Bourg-Saint-Pierre – Mountain Scenery and Culture

When looking for a hotel in Bourg-Saint-Pierre, first choose according to the focus of your stay: multi-day trekking, cultural history, alpine plants or a winter day of skiing. The places and activities differ considerably in character and offer different ways to plan your trip.

Alpine Trails and the Great St Bernard

The Grand Tour des Combins starts in Bourg-Saint-Pierre and is a nine-day alpine trekking tour between Switzerland and Italy. The route follows old paths and, weather permitting, offers 360-degree views of the snow-covered peaks of the Grand Combin. At nine days, it is a longer undertaking; check mountain conditions before setting out.

The hospice on the Great St Bernard organises pilgrimages throughout the year. On these, you cross the mountain landscape and learn about Bernardine spirituality. Check dates and arrangements before travelling. The hospice houses Europe's highest-altitude church, which is free to visit; check visitor arrangements in advance. The Musée de l’Hospice is dedicated to the history of the Great St Bernard. As opening hours vary by season, it is best to check them before your trip.

Buildings and Local History

Notre-Dame de Lorette is about a 15-minute walk from Bourg-Saint-Pierre. The church has a Baroque altar with a painting by Antoine Hecht from 1814. In September 1968, the State Council of Valais designated Notre-Dame de Lorette as a historic monument. For a different perspective on architectural history, visit the church in Bourg-Saint-Pierre, dedicated to Saint Peter and built in 1739. Château d’Allinges is mentioned in 1323.

The Moulin du Valsorey is also part of the area's history: it is the last surviving testament to the milling industry of Bourg-Saint-Pierre and has been designated a historic monument. Following its restoration, it was inaugurated as a functioning mill in 2005. The two dates, 1814 and 2005, relate to different things: at Notre-Dame de Lorette, the date concerns a painting; at the Moulin, it marks the restoration of the mill's function.

Alpine Plants and Engineering

La Linnaea is both an alpine garden and an alpine biology station. There, you can discover more than 300 plants, most of which belong to the local flora. The garden is open to the public and admission is free. Check local access conditions before visiting.

A feat of engineering in Bourg-Saint-Pierre is the Les Toules dam: this arch dam is 86 metres high. Rap jumping is possible at the dam. As the activity may be seasonal or require booking, check the arrangements in advance. This lets you combine a visit to La Linnaea with a very different aspect of the region, without reducing the two places to the same kind of experience.

Winter Activities

The Jardin des neiges La Lorette is at the entrance to Bourg-Saint-Pierre. Its ski lift and gentle slope are designed for beginners; it operates seasonally in winter. Ski lessons for children with an instructor are available on request. If skiing is important to your stay, take the season into account and request lessons.

Discover more destinations: Orsières, Verbier, Liddes, Sarreyer, Fionnay, Le Châble, Bagnes, Vollèges.

For the wider travel overview: Entremont.