Tignes guide
Tignes is a famous ski resort in French Alps. It consists of five villages: Tignes le Lac, Val Claret, Le Lavachet, Tignes-les-Brévières and Tignes Les Boisses. The first three villages are situated at an altitude of 2100 m, Tignes-les-Brévières and Tignes Les Boisses are below in the valley (1550 m). The resort Tignes is known as one of the best ski resorts in Europe.
Accommodation in Tignes
In Tignes, we offer more than 1 000 various accommodation options from hotels, apartments to mountain huts. Most of them are located in a close proximity to ski slopes and lifts, often they offer mountain views and balconies perfect for comfortable seating and sunbathing. The biggest offer includes apartments that are ideal not only for couples but also for families or groups of friends. Most apartment accommodation is self catering, but that's certainly not a problem - not only that most of the buildings are equipped with kitchens, but there are also plenty of shops, restaurants and bakeries with renowned French pastries. In case you prefer hotel accommodation, our offer includes all categories of hotels from one-star to four-star. We can also book half boards for you or packed lunches according to hotel menus. The most popular hotels in the city include Hôtel La Vanoise, Le Refuge, or Le Paquis.
History of Tignes
The village of Tignes-les-Brévières and Tignes existed already in the 13th century. After the 2nd World War, due to the lack of electricity, France decided to build electrical power station in town. In 1952, electrical power station Barrage de Tignes was launched and Tignes village was flooded and created Lac du Chevril. Later, the remaining four villages (Les Boisses, Le Lac, Lavachet and Val Claret) were founded. They are now part of the resort Tignes together with the original Tignes-les-Brévières. On the dam wall, you can find famous fresco of Hercules, which is one of the largest frescoes in the world - in 1989 it was created by Jean-Marie Pierret with a help of several climbers.
How to get to Tignes
You have several options how to get to Tignes - you can fly or use bus or train service to either Geneva or Lyon and then continue by local bus or train. The journey from Geneva to Tignes takes about 2 hours by bus (or 4 hours by train), from Lyon it is about 4 hours.
Activities in Tignes
Each of the five villages forming Tignes is different. The main center of social life is a village of Val Claret with many discos, bars, restaurants. Le Lac village is considered the center of the resort, ideal for relaxation and shopping. Lavachet is recommended for a quieter stay. Overall, you can find in the resort pretty much all the services you might need for your stay. There is a ski school and ski rental, hospital, post office, there are banks, sports centers, gyms, but also a cinema, bowling alley, squash and water park with swimming pools, spas and water slides. Adventurers could take the opportunity to try underwater ice diving or a ride in dog sledding on the frozen lake.
Skiing in Tignes
Tignes, together with the adjacent Val d'Isère forms the Espace Killy ski resort offering an incredible 300 km of slopes at elevations ranging from 1,550 meters to 3,450 meters. There are plenty of green, blue, red and black slopes. There is also a snow park and paths for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Generally, the resort is open from late November to early May. Beginners are recommended to use slopes near villagesTignes-les-Brévières and Tignes Les Boisses. The remaining three villages at an altitude of 2100 are considered the main ski center. The resort also boasts the Grand Motte glacier, with only a black piste. The one, who dares here will be able to see absolutely amazing views of the mountains, including Mont Blanc.
The Olympic Games in Tignes
1992 Tignes hosted races in acrobatic skiing of winter Olympics and year also races Paralympic Winter Games.