Developing sustainable mobility
Sustainable mobility at the heart of the municipality’s priorities
The municipality is working on a sustainable mobility master plan. Two consulting firms have been brought in, and numerous ideas have emerged and were presented at a public meeting on July 25, 2022.
The following priority projects are expected to be completed within the next three years:
* A greenway along the Bonnant River, from Plan du Moulin to Notre-Dame de la Gorge.
* The development of mountain biking, with separate pedestrian and cycling routes wherever possible.
* A new pedestrian footbridge over the Bonnant, connecting the left bank (UCPA side) to the Loyers leisure area and therefore to the village centre.
* The use of an autonomous electric shuttle.
Cycling: a growing mode of transport
In Les Contamines, there is no longer any need to worry about finding a place to recharge your e-bike. Six charging stations, as well as an air pump and a self-service station equipped with tools for basic bike maintenance, have been installed in the village centre, near the Tourist Office. This service is free of charge, open to everyone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
By meeting the needs of cycling enthusiasts and visitors seeking low-impact mobility options, this certification is part of the municipality’s ongoing environmental efforts and its commitment to promoting more sustainable modes of transport.
The municipality has also purchased 10 electric bicycles for use by municipal and Tourist Office staff.
Electric vehicles
Les Contamines-Montjoie has electric vehicle charging stations. The municipality has also acquired electric vehicles for its technical services. These vehicles are primarily used for maintenance and other operations in the leisure park and the village’s natural areas.
Encouraging public transport and pedestrian connections
Free shuttle services allow visitors and residents to travel to different parts of the resort without having to use their own vehicles during the tourist seasons.
Pedestrian paths have also been developed to improve safety for pedestrians and families, while encouraging people to use these routes and move around the village freely.
Waste and green-space management
Les Contamines-Montjoie is also committed to protecting the environment through its zero-pesticide charter.
Green spaces are maintained without pesticides in order to preserve biodiversity and protect everyone’s health.
Waste sorting is, of course, a key priority for the municipality.
Waste collection is managed by the Communauté de Communes du Pays du Mont-Blanc, while waste treatment is handled by the SITOM du Pays du Mont-Blanc. The energy recovery rate is 77.28%.
Every spring, a community clean-up day is organised, bringing together both local residents and visitors. The event is coordinated by SITOM.
A communal composting site is currently being planned and will soon be installed in the village centre, allowing everyone to compost their food and other organic waste.
Events organised by the resort follow an “Eco-Event Charter”, which promotes waste reduction, selective sorting and the recovery and recycling of waste generated during events.
Developing renewable energy
Producing “green” energy through a hydroelectric power plant
Since May 2019, Les Contamines has been home to a run-of-river high-head hydroelectric power plant, producing clean electricity with a capacity of 2,500 kW and an annual output of 6,900,000 kWh. This is equivalent to the average electricity consumption of 5,800 people, excluding electric heating.
Water is diverted through 2 km of pipeline, with a flow rate of 3 cubic metres per second. The system operates as a run-of-river facility, with a permanent minimum flow maintained downstream of the intake, located at the Loyers bridge. The plant’s technical building is located near the municipal workshops.
When the plant opened, Les Contamines-Montjoie organised an open day for the public. A similar event could be organised again as part of future initiatives to raise awareness and provide information about renewable energy.
A new hydroelectric power plant project is currently being studied, with the proposed water intake located at Nant-Borrant.
Raising awareness among residents and visitors about protecting our natural environment
From encouraging individual civic engagement to raising broader awareness, initiatives to protect sensitive natural areas are carried out in collaboration with all local stakeholders.
Home to the highest Nature Reserve in France and one of the few protected areas of its kind in the Mont Blanc massif, Les Contamines has two-thirds of its territory classified as a protected natural area.
To protect this exceptional environment, the municipality works closely with ASTERS, the Haute-Savoie Conservatory of Natural Areas, the organisation appointed by the French State to manage the reserve, and contributes to implementing its action plans.
The creation of an “Espace Nature au Sommet” (“Nature at the Summit” centre) on the ground floor of the town hall gives visitors the opportunity to discover the richness of this protected area throughout the year and raises awareness of the importance of preserving this exceptional natural heritage.
Throughout the year, activities and educational programmes are organised both at the centre and outdoors within the Nature Reserve. Communication initiatives are also developed to raise visitors’ awareness, including information panels highlighting quiet areas and the Rando Nature Haute-Savoie website.
Numerous initiatives are also aimed at educating younger generations, through the environmental education network as well as the annual community clean-up day.
Further environmental initiatives are carried out in partnership with the Communauté de Communes du Pays du Mont-Blanc, SITOM and SM3A, with the aim of encouraging more sustainable consumption habits and preserving air quality. These include raising awareness about composting and waste sorting, the Fonds Air Bois programme supporting cleaner wood-burning systems, and the Ambassad’R initiative.
Supporting farmers
Five farmers are based in the municipality of Les Contamines-Montjoie. The municipality provides them with material support and assists them with their projects.
To help maintain the presence of mountain farmers and shepherds in our alpine pastures, we renovated the Tierces mountain chalets in 2022.
The renovation of the Besoëns chalet was scheduled for 2023, along with work on other mountain pastures such as Les Cavets.
In summer, guided discovery days are organised in partnership with the Communauté de Communes du Pays du Mont-Blanc, giving everyone the opportunity to discover the work and daily lives of farmers and alpine herders.
“Sème ta transition”: a community garden and reuse centre in Les Contamines-Montjoie
A community garden built on solidarity
Founded in 2021 by residents of Les Contamines-Montjoie, “Sème ta transition” promotes an approach based on ecology, solidarity and short supply chains. With the support of the AACS, which provides a plot of land free of charge, members cultivate a community garden at an altitude of 1,164 metres. Since spring 2024, individual plots have also been available, while members have access to shared equipment and advice from experienced gardeners. The association aims to develop a garden that can be cultivated year-round, notably through the installation of “walipinis”—underground greenhouses inspired by traditional Bolivian know-how. This system creates a microclimate that protects crops from frost and makes it possible to start seedlings as early as winter.
Growing differently and passing on knowledge
The garden is based on the principles of permaculture and pesticide-free cultivation. Rainwater is collected for irrigation, while projects, decisions and experiments are carried out collectively. Raising awareness of the ecological transition is also a major focus, particularly among younger generations. For example, children from the local primary school took part in creating the association’s logo.
Giving objects a second life
Since 2023, “Sème ta transition” has also run a reuse centre, where furniture, crockery, games and other usable items can be donated, exchanged or given a second life. The initiative encourages bartering and the exchange of services, while creating opportunities for residents to meet and connect, regardless of their age or background.
The project is supported by the AACS, which provides the premises, and by the Repair Café des Contamines, which checks electrical and electronic equipment. Through its community garden and reuse centre, the association aims to strengthen connections between local residents and promote an economy based on sharing rather than waste.
