Hamlets of Le Miroir and La Masure in Sainte Foy Tarentaise

Hamlets witnesses to a past of transhumance

To explore the emblematic hamlets of Sainte-Foy is to plunge into the heart of the commune’s history and discover its traditional dwellings, true reflections of mountain life.

These places, full of memories, evoke a past punctuated by transhumance, when the inhabitants and their herds migrated with the seasons. This nomadic way of life greatly influenced the organization of the commune, which covers an area of 11,000 hectares, with altitudes ranging from 890 meters to 3,746 meters at the summit of Grande Sassière. From the narrowness of the lanes to the detail of the houses, every element has something to tell of an Alpine past.

Discovering Le Miroir & La Masure

Among Sainte-Foy Tarentaise’s most emblematic hamlets, we recommend exploring Le Miroir and La Masure, two neighbors distinguished by their columned houses, built in the XVIIᵉ century by Piedmontese masons. Originally, these columns supported the roof overhangs to shelter firewood for the winter, but today they are fully part of the Santaférain landscape. They have even become emblematic of the traditional architecture of the ski resort, which was last extended in 1990.

This walk will tell you many other secrets, of which Mont Pourri, clearly visible from these hamlets, was a privileged witness.

Access

From the village of Sainte-Foy, take the road towards Tignes, then turn left as you leave the village towards La Rosière. You can park in the hamlet of La Masure for the walk.

Practice

Both hamlets are within walking distance of each other.

Advice

If you’re going to do this in winter, remember to choose equipment suited to the cold and slippery ground.