Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Bourg Saint Maurice is a city with a population just over 7,000, nestled in the Tarentaise Valley right along the Isère River. It’s famous for its kayaking and easy access to ski resorts including Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry, and La Plagne. And there are plenty of trails to explore in the city itself, too!
Chapelle Saint Michel Hike
If you like hikes, this one starts right in the city! This out-and-back is just over 3 miles, the highlight being the view from the Chappelle Saint Michel. The chapel sits at an altitude of approximately 4,400 feet. The hike stars in the free parking lot called Parking du gymnase (just uphill from the cemetery). The route is not difficult, though the climb is steep – gaining approximately 1,500 feet of elevation in 1.5 miles. The signs say the hike takes an hour and a half, but I completed it in a little over an hour. And although I hike frequently, I’m not used to this steep of a climb!
The start of the route crosses two streets in town before you’re fully immersed in nature, including some sections with full sun and more wooded areas toward the end. Remember to take a break once in a while and turn around to enjoy the magnificent view of the city and the colors of the Isère River, especially if you’re going back on a different route.
If you still have more energy when you get to the chapel, you can keep going all the way to the Fort du Truc!
Bike Path
The bike path is very accessible from the Bourg Saint Maurice city center. The path runs along the Isère River and goes all the way to Aime, approximately 9 miles away. You’ll see runners, walkers, roller skaters, and more!
The route is easy to follow. It seems flat, but it actually goes slightly downhill toward Aime… so it goes uphill coming back to Bourg! If you need to rent a bike (including electric options), I recommend Précision Ski, across from the train station. From the shop, the path is just behind the station.
If you want to eat along the route, I recommend Rive gauche, near Aime, right along the river. Once you get to Aime, it’s easy to explore the city center before making your way back on the path.