Tignes
Tignes comprises 5 Villages; Tignes-les-Brévières below the dam, Tignes Les Boisses by the top of the dam, and Val Claret, Tignes le Lac, Le Lavachet which are all higher up and close together at 2100m. Les Brévières is an old village whereas all the others were created as part of the Dam construction or development of the ski resort. All villages are part of the ski resort known as Tignes.
The original village of Tignes was in the Isère valley below Val d'Isère. After the second world war, France needed electricity and it was decided to build a hydro-electric dam in the Isère valley. Whilst this was a great achievement for French engineering and was for the greater good of France, it very sadly meant that the old village of Tignes was drowned. The dam was completed and the village was consigned to the waters in 1952.
After the loss of the old village it was decided to develop a ski resort at the higher lake (Le Lac). This was surrounded by a bowl that is ideal for skiing and is headed by the Grand Motte glacier. The resort was developed largely during the 1960s and the building style reflects what was regarded as good building design at that time. In recent years the town has worked hard to improve the look of the new villages with some success.
Due to its altitude Tignes has a very reliable snow record which, after recent seasons of reduced snowfall, has encouraged people to choose higher mountain resorts. According to 'The good Ski & Snowboarding Guide 2005' Tignes/Val d'Isere is one of only two ski areas in France listed as 'Snow-sure resorts'.
Adventure Activities
As well as skiing there are many other things to do in Tignes including paragliding, husky dog sledding, horse riding, ski-joering, snowmobiling, driving go-carts, cars and quad bikes on ice, ice diving, mountain biking on snow, ice climbing, helicopter rides and snowshoe excursions. Many of these events take place on (or under!) the frozen lake. Evolution 2 organise many of these activities, please click here for further details.
Indoor activities
Tignespace offers squash, table tennis, indoor tennis and an indoor climbing wall as well as team sports such as basketball, volleyball and football. It is also possible to arrange yoga and massages where the masseur or masseuse come to the chalet. Spa and beauty treatments are also available at some of the hotels.
Le Lagon (The Lagoon)
Tignes new leisure centre is a great recent addition to Tignes and is fun for kids and adults alike. It includes;
- a 25-metre swimming pool
- a play pool with a 3-track multi-lane water slide, leisure pool, bubble bed, whirlpool seat, geyser, swimming against the current, waterfalls and more.
- Paddling pool with a water slide, mini whirlpool bath, mushroom feature.
- Spa centre with a spa, steam baths, saunas, fun showers, solarium and more.
- And if you have much energy after a day on the slopes..Gym, weight-training, cardio training, exercise classes and dance room.
- Plus panoramic views from pool, gym and spa.
Heritage Centre
The 'Heart of Tignes' heritage centre in La Maison de Tignes le Lac has seven centuries of history in photographs, artefacts and recorded accounts. It is organised into two displays:
Discovery section and Recordings section
* Panoramic screen
* Video glasses
* Interactive models
* Video and audio recordings
* Heritage collection
Open daily from 4 to 7 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. in bad weather.
Admission free. Closed on saturdays.
Documentary films shown daily at 6 p.m. Discovery game for children from age 10.
Evening Entertainment
In the evenings you can relax in the chalet lounge or enjoy some of the entertainment Tignes has to offer. There are 2 cinemas and 10 pin bowling as well as many bars and night-clubs. There is often live music in the bars to suit all tastes.
Multimedia centre
For anyone who needs office services, wants to learn a new skill or simply can't bear to be away from a computer there is a Multimedia and Business Centre. Here you can use the computer facilities, learn about digital photography, play networked games or keep in touch with the office. Most of the bars in Tignes offer free WiFi if you are a customer and of course both our chalets have WiFi and a computer for guests use.
