Most skiers are more familiar with the well known villages of Tignes le Lac and Tignes Val Caret, the functional high altitude villages with what can only be kindly described as ‘contemporary’ architecture. However, there’s a hidden treasure in Tignes that far less people know about, the unspoilt village of Tignes Les Brevieres.
Les Brevieres is the most charming and authentic location, offers you a full range of skiing facilities, shops and bars, but unlike most ski resorts, has been left untouched by large-scale modern development and still retains its original village character and charm.
Connections to the rest of the Espace Killy are fast via the Sache telecabine then a chair.
Brevieres provides all the skiing facilities you might want to have during your holiday:
– There are three ski sale and hire shops, providing excellent up-to-date equipment and friendly service. Skibrev guests benefit from discounted rates
– There is an Intersport shop selling ski clothes and equipment
– There is an ESF ski school and office in Les Brevieres. Evo2 offers ski lessons from Brevieres too
– The Telecabine Sache takes you into the heart of the ski area in just 10 minutes. There are rarely queues and the tree lined pistes back to the village at the end of the day are quite spectacular
– For beginners there is a free drag lift and nursery slope in the village
Brevieres has all the usual resort facilities you would expect, e.g.:
– Cash machine
– Supermarket and bakery
– Post Office
– Tourist Office
– Tabac selling English newspapers, sweets, cigarettes etc
– 13th Century church
– Variety of bars and restaurants
History of Les Brevieres Village….
Tignes was originally only two villages, Tignes and Les Brévières, both traditional Savoyarde farming communities dating back to the 13th century.
However, much to the horror of Tignardes, in 1946, the French government decided that ‘progress’ was more important than tradition. The famous Dam was built and in April 1952 Old Tignes died under the rising waters, leaving only Les Brevieres intact.
Three more Tignes were created; Les Boisses, Le Lac, and Val Claret, spreading up the valley to the base of the Grande Motte. The church was re-constructed in Les Boisses, including the cemetery, which was moved along with its’ “long term inhabitants”. It can be seen from the chalet balcony.
A point of local interest is that every 10 years the dam is drained for maintenance and the ruins of the original Tignes can be seen, providing ex-residents a focus for a regular pilgrimage.
