The magnificent landscapes of Combloux, Megève and Val d'Arly

Between Sallanches and Albertville, the Col de Megève occupies a beautiful and wide valley. We hardly realize that we are passing from the Arve watershed to that of the Arly, and therefore of the Isère. Between Aravis and Mont Blanc, this region impresses the traveler with its grandiose landscapes on the Combloux side and its authentic villages on the side of the upper Val d'Arly. Between the two, there is Megève, the luxurious, the refined, but also the authentic.

Mont Blanc is visible between Combloux and Ormaret, towards Megève, then, sometimes, you can see its peak poking its nose out (all white) in the middle of the rounded peaks that dominate the landscape between Megève and Praz sur Arly. On the other hand, as soon as you are on the ridges, the view extends from the Aravis to the Mont Blanc massif at every point of this beautiful destination. Skiers will be delighted, as will hikers, mountain bike enthusiasts and trail runners.

The most common habitat here is the chalet. Between Haute-Savoie and Beaufortain, which can be easily reached via the Col des Saisies, it couldn't be different. Harmony for the view, then. It's time to go and discover this region between Sallanches and the Val d'Arly.

Combloux and Cordon: balconies on Mont Blanc

Going up from the Arve Valley and the town of Sallanches which occupies a vast area, we come across two little Alpine pearls: Cordon and Combloux. Go there and you will understand why… a clue? Yes, look towards the Mont Blanc. Once you have the image in front of your eyes, you will keep it for life. One of the most beautiful landscapes in the Alps, for sure. Authentic villages, inhabited year-round, without buildings that disfigure them, with churches with typical bell towers. The view is very extensive on the Sallanches basin, gateway to the Mont Blanc country and especially on the Mont Blanc massif that we embrace in its entirety.

In addition to the view, these two pearls hide another treasure. Cordon is the center of baroque art in Haute Savoie. Celebrated by festivals, it is present in the decoration of its church. Just like Combloux, whose church is considered a masterpiece of baroque art in the Savoie region. These two villages are at the start of a baroque path that continues towards Saint Nicolas de Véroce and Notre Dame de la Gorge in the nearby Val Montjoie.

Now heading south towards Megève.

Megève, chalets and refinement

What does the name of this charming village, Megève, inspire in you? Stars who come to have their photo taken there, luxurious chalets that you find in design magazines, the beginnings of skiing as a leisure activity in France?

What is certain is that if you stay in Megève or its surroundings, between Araviset Mont Blanc, you will have to choose which of your memories will be the most beautiful! Because here we collect beauty.

Of course, the village of Megève is already a jewel in itself: everything is beautiful! The chalets, the small church square, the church itself, the climb to the Calvary, the shops, etc. Luxurious but not ostentatious, Megève has charm, and does not leave you indifferent.

In Megève, it's village life. A shopping street, intertwined alleys crossed by small bridges between the houses, above tiny torrents. That's the town centre. But there are also several other hamlets: under Rochebrune, under Mont d'Arbois, on the way to the Altiport. It's a delight for the eyes, there are so many beautiful chalets. The Stations of the Cross that climb to Calvary offers a beautiful view of the bell tower of Megève and the expanse of the village.

The hiking trails that extend from the village on the two slopes of Megève, that of Jaillet and that of Mont Joly, lead to superb viewpoints from which you can admire the glaciers of the Mont Blanc massif. The ski area stretches on the same slopes and crosses magnificent forests.

A few kilometers from Megève, another ski area awaits ski enthusiasts with its forests, quiet spaces, and views of the Aravis and Mont Blanc: Espace Diamant.

The Val d'Arly and its Espace Diamant resorts, viewpoint over Mont Blanc

Leaving Megève towards the south, we find ourselves in the upper part of the Val d'Arly which descends towards Albertville, crossing pretty gorges at the bottom of which flows the Arly torrent. Halfway, we can take the road to the Col des Saisies and then dive towards the Beaufortain .

Villages with traditional housing, the wooden chalet, promise you invigorating stays: Praz sur Arly, Notre Dame de Bellecombe, Crest Voland, Flumet, etc. These are of course also ski resorts, grouped together in the Espace Diamant ski area, of which the village of Les Saisies is also a part. A little favorite for the villages of Crest Voland and Notre Dame de Bellecombe from which you can hike in very dense forests with very beautiful views towards the Aravis.

The Aravis

By the way, speaking of the Aravis, the road to the Col des Aravis starts from Flumet, crosses the mountain village of La Giettaz and once past the pass, descends to La Clusaz. We are here in an Aravis-Arly-Beaufortain triangle which contains all the Savoyard authenticity (and Haute-Savoyard so as not to offend anyone!).

Although the word Megève is often associated with the adjective "expensive", in this region, you can choose the village that suits you best depending on your budget. They are all prettier than each other, and they all offer quality services. Between Combloux in the north and Flumet in the south there are only fifteen kilometers! So, staying near Megève is really accessible.

A tourist vocation at the foot of Mont Blanc

In winter, you can ski, go snowshoeing or do all sorts of seasonal activities, in summer it is the domain of mountain biking, cycling, air sports such as paragliding (and we understand the pleasure of enthusiasts when we see the landscape) and of course hiking. Not very high peaks, easy to access, in landscapes that are always green, most often covered with forests. And Mont Blanc in the background.

You can enjoy Megève or the surroundings of Megève according to your tastes and desires, and benefit from magnificent landscapes and a typical environment. When you come here once, you will definitely come back!

Activities not to be missed in Megève, Combloux and Val d'Arly

Le panorama of Mont Blanc from Combloux!
A promenade on the balcony of Mont Blanc between Cordon and Combloux.
A stroll among the large wooden chalets between Ormaret and Megève
Strolling in the streets of Megève, and admire the church square with its Christmas decorations
Discover the landscape of Val d'Arly, its forests, its pastures and its small villages during a walk starting from Notre Dame de Bellecombe
Enjoy the scenery of the region from the summits from Jaillet or Mont d'Arbois

The best webcams of Megève, Combloux and Val d'Arly

(click on the name of the village)

Balcony on Mont Blanc : the view of the Mont Blanc massif and the Aravis from the Pertuis above Combloux.
Mont Blanc Beaufortain and Val d'Arly: webcam that makes your head spin! From the top of the La Giettaz ski area.
Megève : very beautiful view of the Megève valley, with Mont Blanc in the background
Megève: view towards the Aravis from the Megève altiport!
Mont d'Arbois: you can't get any closer to Mont Blanc from the heights of Megève
Megève: the village square. Especially worth a look around Christmas, in the snow!
Praz-sur-Arly: the mountains above the Val d'Arly resorts, framed by the Mont Blanc massif and Beaufortain.