La Compôte is a commune of the Savoie, in the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, 50 km northeast of Chambery.
The territory, although modest, covers an area of 7 km², is located in the middle mountains, its altitude ranging from 662 to 1954 m, within the Bauges massif, in the northern French Alps.
The village developed on the right bank of the course of Cheran, the rest of the locality, on the left bank, being composed of meadows and wooded areas on the flanks of Mount Colombier which culminates at 2045 m.
The 250 inhabitants have preserved a typical habitat, which is the pride of the town, whose activity remains agricultural and related to milk production and cheese.
Unique in Savoie, the "tavalans", small balconies used for the storage of wood under the projections of roof.
A pleasant stop for green tourism enthusiasts near major alpine resorts.
At the level of the built heritage, the village of La Compôte presents several singularities compared to the other communes of Bauges.
Indeed, the wealth of the locality is less its church Sainte-Catherine, contemporary construction, its homes and barns.
On the one hand, the village is formed in one piece, on the other hand, we notice that many houses are equipped with "tavalans": it is about supports of curved balconies, thus forming galleries where the it was possible to dry the wood and keep the crops dry.
We can also linger in front of the barns with wide doors to the crossed boards or observe, in the pastures which face the village, on the left bank of the Chéran, the picturesque "grangettes" punctuating the space. There was once stored forage.
Finally, a detour is needed at the former mechanics workshop of the Petit brothers, known also under the name "Forge aux Garri", where several generations of craftsmen have worked in parallel with their professions of growers and winemakers as carpenters, ironworkers and mechanics. The machines were activated thanks to hydraulic energy. The oldest dates from the nineteenth century. The community of communes acquired the buildings, characteristics of village life during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Guided tours of the village are offered in July and August. Information on +33 4 79 54 84 28.
Hiking trails are marked out from the village, including passages in the fruit farms (cheese factories), heritage elements or loops approaching the peaks in a green environment and dotted with magnificent views. Maps and documentation on +33 4 79 54 84 28.
For sport and leisure again, a petanque and a multi-sports field are available to visitors and tourists (information +33 4 79 54 84 43) who can also book a tennis court from April to October (contact +33 4 56 39 93 43).
For fishermen, the course of Cheran can be a nice exercise ground. Join +33 4 79 85 89 36 to comply with the regulations in force.
Finally, note that the Regional Natural Park of the Massif des Bauges, whose territory La Compôte is part, program regularly walks and events (workshops, conferences) on the themes of heritage and the environment. Information on +33 4 79 54 86 40.
