Val Cenis
Val Cenis is overlooked by the high summits of the Dent Parrachée, the Grand Roc Noir, and the Pointe de Ronce. It is a fairly quiet resort but has the choice of many restaurants and bars plus a variety of shops.
The 'Centre des Glières' (near les Balcons de Village residence) has an ice rink, swimming pool and whirlpool, with tennis, table tennis, archery, mini golf, kayak, horse and pony riding.
Although Savoie is best known by cyclists for its prestigious high mountain passes and its long and acrobatic mountain bike descents, there are also quiet little roads in the valleys, middle mountain paths, undulating vineyards, lakeside scenery and especially breathtaking alpine panoramas, to be discovered by bike, by foot, or on horseback, with mountain guides to show the way - for beginners and experts alike.
In the heart of the scenic and unspoilt Haute Maurienne, bordering the stunning Parc National de la Vanoise, Val Cenis is only half an hour’s drive from Modane and the motorway exit.
Some recommendations for visits in Val Cenis this summer
- Lanslevillard – The church and its high steeple camped on a promontory overlooking the village
- Chapelle St Sebastien – Built in the 15th century by a local man. Plain from the outside, but inside decorated with remarkable murals and coffered ceiling
- Col de la Met – Access by chairlift, has a magnificent view of the Italian Alpes, the Mont Cenis Dam and lake, and the Vanoise Massif
Top summer activities to experience in Val Cenis
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website
Here are some ideas of activities, however there is plenty more on offer!
Mont Cenis Lake - Europe's highest nautical base
At the heart of the magnificent Mont-Cenis site, at an altitude of 2000m, lies a large lake for pedalling or paddling in the middle of a postcard-perfect natural setting.
Aquasensations water park
Aqua park with aquaboard, zip lines into the water, water jump, jumping platform into a lake.
Walking/hiking
Plenty of trails and routes to choose from in the mountains, from easy to challenging.
Mountain biking
Enduro, DH, cross-country, electric-assisted and classic. There are also have qualified instructors ready to guide and advise you. A mountain bike trail map is on sale at Val Cenis tourist offices.
Pump track
3 paved trails are accessible to all. You'll quickly get carried away by the 18 whoops, 7 banked turns and 2 jumping tables on the red and blue runs. By bike, skateboard, scooter, rollerblade...
In nearby Bramans - Himalayan footbridge
In a secret valley above the village of Bramans, a new 60m Himalayan footbridge has been launched over the Ambin gorges. The footbridge, suspended almost 100m above the torrent at its highest point, provides access to 2 belvederes with 2 totally different views of the valley. To return to the starting point, there are 2 options: take the footbridge in the opposite direction or try out the new via ferrata, classified as fairly difficult which takes around 1h30 to complete. 2 zip lines also (escape routes are available for those who don't have pulleys for the zip lines, or who don't want to take them!).
Bowling
6 alleys, pub bar, billiards, table football and lounge.
Terrace serving ice creams, food every evening, children’s menu. Large screen TV showing sports events.
Les Glieres leisure park
25m pool with two swimming lanes and a play pool indoors and outdoor fun area with a water slide and paddling pool, an outdoor terrace and activities.
Outdoor swimming pool
Outdoor heated swimming pool with deckchairs and parasols.
Val Cenis shops, bars and restaurants
In Lanslebourg village there are 14 restaurants open in the summer and 1 further up the mountainside. At Mont Cenis there are 9 restaurants open in the summer. There is also a good choice of bars in Lanslebourg. You'll find these close around midnight at the latest.
In Lanslevillard village there are 12 restaurants open in the summer and 1 further up the mountainside. There is also a refuge restaurant in the mountains. There is also a good choice of bars in Lanslevillard. You'll find these close around midnight at the latest.
You'll also find a few takeaway places for chilled evenings in both villages.
There is a good choice of amenities in Val Cenis. These include the mini-markets, pharmacy, medical centre, bakeries, butchers, supermarkets, a variety of craft & other local shops, sports shops, hairdressers, clothes shops, tabac, dry cleaners, laundrette, & visit cheese-producing farms.
There are 4 cashpoints in Lanslebourg and 1 in Lanslevillard.
There is a petrol station in Lanslebourg. Open 24/7.
1 route de l’Iseran
Getting to Val Cenis, France
By road
Driving distance from Calais is approx. 988km (595 miles) (approx.10hrs)
From Calais, take A26 Motorway towards Reims and Troyes, then Dijon, Lyon, then A43 Motorway Exit Modane. Follow signs to Val Cenis via the N6 (24km from the motorway exit).
By rail & air
The nearest train station for Val Cenis is Modane, 17km away.
4 international airports are nearby. We don't book flights, we invite you to do your own research.
Geneva Airport to Val Cenis is roughly 213km, approximately 2hrs 15 mins
Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Val Cenis is roughly 135km, approximately 1hr 30 mins
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Val Cenis is roughly 202km, approximately 2hrs 15 mins
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Val Cenis is roughly 212km, approximately 2hrs 15 mins
Turin Airport to Val Cenis is roughly 105km, approximately 1hr 15 mins
Private taxi transfers
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.
News and Events 2024
News:
Events:
- EDF Trail Tour: 3rd August-4th August 2024 - the Trail EDF Cenis Tour is back for its 15th edition!
- 18th Tango Festival of Val Cenis: 21st-24th August 2024 - this festival is a tribute to these distant "cousins" of Latin America through the music and dances of these countries.
