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Things to Do in Allevard | French Alps & Thermal Spa
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Nestled between Grenoble and Chambéry, Allevard-les-Bains is one of those Alpine destinations where you can enjoy the mountains without rushing from one activity to the next. With the Belledonne range on its doorstep, peaceful lakes, scenic walking trails and a long-established thermal spa tradition, it offers a wonderful balance between outdoor adventures and relaxation.
Staying at Résidence Les Silènes or Appart’Hôtel Le Splendid puts you within easy reach of some of the most beautiful landscapes in Isère. Spend the morning hiking through Alpine scenery, enjoy lunch overlooking the mountains, explore a historic town in the afternoon or unwind with a wellness treatment.
And there’s much more to discover beyond the thermal spa. From Lac du Flumet and the Collet d’Allevard to the villages of the Grésivaudan Valley, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Allevard and nearby throughout the year.
Things to Do on Foot or Without a Car
Relax at Allevard Thermal Spa
Allevard has a long history as a spa town, thanks to its sulphur-rich thermal waters. The resort is particularly known for therapeutic treatments associated with respiratory and rheumatic conditions, but its thermal heritage also contributes to the town’s relaxed atmosphere.
Even if you’re not visiting for a medical spa programme, Allevard is a lovely place to slow down and enjoy a wellness break after a day exploring the mountains.
⏱️ A few hours 👤 Couples • Wellness
💡 Our tip: if you’re planning a spa treatment or wellness session, book ahead during the thermal season.
Stroll Through the Thermal Park
You don’t need a car to enjoy a little greenery. Allevard’s thermal park provides a peaceful setting close to the town centre.
It’s an ideal place for a gentle stroll, reading beneath the trees or simply taking some time to relax between excursions.
⏱️ 30 minutes to 1 hour 👤 Everyone 💰 Free
Explore Allevard’s Historic Centre
Take time to discover this former spa and industrial town, whose history is closely connected to ironworking, mining and thermal tourism.
The town centre, with its shops, cafés and traditional streets, is perfect for a leisurely wander without planning a full day of sightseeing.
⏱️ 1–2 hours 👤 Everyone 💰 Free
Must-See Highlights for a Weekend
The Belledonne Mountains
No visit to Allevard would be complete without exploring the Belledonne mountain range. Unlike some of the busier Alpine resorts, Belledonne retains a wonderfully wild character, with rugged peaks, forests, mountain pastures, streams and high-altitude lakes.
There are walking routes for different abilities, from relatively gentle countryside trails to challenging full-day mountain hikes.
⏱️ A few hours to a full day 👤 Couples • Families • Hikers
🥾 Our tip: always choose your route according to your fitness level and the weather. In the Alps, a few hundred metres of ascent can make a considerable difference to the difficulty of a walk.
Lac du Flumet
Just outside Allevard, Lac du Flumet is an excellent choice when you want to enjoy mountain scenery without organising a major excursion.
Its open views towards Belledonne make it particularly pleasant for walking, picnicking and spending a relaxing afternoon with the family.
⏱️ 1–2 hours 👤 Families • Couples 💰 Free
📸 Our favourite photo spot: visit in the late afternoon, when the sunlight softens over Belledonne and the mountains are reflected in the water.
Le Collet d’Allevard
During winter, Le Collet d’Allevard is the area’s local ski resort. But it’s also worth visiting outside the ski season, when the surrounding mountains reveal spectacular Alpine panoramas and walking opportunities.
It’s one of the easiest ways to gain altitude and enjoy sweeping views during a stay in Allevard.
⏱️ Half-day 👤 Families • Couples • Outdoor enthusiasts
🌄 Our tip: even in summer, bring an extra layer. Temperatures can be noticeably cooler in the mountains than in Allevard itself.
The Balcons de Belledonne
If you’d like to explore the mountains without tackling their highest peaks, the Balcons de Belledonne offer an excellent alternative.
These scenic routes take you through traditional villages, woodland and open countryside overlooking the Grésivaudan Valley.
It’s exactly the sort of experience that makes slow travel so rewarding: walking, observing the landscape and enjoying the journey.
⏱️ Half-day to full day 👤 Hikers • Couples 💰 Free
Château du Touvet and Its Gardens
For a change of scenery, head into the Grésivaudan Valley to discover Château du Touvet.
This historic château is particularly renowned for its terraced gardens and remarkable water staircase, making it a lovely destination for visitors interested in both heritage and landscaped gardens.
⏱️ 2–3 hours 👤 Couples • Families • Heritage lovers
Our hidden gem: the gardens deserve just as much attention as the château itself. Allow time to explore them rather than rushing on to your next stop.
© Patrice78500, (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Chambéry
Fancy a city break during your mountain holiday? Chambéry offers a delightful contrast to the landscapes of Belledonne.
Its historic centre is full of colourful façades, hidden passageways and architectural details, while the famous Elephant Fountain is one of the city’s best-known landmarks.
It’s also a great place to combine sightseeing, shopping and traditional Savoyard food.
⏱️ Half-day to full day 👤 Everyone
💡 Don’t miss: wander through the narrow passageways of the old town. Discovering these hidden corners is one of the pleasures of visiting Chambéry.
Grenoble and the Bastille
Grenoble makes an excellent cultural day trip from Allevard. One of its most famous attractions is the Bastille, reached by the city’s distinctive bubble-shaped cable cars.
From the top, you can enjoy sweeping views over Grenoble and the mountain ranges surrounding the city.
⏱️ Half-day to full day 👤 Everyone
📸 Our tip: choose a clear day if possible. The panoramic views from the Bastille are especially impressive when visibility is good.
❤️ Why We Love This Destination
What makes Allevard special is that you don’t have to choose between an active mountain holiday and a relaxing break.
You can spend the morning walking through Belledonne, enjoy lunch with mountain views, unwind at the thermal spa in the afternoon and finish the day with a traditional Savoyard meal.
And whenever you fancy a change of scenery, Grenoble, Chambéry and the Grésivaudan Valley offer plenty of opportunities to explore without turning your holiday into a hectic sightseeing schedule.
Let’s Recap! Things to Do in Allevard Depending on Your Interests…
…Travelling with Children?
– Lac du Flumet: a lovely place for a family walk, a picnic and some fresh mountain air.
– Le Collet d’Allevard: enjoy snow activities in winter, or scenic walks and mountain views during the warmer months.
– Family-friendly walks: choose shorter routes through the forests and lower slopes of Belledonne rather than the more demanding high-altitude trails.
– Grenoble cable car: riding the famous bubbles up to the Bastille is a fun way for children to discover the city from above.
…Looking for a Romantic Getaway?
– A relaxing thermal spa experience: combine mountain adventures with some well-deserved time to unwind in Allevard-les-Bains.
– Lac du Flumet at sunset: enjoy an easy lakeside walk with the Belledonne mountains as your backdrop.
– Château du Touvet: discover beautiful gardens and historic architecture in the Grésivaudan Valley.
– A scenic mountain walk: choose a trail with panoramic views and pack a picnic to enjoy together.
…Interested in Local Food & Wine?
– Alpine cheeses: Beaufort, Tomme de Savoie and Reblochon are among the regional specialities worth trying during your stay.
– Grenoble walnuts (PDO): discover one of Isère’s best-known products while exploring the Grésivaudan Valley.
– Savoy wines: Apremont, Abymes and Mondeuse pair beautifully with traditional mountain dishes.
– Local markets: a great opportunity to meet producers, discover regional food and pick up ingredients for a mountain picnic.
…Planning a Weekend Break?
Jour 1
- Explore the town centre
- Stroll through the thermal park
- Visit Lac du Flumet
- Enjoy a wellness treatment
Jour 2
- Head to Le Collet d’Allevard
- Take a walk in Belledonne
- Enjoy lunch with Alpine views
…Within One Hour’s Drive?
– Grenoble: an Alpine city with museums, a historic centre and spectacular views from the Bastille.
– Chambéry: discover the old town, hidden passageways, the Château des Ducs de Savoie and local gastronomy.
– Château du Touvet: a historic château and remarkable gardens at the foot of Belledonne.
– The Grésivaudan Valley: traditional villages, walnut groves and landscapes framed by the Chartreuse and Belledonne mountains.
– The Chartreuse Mountains: discover a different Alpine landscape, with limestone cliffs, forests and picturesque villages.
…When It Rains?
– Allevard Thermal Spa: a rainy day is the perfect excuse to enjoy a relaxing wellness session.
– Grenoble’s museums: spend a few hours discovering art, history or regional heritage.
– Chambéry: its museums, historic streets and traditional restaurants make it a good option when the weather isn’t suitable for hiking.
– Discover local flavours: visit food producers, cheese shops or speciality stores and enjoy the culinary side of the French Alps.
Free Things to Do Around Allevard
- Stroll through the thermal park
- Walk around Lac du Flumet
- Explore Allevard’s historic centre
- Hike in the Belledonne mountains
- Enjoy panoramic views from Le Collet
- Discover the villages of the Grésivaudan Valley
- Browse local markets
- Have a picnic overlooking the mountains
Our Terres de France Tips
- Our Favourite Photo Spot: Lac du Flumet in the late afternoon, with Belledonne rising in the background. It’s an easily accessible location and particularly photogenic when the evening light settles over the mountains.
- For Walkers: Don’t choose a hiking route based on distance alone. In the mountains, always check the elevation gain, altitude, weather forecast and technical difficulty before setting off.
- Our Wellness Tip: If you’re combining hiking and relaxation, plan your thermal spa session for the end of the day. After several hours exploring the mountains, it feels even more rewarding.
- For Food Lovers: Make the most of a trip through the Grésivaudan Valley to discover Grenoble walnuts, Alpine cheeses and Savoy wines. Together, they offer a delicious introduction to the region’s culinary traditions.
Why Stay in Allevard with Terres de France?
With Résidence Les Silènes and Appart’Hôtel Le Splendid, Terres de France offers two accommodation options in Allevard, ideal for enjoying both the thermal spa town and the landscapes of Belledonne.
The destination is particularly well suited to holidays where you want to mix things up: a mountain hike one day, a relaxing spa experience the next, followed by an excursion to Grenoble, Chambéry or the Grésivaudan Valley.
It’s an excellent location for enjoying the French Alps without the crowds and busy atmosphere of a major mountain resort.
Every destination tells a story. Explore our other Terres de France travel guides and get inspired for your next French getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Allevard?
For your first visit, explore Allevard’s historic centre and thermal spa heritage, then enjoy a walk around Lac du Flumet and head up to Le Collet d’Allevard for mountain views. A hike in the Belledonne range is another excellent way to experience the area.
Is Allevard a good destination for families?
Yes. Families can enjoy Lac du Flumet, easy countryside walks and seasonal activities around Le Collet d’Allevard. For a different day out, children often love taking Grenoble’s famous cable car up to the Bastille.
When is the best time to visit Allevard?
Spring and summer are particularly pleasant for walking and outdoor activities, while autumn brings beautiful colours to the mountains. Winter offers opportunities for snow sports at Le Collet d’Allevard and gives the destination a completely different atmosphere.
Why choose Allevard for a holiday in the French Alps?
Allevard combines the natural beauty and outdoor activities of the Belledonne mountains with the relaxation of a traditional thermal spa town. Its location also makes it easy to explore Grenoble, Chambéry and the Grésivaudan Valley, offering plenty of variety throughout your stay.
