La Plagne holidays

How to reach La Plagne

Reaching La Plagne from the UK is simple, with quite a few convenient options to pick from. Flights to La Plagne often include flying into Geneva, Lyon or Grenoble airports.

• Flight time: Expect flights to Geneva from London to take about 1 hour 40 minutes. Flights to Lyon and Grenoble take around the same time, making them all good options.

• Transfer time: From Geneva Airport, the trip to La Plagne takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours by car or shuttle bus. From Lyon, the journey takes around 2 hours 30 minutes, and from Grenoble, it's roughly 2 hours.

• Price: Transfer prices are different, depending on the mode of transport you choose. With shared shuttles you can get the cost down to about €40 per person one-way, while private transfers are typically more pricey, ranging from €200 to €300 for a car. Alternatively, you can also consider hiring a car, with rental costs starting at about €150 per week.

Best time to visit La Plagne

La Plagne is a fantastic destination year-round, offering a range of activities in both winter and summer. Visit when your preferred activities are in full swing.

• December to March is peak season for skiing and snowboarding. The area boasts excellent snow coverage and a variety of slopes to suit all skill levels. Temperatures range from –5°C to 5°C, with plenty of sunshine and occasional snowfall.

• April to June sees the transition from snow to lush greenery. This shoulder season is perfect for quieter, more relaxed holidays to La Plagne. Temperatures get warmer, rising from 5°C to 15°C.

• July to August is the warmest time, ideal for mountain biking, hiking and enjoying the alpine lakes. Expect comfortable outdoor temperatures between 15°C and 25°C.

• September to November is another shoulder season, offering a mix of mild weather and fewer tourists. The autumn colours make the landscape picturesque, with temperatures between 5°C and 15°C.

Practical information

When planning La Plagne holidays, it's helpful to know a few practical details to make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

• Spoken languages: French is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially by ski instructors and hotel staff.

• Local habits and customs: Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in France. A service charge is usually included at restaurants, but it's customary to leave a small tip for good service.

• Health and safety: La Plagne is a safe destination, but you may want to consider travel insurance that covers winter sports if you're planning to ski. The altitude can affect visitors, so stay hydrated and acclimatise slowly.

• Currency: The Euro is used, and there’s no need to worry about drawing out cash as ATMs are everywhere! Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but cash is handy.

• Getting around: The resort area is pedestrian-friendly, with a free shuttle bus service connecting different villages within La Plagne. For exploring further afield, car hire is available, or you can use the public transport options like trains and buses to nearby towns.

• Electricity and plug types: The voltage is 230V, and plugs are of the Type C and E variety. UK travellers will need a plug adaptor.

• Time zone: La Plagne operates on Central European Time, which is 1 hour ahead of GMT.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers need a valid passport for entry into France. No visa is required for stays of under 90 days within a 180-day period.

Best things to do in La Plagne

La Plagne offers an array of activities to suit every traveller, from thrilling winter sports to tranquil summer pastimes. Are you an adrenaline junkie? Maybe you just need to put your feet up? There's something in La Plagne for you, guaranteed!

Viewpoints and panoramas

Have you heard of the Funiplagne cable car? Well, you can see mind-blowing views from it, including stunning alpine scenery and the Grande Rochette. For a unique perspective, head to the Bellecôte Glacier, where you can stroll the high-altitude walkways.

The best districts

La Plagne is made up of a handful of villages, each with its own unique charm. Plagne Centre is the heart of the resort, offering many shops, restaurants and nightlife. For more relaxed vibes, Plagne Bellecôte has easy access to the slopes. Belle Plagne is cherished by families, with its pedestrian-friendly environment and fun family activities.

Parks and gardens

While winter sports and La Plagne go together like peanut butter and jelly, its beautiful green spaces, like Vanoise National Park, will blow any nature lover’s socks off. It’s got hiking trails for days, wildlife spotting opportunities and stunning alpine landscapes.

Historical monuments

While La Plagne is primarily a modern resort, the nearby town of Aime will give you a glimpse back in time with its ancient Romanesque church, Saint Martin’s Basilica and the Archaeological Museum.

Day trips in the area

For those looking to explore, a day trip to Chambéry is well worth it. This charming city is known for its historic architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Or, head to Annecy, often called the "Venice of the Alps", for its picturesque old town and beautiful lake.

Activities for families in La Plagne

La Plagne is a great destination for families. The resort’s facilities cater to visitors young and old, ensuring a fun and memorable holiday for everyone.

• Skiing and snowboarding: With gentle slopes and excellent ski schools, La Plagne is perfect for newbies. The resort offers dedicated kids' zones and family-friendly pistes.

• Sledging and snow parks: For non-skiing fun, try the Colorado Park or Super Slalom sledging areas. These parks provide thrilling rides for kids and parents.

• Indoor activities: On snowy days, head to the Espace Paradisio for swimming pools, water slides and a wellness area. The complex also offers an ice rink and bowling alley.

Free things to do in La Plagne

La Plagne has got budget-conscious travellers covered with plenty of free activities. From stunning natural landscapes to local events, there's much to enjoy without spending a cent.

• Hiking: The resort's trails are free to access, offering breathtaking views of the Alps. In winter, snowshoeing is a great way to explore the snow.

• Local events: Throughout the year, La Plagne hosts various free events, including music festivals, fireworks displays and local markets.

• Scenic walks: Simply wandering through the picturesque villages of La Plagne is delightful, with architecture to die for and beautiful mountain views.

• Ice skating: Some outdoor ice rinks are kind enough to offer free entry, particularly in the early evening. Lace up your boots and enjoy the winter wonderland ambience.

Wellness in La Plagne

• Spas and wellness centres: Many hotels in La Plagne feature in-house spas offering massages, facials and other treatments. The Spa Bellecôte is a popular choice.

• Thermal baths: The Thermes de Brides-les-Bains is a thermal bath resort with a range of wellness treatments. Soothe your tired muscles in the naturally warm waters.

• Yoga and meditation: Many resorts offer yoga and meditation classes. So downward-dog your way to a state of calm. Better yet, practise in front of the beautiful mountain views!

Nature and outdoor activities

• Skiing and snowboarding: La Plagne is part of the Paradiski area, one of the largest ski domains in the world. It offers over 400km of pistes, catering to all levels.

• Hiking and trail running: In the summer, La Plagne transforms into a paradise for hikers and trail runners. You can do anything from gentle walks to challenging mountain treks.

• Mountain biking: With a dedicated bike park and numerous trails, La Plagne is a top destination for mountain biking. Bike rentals and guided tours are readily available.

• Paragliding: If you’ve got the guts, get a bird's-eye view of the alpine landscape with paragliding. La Plagne offers tandem flights with experienced instructors.

• Whitewater sports: The Isère River’s rapids provide an adrenaline-pumping adventure, suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.

• Rock climbing and via ferrata: The cliffs around La Plagne offer excellent rock climbing opportunities including via ferrata routes for climbers of all levels.

Local dishes in La Plagne

One of the great delights of holidays to La Plagne is indulging in the delicious local cuisine. Come taste the hearty and rustic flavours of the Alps!

Some typical dishes

• Fondue Savoyarde: A classic alpine dish made from melted cheese, typically a blend of Comté, Beaufort and Emmental. Served with bread cubes for dipping.

• Raclette: This traditional dish involves melting raclette cheese and scraping it over boiled potatoes, cured meats and pickles. It's a warming meal after a day in the cold!

Meat dishes

• Diot Sausages: These local sausages are typically smoked or cooked in white wine and are often served with polenta or crozets, a type of small square buckwheat pasta.

• Tartiflette: A hearty casserole made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons and onions. It's a quintessential dish of the Savoie region. Mouthwatering is an understatement.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Truite Meunière: Freshly caught trout, often from local rivers, cooked in butter and lemon. It's a simple yet delicious dish that showcases the freshness of the fish.

• Beignets de Morue: Salt cod fritters, a popular appetiser in the region, crispy on the outside and tender inside, usually served with a garlic aioli.

Sweets and desserts

• Tarte aux Myrtilles: A delicious blueberry tart, often made with wild blueberries picked from the local mountains. It's a sweet and tangy treat, perfect with a dollop of crème fraîche.

• Gâteau de Savoie: A light sponge cake dusted with icing sugar, often served with fresh fruit or a fruit coulis.

Local drinks

• Genepi: A herbal liqueur made from alpine plants, particularly enjoyed as a digestif. It's a traditional drink in the Savoie region, known for its unique flavour.

• Vin de Savoie: The local wine, produced in the surrounding vineyards, offers a variety of whites, reds and rosés.

Sports and outdoor adventures on your La Plagne holidays

La Plagne is a paradise for sports lovers, offering thrilling winter sports and action-packed summer activities in the heart of the French Alps. Whether you're a seasoned skier, an adrenaline junkie, or someone who enjoys scenic outdoor adventures, La Plagne has something for everyone.

• Skiing and snowboarding – part of the massive Paradiski area

  With over 225km of slopes in La Plagne alone and 400km across the Paradiski ski area, this resort is a dream for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. From wide, beginner-friendly pistes to challenging off-piste routes, there's plenty to explore. Snowboarders can also enjoy terrain parks packed with jumps and rails.

• Try the Olympic bobsleigh track

  For a high-speed thrill, don’t miss La Plagne’s famous Olympic bobsleigh track. You can experience the rush of racing down the icy chute at speeds of up to 120km/h—an absolute must for adrenaline seekers!

• Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing

  If you prefer a slower pace, explore La Plagne’s winter wonderland on snowshoes or cross-country skis. The resort has scenic trails winding through snowy forests and alpine meadows, offering a peaceful way to take in the breathtaking landscape.

• Paragliding – soar over the Alps

  See La Plagne from a whole new perspective with a tandem paragliding flight. Soaring over snow-covered peaks or lush summer valleys, it’s an unforgettable experience for those looking to add a touch of adventure to their trip.

• Mountain biking – world-class trails in summer

  Once the snow melts, La Plagne turns into a mountain biking hotspot. The resort offers everything from technical downhill tracks to scenic cross-country routes, with lift access to high-altitude trails.

• Hiking and trail running – explore stunning alpine scenery

  With an extensive network of hiking trails, La Plagne is a dream destination for outdoor explorers. Whether you're looking for a gentle walk or a challenging summit climb, the stunning mountain views make every step worthwhile.

• White-water rafting – tackle the rapids

  For a wet and wild adventure, head to the nearby Isère River for some of the best white-water rafting in France. With thrilling rapids and expert guides, it’s an exhilarating way to explore the region’s dramatic landscapes.

From high-altitude skiing to summer adventures in the great outdoors, La Plagne is a year-round destination for sports enthusiasts. Whether you want fast-paced action or a peaceful escape into nature, this alpine resort has it all.