Les Deux Alpes Travel Guide

A comprehensive guide to Les Deux Alpes, including top attractions, activities, food and drink scenes, and travel logistics to help plan your trip.


Introduction to Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes is a charming resort town nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. With stunning alpine scenery, charming ski slopes, and rich cultural history, this town is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventurers alike. Whether you’re looking for a challenging ski run, a peaceful walk in the mountains, or a taste of French culture, Les Deux Alpes has something for you.

List of Places to Visit in Les Deux Alpes

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Les Deux Alpes Museum of Mountaineering and History
  • The Eglise Saint-Méen
  • The Venosc Village, known for its traditional architecture and historical heritage

Natural Attractions of Les Deux Alpes: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Les Deux Alpes Ski Resort
  • Les Deux Alpes Glacier
  • The Vallons de la Meije National Park
  • The Route de la Bérarde for stunning views of the surrounding mountains
  • The Téléphérique de Venosc cable car for panoramic views of the Vénéon valley

Hiking/Biking Routes of Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes offers a wide range of hiking and biking trails suitable for all levels, from leisurely walks to challenging mountain trails. Some must-visit routes include:

  • The Grande Balcon des Écrins, a 17-kilometer trail with stunning views of the surrounding mountains
  • The Vallée Blanche trail, a picturesque walk through pristine alpine scenery
  • The Les 2 Alpes MTB downhill course, famous for its challenging terrain and sweeping views

Best Things to Do in Les Deux Alpes: Activities and Tours

  • Skiing and snowboarding in Les Deux Alpes Ski Resort
  • Snowshoeing or ski touring
  • Ice skating at the Patinoire
  • A trip to the Thermal baths
  • The Venosc Artisans’ market to shop for unique handicrafts

Week-Long Itinerary for Les Deux Alpes

  • Day 1: Explore the Les Deux Alpes Ski Resort
  • Day 2: Take a cable car to the Glacier for panoramic views
  • Day 3: Visit the Les Deux Alpes Museum of Mountaineering and History
  • Day 4: Try your hand at ice skating at the Patinoire
  • Day 5: Head to the Vallons de la Meije National Park for a day of hiking
  • Day 6: Relax at one of the Thermal baths
  • Day 7: Take a day trip to Grenoble, the Capital of the French Alps, for shopping and sightseeing

Food and Drink Scene of Les Deux Alpes

Must-Try Dishes

  • Raclette, a traditional French dish consisting of melted cheese and potatoes
  • Tartiflette, a potato, bacon, and cheese gratin
  • Croziflette, a twist on Tartiflette made with small, square-shaped pasta

Local Beverages

  • Genepi, a traditional Alpine herbal liqueur
  • Chartreuse, a green or yellow liqueur made by Carthusian monks in the nearby Chartreuse Mountains

Where to Stay in Les Deux Alpes: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Les Deux Alpes offers a range of accommodations to suit all budgets and needs. Some popular options include:

  • Hotel Mercure Les Deux Alpes 1800
  • Hotel ibis Les Deux Alpes
  • Alpina Lodge

What to Buy in Les Deux Alpes: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Hand-made pottery and ceramics from Venosc
  • Locally made honey, cheese, and cured meats
  • Souvenirs and handicrafts from the Venosc Artisans’ market

Local Culture and Customs of Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes is steeped in rich cultural history, with a focus on natural beauty and outdoor pursuits. The community places a high value on environmental conservation and sustainability, and visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment and the local culture.

Best Time to Visit Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes is primarily a winter sports destination, with the ski season running from December to April. However, the town is also popular for summer activities, such as hiking and biking, with the warmest months being July and August.

Do’s and Don’ts of Les Deux Alpes

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment and local culture
  • Try local dishes and beverages
  • Enjoy the great outdoors, whether skiing in winter or hiking in summer

Don’t:

  • Leave waste in the mountains
  • Ignore local customs and traditions
  • Attempt to ski or hike outside of designated areas

Safety and Health

Safety in Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes is a safe destination with a low crime rate. However, visitors should take standard safety precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Les Deux Alpes

Visitors should be aware of the risks associated with high-altitude activities, such as skiing and hiking. It is recommended to consult with a doctor before attempting any high-altitude activities.

Getting to Les Deux Alpes: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Les Deux Alpes

The nearest airports to Les Deux Alpes are:

  • Grenoble-Isère Airport, located 110km away
  • Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport, located 160km away

Bus Stations Near Les Deux Alpes

The nearest bus stations to Les Deux Alpes are:

  • Grenoble Bus Station
  • Bourg d’Oisans Bus Station

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Les Deux Alpes by train, with the nearest stations being Grenoble, Bourg d’Oisans, and Vizille.

How to Get Around in Les Deux Alpes

Les Deux Alpes is a small town that can easily be explored on foot. However, visitors can also use local buses or taxis to get around.

Where to Go Next from Les Deux Alpes: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Les Deux Alpes is located in the heart of the French Alps, making it an ideal base for exploring nearby destinations and excursions. Some popular places to visit include:

  • Grenoble, the Capital of the French Alps
  • Alpe d’Huez
  • Serre Chevalier

Conclusion

Les Deux Alpes is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventurers who are looking for an authentic French experience. Whether you’re exploring the local history and culture or challenging yourself with alpine activities, this charming resort town is a must-visit destination. Plan your trip today to discover all that Les Deux Alpes has to offer.