Albertville (Arpitan : Arbèrtvile) is a commune in the Savoie department in the Alps in southeastern France. The town is best known for hosting the 1992 Winter Olympics.

Geography

Albertville is situated on the Arly River, close to the confluence with the Isère River. Its altitude is between 345 and 2,037m.

Nearby mountains include: Belle Etoile, Dent de Conse, Négresse, Roche Pourrie, Mirantin, Pointe de la Grande Journée, and chaîne du Grand Arc.

Nearby mountain ranges include: the Bauges; the Beaufortain; and the beginning of the Vanoise.

History

Albertville was founded in 1836 by the Sardinian king Charles Albert. It also consists of the medieval town of Conflans, which has buildings dating back to the 14th century. Since then, Albertville has developed trade between France, Italy, and Switzerland; and industries such as paper mills and hydroelectricity can be found on its river.

The 1992 Winter Olympics were organised in the Savoie region, with Albertville hosting it. Some of the sports venues were later adapted for other uses. Some sports venues still remain such as the ice rink designed by the architect Jacques Kalisz, although the town is more industrial than touristic.

In 2003, the town was labelled a "Town of art and history".

Trivia

• Jean Moulin was subprefect of Albertville from 1925 to 1930.
• Famous people born in Albertville: Florine De Leymarie (born 9 May 1981), skier.

Sister cities

• Winnenden (Baden-Württemberg)
• Sainte-Adèle, Quebec

See also

• Communes of the Savoie département
• 1992 Winter Olympics

External links

• City council website
• Tourism webpage about Albertville (in French)
• Tourism webpage about Albertville(in English)