The History of La Plagne

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La Plagne: Between History and Mountains

Nestled in the Tarentaise Valley, in Savoie, at the heart of the French Alps, La Plagne has a history as rich as it is fascinating. Its development is first linked to a centuries-old mining tradition that shaped the region for hundreds of years.

From the 1960s onward, the local economy transformed with the arrival of the “white gold”: skiing became the driving force of growth, and La Plagne reinvented itself as an internationally renowned alpine resort.

The Mining Origins of La Plagne 1800

The mining history of La Plagne 1800 dates back to Roman times, when deposits of lead, zinc, and silver were already being exploited in the surrounding mountains. This activity developed over the centuries, gradually attracting miners and their families to the region.

However, it was only in the 20th century that mining took on significant importance. From the early 1900s, the opening of several lead-zinc mines marked a major economic turning point. A range of infrastructure was then established: tunnels, industrial buildings, and workers’ housing came to shape the landscape of this Alpine village undergoing transformation.

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Bobsleigh in La Plagne and the 1992 Winter Olympics

The practice of bobsleigh on track in La Plagne dates back several decades, paving the way for its selection as the official venue for the bobsleigh events during the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville.

 
 
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The bobsleigh track, specially built for the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics, is 1,507 meters long, features 19 curves, and has an elevation drop of 124 meters. It hosted athletes from 27 delegations between February 9 and 23, 1992.

Even today, this track remains a benchmark venue in France, regularly hosting international competitions and training sessions, while offering unique experiences to visitors with activities such as Bob Raft, Speed Luge, and Bob Racing.

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la Plagne 1800

The birth of the La Plagne ski resort in the 1960s

The La Plagne resort, as we know it today, was born in the 1960s during a decisive turning point for the region. Faced with the decline of the mining industry, once a local economic pillar, Dr. Pierre Borrione envisioned a new development model: mountain tourism.

His ambition was to create a modern ski resort to revitalize the area and open new economic opportunities. The old mining infrastructures were then repurposed to welcome skiers and visitors, marking the beginning of a profound transformation.

La Plagne today

La Plagne today asserts itself as one of the most dynamic and renowned resorts in the French Alps. Integrated into the prestigious Paradiski domain, it forms, together with Les Arcs and Peisey-Vallandry, a ski area of over 425 km of slopes, offering an exceptional variety of routes for all levels.

Ski enthusiasts find well-maintained pistes, modern lifts, and spectacular panoramas, ensuring an unforgettable experience on the snowy peaks.

While maintaining its family-friendly character, La Plagne has evolved to meet the expectations of a discerning clientele. It offers a wide range of activities: ski schools for children, snowshoe hikes, sledding runs, as well as wellness areas, swimming pools, and other entertainment for all ages.

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La Plagne: a dynamic and sporty resort

After 23 years of absence, La Plagne will welcome the Tour de France again in July 2025 with two exceptional events:

L’Étape du Tour – Sunday, July 20, 2025: Nearly 16,000 amateur cyclists will face the same course as the professionals, on roads completely closed to traffic. This iconic event allows enthusiasts to test their endurance on the challenging terrain of Savoie.

19th stage of the Tour de France – Friday, July 25, 2025: Riders will start from Albertville for a 130 km stage with 4,500 meters of positive elevation gain. After climbing four mountain passes, they will finish with a 19.1 km final ascent to Plagne Villages, over 2,000 meters above sea level. A spectacular stage is expected.

The peloton will pass right in front of the terrace of Chalet du Bois Melay in La Plagne 1800. Book your summer stay now to experience this unique event from the best vantage point.

Winter Olympic Games 2030

France has been officially chosen to host the 2030 Winter Olympic Games in the Alps. La Plagne, with its world-class facilities, will play a central role, notably by hosting the bobsleigh and luge events on its famous Olympic track.

Discover the history of La Plagne at the Heritage House. Demander à ChatGPT

Located in the heart of Plagne Centre, within the Espace Pierra Menta, the Heritage House invites you on an immersive journey into the history of La Plagne and the Tarentaise Valley.

Spanning over 100 m² of exhibition space, this carefully curated display traces the evolution of the resort: from the first mountain villages to the creation of one of the most iconic ski areas in the Alps. Anecdotes, archives, period objects, and testimonies bring this lively and accessible visit to life.

An immersion into the past
From humble beginnings to the spectacular growth of the resort, explore the key moments that shaped La Plagne’s unique identity. A perfect place for history enthusiasts and the curious alike.

A stay rooted in authenticity
Take advantage of your luxury chalet rental nearby to explore the local heritage and discover the deep roots of this legendary resort, blending tradition and modernity.

Le Bois Melay in La Plagne 1800

The Chalet du Bois Melay takes its name from the Plante Melay forest, a vast woodland surrounding the chalet in La Plagne 1800. This typically Savoyard forest shelters a rich variety of trees: firs, larches, and Swiss pines, the latter being a resinous species emblematic of the Alps.

Traveling up the departmental road from the Aime-La Plagne valley, you will pass 21 numbered hairpin bends in descending order. At hairpin bend number 2, a sign marks the hamlet of Plante Melay. The Chalet du Bois Melay is located just after hairpin bend number 1, overlooking the village of La Plagne 1800.

Chalets in La Plagne

In La Plagne, many chalets have been carefully renovated, blending alpine authenticity with modern amenities. The most beautiful addresses can be found notably in La Plagne 1800, Plagne Villages, Plagne Centre, and Belle Plagne—areas prized for their charm and direct access to the slopes.

Among the most exclusive accommodations, our 5-star Chalet du Bois Melay stands out with its high-end features: private spa, tailored concierge services, personalized care, and an elegant atmosphere.

La Plagne thus combines an exceptional skiing experience, family-friendly hospitality, and discreet luxury for unforgettable holidays in the heart of the Alps.

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Prix pour une semaine du samedi au samedi, incluant hébergement, pension complète (hors boissons) et 6 activités.

A partir de 1400€ par personne*

-20% pour les – de 8 ans.
GRATUIT pour les – de 4 ans.
-10% sur la deuxième semaine Pour un séjour de 2 semaines.

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-5% pour nos clients Le CLUB 
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*Le tarif varie en fonction du chalet et de la semaine choisie.