A playful activity and source of multiple advantages
In Brides-les-Bains, health and well-being are an integral part of its DNA. Mountain biking although associated with leisure and pleasure, it’s also a beneficial activity for our health.
Mountain biking is a well-rounded sport that allows you to maintain and develop your physical energy. It contributes to the development of legs, arms, back, shoulders, pectorals and even the heart!
Riding through the mountains and valleys, pedalling up and down the slopes is an excellent way to increase your cardio endurance.
This endurance training is complemented by the improvement in breathing management.
Mountain biking can also help you lose weight thanks to the calories burned. It varies according to your size, age, gender, energy level, etc. but it is estimated to be around 450 calories per hour on average.
Mountain biking in the mountains on a range of trails also leads to improved balance and agility.
Freewheel!
While it remains a sport, mountain biking is still accessible to everyone. Whatever your age or level, you can go at your own pace whilst adjusting to your wants and current level of fitness.
The electric mountain bike offers an alternative to those who prefer a more moderate physical activity (or to get back into sport!).
From children's mountain bikes to the more technical downhill mountain bikes out of different available models, these two-wheeled bikes with their many characteristics can be enjoyed both individually and collectively.
Sitting alone in the saddle gives you more freedom in the choice of routes, speed and objectives.
Riding in a group creates a dynamic that maintains motivation, encourages the rider to surpass himself and to go further during more challenging routes.
These rides with friends or these opportunities to have fun with the family allow for pleasant moments of relaxation.
Brides-les-Bains, a unique location for cycling
Nestled in the heart of the Savoie mountains, Brides-les-Bains is both a spa and a winter sports resort. At the gates of the 3 Vallées domain, the village Mountain bike and bicycle routes criss-cross the region and allow you to discover it in a pleasant and safe way.
From peaks to valleys, alpine pastures to forests, walk, enduro or freeride, beginner or expert, a mountain bike playground under the sign of variety
‘“Pedal gently”
Surrounding Brides-les-Bains, a variety of paths and trails are available for relaxed mountain biking.
There are multiple reasons for cycling in these magnificent places: to explore nature, to discover the fauna and flora, to get some fresh air, to relax, to exercise, etc.
Accessible to all, cross-country mountain biking is practised in the middle of the countryside on a circuit course that generally offers superb viewpoints.
Mountain biking and electrically-assisted bicycles (EABs) are growing in popularity and can now be used in specific zones allowing you to explore more with less physical effort.
Whether you are a beginner or more of an experienced amateur, everyone will be able to appreciate these different ways of hiking the mountains and in total security.
Adrenaline rush!
If you are keen on physical exercise, setting yourself challenges or even a thrill-seeking experiences, you will find the surroundings of Brides-les-Bains a magnificent playing ground. The mountains and the valley are ideal for sporty ascents and exhilarating descents on mountain bikes (for the more experienced and hardcore riders!).
Various itineraries and tours exist to suit all tastes and desires.
Downhill mountain biking (also known as DH, Down Hill in short) involves riding down specially designed and constructed mountain bike trails. Though impressive, this activity remains accessible to all and in particular with the guidance of professional instructors.
The Enduro uses existing trails, shared with pedestrians. This activity is aimed at those with an experienced level due to the particular technical and physical requirements.
These different activites are facilitated by the possibility to use the ski lefts to access the different trails.
Savoie: the mountain bike spots not to be missed near Brides-les-Bains!
* The Méribel Valley Bikepark: a must!
The Méribel Valley Bikepark has been approved by the French Cycling Federation since 1998 and is easily accessible from Brides-les-Bains by ski lifts or by road.
From beginners to the more experienced, it is open to all and offers 11 downhill trails, 9 Enduro routes, 3 cross-country routes and 6 specially dedicated to mountain bikes.
https://french-alps.meribel.net/mtb-meribel-bikepark/mtb-meribel-bikepark/
* The 3 Vallées mountain bike area
Renowned in winter for its skiing, the 3 Valleys area can also be enjoyed by bike the rest of the year. Mountain bike routes link the resorts of Mérible, La Tania, Courchevel (including the mythical Col de la Loze), Les Ménuires, and Val-Thorens. 38 circuits can also be completely done by bike with access to certain ski lifts.
Maps of the mountain bike routes are available at the various Tourist Offices as well as the ski lift ticket offices.
* With more than 10 signposted downhill trails, the Les Menuires / Saint Martin resorts offer mountain biking for all levels and all tastes. Just a stone’s throw away from Brides-les-Bains, these slopes open up views of renowned peaks such as Mont de la Chambre (2850m), Pointe de la Masse (2804m), and La Tougnète (2430m).
Mountain biking holiday in Brides
If you want to go mountain biking for a weekend with the family, a weekend with friends, or a longer stay, Brides-les-Bains is the place to be. Offering a wide variety of accommodation and a wide range of walks and routes nearby, the village is definitely worth a visit.
A mountain biking holiday in Brides-les-Bains is guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable moments.
Eco-friendly highlights: Come to Brides-les-Bains with your bike by train and ride straight from your base camp.
Check-list for a successful mountain bike ride!
* Select your route whilst taking into account the difficulty level, your own physical condition and the weather conditions.
* Carefully choose a mountain bike adapted to your body and an appropriate outfit. And don’t forget your helmet!
* Warm up beforehand and calmly set your pace
* Stay hydrated and eat if necessary
* Learn how to repair a flat tire!
Eglise Saint-Martin (St-Martin-de-Belleville)
Descriptive
All the enthusiasm of the mountainous dwellings of the 18th century is reflected in this magnificent church. Its unusually long chancel and its richly decorated altarpieces make it a real gem of Savoie Baroque architecture.
The only decorative element of the main façade is the entry door, together with a few openings that illuminate the tribune. Do not trust the outer appearance - step inside.
Jacques-Antoine Todesco and Guillaume Moulin sculpted the main altarpiece during the last quarter of the 17th century. This imposing work has three panels of equal width; the central panel shows St. Martin on horseback showing charity by cutting his cloak to share it; the left panel shows St. Joseph; and the right panel St. Sebastian. Ten polychromatic gilded columns, with identical bases and caps but with different bodies, punctuate the ensemble.
A balustrade opposite that of the tribune can be seen on the balcony above the central panel, on which a high relief depicts the Assumption of the Virgin, transported by four angels. The ensemble is, of course, overlooked by the Holy Trinity!
At the top of the right-hand nave, the painting of the Rosary altarpiece depicts the Virgin giving the Rosary to St. Dominic, while the Christ Child presents it to St. Catherine of Sienna. The seven twisted columns wrapped in rose branches lift your gaze...and your spirit!
There is one curiosity in the left-hand nave: the altarpiece of the Blessed Paul, whose painting tells the story of a Spanish pilgrim who died from exhaustion in 1721 near Lou Lake - one hour's walk from the village - and who has been the subject of particular devotion ever since the 18th century.
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