Reasons to visit

Discover St Jean de Maurienne

Tucked into the heart of the Maurienne Valley, St Jean de Maurienne is not just a gateway to the Alps, it is a working, lived-in mountain town with year round energy, deep herritage and exceptional access to both high altitude adventure and everyday convenience. Unlike purpose built resorts, it offers something far more compelling, a blend of authentic French life and immediate proximity to world class outdoor activities.

A town that works all year round

St Jean de Maurienne is the historic capital of the Maurienne Valley, known for its baroque architecture, bustling weekly markets and strong sense of community. With shops, restaurants, schools and healthcare facilities all in place, it functions as a proper town rather than seasonal destination.

At its centre sits the impressive Cathedrale Saint Jean Baptiste, a landmark that reflects the towns rich history. The pedestrian friendly streets, cafes and artisan bakeries create a relaxed atmosphere that appeals equally to full time residents and second home owners.

Winter - fast access to high altitude skiing

Purchasing a second home in St Jean de Maurienne, places you within easy reach of some of the most extensive ski terrain in the French Alps, encompassing both high altitude resorts and high altitude skiing,two factors becoming part of many buyers decision criteria.

Just a short 20 minute drive away, access to the 310km Les Syblles ski domain is possible. The 4th largest ski area in the French Alps, here you will find six interconnected resorts, four of which site at 1650 - 1750m, with all connections sitting above 2000m.

Even more strategically placed is the the village Orelle again just 20 minutes from St Jean de Maurienne. Here you can easily ascend to 3200m to the top of Cimes Carron via the Telecabine 3 Valleys Express  to enjoy the slopes of Val Thorens, part of the highest ski domain in Europe, that of the 600km,3 Valleys. From Orelle its possible to ski from mid November to the beginning of May.

Add to this the ski area of the 165km Le Grand Domaine, accessed via the village of St Francois Longchamp at 1650m, that connects to Valmorel, and enjoys 4 separate free riding zones. While the 160km Galibier Thabor ski domain that connects Valloire to Valmeininer just 30 minutes away, enjoys skiing to 2750m and 70% of its slopes above 2000m.

This proximity to altitude is becoming increasing important in the second home owners decsion process. With the Maurienne valley blessed with high altitude villages and lifts that rise to 3200m from Orelle to the Val Thorens slopes, here you are blessed with relability that extends well into late season, making St Jean de Maurienne for your second home particularly attractive for a long term perspective.

And for convenience, everything is connected via one lift pass across the 17 resorts and 1700km of skiing. Simply take advantage of the Skiogrande lift pass to enjoy this vast ski area all at your fingertips.

Summer a playground for outdoor living

When the snow melts, the Maurienne transforms into one of the Alps, most diverse summer destinations.

Hiking

Endless trails strech across the valley, from gentle valley walks to challenging alpine routes. The surrounding mountains provide access to quiet, unspoilt terrain that feels far removed from busier Alpine regions.

With access to the Vanoise National Park, one of Western Europe's largest protected mountain areas with its 400km of trails for hikers to explore, within the Maurienne Valley you are spoilt for choice.

Road Cycling

With St Jean de Maurienne nicknamed the cycling capital of the world, the Maurienne is legendary among cyclists. Iconic climbs such as the Cols of the Glandon, L'Iseran, Croix de Fer, Telegraph, Madeleine and Galibier all regularly featured in the Tour de France along with those of Mont Cenis, Mollard and Lacets de Montvernier, St Jean de Maurienne serves as an exceptional base for over a dozen famous climbs, all within a short distance. Forming the worlds largest 800km road network, for ameteurs and professional riders alike, this is one of the most incredible areas of the French Alps to base yourself.

Mountain Biking

From lift assisted biking in nearby resorts to family friendly trails and adventure parks, the Maurienne Valley is again an exceptionsl world class destination for mountain biking and caters to all levels of activity.

With dedicated bike parks and trails including those found in Valloire along with the Albiez enduro mountain bike park, the lifts of the Maurienne Valley provide access to high altitude destinations, thereby maximising descents back into the Valley.

Lakes and swimming

Natural and managed lakes across the valley provide opportunities for swimming and relaxation during the warmer months. These spaces with picnic and play areas as well as beaches become social hubs for families, combining mountain scenery with easy leisure.

Located a stone throw from St Jean de Maurienne here you will find the Oudins Lake, a pleasant swimming lake supervised in summer. While the Blue Lake in St Remy de Maurienne with is own swimming area or the lake of the Col du Mollard in Albiez are just some of the many lakes available and are a perfect place for a relaxing swim.

Rock Climbing

With the Maurienne Valley recognised as an excellent rock climbing destination thanks to its diverse routes suitable for beginner to advanced, the area is well known for its Gneiss and Alpine Granite cliffs.

Providing access to high altitude climbing in the upper Maurienne, as well as numerous crags located throughout the valley, this part of the Alps also offers unique features including the monolithic rock towers of the famous Monolithe de Sardieres in Aussois which offers spectacular climbing opportunities. 

Life beyond the slopes and trails

What sets St Jean de Maurienne apart is what happens when you are not skiing or or hiking.

• A modern swimming pool and sports complex supporting year round fitness
• Restaurants that serve authentic Savoyard cuisine alongside everyday French dining
• Local events, markets and festivals keep the town lively throughout the year
• Easy access to major routes and rail connections making travel straightforward. 

This is not a resort that closes outside of peak season, it is a place where life continues which is exactly what many buyers are now prioiritising in the purchase of a second home.

The all new St Jean de Maurienne International Train Station

With the construction of the new Lyon to Turin high speed line well underway, once complete this will see train travel from Paris to Milan in just 4 hours.

Runinnig from Paris to Lyon, to Chambery, to St Jean de Maurienne to Turin to Milan, the new International Train Station will begin construction in 2027 and once finished this will see jouney times rom Paris to St Jean de Maurienne reduced to under 3 hours, along with Milan only 1 hour away.

A game changer for the Maurienne Valley and St Jean de Maurienne, this new high speed line will put this region of the French Alps firmly on the map as the closest area to enjoy the many winter and summer activities for those living in central Paris, Lyon, Chambery, Turn in and Milan, generating long term investment and subsequent capital growth for both its capital and the many ski areas around

Why it stands out

St Jean de Maurienne sits at a powerful intersection with affordabulity, authenticity and access. Here you dont have to pay premium prices for a high altitude resort postcode, yet you are within easy reach of some of the best skiing in Europe. At the same time you gain a genuine French town experience that works in every season.

For buyers, this balance is where opportunity sits. As the market continues to shift toward altitude, relability and year round useability, St Jean de Maurienne are no longer being overlooked in favour of being strategically important.