Bourg-Saint-Maurice and the Haute-Tarentaise: van adventures in the heart of the Alps

Between snow-capped peaks and authentic villages, the Haute-Tarentaise is the perfect playground for van enthusiasts and lovers of wide-open spaces. Discover five must-see spots to explore from your campervan.

By the Le Campeur editorial team · 23 October 2026

Welcome to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, the gateway to the Haute-Tarentaise and a paradise for road-trippers seeking untouched nature. Here, winding roads lead to breathtaking landscapes, from high-altitude lakes and legendary mountain passes to Savoyard heritage. Ready to hit the road? Here are the unmissable stops, all accessible by van or campervan.

Col de l’Iseran

The highest mountain pass in the Alps, standing at 2,770 m, offers unrivalled views of the surrounding peaks. Open in summer, it’s a must for lovers of dramatic scenery and panoramic drives.

Where to sleep nearby

Parking by Chapel Col de l'Iseran Bonneval-sur-Arc Parking ★ 4.4 At 2,770 m, the col offers a unique starry sky. Direct, free access, preserved Alpine atmosphere. › Camping Les Richardes Campsite ★ 4.5 Grassy campsite 300 m from the centre, mountain views. Full amenities, peaceful, 5 min drive. › Pont Saint-Charles parking Val-d'Isère Parking ★ 4.6 Large, flat parking at 2,000 m, spacious. 5 min drive, ideal for vans or campervans. › 3428 Route de l'Ecot, Bonneval-sur-Arc Parking ★ 4.8 Gravel parking at the start of hiking trails, toilets. 7 min drive, very quiet and popular. › D902, Bonneval-sur-Arc Motorhome area ★ 3.4 Flat parking with service point, near shops. 6 min drive, free and practical. ›

Lac de Tignes

This high-altitude lake, nestled at 2,100 m, is a turquoise gem surrounded by mountains. Perfect for a picnic or a lakeside stroll, it charms visitors with its tranquillity and wild beauty.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Onlycamp - Tignes Campsite ★ 4.3 Nature campsite near the dam, grassy and shaded pitches. 5 min drive (4 km), rated 4.3. › Motorhome area Grande Motte Tignes Motorhome area ★ 3.3 Site with full services (water, toilets, waste disposal), €10 per night. 12 min walk from the lake and shops. › Hiking parking Grande Sassière Tignes Parking ★ 4.2 Parking at 2,200 m altitude, exceptional panoramic views. 6 min drive (6 km), rated 4.2. › Village parking Val-d'Isère Parking ★ 3.6 Free summer parking, flat and open ground with mountain views. 7 min drive (6 km), quiet. › Overnight parking at foot of slopes Tignes Parking ★ 3.1 Parking at the foot of the slopes in Brévières, flat and level. 5 min drive (5 km), free shuttles. ›

Vanoise Express

This cable car links La Plagne to Les Arcs in just a few minutes, soaring over dizzying valleys. A unique experience to admire the Alps without leaving your vehicle, with campervan-friendly parking nearby.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Les Lanchettes Campsite ★ 4.8 Caravaneige in the mountains, free shuttle to the lifts. 4.8/5, 45 reviews, absolute tranquillity. › Camping Montchavin-Les Coches Campsite ★ 4.8 Municipal campsite with Mont Blanc views, 5 min from the lifts. 4.8/5, 40 reviews. › Quiet sunset parking Peisey-Nancroix Parking ★ 4.6 Free parking at 1,600 m, toilets and water, 7 min drive. 4.6/5, 30 reviews. › Camping Le Bioley Campsite ★ 4.3 Family campsite at 1,300 m, heated pool and valley views. 4.3/5, 23 reviews, 6 km away. › Parking before Rosuel refuge Peisey-Nancroix Parking ★ 4.8 Free grass and stone parking, 24-hour stays allowed, near a refuge. 4.8/5, 18 reviews, 6 min drive. ›

Village of Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise

This charming Savoyard village has preserved its authenticity with wooden chalets and a Baroque church. Ideal for a gourmet stop or a wander through its cobbled streets.

Where to sleep nearby

Forest benches parking Montvalezan Parking ★ 4.7 Forest at 1,600 m, quiet and shaded. Toilets, fountain, 5 min drive. › Parking at summit narrow road Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise Parking ★ 4.6 Glacier and waterfall views, wild setting. Narrow access, 6 min drive. › Camping de la Forêt Exposé Campsite ★ 4.1 Forest campsite at 1,800 m, pool and jacuzzi. 5 min drive, 4.1/5. › Parking under trees Séez Parking ★ 4.7 Chapel with views over Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Tables, drinking water, 8 min drive. › Petit Lake parking Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise Parking ★ 4.6 Exceptional panorama, direct access to hiking trails. Flat ground, 5 min drive. ›

Barrage de Tignes

A symbol of Alpine engineering, this hydroelectric dam towers over the valley and offers a spectacular viewpoint over the lake. An impressive spot to learn about the region’s history and energy.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Onlycamp - Tignes Campsite ★ 4.3 Nature campsite at the foot of the dam, quiet and shaded. 4.3/5, 13 min walk. › Motorhome area Grande Motte Tignes Motorhome area ★ 3.3 Paid area (€10) in Val Claret, full services. 5 min drive, free shuttle. › Parking at summit narrow road Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise Parking ★ 4.6 Wild parking with glacier views, free. 4.6/5, 6 min drive (6 km). › Camping Les Richardes Campsite ★ 4.5 Grassy campsite in Val-d’Isère, mountain views. 4.5/5, 8 min drive (7 km). › Lake-side parking Tignes Parking ★ 3.1 Free parking by the lake, very quiet. Flat ground, 25 min walk. ›

Parc national de la Vanoise

France’s first national park protects exceptional wildlife and flora, including the ibex. Its van-accessible trails let you immerse yourself in untouched nature.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Les Balmasses Campsite ★ 4.3 Family campsite by the river, mountain views. Spacious pitches, guaranteed peace (4.3/5). › Val Cenis station parking Termignon Parking ★ 5 Hiking start near the lakes, large parking. Free, 7 min walk from the park (5/5). › Quiet parking by Doron river Val-Cenis Parking ★ 4.7 Quiet earth parking, picnic tables. Mountain views, 6 km drive (4.7/5). › Quiet parking by the river Termignon Parking ★ 4.1 Isolated by the river, flat ground. Free, 5 km drive (4.1/5). › Flat parking overlooking river Val-Cenis Parking ★ 3 Overlooking the river, walking distance to shops. Very quiet, 7 km drive (3/5). ›

See all spots on the map