Chalets de l'Aulp

Chalets de l'Aulp. The Chalets de l'Aulp constitute a traditional hamlet of alpine pasture dwellings situated high in the Massif des Bauges regional natural park within the French Alps. Located near the Col de l'Aulp, these stone and wood structures historically served as a summer settlement for transhumance, where farmers from valleys like Lescheraines and La Compôte would bring their herds to graze. The site is emblematic of the agro-pastoral heritage of Savoie and offers a strategic viewpoint over the Combe de Savoie and the Bauges Mountains.

History

The origins of the Chalets de l'Aulp are deeply rooted in the centuries-old transhumance practices of the Bauges region, likely established during the 18th or early 19th century. Historically, the hamlet functioned as a critical *alpage* (high-altitude pasture) for communities in the Val d'Arly and surrounding areas, with its use peaking before the rural exodus of the mid-20th century. Management of the pastures was often governed by complex communal agreements, or *fruitières*, similar to those found in other parts of the Duchy of Savoy. While pastoral activity declined, the site gained recognition for its cultural landscape, contributing to the Massif des Bauges' designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Its preservation is now supported by entities like the Parc naturel régional du Massif des Bauges and the French Federation of Alpine and Mountain Clubs.

Geography and location

The chalets are perched at approximately 1,800 meters altitude on the northeastern slopes of the Massif des Bauges, directly adjacent to the Col de l'Aulp which connects the valleys of Savoie and Haute-Savoie. The location sits within the geological domain of the Subalpine chains and overlooks the Combe de Savoie to the west, with vistas extending toward prominent peaks like the Dent de Cons and the Arcalod. The immediate environment consists of alpine meadows, karstic plateaus, and limestone cliffs characteristic of the Bauges Mountains. This positioning places it within the watershed of the Rhône river and near the boundaries of the Réserve nationale de chasse et de faune sauvage des Bauges.

Architecture and description

The architecture is typical of the vernacular building styles of the northern French Alps, utilizing local materials such as limestone rubble and larch wood. Structures generally feature low-pitched, heavy stone roofs designed to withstand substantial snow loads from the Alps, with integrated stables on the ground level and haylofts above. The hamlet is composed of several clustered buildings, including main chalets, smaller *mazots* (storage huts), and a communal bread oven, arranged to provide shelter from the dominant winds of the Col de l'Aulp. This functional design directly supported the seasonal cheese-making activities, with some chalets housing *tuyé* (open hearths) for smoking meats, a tradition also seen in the Jura Mountains.

Access and usage

Primary access is via hiking trails, notably the GRP Tour des Bauges and paths originating from villages like Lescheraines or Bellecombe-en-Bauges, with the nearest significant road being the D 911 in the Combe de Savoie. The site is not accessible by private vehicle, preserving its tranquil character and making it a popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers exploring the Parc naturel régional du Massif des Bauges. While some chalets remain in seasonal use for pastoralism, most are now privately owned or maintained for recreational purposes, serving as a refuge rather than a permanent settlement. The area is also used for snowshoeing and ski touring in winter, under the management of local associations like the Club Alpin Français.

In popular culture

While not a frequent backdrop for major cinematic productions, the Chalets de l'Aulp and the surrounding Col de l'Aulp have been featured in regional media and photography celebrating the heritage of Savoie. The site often appears in publications by the French Federation of Hiking and guidebooks for the GRP Tour des Bauges. Its picturesque, timeless quality has made it a subject for painters and photographers inspired by the Alpine landscape, akin to the artistic interest in places like the Vanoise National Park. The hamlet embodies the romantic ideal of the traditional alpine life that is central to the cultural identity promoted by institutions such as the Musée Savoisien in Chambéry.

Category:Buildings and structures in Savoie Category:Hamlets in France Category:Massif des Bauges