Espace Glacialis

About the museum

The Espace Glacialis was created in 2007 at the initiative of the commune of Champagny-en-Vanoise. For a long time, it was the only place in the entire Alpine arc to give the public the keys to understanding the glacial environment.

It lies in the heart of the Champagny-le-Haut valley, at the gateway to the Vanoise National Park. Its 200 m² of exhibition explain the life of glaciers, the history of the masses of ice that shaped the Alps, and the history of the people who frequented and explored them. Glaciology is presented as a multidisciplinary science (archaeology, climatology, biology, geology …) and is closely linked to current climate change.

The site also serves as a hub for the “Cœur de Vanoise, Terre d'Alpinisme” label, awarded in 2022 to Champagny-en-Vanoise, Le Planay and Pralognan after mountaineering was inscribed on the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. It is part of the Entrelacs network of museums and thematic houses in Savoie.

Highlights

• 200 m² of exhibition on glaciers and glaciology
• The Gébroulaz glacier and the life cycle of a glacier
• History of mountaineering in the Cœur de Vanoise
• Exploration notebook and children's area upstairs
• Gorzdérés discovery trail, accessible to all

Permanent exhibition

• Exposition permanente sur les glaciers et la glaciologie – Around 200 m² to understand what a glacier is, its life cycle and the Gébroulaz glacier, the science of glaciology and the history of mountaineering in the Cœur de Vanoise.

Founded

2007

Operated by

Commune de Champagny-en-Vanoise

Admission & discounts

Prices for the self-guided visit. The guided tour is charged separately.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Both floors of the exhibition are accessible to people with reduced mobility, with adapted toilets. The Gorzdérés discovery trail outdoors is accessible to all.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Playground / play area

A playful, age-appropriate exploration notebook for the self-guided visit, and a children's area upstairs with games on the glacier theme. Activities: creative workshops, “Les Petits Glaciologues” (Friday mornings during the summer school holidays, by registration) and a treasure hunt.

Getting there & parking

The Espace Glacialis is in the centre of the hamlet of du Bois, in Champagny-le-Haut, 5 km from Champagny-le-Bas via the Route des Gorges (RD91B).

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit