Attractions and Places To See around Aussois - Top 20

Aussois is surrounded by stunning natural features. You can visit Lac de Rochemolles, a beautiful artificial lake also reachable by car, or the impressive Rochemolles Lake and Dam. The Col du Sommeiller offers spectacular views from its 2,995-meter summit. Don't miss the Cascade Saint-Benoît, a 60-meter-high waterfall, especially vibrant in spring.

Yes, Aussois is rich in history. The most prominent historical sites are the Forts de l'Esseillon, a series of impressive stone fortresses built in the 19th century to guard the Mont Cenis road. You can explore Fort Victor-Emmanuel and other forts, which are classified as Historic Monuments. The village also features the Church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption, with its richly ornamented interior and Piedmontese-style bell tower.

Beyond historical landmarks, Aussois provides cultural insights. Explore the Espace des gravures rupestres and Parc Archéologique des Lozes to see prehistoric rock engravings. The Musée L'Arche d'Oé recounts the village's history and traditions. You can also discover the region's rich religious heritage along the 'Baroque Pathways' or enjoy an Art Trail in the forest featuring woodcarvings by local artist Serge Couvert.

Families can enjoy a variety of activities. The Base de Loisirs 'La Buidonnière' offers a pumptrack, tennis courts, mini-golf, and a swimming pool. Engaging treasure hunts, such as 'A spy at Esseillon' within the Forts de l'Esseillon, provide a fun way to explore heritage. Many trails, including those leading to Refuge du Saut, are also suitable for families.

Aussois is a hiker's paradise, with numerous trails in the Vanoise National Park and around the village. You can find a variety of routes, including moderate options like the 'Monolithe de Sardières – Summit and View of Aussois loop' or 'View of Lac de Plan d'Amont – Plan d'Amont Lake loop'. For more options, explore the hiking guide for Aussois.

Yes, cycling and mountain biking are very popular. The region offers an initiation area and over 100 km of tracks. The Col du Sommeiller, for instance, is accessible by mountain bike and offers a challenging 26-kilometer climb with spectacular views. For more routes, check out the gravel biking guide for Aussois.

The Vanoise National Park, France's first national park, is a vast protected area with diverse flora and fauna, including ibex, marmots, and golden eagles. It features 600 km of trails and over 100 peaks above 3,000 meters. The 'Cœur' (heart) area of the park is easily accessible from Aussois via chairlift, mountain bike, or car to the Plan d'Amont parking lot. Refuge du Saut is located within the park and serves as a great base for hikers.

Aussois offers several stunning viewpoints. The summit of Col du Sommeiller provides a spectacular 360° panorama. The Plan d'Aval lookout offers scenic views of the Plan d'Amont and Plan d'Aval Dams. Many hiking trails also lead to elevated spots with expansive vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Aussois is a year-round destination. Spring is excellent for observing mountain fauna like marmots and enjoying the full flow of waterfalls like Cascade Saint-Benoît. Summer is ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring the Vanoise National Park. Winter transforms Aussois into a ski resort, offering alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other snow sports.

A truly unique natural landmark is the Monolithe de Sardières, a giant menhir standing prominently in the forest. It's a striking natural feature that sparks curiosity and makes for an interesting stop during forest walks. You can find it on routes like the 'Monolithe de Sardières – Summit and View of Aussois loop'.

Yes, several mountain huts and refuges provide services for adventurers. Rifugio Scarfiotti is a pleasant spot in a valley surrounded by waterfalls and lakes, offering snacks and drinks. Refuge du Saut, located in the Vanoise National Park, provides accommodation and continuous catering, making it a suitable stop for longer hikes.

As a ski resort, Aussois offers a wide range of winter sports. Visitors can enjoy alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and even dog sledding. The village provides excellent facilities for all levels of winter sports enthusiasts.

Visitors appreciate the diverse range of attractions, from historical forts to stunning natural landscapes. The komoot community has shared over 50 photos and given more than 190 upvotes to the attractions, highlighting the beauty of places like Rifugio Scarfiotti and Lac de Rochemolles. The combination of outdoor adventure and cultural immersion is a key draw.

For those seeking a challenge, Aussois offers several options. The Col du Sommeiller presents a demanding gravel bike climb to nearly 3,000 meters. The Via Ferrata du Diable provides a thrilling route along a rock wall with impressive views. Climbing and mountaineering are also popular, with various natural sites available, including around the Monolithe de Sardières.