Ride around Le Morel waterfalls

8 points of interest

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  Water

  Aquacalida exhibition centre

  The Léchère waters are used for all sorts of purposes that you'll be able to learn about on a fun visit to this exhibition centre. Four thematic areas have been laid out to give you an insight into the history of La Léchère, balneology, geothermal energy and the energy issues through stories, animated movies, games and more!
  Open for visits at your leisure, no admission fee.
  Guided tours possible from October to April.
  Tel: +33 (0)4 79 22 33 29
  http://aquacalida.fr

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  Water

  La Léchère Les Bains thermal baths

  In 1897, a solicitor from Albertville founded the first baths in La Léchère after discovering the springs in 1869. It was a gamble that paid off as today, this resort located at an altitude of 440m has become an acclaimed spa complex.
  Water type: hyperthermal, sulfated, calcic and magnesic with pain-relieving, sedative and soothing properties. 3 therapeutic focuses: rheumatology, phlebology and gynaecology.
  https://www.thermes-la-lechere.fr/

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  Flora

  Connected sports-fitness-nature trail in Chaniet Wood

  This is a great forest park to come for a wander or workout amidst beautiful scenery!
  Just next to the thermal baths, the trail, specially laid out by the National Forestry Office (ONF) is a lovely way of exploring the forest park in Chaniet Wood whilst keeping fit on the bespoke facilities approved for outdoor fitness use. Chaniet Wood extends from Hôtel Radiana across East-facing slopes at an altitude of between 430m and 530m. Make your way through refreshing parts in the shade and dry grasslands before reaching a stunning viewpoint over the Vanoise glaciers. This is an ideal route for enjoying a group outing as it climbs very gradually. For a guided fitness session, why not opt for a spot of sports coaching with the free FORETsport® LaLechere app for smartphones! 7 individual programmes to encourage exercise and monitor progress - whether you're just looking to get back into shape or you're an experienced athlete!

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  Small heritage

  Old village of Saint Oyen

  The pretty village of Saint-Oyen nestles on the left sloping banks of the Morel, a tributary of the River Isère, at an altitude of 586m. It is named after its patron saint Eugendus (Oyend in French); this applies for the three villages of Saint-Oyen in the Aosta Valley, Saint-Oyens in the canton of Vaud and Saint-Oyen in the Tarentaise area. It overlooks Aigueblanche basin. Steeped in a rich past and a longstanding tradition in these Alpine valleys, the village boasts two chapels, Saint-Roch and Notre-Dame-du-Puits, and a Baroque-style church (17th century).

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  History

  Morel interpretation trail

  Within easy reach of your route is an enjoyable trail telling you a bit about the history of the Morel, which wasn't always the tranquil stream you see today! Find out how our ancestors excelled in ingenuity in their efforts to protect their communities from this once turbulent and raging watercourse of the Aigueblanche Valleys! A comprehensive factsheet on "Le torrent du Morel" is on sale in the tourist offices of Valmorel and Doucy (€5).

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  Flora

  Historical meadows and orchards

  The meadow-orchard’s main feature is the tree-shaded grassland that provides fodder and pasture. Trees and grass each have their own part to play, growing alongside each other and interacting. Beneath the trees, protected from winter frosts, the grass grows more quickly; in summer, it is less subject to evaporation and has a quality all its own (not as coarse as in the open fields, where it contains more cellulose). It only needed to be cut twice to produce enough hay. Cattle were seldom allowed to graze in them in case they damaged the soil or choked on the fruit (when cows had to be driven across or alongside an orchard, they were muzzled). They were given access more readily in the autumn, after the apples had been picked.

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  Small heritage

  Saint Nicolas Chapel

  This chapel is secluded on a small hill away from the villages and offers you a nice view. It is classified and dedicated to Saint Nicolas, bishop of Myre.
• View picture in full screen

  

  Know-how

  E-bike rental shop: Sport 2000 Mottet Sport

  Aigueblanche - Sport 2000 Mottet Sports
  333 rue de la petite prairie - Face Super U
  73260 AIGUEBLANCHE
  +33 (0)4 79 24 53 17