In Ugine, you can choose between trails in the Parc des berges de la Chaise, cultural attractions and an alpine route to Mont Charvin. For planning, it helps to decide on your main focus first: are you most interested in culture, activities in the park or a summit-bound hike?
Trails and activities in the Parc des berges de la Chaise
The Albertville–Annecy cycle route passes through the Parc des berges de la Chaise. The park also has a 1.9-kilometre accessible trail, with wide paths and gentle gradients. Its length and features give you specific details to consider if you want to include a walk in your plans. The cycle route and the accessible trail offer different ways to experience the park.
The Centre Equestre d’Ugine is also located in the Parc des berges de la Chaise, at the foot of Mont Charvin. It offers a range of activities year-round, from pony rides for toddlers to competitive sports. This is quite different from a walk along the accessible trail. If you’re planning a riding activity, check what’s currently on offer in advance, as it may change.
Museum, art and heritage
The Crest Cherel Museum is housed in a fortified building restored by the town of Ugine in 1984. It displays more than 1,500 objects collected, restored and exhibited by museum volunteers. Both the building and the collection are central to a visit. An English-language visitor brochure is available at reception. As this visitor service may change, it’s best to check in advance if you’d like to use the brochure.
The Centre d’art et de Rencontres d’Ugine offers a different cultural focus: it presents contemporary artistic expression to the people of Ugine and the wider region. Individual guided tours are available, but visiting arrangements may change. If a tour is important to your plans, check in advance what is currently available. The museum focuses on objects and a restored fortified building, while the Centre focuses on contemporary art.
The former church of Les Fontaines is also considered an important part of Ugine’s heritage. Along with the museum and art centre, it offers another cultural point of interest to help you choose between a historical collection, contemporary artistic expression or a heritage site.
An alpine route with a summit destination
The Passage du Pas de l’Ours leads from Ugine to the 2,409-metre summit of Mont Charvin. Along the way, the route offers views of the Northern Alps and the Mont-Blanc and Beaufortain mountain ranges. This makes it quite different from the park’s accessible trail: here, an alpine route leads to a summit, while the park features a 1.9-kilometre trail.
Access for this hike depends on conditions and the seasonal route status. So check the latest status before setting out. This helps you treat the alpine route as a distinct planning option from the park’s activities and cultural visits.
Discover more destinations: Val-D'isère, Saint-Jean-D'arves, Sardières, Aiton, Montcel, Plancherine, Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis, Le Pontet
For the broader travel overview: Savoie.
