Tarentaise Valley

Tarentaise Valley is a U-shaped valley in the Graian Alps, with the Isère River flowing between the Beaufortain and Vanoise mountain ranges. The valley stretches across several kilometers and is framed by steep rock faces and forested slopes.

The valley's name comes from Darantasia, a settlement that served as the capital of the Centrones tribe in pre-Roman times. The region later became an important mountain crossing point and was integrated into Roman provincial territories.

Communities in the valley maintain traditional alpine farming on the northern slopes, while ski resorts shape the southern side. This contrast between heritage practices and modern tourism defines how the valley looks today.

A railway system connects Paris to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, while the N90 road provides access through the valley floor. In summer, mountain passes open up easily, but winter makes conditions tougher and the valley harder to reach.

In summer, broad mountain passes connect the valley to the neighboring Maurienne region and allow through traffic. In winter it becomes a dead-end, ending at Val d'Isère, which shapes how people move through the area with changing seasons.