Bonneval

Visit Bonneval, Rhone-Alpes

Note: there are several places called Bonneval in France and two Bonneval abbeys (neither of them in this Alpine village)!

Bonneval is a village to the east of Chambery and 10 km south of Val d'Isere in the Savoie department of the Rhone Alpes. It is listed as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'. Note that the correct name for the village is Bonneval-sur-Arc although the shorter name is commonly used.

It is a typical Savoy village in the high Alps at an altitude of 1835 metres and in a very attractive mountain setting at the foot of the Col d'Iseran (one of the highest mountain passes in Europe).

Exploring Bonneval

The entire village seems to be made from stone - small, solid stone houses with enormous thick walls supporting stone roofs press in on the narrow streets, for all the world looking like part of the mountains themselves. Many of the houses also have attractive wooden balconies.

These lovely old houses and streets all lead to the pretty 16th century church with its traditional Savoie steeple.

Being in the mountains, Bonneval has a very different character in the summer and the winter. In the summer it is a lovely area to visit for walking and outdoor activities, and in the winter it is at the heart of the French alps skiing and industry.

Note: Bonneval won a national award a few years ago for the warm welcome it gives to its visitors!

Bonneval-sur-Arc ski resort

As a ski resort Bonneval it smaller than many of the better known resorts and ski areas in the alps, with about 25 kilometres of pistes (5 green, 7 blue, 5 red and 2 black runs). As a result it has less facilities and is less crowded, but has a good reputation for the quality of its snow.

If you want to try somewhere away from the crowds at the major resorts Bonneval is well worth considering.

Local highlights

Being in the high mountains and at the gateway of the Vanoise National Park, Bonneval attracts many outdoor sport enthusiasts, those who want to explore the wild countryside in the region, and nature lovers.

Tourist classifications for Bonneval: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Bonneval, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Courchevel 33km; Val Thorens 37km; Meribel 39km; Valmorel 48km; Nevache 52km; Serre Chevalier 54km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Bonneval

Bonneval tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Col de l'Iseran - site of natural beauty (5km) : Vallee de la Claree - grand site of france (54km) : Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne - recommended detour (56km) : Aiguille du Midi - site of natural beauty (58km) : Glacier des Bossons - site of natural beauty (58km) :

French version: see Bonneval (Francais)