Montricher-Albanne is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in the Maurienne valley, close to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne (10 km) and 80 km Chambery.
The town was born from the merger of Montricher-le-Bochet (1,200 m altitude) and Albanne (1,600 m altitude) in 1969 and now has just over 600 inhabitants.
The territory whose altitude varies from 600 to more than 2,900 m also includes the hamlets of Le Bochet, in the valley bottom, Albannette and the ski resort of Karellis, to 1,400 m d ' altitude.
In order to counteract the decline in agricultural activity and the cessation of the exploitation of many slate quarries, tourism gives a new impetus to the municipality and thus the station of open Karellis To the public in 1976. Its originality is to be of an associative nature. The land still belongs to the municipality, and the accommodation is almost exclusively composed of holiday villages offering full-board packages.
This makes the Karellis a family resort that enjoys a pleasant environment and the proximity of hamlets having preserved a typical historical heritage.
A stage or a stay in the commune and in particular the Karellis can include visiting some interesting sites in terms of heritage.
This is the case of the church of Albanne dedicated to Saint-Alban, erected in 1681, in a resolutely baroque style. In addition to the carved altarpieces of the 17th-century altarpieces, there are at the entrance two frescoes restored in 1985, the bright colors of which recall the proximity of Italy.
In Montricher, the Sainte-Madeleine church was rebuilt in 1850 in a Sardinian neoclassical style that corresponds to the period when Savoy was attached to the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia. It is richly decorated (painted vaults, statues and gilded wooden altar). In addition to other small chapels, oratories and crosses dotting the territory where sometimes houses were once isolated several months during the winter, in terms of small patrimony, it will also be noted that each hamlet has a bread oven communal.
It is precisely to understand the traditions of yesteryear like the rude way of life in this mountain region that was created the ecomuseum of Montricher. We discover the habitat, the work of the fields, the woodworking. The process of making the slates was also reconstructed as it lasted until the 1970s. Open from 23 December to 21 April and from 1 July to 31 August on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 pm to 5 pm. Reservations possible all year round for groups. Entrance fee: 2 euros. Information on +33 4 79 59 61 50.
In addition, every Monday in July and August, a guided tour of the village of Albanne is offered. Information on +33 (0) 4 79 59 50 36.
In a different register, before describing the range of sports and leisure activities proposed to the Karellis, please note that fishermen are welcome at Lake Pramol in mid-June In mid-September, on Wednesdays and weekends. Price: 10 euros a day.
At the resort of Les Karellis, holidaymakers are welcomed during the winter season from the last week of December to the end of April.
In terms of ski area, 16 ski lifts serve 28 slopes for alpine skiing. Daily rate from 27 euros. Contact the +33 4 79 59 50 30.
The French ski school and its instructors offer group lessons or individual lessons. Information on +33 (0) 4 79 59 50 64.
For cross-country skiing enthusiasts, 30 km of slopes are available.
Snowshoe walks or dogsled sleds are also possible. Information in +33 4 79 59 50 36.
In summer, the resort is open in July and August.
Many excursions (free or with framing) are proposed, on foot or by mountain bike. The circuits may include the discovery of elements of the historical or economic heritage (quarries) and especially the great natural wealth of the territory (fauna and flora, protected areas). Brochures and information at +33 (0) 4 79 59 50 36.
In addition, at the station itself, a bike park is available for the youngest.
Other thrills are offered by canyoning. From 49 euros the session discovered. Information on +33 6 70 99 69 21.
For the sportsmen still, tennis courts are in free access and the swimming pool has two external pools of which one is equipped with a toboggan. Price: from 3 euros.
In a different style, a small educational farm allows young city-dwellers on holidays to discover the wonders of nature and breeding... Information on +33 4 79 59 50 36.
Note that tourists staying in One of the resort's holiday clubs can benefit from a pass giving free access to most activities. For further information, please call +33 4 79 59 50 36.
On the 14th of July, on the occasion of the national holiday, Flashy Party for the youngest, then fireworks and dance floor.
From the penultimate Saturday in July to the first Saturday in August, the town hosts the Cordes et Pics festival, which features classical music and world music concerts.
On August 15th, meal and party in a friendly atmosphere in Albanne, then in the evening, ball and fireworks at the station.
Finally, every Thursday evening, in the summer, in Les Karellis, the Nocturnes offer sports, fun and festive entertainment in a family setting.
