Savoie through the eyes of a 1992 Olympic Games athlete

After 5 years of relentless campaigning to win the 1992 Olympic Winter Games, Albertville and Savoie were officially chosen as organisers in 1986. So the French department and its workers had less than six years to prepare for the biggest event they had ever seen! After Chamonix in 1924 and Grenoble in 1968, these were the third Winter Olympics to be held in France, mobilising huge human and financial resources across several cities. From 8 February to 23 February 1992, Albertvillois and athletes from all over the world came together at thirteen Olympic venues, driven by passion!

In Albertville, the Sauvay district is home to sports facilities dedicated to the major events and to skating. A small Savoyard town just a few kilometres from the slopes, it is a cocoon cherished by its inhabitants, whose medieval past never ceases to fascinate and surprise its visitors.

If you head off in the direction of the medieval town of Conflans, you'll find an unforgettable setting for curious tourists. Cobbled streets, squares adorned with fountains, impressive religious buildings, unique historic gates and wrought-iron signs make this remarkably well-preserved town stand out. If you need to visit Albertville in a hurry, this is the ideal spot, with breathtaking panoramic views over the whole town... and its Olympic facilities!

To follow in the footsteps of the athletes who took part in the famous competition, a visit to the Albertville sites is a must! In the Olympic Hall, which can accommodate more than 30,000 spectators and was built for the skating events, the Tremplin 92 space takes visitors back in time to the crazy weeks Savoie experienced. Immersive and educational, this exhibition reveals all the secrets of this edition of the Olympic Games, in exceptional conditions...

In addition to Albertville, the 3 Vallées ski area was heavily involved in the event, through its various resorts. For ski jumping, Nordic combined and hockey, it was the luxurious village of Courchevel that was called upon. With its palaces, prestigious boutiques and dozens of unusual activities, this little corner of Savoie has everything to tempt you!

In Les Ménuires and Val Thorens, Europe's highest ski resorts, it was the men's slalom events that took up residence during these 15 days in 1992. A firm favourite with snow sports fans, these two mountain towns attract regulars and new travellers alike, thanks to their many attractions and fine dining where gastronomy is the order of the day!

As well as a new slope for women's downhill skiing, Méribel is also home to a new ice hockey rink. Now open to the general public, this complex is a great opportunity to skate in the footsteps of champions! Swimming pool, jacuzzi, solarium, hammam and relaxation area are also part of the Méribel Olympic Park!

Imposing and unique in France, the structure dedicated to bobsleigh at La Plagne is a fine legacy of the 1992 Olympics. This 1,500 metre long track is used every year by the most adventurous tourists, but also by professionals who come to train.

Recently linked to La Plagne by the Vanoise Express cable car, the Les Arcs ski area and its spectacular view from the summit of the Aiguille Rouge hosted the speed skiing event in the early 1990s.

With a panoramic view of Mont Blanc, the resort of Les Saisies is ideal for family holidays. The biathlon and cross-country skiing events were first held here in 1992, in a natural setting dominated by fir trees and snow-covered areas. In its 6 small villages with a magical atmosphere, there are many adventures to be had and the Olympic past is the pride of the locals.

After following in the footsteps of hockey players, slalom racers and cross-country skiers, it's on to Val d'Isère, host of four men's downhill skiing events. Lac du Chevril, Folie Douce and Michelin-starred restaurants will delight travellers looking for a gourmet holiday that's a little less sporty...

Forming the Espace Killy, or Tignes - Val d'Isère, with its neighbour Tignes, the resort puts downhill skiing at the heart of its facilities. A few metres further on, at Tignes, it's freestyle skiing that takes centre stage, allowing visitors to enjoy the resort's contoured and sometimes natural terrain. Are you a fan of controlled sculling or a little more crazy in the bumps? The choice is yours!

The playground of the curling event, the little-known resort of Pralognan-la-Vanoise is a little gem nestled between Courchevel, Val Thorens and Val-Cenis. This authentic village, preserved by its ever-welcoming inhabitants, wouldn't miss its weekly torchlight descent for the world! While the Cascade de la Fraîche, the Glières forest, the goat farms and the many lakes are a must-see in summer, snow sports are on offer all winter long!