|
|
|
 |
Neither
electrical pylons nor aerials have come to spoil this harmony which exists
on the ground. The inhabitants themselves have built their homes and used
names instead of numbers in order to preserve this authenticity. With
its twelve classified or historical monuments and its sites and reserves,
this little village has, on several occasions, deservedly won competitions,
such as the Prix National de l'art de vivre (National Prize for the Art
of Living) in 1980 and the "VILLAGE SOURIRE" (the "SMILING VILLAGE") in
1996, amongst others...
|
|
The
Valley of the Maurienne finishes at Bonneval-sur-Arc, between Vanoise
and Grand Paradis, but beyond the col de la Madeleine begins the part
the most remote and the most secret of the entire Haute Maurienne. The
landscape becomes imposing and harsh and nothing is easy in this challenging
country. But one is strangely bewitched by this decorative splendour where
human beings were implanted at the Arc's sources, at an altitude of some
1800 metres. This, at the heart of this sublime beauty that is the Alpine
landscape, which has existed for several thousand years through the love
and freedom that the authentic life offers and also at the limits of the
impossible.
|
 |
|
In the depths of this valley, as in all high valleys,
the oldness of human occupation was infinitely less significant than in
other regions due to the climatic conditions, as it was necessary to await
the retreat of those large glaciers first of all.
|
|
 |
We
can affirm at least one thing, and, according to Roman writings, it is
this: about 15 B.C. communities such as Bonneval already existed with
their own agro-pastoral systems already in place.
|
|
 |
||
|
The
inhabitants raised taryn cattle, cultivated barley and produced honey.
As with all frontier villages, Bonneval was for centuries tossed around
between the French and Italian nationalities.
In passing, let it be noted that the first annexation of the Savoie to France was in 534 by the son of Clovis. |
||
 |
During
many long centuries, this village was subject to wars, pillaging, additional
taxes, famines and the plague. During the Revolution the inhabitants saw
themselves as being reproached for having too strong an attachment to
their former sovereign, so in 1860 they were unanimous in asking to become
part of the French Republic. The First World War also affected this region.
21 from the village of Bonneval died in the field of battle which represented
some 6.80% of the population, compared to the national average of 3.50%.
On the other hand, during the Second World War the Bonneval resistance
disrupted the occupation and saved the village whilst fires destroyed
many villages downstream. It is because of this that this village and
that of l'Ecot were able to safeguard their architectonic characters :
houses that do not have more that one floor, just a single roof for the
entire community, built of roofing stone and with narrow lanes that lack
light.
|
|
It
was in the spring 1957, that it poured with rain for three days non-stop.
The slopes were badly affected and the torrent that meandered down towards
the bottom of the valley suddenly became a monstrous river of thick lava
that brought along with it blocks that weighed several tons; the bridges
and the paths were carried away and half the dwellings were buried by
the sand...
When the waters finally retreated the scene was rather like a lunar landscape. If a list had to be made of the most seriously affected villages then no doubt Bonneval would be one of the first to be mentioned. |
 |
 |
At
the foot of a glacial cirque, with its famous avalanches... In short,
all this encouraged migration. But despite this it was the tenacity of
a group of determined men that came to the fore!
Inspite of the worst possible conditions that existed in this geographical enclave, they proved that a farmer who lived in misery could become comfortably off, free and indeed a responsible company boss. They wanted to evolve towards making progress but at the same time preserving their roots and identity. |
|
In
order to achieve this, there were two complementary objectives : the economic
machinery of the mountain and the protection of the landscape that were
to see, in a short space of time, three decades catch up with three centuries.
After having created a Cooperative Company and a modern cheese diary in a chalet, these shepherds increased by tenfold their milk production within 15 years. The farmers were all made sale promoters as they got into debt in order to build about a hundred freestone chalets that were to be let out to the tourists during the winter and summer months. The village has almost become a multiple activity kind of company; through loans it has built a winter ski resort with all the necessary infrastructures, 10 skilifts (1 chairlift, 9 skilifts) that can reach an altitude of some 3000 metres, an underground car park for 94 cars and a hydro-electrical plant. Also there are electrical, telephone and television cable networks that are all buried underground. |
 |
|
It
cannot only be seen as a new city, but a superb built-up area that has
kept to the style of the country and where all the community is able to
come together for the activities that are on offer : some to produce milk
from the mountain pastures, others to follow traditional Savoyard crafts
like working with wood for example. Thus little by little an exhibition
hall has been set up where, in the summer, furniture and a variety of
artistic objects are presented to visitors who pass by.
This extraordinary village of some 270 inhabitants, in which 70 % are under 30 years old today, has not only survived but has developed its economy and has accepted the concept of progress without destroying the site and their own personality. |
 |
These
people who have been forged by the mountains and who love nature will
welcome you with open arms and will make you appreciate their way of life;
in the summer through magnificent and guided hikes over the different
glaciers, (the glacier du Pissaillas at the col de l'Iseran where you
can enjoy summer skiing), in the winter by skiing on superb powder snow,
like nowhere else and on a majestic and protected site : this resort-village
has everything for your enjoyment.
There is one intriguing thing about the place and that is the emblem of Bonneval-sur-Arc which happens to be a marmot (animal that lives in holes)! Rather strange for a village that hardly ever sleeps!!!! |
|
A
PERFECT HARMONY ! The snow coverage in the Valley of the Maurienne is perhaps the best aspect of this whole area where one can ski from December to May at the foot of dazzling glaciers. In the summer, there is the beauty of the fauna and flora that reflects the richness of the heritage and the traditions that are jealously preserved. |
||
|
Having won the national prize for the Art of Living and recently named the "VILLAGE SOURIRE" (the "SMILING VILLAGE") in 1996 by the Direction du Tourisme for its warm welcome, Bonneval-sur-Arc is one of the most authentic resorts in the French Alps. It is situated between the Vanoise and the Grand Paradis at an altitude of 1800 metres, at the heart of a sublime landscape in an environment that has remained in its natural state. |
|
|
 |
It is one of the best places for long and peaceful hikes. It is at the entrance to the Parc National de la Vanoise (Vanoise National Park), where, in the summer, mountain races are at the top of the agenda. According to your level, you could attempt the Ouille noire that is intended for beginners and which has a view over some fifty summits. |
|
|
Finally, for the more experienced there is the famous Albaron. There are some 120 kms of marked trails to enjoy in order to discover a flora and fauna that has been rigorously preserved : ibexes (mountain goats), chamois, marmots, eagles, different kinds of hares, stoats, grouse... you will discover a world apart, grandiose and where everyone lives in harmony. |
 |
|
|
Finally,
try not to miss, under any circumstances, the Cirque des Evettes where
you will be able to observe one of the largest glaciers of the Vanoise.
|
||
|
|
Tourist
Office
73480 Bonneval-sur-Arc Tel. 04.79.05.95.95 - Fax : 04.79.05.86.87 E-mail : info@bonneval-sur-arc.com |
|
