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
Hotel Le Val d'Isere
Hotel Le Val d'Isere
3 out of 5
Place Jacques Mouflier, Val-d'Isere
The price is AU$488 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$488
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Val-d'Isere. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (124 reviews)
"Good place to stay in VD very very central . The luggage to the room tjing is little hassel but staff is always willing to help. overal staf and place is excellent , really cant go wrong. Very central to bara and shopping , like you are in it."

Reviewed on 26 Feb. 2025

Hotel Le Val d'Isere
Experimental Chalet Val d’Isère
Experimental Chalet Val d’Isère
4 out of 5
Place de l'Eglise, Val-d'Isere, Savoie
The price is AU$537 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
AU$537
includes taxes & fees
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Val-d'Isere. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Val-d'Isere Ski Resort and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (257 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
Résidence Alpina Lodge by Valdiski
Résidence Alpina Lodge by Valdiski
4 out of 5
Avenue Olympique, Val-d'Isere, Savoie
Stay at this 4-star ski residence in Val-d'Isere. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and meeting facilities. Popular attractions Val-d'Isere Ski Resort and ...
6.6/10 (7 reviews)
"The sofa bed was so uncomfortable is was impossible to sleep for more than a few minutes at a time and as soon as I sat on it, the arm fell off, having been glued back on many times. On our last morning there was no hot water available so a day of travelling home with no shower. Reported to the venue ..."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2025

Résidence Alpina Lodge by Valdiski
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 Alpina Lodge by Valdiski
Résidence Alpina Lodge by Valdiski
4 out of 5
Avenue Olympique, Val-d'Isere, Savoie
Stay at this 4-star ski residence in Val-d'Isere. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and meeting facilities. Popular attractions Val-d'Isere Ski Resort and ...
6.6/10 (7 reviews)
"The sofa bed was so uncomfortable is was impossible to sleep for more than a few minutes at a time and as soon as I sat on it, the arm fell off, having been glued back on many times. On our last morning there was no hot water available so a day of travelling home with no shower. Reported to the venue ..."

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2025

Résidence Alpina Lodge by Valdiski
Pierre & Vacances Premium Arc 1950 Le Village
Pierre & Vacances Premium Arc 1950 Le Village
5 out of 5
Le Village Arc 1950, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Savoie
Stay at this 5-star luxury residence in Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the property condition in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (199 reviews)
"Great place to ski"

Reviewed on 8 Mar. 2025

Pierre & Vacances Premium Arc 1950 Le Village
TH La Thuile - Planibel Residence
TH La Thuile - Planibel Residence
4 out of 5
Frazione Entreues 158, La Thuile, AO
Stay at this 4-star spa residence in La Thuile. Enjoy 2 indoor pools, a full-service spa, and a sauna. Popular attractions La Rosiere Espace San Bernardo Ski ...
7.2/10 Good! (219 reviews)
Greta location and apartment
"Fantastic newly renovated apartment overlooking the lift and slopes."

Reviewed on 5 Mar. 2025

TH La Thuile - Planibel Residence
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

Reviews of Val-d'Isere

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

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