The stunning village of Les Carroz is a popular ski holiday destination for young families, but also has historic charm that culture lovers enjoy exploring. The village is surrounded by tree-clad ski slopes and glorious mountain scenery, and while roaming the streets visitors can browse the boutiques and authentic restaurants. The wooden buildings have a unique alpine flair, and there are several religious heritage sites to discover boasting equally beautiful exterior design… this place really does have everything.
If you’d like to discover some of Les Carroz’s top culture spots, you have clicked on the right blog post! Here are the attractions you won’t want to miss on your ski getaway.
But First, the Ski Scene
Les Carroz is located right at the heart of the Grand Massif ski area, so visitors are granted ultimate piste access. It’s the ideal place for beginners to try their hand at the sport as there is terrain suited to all abilities. Learn the ropes on the quiet, gentle nursery slopes and slowly progress to the spacious blue slopes. With over 265km of pistes surrounding the village, the views alone will be enough to tempt you towards the mountains.
The Village
During your stay, you’re sure to want to explore the history of the picturesque mountain village. The area has a rich heritage since it become a ski resort over 80 years ago, in 1936. Since then the resort has expanded and become a well-known family destination, hosting various events, offering skiing opportunities for all abilities and boasting luxurious accommodation options.
If you’re looking for guided tours or specially designed walks around the village, the nearby tourist centre will be able to give you all the information you need.
Religious Heritage Sites
As well as being home to some beautiful shops and restaurants, the village also boasts a number of religious heritage sites just waiting to be explored. Don’t miss these landmarks:
- La Frasse Catholic Church – This church was built in 1787 and is remarkably well preserved. It is open to the public every Tuesday.
- Ballancy Oratory – This Oratory is situated just above the Ballancy Chapel and it dedicated to the Holy Virgin. The public can visit daily.
- Arâches Catholic Church – Beautifully decorated inside, this church is open every day and is a popular visitor spot.
- Les Carroz Church – Also open daily, Les Carroz Church is a more recent build (1972) and houses several sculptures and paintings from local artists. It also boasts four large bells that were installed in 1975.
Local Cuisine
There are a number of restaurants in which visitors can enjoy some traditional French cuisine, so to make your decision a little easier, here are three top recommendations:
- L’Alpage de l’Airon – This eatery serves traditional local food at its finest, in a rustic setting on the hillside just beside a picturesque lake. Enjoy a freshly prepared meal and a refreshing glass of wine as you admire the views.
- La Croix de Savoie – The ideal place for high-quality dining, this beautifully decorated restaurant can be found nestled in the mountains around Les Carroz. Serving innovative French dishes, chefs here pride themselves on their unique approach to local specialities.
- Aux Petits Opinions – If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, this dinky diner hidden in the mountains is the place for you. Serving gourmet dishes and an excellent selection of drinks, your taste buds will be spoilt for choice.
Where to Stay
La Bergerie B&B chambres d’hôtes – This traditional bead-and-breakfast hotel offers guests everything they could possibly desire. There’s an amply-sized garden, gorgeous mountain views and the property is just a short walk from the centre of the village.
Chalet 4M Les Carroz et son Spa – If you’re looking for a luxurious retreat, this might just be your ideal chalet. The beautifully decorated rooms and modern furnishings work together to create a remarkable living space. The property is in a great location and boasts a new Jacuzzi bath.
Les Carroz d’Aline – For something a little more simplistic, you’ll feel right at home in this little apartment. The surroundings offer great hiking opportunities and there’s a spacious terrace for full enjoyment of the gorgeous views.
How to Get There
Getting to Les Carroz from the UK is really rather simple – I would first suggest catching a flight to Geneva Airport. Luckily, the flight time is just an hour and a half if you travel from London, and there are four airlines that fly direct and almost 200 flights a week, making your booking experience simple and flexible.
To reach the resort itself, I would recommend pre-booking a Shuttle Direct transfer. They are an efficient service, happy to accommodate ski gear and very reasonably priced. The journey from the airport to the resort should take around 50 minutes.
About Shuttle Direct
At Shuttle Direct, our professional drivers always strive to provide an efficient service. Our low-cost transfers suit every holiday need, and we believe pre-booking with us is the best way to ensure your getaway starts as it means to go on – relaxed and stress-free.