Where is Sainte Foy France?

Sainte Foy is in the Tarentaise valley of the Savoy region of the French Alps. More accurately called Station-Sainte-Foy, by road the ski resort is 230km (3hr) east of Lyon France, and 165km (2½hr) south-east of Geneva Switzerland .

The major transport hub of Bourg Saint Maurice is located 11km west of Sainte Foy Tarentaise village & 18km from Sainte Foy ski resort base area (a.k.a. Station Sainte Foy). Be careful not to confuse the two. Saint Foy-Tarentaise village is deep in the valley on the busy road to Tignes & Val d’Isere, whilst Sainte Foy ski resort (Station) is perched high above and away from the through traffic.

Flights

Geneva (GVA) & Lyon (LYS) airports have the most convenient train & bus shuttle connections with Sainte Foy, but the smaller regional airport at Chambery can also be utilised for limited weekend flights from the UK & within Europe.

Private Transfers

The Powderhounds recommend taking the train & bus from the airports to Sainte Foy. However, if post covid-19 public transport travel worries you, if you are in a larger group of 3+ people or just have the cash to splash, the quickest way to Sainte Foy from the airports is a private transfer. If taking the train to Bourg St Maurice, the final part of the journey can be painless by arranging for a private transfer to your resort lodgings to pick you up from the railway station.

Search & book direct airport or train station transfers to Sainte Foy here.

Train & Bus Transport to Station Sainte Foy

Trains provide a convenient (& carbon emission friendly) method of transport to Sainte Foy. Bourg St. Maurice is a key transport hub for all Tarentaise ski resorts including Sainte Foy. The Bourg St Maurice train station is on the terminus of numerous train lines including TGV, Eurostar & regional trains. Train travel is possible directly from the Geneva & Lyon St Exupery airports (with various connections), as well as London, Paris & Lille via fast train.

Search & book train tickets to Bourg St Maurice.

Once at the Bourg Saint-Maurice station, a bus or taxi (or your pre-arranged private transfer) will take you to Sainte Foy. A large taxi rank & bus stand is located just outside the station. For Saint Foy, take either the T14 or T15 line buses to Tignes & Val d'Isere. Both stop at Sainte Foy Tarentaise village in the valley, from where the Sainte Foy ski resort free bus shuttle will complete the journey up to the ski village. Purchase bus tickets at Bourg St Maurice railway station from the Belle Savoie Express office prior to boarding the bus.

Driving to Station-Sainte-Foy

Driving to Sainte Foy can be efficiently done from anywhere in Europe via Albertville. Bear in mind that the normal journey times, particularly the 69km between Albertville & the turnoff to the resort near Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise village, may take much longer if you chose to travel on a weekend or during heavy snowfalls. From Albertville the travel time is usually 1hr to the turnoff for the final 7km up to the resort.

If travelling from Italy, the best approach is via Turin, then west through the Val Frejus Tunnel & up the Maurienne Valley to Albertville. From Switzerland cross into France at or near Geneva then head to Annecy, or via Martigny & through Chamonix, before heading south to Albertville.

Once at Sainte Foy, your car can be useful for travelling to another Tarentaise valley ski resort for the day. Most accommodation providers have integrated parking in their buildings, but if visiting Sainte Foy for a day trip, there are numerous free roadside car parks a short stroll from the lifts.

If hiring or renting a car, all the major towns and airports have a range of options. Ensure that vehicles renting in France or Italy are winterised (i.e. snow chains, snow tyres etc.). Search & book all car rentals.

For tips, hints & warnings about travelling around France in winter, see our Getting Around France page.

Getting Around the Village

After getting settled in, the Station Sainte Foy village is petite enough for one's feet to provide all the locomotion required to get around. But as with everything there are exceptions, some of the day car parks & a few accommodation providers are far enough down the hill that the village ski bus may become necessary. The bus runs regularly except for 3 x 45min breaks throughout the day.

Nearby Ski Resorts

Some of Europe's best ski resorts are within a short drive from Sainte Foy. Val d'Isere, Tignes, Les Arcs & La Rosiere are all within sight of some part of Sainte Foy.