Cité Medievale de Conflans In Albertville
I made a mistake the first time I visited Albertville, France. Walked around the quaint town and saw the giant Tour de France t-shirt but discovered afterwards that I had missed one of the best parts of the area. Fortunately, I was going through the town on my way to Chamonix, so I made a stop and so glad I did. This is an experience I would have regretted missing: seeing the Cité Medievale de Conflans.
What Is The Cité Medievale de Conflans and Why Visit?
- It’s a medieval village in Albertville, across the river and high on a hill
- It’s small, with only about 6 cobblestone streets
- There are some restaurants, artisan shops, and a baroque church, but what is notable are the views, particularly from the courtyard. When I was there (early in the morning), most places were closed
- Why visit? The views and seeing all the storefront signs—these made the village so attractive
Getting To The Village
Follow the road from the river up the hill. There is a car park where you can begin your journey, a steep walk up a couple of flights of stairs until you get into the actual medieval village. Only locals can park in the village.
You can get some great views from the Jardin Public de la Tour Sarrazine.
So, if you’re on your way to Chamonix or Annecy, make a short stop near Albertville to visit the the Cité Medievale de Conflans.
Check out my other posts that talk about the French Alps:
Loved the photos – and love medieval villages!
Thanks! Me too…I can’t get enough of them!
I love medieval cities! I hadn’t heard of the Cité Medievale de Conflans but I’ll have to add it to the list of places to look out for.
If it hadn’t been someone telling me about it, I would have totally missed it. Am glad I went back, even though it was deserted at 9 am in the morning.
I prefer visiting tourist areas early morning or later afternoon when most visitors have taken the last bus and you get all the amazing views and street scenes to yourself – a good thing especially for photographers
So true. You get great photos, but unfortunately, sometimes the shops or sites haven’t opened yet or are closed. But sometimes it’s worth it.
Albertville looks sort of familiar to me. I think I might have stopped there many years ago on my way to Chamonix. What a pleasure to see it again!
Yes, it’s a pretty place!
I love anything medieval, and those signs are an unusual touch. Conflans definitely seems worth a stop!
Yes it is worth a stop and doesn’t even have to be that long but I loved the signs too.
Was a winter Olympics held in Albertville or am I misrembering? Medieval European villages were often built at altitude for defensive purposes (so they could at least see who was coming); hence, the often splendid views.
You are correct! 1992 was the year. As for medieval villages, maybe that’s why I like them so much…for the views!
I love medieval villages and Albertville looks like one not to miss when visiting the area. Wandering the carless streets and taking in all that history can transport you back to another time so quickly. And the views….the icing on the cake!
So true. I didn’t realize until I went thru the village that it had a great view.
I love colorful signage! These were meant to be photographed~
Thanks for sharing an introduction to Albertville!
So true. I think these signs are so great looking one has to photograph them.
Thank you for your suggestion. I will not have a car in Albertville so is it possible for me to walk to Conflans.?
I am a senior but enjoy walking.
I can’t remember if I drove or walked; however, according to Google maps it’s only 2 kilometres from the Albertville train station and at the last part you do you have to walk up a hill.
I don’t think it’s a problem.