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A long Alpine valley shaped by mountain passes, peaks and traditional skills, Maurienne embodies the raw and authentic spirit of Savoie. A land of passage and character, it cultivates a deep connection between nature, tradition and local life. It was in these mountains that the Opinel pocket knife was born in 1890. With Les Alpes by Opinel, we set out to meet the people who bring this iconic valley to life, for an immersion in the heart of a mountainous region, between Alpine heritage and contemporary inspirations.
Reach new heights in Maurienne
Discover the pleasant and peaceful atmosphere of the Grand Coin:
Accessible from both La Chambre and Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, the Grand Coin area is the ideal place for a timeless moment. A superb view of the Aiguilles d'Arves, a Finnish kota for a quiet break and several places to eat and drink to fully enjoy the moment.
We recommend the La Chal trail, which you can explore on snowshoes. Starting from the Col du Chaussy reception centre, take the path that climbs gently towards the Chalet du Mélèze. At the chalet, turn left to reach the ridge. Continue your ascent along the edge of the forest on your right.
Stay on the marked trail: behind the trees, the cliffs are hidden, reminding you of the power of the Alpine landscape. Your journey will take you to the Croix de la Chal, an iconic spot where the mountain reveals all its majesty. After a photo break or a moment of contemplation, the return journey is a gentle walk along the same path, in a setting that is just as enchanting.
The Finnish Kota: a warm break in the heart of the woods
During your explorations, treat yourself to a moment of conviviality in the Finnish Kota. This traditional wooden refuge is nestled in the heart of the forest. Equipped with a barbecue, it is the perfect place to warm up, share a meal or simply enjoy an authentic atmosphere during a snowshoeing or cross-country skiing outing.
Visitor centres: your starting points in summer and winter
The Grand Coin area has two visitor centres, at Col du Chaussy and Bonvillard.
These are the gateway to Nordic activities, offering: trail maps, ski pass sales, equipment hire (classic skis, skating skis, boots, snowshoes, sledges) and the reassuring presence of a ski patroller-first aider.
👉 For more information on hiking, contact the Montagicimes Tourist Office
+33 4 79 83 51 51
📍 Ancien Evêché, Place de la Cathédrale, 73300 Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne
The Opinel Museum - at the heart of the manufacture of a French icon
After all that effort and immersion in nature, the Maurienne region also invites you on another journey: one of expertise and tradition. In Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, a visit to the Opinel Museum extends the alpine experience by delving into the history of the knife that has become emblematic, born of this mountainous land.
Housed in a former Opinel factory, the museum devotes nearly 700 m² to the world of the famous knife!
The machines from the old forge, which remained in place when the building was converted into a museum, create the perfect atmosphere for discovering the lineage of Opinel blacksmiths and the brand's beginnings. From this room, marked by the smell of the hearth and the noise of the forge, you will then move on to a more modern space retracing the great technical and industrial development of the company and its production throughout the 20th century to the present day.
The permanent exhibition is complemented each year by a temporary exhibition. This winter 2025-2026, a theatre company will interpret the brand's early founding years through the prism of the men and women who shaped and marked the company.
Seated comfortably on furniture created from old pulleys, the museum café offers a range of hot and cold drinks. The museum shop presents the brand's current range and offers instant knife personalisation. The museum is free and accessible to people with reduced mobility. The permanent exhibition is translated into several foreign languages.
An engraving and sharpening service is available, giving you the opportunity to leave with a personalised knife, either for yourself or as a gift — a useful, durable and meaningful souvenir.
📍 25 Rue Jean Jaurès, 73300 Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne
👉 Find out more about the museum: https://www.opinel.com/en/the-museum
A place where enthusiasts, curious visitors and travellers can discover or rediscover the world of Opinel. 🔪
The Galibier Brewery - unique expertise
After exploring the museum, it's time for another passion and tradition: brewing.
Located in the heart of the Maurienne valley, Brasserie Galibier has been bringing the spirit of the mountains to life for over fifteen years. Founded in Valloire, at the foot of the great Alpine passes, it draws its identity from a demanding, authentic and deeply vibrant environment. Here, the beer is brewed with ingredients carefully selected by the master brewer and uses spring water from the Clapière glacier at the foot of the Grand Galibier.
Independent and committed, Brasserie Galibier champions local, controlled and sincere production. Behind each brew lies a taste for a job well done, attention to raw materials and a constant desire to innovate without ever betraying the essentials. Whether blonde, white, IPA or more daring recipes, Galibier beers are just as perfect for enjoying after a hike as they are for sharing around the table.
Like the Maurienne region, it cultivates a free and friendly spirit. It is also the only brewery in the world to use exclusively No. 13 knife handles as tap handles in its "Tap room" bar-terrace, which welcomes visitors to eat and taste its beers. A unique nod to local tradition and craftsmanship.
*Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, please drink responsibly.
