiences: the easy circular trail is ideal for viewing art, while the Sentier Moûtiers-Hautecour is rated difficult and has a stated duration of 3 hours 30 minutes. When planning your stay in Hautecour, you can take these differences into account alongside the cultural attractions, and check current trail conditions before setting out.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Grignon, Montgellafrey, Méribel-Village, Saint-Jean-De-Belleville, Les Marches, Montagny, Domessin, Barberaz.

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