Bourg St Maurice

Bourg-Saint-Maurice, located in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps, is the gateway town to the Paradiski ski area, which includes Les Arcs, La Plagne, and Peisey-Vallandry. Thanks to its funicular railway that links directly to Les Arcs in just seven minutes, Bourg-St-Maurice is a practical and affordable base for skiers and snowboarders who want easy access to one of the largest ski domains in the world without staying in a purpose-built resort. The town itself offers a more authentic alpine atmosphere, with year-round residents, bustling markets, and a wide range of amenities. Accommodation options are diverse, ranging from budget-friendly hotels, hostels, and apartments to charming chalets and boutique-style lodgings. This variety makes Bourg particularly attractive to groups, families, and longer-stay visitors who want flexibility, good value, and easy access to multiple ski areas. Pros: Direct access to Les Arcs via funicular and close to other major ski resorts in the Tarentaise Valley Wide range of affordable accommodation options compared to resort villages Authentic alpine town with shops, restaurants, and year-round life Excellent transport links (train station with TGV connections) Cons: Not ski-in/ski-out; requires transport to access the slopes Less of a "resort" atmosphere compared to purpose-built ski villages Après-ski and nightlife quieter than in nearby resorts May not appeal to those wanting to stay directly on the slopes