Things To Do
in Albertville
Albertville is a historic market town in the Savoy region of the French Alps, framed by alpine peaks and tranquil lakes. It gained international fame as the host of the 1992 Winter Olympics, which left a legacy of sporting venues and modern facilities in a compact city center. The old town features timbered houses, narrow lanes, and riverside walks that invite you to slow down and soak in the scenery.
As a gateway to the mountains, Albertville offers easy access to outdoor adventures, from hiking and cycling to nearby ski resorts, with flavorful Savoyard cuisine at every turn.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Albertville and get settled in your accommodation, enjoying the charming views of the Savoie mountains. Take a stroll through the quaint streets of the town to absorb the local ambiance and culture. Visit the tourist office to gather maps and information about the area to plan your upcoming adventures.
Explore the historic Old Town, known for its medieval architecture and picturesque canals. Stop for lunch at a local café, savoring traditional Savoyard cuisine. Visit the Albertville Olympic Museum to learn about the 1992 Winter Olympics and the history of sport in the region.
Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a cozy restaurant, trying local specialties like fondue or raclette. After dinner, take a walk by the illuminated buildings of the Parc de l'Hotel de Ville, soaking in the vibrant nightlife. Wind down with a drink at a local bar, soaking in the friendly atmosphere.
Set off early to the Tarentaise Valley for a scenic drive among the majestic Alps. Stop at a viewpoint along the way for stunning panoramas, perfect for photos. Visit one of the charming villages like Moutiers to experience local life and culture.
Spend the afternoon hiking in the Vanoise National Park, enjoying breathtaking views and the rich biodiversity of the area. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst nature, surrounded by towering peaks and alpine meadows. Explore the various trails suited to your hiking ability, ranging from leisurely walks to challenging treks.
Return to Albertville and relax at a local bistro, sharing stories of your day’s adventures. Try a classic French dessert, such as tarte aux myrtilles (blueberry tart), to cap off your meal. Enjoy the cozy vibe and perhaps listen to local musicians serenading diners.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee in cafe | $3-5 |
| 🥐Breakfast at bakery | $4-7 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $90-140 |
| 🧀Local cheese or groceries | $8-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Charming alpine town with easy access to mountains
- Rich Savoyard cuisine and markets
- Compact, walkable center and excellent base for day trips
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Seasonal crowds during peak ski season
- Some attractions require short drives to reach
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est… ?" - Where is…?
- "Combien ça coûte ?" - How much does it cost?
- "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" - The bill, please
Places to Visit in Albertville
Visit one of these nice places.
Narrow, winding streets, timbered façades, and stone archways provide classic Alpine town photography opportunities.
Calm riverside views with mountain backdrops; best in early morning light for reflections.
Modern plazas and memorials from the 1992 Games offer clean lines and dynamic angles, especially at sunset.
Panoramic landscapes of meadows and distant peaks suitable for wide landscape shots.
Food in Albertville
Albertville Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Melted cheese served over potatoes, pickles, and charcuterie; a quintessential Savoyard experience, especially in winter.
Must-Try!
Baked potato casserole with reblochon cheese, lardons, onions, and cream; a comforting staple in mountain towns.
Small square pasta (crozet) baked with cheese in a creamy sauce; a regional favourite.
A pot of melted cheese (often a blend of local cheeses) served with bread for dipping.
Assortment of local cheeses, including Tomme de Savoie and Beaufort, paired with crusty bread and fruit.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering cheeses, cured meats, fresh produce, breads, and regional specialties.
Casual stalls and small cafés offering crepes, galettes, and charcuterie boards to-go.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin conversations with a polite 'Bonjour' (and 'Bonsoir' in the evening); use 'S'il vous plaît' and 'Merci' in shops and cafés.
Maintain a respectful, low-key tone in public spaces; dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites.
Wait to be seated in restaurants; keep elbows off the table and use polite table manners.
Safety
Tipping in Albertville
Ensure a smooth experience
In France, service is often included; a small tip (about 5-10%) for good service is appreciated in cafes and restaurants.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; some market stalls may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with long evenings; ideal for hiking, market strolls, and outdoor dining; expect occasional afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains.
Crisp air and colorful foliage; harvest events and fewer crowds; great light for photography in the valleys.
Snowy landscapes and nearby ski resorts; festive markets and cozy chalets; roads can be slick, plan for winter tires.
Milder temperatures and blooming meadows; quieter streets and fresh markets; gradual snowmelt may affect some trails.
Albertville at Night
Hiking in Albertville
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
High-altitude loop with panoramic valley views, suitable for experienced hikers in summer.
Scenic lake-and-dam walk with dramatic mountain backdrops and opportunities for photography.
Steep but rewarding hike offering expansive alpine vistas over the valley.
A network of gentler trails through meadows and villages, ideal for half-day walks.
Airports
How to reach Albertville by plane.
Regional airport just outside Chambéry, about 40-50 minutes by car from Albertville; convenient for short-haul flights.
Major international hub with extensive connections; about 1.5-2 hours by train or car plus transfer time from Albertville.
Regional airport serving the Grenoble area; roughly 1.5-2 hours by road or rail to Albertville.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly French residents with strong Savoyard roots; families and commuters to nearby towns.
Seasonal visitors from France and neighboring countries exploring alpine scenery and markets.
Staff for ski resorts, hospitality, and agricultural work, increasing during peak seasons.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Nearby resorts in the Tarentaise and Beaufortain offer varied runs for all levels.
Popular road routes through valleys and foothills attract cyclists across seasons.
Extensive network of trails in the surrounding mountains for short walks or multiday treks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Albertville.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose vegetable fondues, crozets with mushroom or tomato sauces, salads, and pasta dishes without meat; many places can adapt traditional recipes upon request.