Bozel

Bozel is situated in the Tarentaise Valley, in the department of Savoie, From 380 m to 3 855m, the Tarentaise Valley covers the high Isère Valley, in the heart of the French Alps, between Beaufortain and the Mont Blanc Massif in the North, Vanoise Massif and the Maurienne Valley in the south, and the crest of the Alps in the east, which falls over on the Aosta Valley in Italy.

The Tarentaise Valley is a national heritage area of exceptional importance:


 * Natural heritage and landscape shaped by man.
 * Religious heritage in a country filled by the Christianity since the 5th century. Then this heritage has been marked by the Baroque art.
 * Civil heritage with its towers of defense or vestiges of the Gallo-Roman culture.
 * At last, architectural heritage of mountains villages, and, closer to us, the craft or industrial heritages and leisure activities.

Understand
Inhabited since Neolithic, Bozel is the quintessence of the Savoyard village since the Middle Ages.

Administrative Centre and shops at the valley below, and habitat shelled in seven hamlets clinging to the mountains: Villemartin, Tincave, The Mollinets, The Râtelard Lachenal, The Court, Les Moulins.

Bozel a shift from an altitude of 900 to 2558 meters, the summit of Mount Jovet. There, a 360 ° view: form the Mont Blanc Massif to the Vanoise glaciers.

In Bozel you walk in the footsteps of history: the "Sarazine Tower" (12th century) makes us imagine the Lords Rouge of Bozel's feudal power. The chapel of St. Barbe (16th century) recalls the strength and age of Christianity in the valley, to the Counter-Reformation Baroque.

While walking from village to village, you can also hear the echo of Tarines (cattle in the pasture of Tarentaise, used in France today to produce the cheese with a distinct flavor that comes from the high alpine villages of the Tarentaise valley), or locate the shaping of the landscape by obstinate mountain farmers, peasants became workers in the 20th century.

Today Bozel lies in the Vanoise National Park  and the center of prestigious ski resorts such as Brides les Bains, Champagny, Courchevel, Méribel, La Tania and Pralognan la Vanoise.

Today Bozel is a growing town, counting 2031 inhabitants in 2008.

Tourism office
Bozel Tourist Office, Tel: 04 79 55 03 77.
 * Winter opening hours (from Christmas holidays to mid-April) M-Sa 8:30AM-noon and 3PM-6:30PM. Su 8:30AM-noon.
 * Off-season opening hours, M-Fr 9AM-noon and 3PM-6PM. Closed Saturdays and Sundays and holidays.
 * Summer opening hours (July–August). M-Sa 9AM-noon and 3PM-7PM. Su 9AM-noon.

By car

 * From Paris: 655 km, 6 hr 20 min
 * From Lyon: 190 km, 2 hr 10 min
 * From Geneva: 174 km, 2 hr 00 min
 * From Valencia: 1091 km, 10 hr 20 min
 * From Grenoble: 118 km, 1 hr 20 min
 * From Brittany: about 1000 km, 11 hr 00 min

By plane
Bozel is located near 4 international airports:


 * Aix les Bains Airport Chambéry (115 km, 1 hr 15 min)
 * Geneva Cointrin Airport (151 km, 2 hr 00 min)
 * Lyon Saint Exupéry (193 km, 2 hr 15 min)
 * Grenoble-Isère (118 km, 1 hr 15 min)

By train
Bozel is 15 minutes away from the railway station of Moûtiers.

By bus
Bus station in Moûtiers, , T: 04 79 22 13 78


 * Regular Line T6 Moutiers-Bozel-Champagny-Pralognan la Vanoise. From mid-April to 19 December: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07h15, Tuesday at 09h35
 * Moutiers/Bozel. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday at 17.55

By car
Garage Picon/Renault: 04 79 55 03 31 Garage "Vanoise Automobile"/Peugeot: 04 79 22 01 54

By taxi

 * Alps Faoro Services: 04 79 22 77 63, or 06 16 90 10 78
 * Taxi Dunand (Champagny): O6 11 40 52 53
 * Poirel Taxi: 06 07 11 12 73
 * Taxis Rachel (Villemartin): 04 79 22 04 64, or 06 09 85 39 63

South of Bozel

 * The Dent du Villard (2284 m) provides a good example of erosion in gypsum and its watershed is home to numerous species of alpine flora. Gentian, columbine, rhododendrons, anemone, clematis, and even Soldanelles Heather Snow, who announced the end of winter, or the Sabot de Venus, a rare and protected flower. Finally cyclamen blooms from July and is mature in August.

Nearby are the largest ski areas in the world.

East of Bozel
You can see the facade of the Grand Bec (3400 m), the Vanoise National Park, and the littles towns of Champagny en Vanoise] and Pralognan La Vanoise.

West of Bozel
Enjoy the spa of Brides-les-Bains.

Visit the capital of Tarentaise, Moûtiers.

North of Bozel
There are many hamlets, each with its own chapel and originality: Villemartin, Tincave, Les Mollinets, Le Râtelard, Lachenal, La Cour, Les Monts, Mirabozon.

The higher you climb, the closer the Mount Jovet (2552 m).

In the winter
Alpine skiing, skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, ski-touring, snowboarding.

Bozel is an ideal base camp for a ski getaway in one of the nearby ski resorts:
 * Courchevel
 * Les 3 Vallées
 * Meribel
 * La tania

The Bozel Tourist Office sells ski passes of the 3 Vallées and Courchevel, that you can reach by a free shuttle (back and forth), in 15 minutes.


 * Nordic ski or sled. Free access around the lake Bozel if snow conditions permit.
 * Ski-hiking above Bozel

In the summer
A true Savoyard village, lively all year, Bozel is the ideal base for family outings, the quiet little trip ... or the great hike!

Two or tribe, everyone can find its account here: Pathways of Baroque, hamlets clinging to the sunny side of the mountain of Savoyard life, contemplative vistas of the Vanoise Massif, walking or relaxing. One is spoiled for choice.


 * Water area: baywatch every day from 1 Jul to 31 Aug (12:00-18:00). Free. Bar du Lac, opened from 1 Jul to 31 Aug. Pedalo rental at the Bar du Lac
 * Rock climbing.
 * 3 tennis courts - rentals per hour with the Bozel Tourist Office
 * Playground - free access: Basketball, football, handball
 * Picnic - tables, 2 barbecues
 * Landing area for paragliding
 * Inflatable structure for children, all the afternoons (extra charge) - possibility of leasing the structure for birthdays.
 * Walk on the loop "Le Chevelu", or just stroll around the pond.
 * Fish: daily fishing passes available at the Bar-Restaurant Le Saint Roch (04 79 22 09 88) in Bozel (Association of Licensed Fishing and protection of aquatic The Gaule Tarine). Departmental regulations: 6 fish per fisherman per day during the authorized period.
 * Small walks around Bozel:
 * Le Chemin des Vignes (easy, ~4 hr): Exit Bozel past the Chapel of Saint Barbe, and follow the path that leads to the balcony until La Saulce above Bridesle Bains. For the disabled: until Le Ruisseau de la Roche
 * The Loop of Hamlets (easy - 2hr): Climb to the top of Bozel, above the Sarazine Tower, and take a right onto the marked trailhead. Follow the direction of Villemartin, then the Ratelard, and finally Les Mollinets.
 * Longer walks:
 * The Mount of War - Mont de la Guerre (~4 hr): Fit by car to the village of Tincave. On leaving the village, walk on the path leading in turn to Le Châtelard, The Duy, then to Mont de la Guerre.
 * Mount Jovet Panorama (2558 m)
 * Mountain Trail Jovet by the Bois de la Cour (1550 m) - technically easy but tiring: 6 hours and high altitude: mount by car to the hamlet of La Cour (Parking at the exit of the hamlet, 5 minutes near the torrent). Return on foot in the center of the village and follow the path marked out to the refuge of Mount Jovet. There is then a last effort (45 min) to provide to admire a magnificent panorama (with a clear view of Mont Blanc Massif).
 * Mountain Trail Jovet by Le Bois des Perrières - less time: 3 hr, but more challenging. Park the car near the torrent after the hamlet of La Cour. From there, take the marked path on the left bank until the refuge of Mount Jovet. In Bozel, take the road of Villemartin, then climb up mountains by the hamlet La Cour; from La Cour, the road becomes a dirt road over 20 km. You then come to the Refuge of Mount Jovet, where you can eat, or sleep. You can eventually walk up to the "Signal", that is to say the summit Mount Jovet, which can, on clear days, enjoy a 360° view, with Mont Blanc in the distance. This can be done in half an hour, but it can be hard on those who are not used to walk in the (high) mountains. Some passages may seem staggering, and you must pay attention to small children, both uphill and downhill. When considering a picnic up there (experience for small and large), remember to dress warmly!
 * Accommodation and meals by reservation with the Mountain Refuge of Mount Jovet in the summer from 15 June to 15 Sept,, Tel: 04 79 55 03 77.


 * Tours and detours in the Vanoise National Park: Bozel is a good starting point for many walks on long-distance trails in the Vanoise National Park.
 * Warning: if you walk in the park, rules must be respected, otherwise you may be fined. Do not pick flowers, fruits, or rocks. Do not disturb the tranquility of the area. No dogs, even leashed. No camping or camp, except near the refuges. No fire. Do not leave garbage, even at a crossing refuge. No paragliding or mountain biking (except a few tracks allowed).
 * You can improve the discovery, stopping for a meal or sleep in a refuge of Vanoise.


 * Leisure in Bozel: Baywatch, free access, fishing, walking, pedalo, playground, bar-restaurant: 04 79 55 03 77
 * Courchevel/Lac de La Rosiere: fishing, discovery trail, picnic, bar.
 * Courchevel/Lac du Praz: fishing, games, bar-restaurant.
 * Swimming pools: Brides Les Bains: 04 79 55 23 24. Champagny: 04 79 22 06 75. Courchevel 1550: 04 79 08 14 51. Doucy Combelouviere: 04 79 24 45 72. Pralognan La Vanoise: 04 79 08 74 88. La Tania: 04 79 08 40 40.
 * Fishing: angling, flyfishing in "Dorons", torrents or mountain lakes. Daily fishing passes available at the Bar-Restaurant Le Saint Roch Bozel (discount for children under 18 years - offered by the Gaule tarine for children under 12 years - providing a picture of identity). Information on opening dates with the Association of Licensed Fishing and protection of aquatic the Gaule Tarine - 6 fish per day per fisherman.

Heritage and culture

 * Saracen Tower: Built in the 12th century, this tower bailey is first occupied by the lords Rouge, close to the Counts of Savoy and the Archbishop of Moutiers. The 59234 was also the 13th century property and residence of the bishops of Tarentaise. This tower is called "Saracen", like many others in Savoie, evidence that the violent incursions of Spanish pirates in the 9th and 10th centuries have left an enduring memory in the collective memory. But Saracens, or Moors, really have nothing to do with the construction of this tower. Permanent exhibition: "Life and Traditions of the Valley of Bozel, from the Neolithic to the present."
 * Chapel of Our Lady of All Powers
 * Sainte Barbe Chapel
 * Church St. François de Sales
 * Heritage rural villages of Bozel: The Mounts, The Court, Mirabozon, Lachenal, Tincave, The Râtelard, Villemartin the Mollinets, Les Moulins.

Buy
Food
 * Eight at Eight: 04 79 55 03 67
 * Spar: 04 79 55 02 14

Butcher
 * H. Bonjean: 04 79 55 01 77
 * Favre: 04 79 55 03 45

Bakeries
 * Caprice: 04 79 22 08 36
 * The Grignetta: 04 79 55 02 63

Caterer
 * Petit Marmiton: 04 79 06 19 13

Vins de Savoie-product
 * Cave of Miracles: 04 79 22 19 03

Antiques-Flea-decoration
 * The Galetas : 04 79 55 03 76

Sporting
 * The Cage O Sport : 04 79 55 00 39
 * Outlet: 04 79 07 09 87
 * Thomasport : 04 79 22 01 01

Markets
 * Tuesday: Moutiers (day), Pralognan la Vanoise (day)
 * Wednesday: Brides les Bains (morning)
 * Thursday: Bozel (morning, small market)
 * Friday: Moutiers (morning), Pralognan la Vanoise (day)

Only the market Moûtiers held throughout the year. The others are held in season only.

Local products
 * In the Planay Villard, minutes Bozel, you can taste the famous Packers Guy Gros (diots, hams), but also the equally famous cheeses Ritord (Beaufort, serac, toma).

Banks
 * Crédit Agricole: 04 79 44 60 08
 * Banque de Savoie: 04 79 55 01 08

Vacation rentals
Both summer and winter accommodations are offered for rent in furnished rentals accredited by the Tourist Office. Each lease has a label that promotes facilities.

Stay healthy
General practitioner, radiology
 * Medical Office Dr. Kerrien and Portugal: 04 79 22 09 08
 * Surgery and Dr. Jay Margiela: 04 79 22 03 08

Nursing: Office Nurse: 04 79 22 03 12

Dentist: E. Haicour: 04 79 22 09 22

Pedicure: G. Dravet: 06 50 30 09 47

Pathologist: C. Caquineau-Thiel: 04 79 06 52 91

Osteopath: L. Gastini: 04 79 00 27 34

Physiotherapists:
 * Medical Office: 04 79 22 11 03
 * D. Demargne: 04 79 22 83 88

Veterinary Office: B. Chavoutier: 04 79 22 09 51

Pharmacy
 * Pharmacy Vanoise: 04 79 22 19 20
 * Drugstore: 3915

Stay safe

 * Firefighters: 18
 * UAS: 15
 * emergency number from Mobile: 112

Cope
Hall Bozel: 04 79 55 03 06

Post Office: 04 79 55 00 70

Gendarmerie: 04 79 22 00 17

Public Library: 04 79 22 67 52

Catholic Worship: Religious service Sunday at 11AM, Church of St. Francis de Sales

Carey's Déchetterie: 04 79 55 35 23

Business hours:
 * Off-winter: 7.30-12.00, 14.00-17.30, Monday to Friday. 8.00-12.00 on Saturday.
 * Winter: 8.00-12.00, 14.00-17.30, Monday to Friday. 8.00-12.00 on Saturday.

Weather: A weather forecast is posted each morning at the Bozel Tourism Board office, and a newsletter on snow science (the study of snow characteristics, and thus of potential avalanche) is available every day.

Connect

 * Public phone: Post Office
 * Internet cafés: St Roch Cafe, the Bistrot, Bozel tourist Office (extra charge)

Go next
You can get out of Bozel and enjoy visiting Grenoble, in the French department of Isere. You can also visit many other nice places all around the Savoie, or Haute Savoie: Annecy is quite amazing, and of course, you have to go to Chamonix, and climb the Mont Blanc! Maybe you'll prefer to take the Aiguille du Midi cable car, one of the highest cable cars in the world.