The town of Vaujany, set at 1250m, is typically Alpine in its character and architecture. Located above the reservoir at Allemont up a fairly steep climb, Vaujany offers stunning views of the local area. The town is set on one side of a valley. The newer larger hotels have been designed and built in a way to integrate beautifully with the original alpine architecture of the town.
The main market town of the Oisans region Bourg d’Oisans, is a 25 minute (14km) drive away. Being the main town ‘Bourg’ offers a wide array of shops, bars and restaurants. It has a large supermarket with parking (ideal for stocking up!). Petrol stations, banks, post office, pharmacies, medical centre, bus terminus, builder’s merchants, churches, riverside walks, cycle hire, swimming pool, tennis courts, Osteopaths (the list goes on!) can all be found in this quaint typically alpine mountain town.
Sights & Attractions in Vaujany
The 21 hairpin bends that lead from Bourg d’Oisans up to Alpe d’Huez is probably the most famous climb in the whole of the cycling world. The views from the top of the Pic Blanc (accessed from the DMC lift centre) offers truly breath taking views, on a clear day you can see Mont Blanc, Les Deux Alpes and even the mighty Mont Ventoux (the giant of Provence!!). Around 45 minutes toward Grenoble is the historic town of Vizille with its museum and Chateau. Top-flight rugby is played at the new Stade des Alpes by Top14 club Grenoble, which is around an hour away. The historic and incredibly picturesque ‘Route Napoleon’ runs from the area all the way to the Mediterranean, and follows the route taken by Napoleon upon his return from Elba in 1815, and links Grenoble with Cannes (N85).
Events in Vaujany
Vaujany hosts a large cycling race each summer in June, but for more variety of events you'll need to head over to the main resort of Alpe d'Huez
Things to Do in Vaujany
Linked to the Alpe d’huez Grande domain by the suitably nicknamed ‘James Bond Gondola car’, Vaujany offers a wide range of winter activities, with something to suit all abilities. Winter activities include skiing, snowboarding (on and off Piste), cross country skiing, Nordic walking, paragliding and the latest craze of ‘Fat biking’ (basically a mountain bike with 4x4 tyres). In summer Vaujany offers mountain biking, hiking, archery, climbing and has a fantastic modern sports centre offering an indoor ice rink, swimming pool, bowling, tennis and a fully equipped gymnasium.
The nine-hole golf course in Alpe d’Huez, by the altiport, consists of 6 ‘pitch and putt’ holes to start and 3 genuine tough par 3’s to finish. A tougher 9-hole course can be found in Les Deux Alpes, underneath the ‘red jelly bean’ bubble car. For a serious challenge try the Golf International at Eybens, around 45 minutes away towards Grenoble (near Vizille), this Robert Trent Jones designed course is regarding a being amongst the best in France. During the summer in Alpe d’Huez most Thursdays you will find a competition at the course which can be entered on the day. The 6th tee box is literally on the runway of the altiport and offers fantastic views. There are other courses in the area at Seyssins, Charmeil, and Uriage (all near Grenoble).
Dining in Vaujany
La Remise, in the middle of town, has a good menu and offers good quality. Stief's Steakhouse (practically next door) does what it says on the tin! Le Stou restaurant, located in the sports centre complex, is great for an apres-swim or apres-workout meal and drink. When on the mountain, L'Alpette - Chez Passoud offers good food and views.
Nightlife in Vaujany
Livelier than Oz but quieter than Alpe d’Huez, Vaujany has a few bars that offer good fun ‘apres-ski’. Stief's Steakhouse café offers an array of beers, Wi-Fi, drinks promos and live sports. L’Aigle Royal in the middle of town has a nice atmosphere.
Chalets in Vaujany
There are some really gorgeous Alpine style chalets in Vaujany with plenty of choice in terms of size, style and budget. A lot of them can be rented out in the summer months too for all those cycling & mountain bike fans that head over this way each year.
Apartments in Vaujany
There are a good range of apartments to choose from in Vaujany from small studios to larger ones suited to big families or groups.
