Download it here! - Bernex

The ‘Pays de Gavot’
is so...
The multitude of ideas in this guide
will help you discover the extraordinary
variety of the ‘Pays de Gavot’ area.
Sandwiched between Lake Geneva (lac
Léman) and the Alps, it offers the
attractions of both. The Gavot plateau
is also the ideal base from which to
explore surrounding parts of France and
neighbouring Switzerland.
The most likely meaning of ‘Gavot’
seems to be cider in local dialect.
Historically, families would make cider
every autumn from home-grown apples
and pears.
Nowadays, some farmers still make
cider, which they enjoy with roasted
chestnuts in autumn. Many “Gavotins”
(the local people) use a special barrel,
known as a “chèvre” to store their
cider. The resulting draught cider is
typically enjoyed with friends in the
summer, after a hard day’s work.
Being isolated, the area was selfsufficient
for centuries and has been
shaped by peasantry. The farmers
cleared forests and their life was harsh.
Consequently, there are no sumptuous
Summary
Villages of ‘Pays de Gavot’
Bernex dent d’Oche p 2-3
Champanges p. 4
Féternes p. 5
Larringes p. 6
Vinzier p. 7
Saint-Paul-en-Chablais p. 8-9
Thollon-les-Mémises p. 10-11
historic buildings, just a few fortified
towns and squat, sober dwellings built
to withstand the rigorous winters.
This history has moulded the ‘Gavotins’
character, hard-working and proud of
their land and traditions.
Each of the seven communes which
make up the ‘Pays de Gavot’ – Bernex
Dent d’Oche, Champanges, Féternes,
Larringes, Saint-Paul-en-Chablais,
Thollon-les-Mémises and Vinzier – has
its own distinctive features and they
all work together to enable visitors
to enjoy their stay in this ‘jewel of
nature’.
The ‘Pays de Gavot’ warmly welcomes
you and hopes to entice you to return
at another time of year, to experience
the varied atmospheres it offers throughout
the seasons. Prepare yourself
to feel a burning desire to bring your
friends and relations to experience the
plateau’s charm.
Welcome to the ‘Gavot’!
Rural activities p. 12
Summer in Gavot p. 13-21
Marshlands and lakes p. 22
Map p. 23
Ski resorts in Gavot p. 24-25
Discover ‘Haute-Savoie’ and
neighbouring Switzerland p. 26-48
2010 Edition – The information contained in this document is given as a guide.
The SIVOM of the ‘Pays de Gavot’ cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies contained
within. Tel. 04 50 75 04 51 - sivom-gavot@wanadoo.fr - www.paysdegavot.com
Graphisme : www.dynamic19.com - Impression : Léman impression
1

2
Bernex Dent d’Oche
ALTITUDE
1 000 - 2 222 m.
POPULATION
1 155 inhabitants known as
‘Bernolands’.
INFORMATIONS
Mairie : tel. 04 50 73 60 40
Fax 04 50 73 65 21
accueil@bernex.mairies74.org
www.bernex.mairies74.org
Tourist Office: tel. 04 50 73 60 72
Fax 04 50 73 16 17
info@bernex.fr www.bernex.fr
THE HISTORY
On the 21st of September 1689, an
event marked our little commune.
Some Piedmont heretics, who had
taken refuge in the canton of Vaud in
Switzerland, became nostalgic about
their homeland and decided to return
to France. Landing at Locum, they
climbed straight up towards Bernex, via
the col de Creusaz, where they set up
camp. During the night, the Bernolands
set fire to the camp, to take their
revenge for the pillaging of the church
and presbytery by people from the
Vaud. They were nicknamed “Bourla-
Kam”: camp burners. For a long time,
a procession to the foot of the Creusaz
cross (la croix de Creusaz) on Whit
Monday commemorated this event.
Discover
THE HERITAGE
The italian-style Saint-Ours church,
dating from 1850.
Trossy chapel built in 1850.
THONON
Lac Léman
EVIAN
St-Paul
en-Chablais
Champanges Larringes
Vinzier
Féternes
VIEWPOINTS
Mont Bénand, magnificent view of
Switzerland, the Jura mountains and
Lake Geneva (Lac Léman).
Pointe de Pelluaz, an hour’s walk from
Pré-Richard (top of chair lift), superb
view of the Mont Blanc mountain range
and Lake Geneva. There is a panoramic
table at the summit.
Dent D’Oche, 2 and a half hours walk
from the ‘La Fétuière’ restaurant,
view of Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva.
Walking boots are strongly advised.
Dent d’Oche mountain hut. You will
leave with an unforgettable memory of
the many ibex (bouquetins).
04 50 73 62 45
The P’tit Gavotin guide (3 € from the
tourist office) gives details of 17 marked
trails around Bernex.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Grotte du Maupas - (cave)- before
Malpasset village on the Dent D’Oche
road.
“The secrets of Mont Bénand’ themed
walk” - Discover views, habitats, flora,
fauna and agricultural activities. It
takes around 2 hours and is suitable
for families. A leaflet is available from
the tourist office for 1,50 €.
Equestrian ranch of Bernex: New places.
Covered manege. The ranch offers
lessons with horse, pony. Supervised by
qualified monitors.
Information for horse ride:
04 50 73 69 54 or 06 33 22 15 30.
For lessons: 06 75 01 21 69.
Thollonles-Mémises
Pic des Mémises
Bernex
La Dent d’Oche
Suisse
ANIMATIONS :
Sunday 19 June: “Montée impossible”
at Pré Richard. French
Championships. (Motorbike competition).
Dimanche 26 juin 2011 : course
pédestre de la Dent d’Oche
Dimanche 03 juillet 2011 :
« La bellicime » : randonnée VTT pour
tous – Au départ de Thollon les Mémises.
Every Monday from 4 July to 29
August: welcome drink at the tourist
office.
Every Thursday from 7 July to 18
August: music
Wednesday 13 July: National Fête
with concert by Bernex band, followed
by firework display. At the fountain by
the church.
Sunday 21 August: Dent D’Oche Fête.
Concours de pétanque tout au long de
l’été. Contactez l’office de tourisme.
Sunday 25 September or Saturday
1st October: St Michel fair, the cows
are brought down from the mountain
pastures.
Sunday 4 December: Christmas
market. Maison Bernolande.
LOCAL CRAFTS :
Hand-made wooden doves
by Jean Bétemps : 04 50 73 62 52
Woodwork
by Bernard Gallay, François Blanc,
Henri Trincat and Lucien Dinota.
Watercolours and paintings
by Edith Fontaine, Carmen Chessel and
Marie France Rossier.All these artists
are present at the Bernolande evenings
Accommodation
Hotels
Chez Tante Marie HH
tel. 04 50 73 60 35 fax 04 50 73 61 73
www.chez-tante-marie.com
Résidence hôtelière
L’Alpage
tél. 04 50 73 60 73 fax 04 50 81 18 24
hotel.restaurant.alpage@orange.fr
Gîte de séjour et de groupe
Le Titlis
tél. 04 50 73 62 48 fax 04 50 73 69 78
www.letitlis.com
Bed and Breakfast
Claudine et Daniel Dutruel
tél. 04 50 73 67 64 fax 04 50 73 63 83
Le Vieux café - Pierre André Jacquier
tél. 04 50 73 60 08 fax 04 50 73 60 08
Les Grives - Marie-Thérèse Grivel
tél. 04 50 73 16 17
Furnished accommodation to rent
Agence de Bernex
tél. 04 50 73 62 46 fax 04 50 75 56 40
List of private accommodation
At the Tourist Office
tél. 04 50 73 60 72
Holiday centers
Le Refuge
tél. 04 50 73 60 53 fax 04 50 73 60 53
L’Ourson
tél. 04 50 73 66 66 fax 04 50 73 66 66
La Bonne Eau
tél. 04 50 73 60 61 fax 04 50 73 60 61
www.labonneeau.fr
U.N.C.M.T.
tél. 04 50 73 60 37 ou 02 31 46 80 40
Les Chautets
tél. 04 50 73 60 48 fax 04 50 73 60 48
Grange Blanche
tél. 04 50 73 61 28 fax 04 50 73 61 71
Restaurants
L’Ormeau
tél. 04 50 73 60 85
Le Pré richard
tél. 04 50 73 68 25
Les Marmottes
tél. 04 50 73 60 79
Relais de la chevrette
tél. 04 50 73 60 27
La Fétuière
tél. 04 50 73 68 70
Le Chabada Café Scène
tél. 04 50 73 94.57
L’alpage
tél. 04 50 73 60 73
Chez Tante Marie
tél. 04 50 73 60 35
3

4
Champanges
ALTITUDE
700 m, midway between the lake and
the mountains.
POPULATION
862 inhabitants known as
Champangeois(es)
INFORMATIONS
Mairie : tél. 04 50 73 45 67
Fax 04 50 76 21 29
mairie.champanges@wanadoo.fr
www.champanges.fr
Secretariat opening hours:
On Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
1.30p.m. to 5p.m. and Wednesday
8.30a.m to noon.
HISTORY
C’est en 1860 en même temps que le
rattachement de la Savoie à la France
qu’est née Champanges en tant que
commune puisque le village n’était
autrefois qu’un hameau de Larringes,
fief of Abondance abbey, whose
church, dedicated to St. Martin, was
built in 1720, thanks to the generosity
of a local boy, Anselme Boujon, who
left to make his fortune in Germany.
Wonderfully restored in 1994, by the
painters Jean and Georges Dalla Palma.
To Discover
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Magnificent view of Lake Geneva (Lac
Léman), Switzerland and the Alps.
Ancient stone objects in Bennaz
hamlet.
Archaeological site at “La Bossnaille”.
Baroque church wonderfully restored
and open every day. See the baroque
altarpieces, friezes and cornices, beautifully
decorated with angelic statuettes,
the sweet little faces of the village
children.
Darbon’s traditional sawmill and oil
works.
Lac Léman
EVIAN
St-Paul
THONON
en-Chablais
Champanges Larringes
Vinzier
Féternes
Accomodation
Hotel-restaurant
Hôtel des Alpes HH
Restaurant La Gavotine - Bar le Bahut
tél. 04 50 73 45 76
Holiday centers
Les Alouettes tél. 04 50 73 45 79
Gîtes
Gîte d’étape l’Orguennay
tél. 04 50 81 03 21
Gîtes ruraux communaux
tél. 04 50 73 45 67
Furnished accommodation to rent
Hubert Jacquier tél. 04 50 73 46 22
Daniel Pertuiset tél. 04 50 76 11 63
Camp site
La Prairie
tél. 04 50 81 06 23 and 06 16 78 31 78
Thollonles-Mémises
Pic des Mémises
Bernex
La Dent d’Oche
Féternes
Suisse ALTITUDE
789 m.
POPULATION
1 303 inhabitants (the Féternians).
INFORMATIONS
Mairie : tél. 04 50 73 41 79
Fax 04 50 73 49 20
feternes@wanadoo.fr / www.feternes.com
HISTORY
The name is said to come from a
legend that three fairies lived in a local
cave. Fée means fairy. In reality, it is
probably of German origin, “Festeren”
meaning fortified points.
Relics of the past found in Féternes
(Roman money etc) lead us to believe
that the commune was inhabited a
very long time ago. Seat of a seigneury
at the beginning of the Middle Ages,
extending as far as the Abondance
valley, the commune played its biggest
role around the year 1200. Count
Thomas set up a lord of the manor to
control all the areas situated between
the river Dranse and the Morge, including
the small town of Evian.
To Discover
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Châteauvieux Chapel : an old parish
church, formerly under the control of
Abondance abbey. Only the old chancel
remains. The new church was built
in 1855, in front of which stands an
impressive lime tree, dating from Henri
IV’s reign.
Lac Lac Léman Léman
EVIAN EVIAN
THONON THONON
St-Paul St-Paul ThollonThollon- en-Chablais en-Chablais les-Mémisesles-Mémi Champanges Champanges Larringes Larringes Pic des Mémises Pic des Mémises
Vinzier Vinzier Bernex Bernex
La Dent d’Oche La Den
Féternes Féternes
VIEWPOINTS
Champeillant: superb view of Lake
Geneva (Lac Léman), Switzerland, the
Jura, the Mémises and Mont Blanc.
Chemin de la Tour: beautiful panorama
of Switzerland, the Jura and Lake
Geneva
Salle des fêtes (Community hall):
chef-lieu, in the direction of the ‘stade’
(stadium). Good view of several peaks
(Dent D’Oche, Mount Billat, Mount
Ouzon) and Lake Geneva.
SPECIALITES GASTRONOMIQUES
Gaec la Tour “Curninges” (cheese-
reblochon fermiers, abondance).
Tasting and sale of Féternes white wine
at the café “Au bon vin de Féternes”
at Thièze.
“La Parenthièze” at Thièze,
04 50 73 09 78: regional specialities.
Accomodation
Furnished accommodation to rent
Félix Ducret à Vougron
tél. 04 50 73 40 51
Daniel Pollien au Chef-Lieu
tél. 04 50 73 46 01
Christiane Mangeart à Flon
tél. 04 50 73 44 77
Gîtes
Jean-Michel Grobel à Thièze
Marc Vanderbrecht
tél. 04 50 81 05 59
Chambre d’hôtes
Nathalie Chappuis Chez Portay
tél. 04 50 81 03 45
ANIMATIONS
Sunday 22 May: Randonnée gourmande.
Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July: The
Champeillade.
Saturday 20 August: Horse fair in chef
lieu.
5
Su

6
Larringes
ALTITUDE
850 m
POPULATION
1240 inhabitants.
INFORMATIONS
Mairie : 04 50 73 46 90
Fax : 04 50 81 02 11
accueil@mairie-larringes.fr
www.mairie-larringes.fr
Etymology
Ladrinum (Roman origin).
HISTORY
The Celts and Gallo-Romans, who set
foot on our soil, recognized its strategic
importance. Its view of over
100km from the Bernese Alps to Fort
l’Ecluse, from the Jura to Mont Blanc is
incomparable. The castle was built in
the 10th century, on the site of Roman
ruins and has belonged to several
families. The De Stoutz family currently
owns it. The castle has been restored
thanks to M. William De Stoutz and his
children. Nowadays, the family lives in
the castle, from which it runs a flourishing
business.
In the Middle Ages, the plague decimated
the population, strongly marked
by Burgundy, Saracen and Hungarian
invasions.
Chez Crosson chapel belongs to the
Milliet Family.
GEOLOGY
Larringes is situated in the impluvium
of Evian water.
To Discover
La Tourbière de Vérossier
Castle built in the 10th century with
an outstanding view of the lake and
Mont Blanc. It is privately owned and
not open to the public.
Crosson Chapel from XIXe siècle.
Table d’orientation à l’entrée est du
chef-lieu. Vue sur le mont Blanc.
Stone of cupules in Crosson hamlet.
The Forest of beech trees and conifers.
Several hectares across it is a popular
spot for mushroom collectors and keepfit
fanatics. There is a fitness trail,
good fun for all the family.
EVENTS
Car-boot sales Sunday 26 June and
saturday 17 September.
Vogue: on the 18 September
The Saint-Maurice agricultural fair
saturday 26 September.
Summer market Saturday mornings
in July and August. Local and organic
produce.
THONON
Lac Léman
EVIAN
St-Paul
en-Chablais
Thollonles-Mémises
Champanges
Larringes
Vinzier
Féternes
Pic des Mémises
Bernex
La Dent d’Oche
GASTRONOMICAL DELIGHTS
Potato fritters (beignets aux pommes
de terre) and Savoyard-style rissoles
(pastry filled with fruit, usually apples
or pears).
Accomodations/Catering
Cafés-Restaurants
Café de la Place 04 50 73 46 09
La Pastourelle 04 50 73 41 97
A emporter
Baraque à frites les jeudis et dimanches
soir – Place du Village
Pizza Felicita 04 50 73 52 21
Gîtes
Gîtes ruraux communaux et studios
04 50 73 46 90
Gîtes de France
Régis et Denise Dupraux
04 50 75 34 90
Gilbert et Lise Tupin
04 50 73 40 91
Furnished accommodation to rent
Claude et Josiane Fourneyron
04 50 73 40 84
Geneviève Dufaud
04 50 73 40 91
Régis Dupraux
04 50 73 34 60
Marcel Arandel
04 50 73 40 98
Lise Tupin
04 50 73 40 91
Marc Denis
04 50 73 41 37
Suisse
Vinzier
ALTITUDE
920 m.
POPULATION
786 inhabitants, known as Vinzolais(es)
INFORMATIONS
Mairie : 04 50 73 61 19
Fax : 04 50 73 66 49
HISTORY
Old spiritual dependence of Abondance
abbey, Vinzier belonged to Chevenoz
parish until 1715, when it became
independent. It was attached to Evian,
by law, in 1876. The church, dedicated
to Saint Pierre, was built in 1892 in
‘Ogival’ style, in the form of a Latin
cross.
The Treasure: In 1880, a shepherd
found a copper pot containing around
1.5kg of small coins, mainly from 16th
century Switzerland. It seems to have
been buried around 1592-1593, while
the region was at war. A local must
have collected it, during several trips
to Switzerland. At the time, locals
used to go to Switzerland to find work
during the haymaking season and to
work in the vineyards. A practice still
taking place around 1900.
To Discover
The observatory for astronomy lovers.
Christophe Bourreau
Tél. 06 87 98 93 23
www.astrosurf.com/hautesavoie/
Peron Oratory with its magnificent
view.
ACTIVITIES
Adventure in a dogsled. J.J.Bechet
Chef Lieu
Tél. 06 80 93 26 20
Festival of Saint Pierre 25 and 26
June. Repas dansant.
Accomodation
l’Essert campsite
Tél. 04 50 73 68 65
Open from 1st July to 31st August.
Gîtes de France agréés
8 rural gîtes
Chez les Girard - Tél. 06 80 50 90 11
Open all year.
Local Craftsmen
François Botté. Traîtement bois, parquet,
charpentes - Mérou
Tél. 04 50 73 65 70
Dominique Depotex. Plaquiste Gavot
Staff - Chez les Girard
THONON
Lac Léman
EVIAN
St-Paul
en-Chablais
Thollonles-Mémises
Champanges
Larringes
Vinzier
Féternes
Pic des Mémises
Bernex
La Dent d’Oche
Tél. 04 50 73 17 99
Robin Dubois. Menuisier - Mérou
Tél. 04 50 73 16 92/06 75 23 90 16
Georges Sarras Bournet. Bourrelier,
sellier - Le Chomieux
Tél. 04 50 73 15 37
www.formation-metier-sellier.com
François Fra. Charpente, couverture
Chez les Girard- Tél. 06 80 56 52 41
Francis Bechet. Chaux - Garage des
Courtils
Tél. 04 50 73 51 18
Serge Favre. EGI - Electricité, chauffage,
alarme... La Fin de la Croix
Tél. 06 82 70 40 05
Eric Grivel. Chauffage, sanitaires
La Cambuse - Tél. 06 08 46 61 77
Lifting rénovation. Christophe Lamotte
- Vers les Granges - Tél. 06 63 22 97 03
Garage Grivel. La Boissona
Tél. 04 50 73 68 51
Garage Siligom / Quiblier - La Cambuse
Tél. 04 50 73 61 16
Chablais nettoyage. Les Clouz
Tél. 04 50 81 05 14
Franck Maurel. Gavot Piscine - Vers les
Granges - 04 50 73 54 11
7
Su

8
Saint-Paul-en-Chablais
ALTITUDE
700-1250 m
POPULATION
2 027 inhabitants known as ‘San-
Poulans’
INFORMATIONS
Mairie Tél. 04 50 75 28 17
Fax 04 50 75 50 87
info@saintpaulenchablais.fr
www.saintpaulenchablais.fr
Open on morning from 8h to 12h from
Monday to Friday. From 13h30 to
16h30 Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Closed Thursday afternoon open till 19h
on Monday.
The village was known as ‘Cyriel’,
before the arrival of Benedictine monks
around the year 1000. In 1792, this
changed to ‘Bellevue’ (beautiful view),
when the Savoie became annexed to
France for the first time. An understandable
choice when taking into account
the numerous viewpoints of the lake
and Switzerland, as well as the foothills
of the Alps. Traces of the old castle
can still be seen (Château de Blonay).
GEOLOGY
The Rhone glacier marked the landscape
in many ways. Oddly-shaped
rocks, small lakes, marshes, peat bogs
and spring water. Walkers are spoilt
for choice as they discover meadows,
forests, paths bordered by hedges or
beech trees.
HERITAGE
A 96-page guide is available at the
Mairie (10 €).
THONON
Lac Léman
EVIAN
St-Paul
en-Chablais
Thollonles-Mémises
Champanges
Larringes
Vinzier
Féternes
Pic des Mémises
Bernex La Dent d’Oche
To Discover
VIEWPOINTS
From all sides, Chef-lieu to the north,
La Beunaz to the South, Roseire to the
east and Lyonnet to the west, you will
admire the varying aspects of St-Paul.
Above all, overlooking Lake Geneva
(Lac Léman) and Switzerland from
Montreux to Geneva, with the Jura in
the background. Turning your back
on the lake, you will see the peaks of
the Mémises and Dent D’Oche to the
east, Mount Billat to the south and the
Hermones and the Roc d’Enfer (Hell’s
rock) to the west. Facing south, you
will take in the Faverges plain and
once again the Mémises, Dent D’Oche,
Mount Billat and the Hermones.
Suisse
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Plage de La Beunaz (Lakeside beach).
At 1000 m (3281 ft) altitude, you can
swim and relax in charming surroundings.
Tel: 04 50 72 14 37
La Beunaz activity center
Tel: 04 50 72 14 37
The marshlands play an important
hydrological role and are preserved and
maintained for all to enjoy. Marked
footpaths (in places, on raised wooden
walkways) have been put in place for
you to appreciate the exceptional flora
and fauna. One path starts next to the
car park at the ‘Collège du Gavot’, another
from the car park of the ‘Plage de
la Beunaz’. Each takes around an hour
and a half to visit. The raised walkways
are difficult for young children and
those with reduced mobility.
The church built between the 11th and
12th centuries, with its baroque-style
paintings and altarpiece.
La Beunaz Chapel and its oratories
representing the 14 stations of the
Cross.
Other chapels and oratories are situated
at Faverges, La Beunaz, Lyonnet,
Frénay, Praubert, Roseires and
Châteauvieux…
Grillet-Aubert Farm (ferme) makes
Abondance cheese. tel 04 50 75 37 93
Gérard Michoud Farm (ferme) cheese
making and farm open to visitors.
tel 04 50 75 19 51
Mountain Bike Park next to the collège
(secondary school).
Agorespace near the Mairie.
Tennis courts next to the football
pitch. Details at the mairie.
EVENTS
• Foire de printemps Saturday 21th
May
• Car-boot sales Sunday 22th May.
• Musical walks 24th and25th July
2010.
• Les marchés du dimanche 29 mai au
dimanche 16 octobre
• 60 ans de la plage dimanche 17
juillet
• Balades acoustiques samedi 2 juillet
• La bellissime dimanche 3 juillet
• Balades découvertes des chemins
tous les 1 er mercredis de juin à septembre
• Fête de la pomme dimanche 16
octobre
Accomodations
Hotels/restaurants/bars
Blonay H 04 50 75 28 23
Le Bois Joli HH 04 50 73 60 11
Le Cro Bidou (chalets) 04 50 73 10 93
Le Mollard 04.50.75.50.76
Café des petits lacs 04.50.73.60.17
Blues Rock Café – Bowling la Cabane
à Lulu 04.50.73.55.26
Camp site
Pré Bandaz 04 50 75 39 42
Colonies
Chalet Le Clair Matin 04 50 73 60 55
Centre de vacances Le Chenex
04 50 73 60 29
Furnished accommodation and
Gîtes
Mairie 04 50 75 28 17
www.saintpaulenchablais.fr
Bed and Breakfast
Martine Démoli 04 50 75 67 54
La Forestière 04 50 74 67 10
L’ourserie 04.50.73.33.72
Le chalet des Rêves Blancs
04.50.72.67.83
9

10
Thollon-les-Mémises
ALTITUDE
1 000-2 000 m.
POPULATION
729 inhabitants known as Thollogands.
INFORMATIONS
Mairie tél. 04 50 75 09 88
Office de tourisme tél. 04 50 70 90 01
www.thollonlesmemises.com
HISTORY
People have undoubtedly lived in the
area for a very long time, since the
Neolithic period.
The remains of a stone circle construction
have been found at a place called
“sur les Plagnes”(pasture at the foot
of the Mémises). This stone circle called
“cromlech”, almost a 100 metres
in diameter, is composed of blocks of
varying size, dating back 4500 years.
Several writers claim that the Roman
route which went from Geneva to the
Valais (Switzerland) and Italy, via the
Great St.Bernard or the Simplon Passes,
was impassable at Meillerie, between
Evian and St. Gingolph, so left the lake
at La Tourronde, went up to Thollon
via St. Paul, bypassed the rocks at
Meillerie and went back down to the
lake via Manivent (Maravent) and Joux
(Lajoux), near Locum to reach the
Valais via St.Gingolph.
ETYMOLOGY
Each hamlet’s name has a meaning.
Some take the name of an important
local family, for example “Chez Cachat”
or “Chez les Vesin”. Others refer to
natural or geographical characteristics,
“Le Nouy” means core, as it is the central
hamlet, “lajoux” means forest…
THONON
Lac Léman
EVIAN
St-Paul
en-Chablais
Thollonles-Mémises
Champanges
Larringes
Vinzier
Féternes
Pic des Mémises
Bernex La Dent d’Oche
ANECDOTES
The ‘Notre-Dame de Lourdes’ grotto.
The extraordinary recovery of a young
girl is remembered with the erection
of crosses (road to Lajoux). She was
almost blind in one eye, due to a
swelling the size of an egg, which
also gave her a deformed appearance.
She went to the grotto several times
at night with her mother to pray and
wash in the spring water. One day, the
swelling disappeared, leaving no trace.
From Lajoux, a path leads down to
Locum. This ancient village was destroyed
in 1584 by a landslide, which
buried 122 people and formed a 160m
deep headland in the lake. A large
anticlinal valley, straight below the
chalets des Mémises, known as the
‘cursed channel’, confirms this event.
HERITAGE
Traces of granite grain stores below the
sawmill (Chez Cachat).
A few granaries in ‘Chez les Vesin’.
Granite fountain in ‘Chez les Aires’.
Suisse
VIEWPOINTS
Thollon-les-Mémises is renowned for its
panoramic views. Don’t miss,
At ‘Lajoux’, superb view of the Swiss
Alps and the mouth of the Rhone. At
the far end of Lajoux, from the corner
just before ‘Grand Roc’.
At ‘Hucel’, walk up to the transmitter,
view of the lake as far as Yvoire.
5 minutes steep walk, sturdy shoes
recommended.
20 minutes walk from the top of the
cable car, the pic des Mémises. A
2-star rated viewpoint in the Michelin
guide, which considers it the best
observation point of Lake Geneva.
Pic de Boré, 360° panoramic view
of the lake, as well as many mountain
peaks in the Haute-Savoie and
Switzerland. One and a half hours walk
from the top of the cable car. Walking
boots recommended.
Pic de Blanchard, unrivalled view of
the Rhone valley and Swiss Alps. Allow
two and a quarter hours from ‘Lajoux’.
Walking boots recommended (tricky in
places).
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
The Mémises cable car
A pleasant way to gain easy access to
the mountain ridge. Open every day
during the summer holidays. Open weekends
in June and September (weather
permitting).
Tel: 04 50 70 92 87.
The cheese shop. Visits organized by
the Tourist Office, during the school
holidays. On request at other times.
Laprau Chapel, 2km from Thollon,
towards Saint-Paul.
Discover the relationship between man
and mountain on the marked footpath
starting at the top of the cable car.
Walk along the ridge of the Mémises,
with information posts and orientation
tables to guide you, as well as a booklet
(available from the tourist office),
games to play…
Choose between 1hr30 and 5hrs of
walking (not particularly difficult).
Suitable for families.
ACTIVITIES
Weekly programme available at the
Tourist Office. Large variety of activities,
for children from 6 years old to
adults.
Creche now available in the summer
to care for children 6 months to 6
years old. Open from 10th July to 25th
August. Tel. 04 50 70 97 74
Accomodations
Hotels / restaurants
Bellevue HH (piscine, spa)
tél. 04 50 70 92 79 fax 04 50 70 97 63
Bon Séjour HH
tél. 04 50 70 92 65 fax 04 50 70 95 72
Furnished accommodation and
Gîtes
Agence le Yéti
tél. 04 50 70 90 80 fax 04 50 70 90 80
Liste de particuliers (office de tourisme)
tél. 04 50 70 90 01 fax 04 50.70 92 80
Gîtes
Gîte de séjour et d’étape
“L’Odyssée Montagnarde”
tél. 04 50 70 92 07 fax 04 50 70 92 07
Bed and Breakfast
Ghislaine Galland 04 50 70 23 53
Chalet Sérénité 04 50 70 55 24
Holiday centers / colonies
Les Lanches
tél. 01 45 65 20 65 fax 01 45 88 89 04
Les Loups Blancs
tél. 04 50 75 06 66 fax 04 50 75 07 81
La Source
tél. 04 78 89 28 07 fax 04 72 82 09 70
11

12
Rural Activities
SALE OF CHEESE IN THE
FARM
The Gavot plateau has preserved its
rural landscape, with wildflower meadows,
hedgerows and trees bearing
witness to environmentally friendly
farming methods.
The milk produced by the Abondance
cows is transformed into celebrated
cheeses, such as Reblochon, AOC
(quality guaranteed) since 1956 and
Abondance, AOC since 1990.
In the mountain pastures, goat’s
milk is used to make the ‘Crottin du
Gavot’, AOC since 2000.
Bernex
Sale of cheese at the mountain pastures
of d’Oche and Pré Richard (see p 13)
Féternes
Gaec La Tour Curninges
74500 Féternes 04 50 73 42 27
Reblochon, Abondance
and tomme.
Larringes
Lucile Dufour Chef lieu
74500 Larringes 04 50 81 03 72
Abondance cheese for sale throughout
the year. Farm visits in summer by prior
arrangement
La Petite Fruitière de Saint-Thomas
74500 Larringes 04 50 73 42 96
Cheese for sale and visits on request.
Saint-Paul
Sylvie Grillet Aubert Chez Burquier
74500 Saint-Paul 04 50 75 37 93
Abondance cheese for sale throughout
the year.
Gaec Les Chalets d’Oche Les Ingels
74500 Saint-Paul 04 50 75 19 51
Cheese for sale throughout the year
(Abondance, Tomme, Raclette and goat’s).
Visits organized by Bernex Tourist Office
in winter.
La Ferme du Noyer 30 route des Demiposes
– 74500 larringes 04 50 81 03 49
Avec aujourd’hui 7 actifs, la SARL Ferme de
Noyer affine les fromages AOC de nos terroirs
et produit, en hiver, les charcuteries
traditionnelles du Chablais. La Ferme du
Noyer est aussi devenue le partenaire des
professionnels du tourisme, des collectivités
locales et des associations au travers de
ses prestations traiteurs : buffets, fondue,
tartiflettes, beignets, berthouds...
Thollon
Sarl Vesin Fromagerie Le Nouy
74500 Thollon 04 50 70 91 56
Cheese for sale throughout the year (all
varieties). Visits organized by Thollon
Tourist Office on Tuesdays in summer and
winter.
Vinzier
Gaec Le Cheney ferme Bugnet Cheflieu
74500 Vinzier 04 50 73 61 99
Abondance cheese for sale.
Les Charcuteries de Simon - Le Boutier
04 50 26 61 64 - 06 66 39 90 94
www.charcuteriesdesimon.fr
Summer in the Gavot
Alpages (Mountain pastures)
ALPAGE D’OCHE
Altitude, 1630 m
1 hour’s walk from the ‘Fétuière’ restaurant,
on the Dent D’Oche footpath.
Walking boots recommended.
Manufacture and sale of cow’s cheese.
ALPAGE DE PRE-RICHARD
Altitude, 1400 m
At Bernex, accessible by car, on the
Dent D’Oche road. Manufacture and sale
of goat and cow’s cheese.
When you visit the farmers, please
remember to close gates behind you
and to take your litter with you.
Please do not disturb the animals.
Swimming
PLAGE DE LA BEUNAZ
74500 St Paul en Chablais
Tel: 04 50 72 14 37
www.plagedelabeunaz.com
Charming lake at 23-25°c, with grassy
banks, surrounded by trees. Children’s
pool 1.10m deep and paddling pool.
Floating diving platforms, canoes,
suspended slide (land in the water),
sauna, numerous activities and events
et parc aventure.
The Chalet du lac serves lunch and evening
meals.
EVIAN PLAGE
Tel : 04 50 75 02 69
A 3.5-hectare site with Olympic-size
pool, nursery area for young children
with paddling pool, 160m long slide
and bathing in the lake, diving boards.
Swimming lessons, tel: 04 50 75 23 94.
Open every day.
Day ticket: Adult – 4,10€. Child – 3€.
After 5.30p.m. Adult 2,30€ child
1,50€ (6-15yrs).
THONON
Lac Léman
EVIAN
St-Paul
en-Chablais
Thollonles-Mémises
Champanges Larringes
Vinzier
Féternes
Pic des Mémises
Bernex
La Dent d’Oche
In July and August, themed evenings,
cinema, swimming by night.
THONON PLAGE
Tel: 04 50 71 08 04
3 heated swimming pools, supervised
lake swimming, diving boards, 100m
slides.
Open every day.
Day ticket: Adult – 3,50€.
Child – 2,50€. (6-15yrs)
In July and August, themed evenings.
AMPHION PUBLIER
Tel: 04 50 70 05 06
Cité de l’eau – Indoor leisure centre.
4 heated swimming pools, 200m-long
slide, wave machine, Jacuzzis.
Open daily.
Other beaches –free with lifeguard
presence
Amphion - Publier - Anthy sur Léman
-Thonon - St Disdille - Excenevex
(sandy beach, shallow water) - Sciez.
There are many natural, unsupervised
beaches along the lakeside.
13
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14
Summer in the Gavot
EAUX-VIVES (WHITE WATER)
Details at the Tourist Offices in Thollon
and Bernex or from the organizers.
Organizers:
Aquarafting tél. 04 50 81 72 37
A7 Aventures tél. 04 50 72 15 12
AN Rafting tél. 04 50 71 98 15
Takamaka tél. 04 50 73 80 98
HORSE RIDING
LES ECURIES DU GAVOT
Thièze - 74500 Féternes
Tél : 04 50 26 27 82
Open all year. By appointment. Covered
manege.
Lessons on horses or ponies with qualified
instructor. Horse riding outings.
RANCH EQUESTRE
74500 Bernex
Tél : 04 50 73 69 54 ou 06 33 22 15 30
For lessons : 06 75 01 21 69
Open all year. Lessons with qualified
instructor. Accompanied horse riding
outings for a day, half day or an hour.
Ponies available for children, accompanied
by their parents. From June
to October, 2 days horse riding in the
mountains with an overnight stay and
cheese fondue in a mountain chalet.
A horse riding guide is available
in Tourist Offices and Town Halls
(Mairies).
PARAGLIDING
BERNEX DENT D’OCHE
Take-off area at the Pointe de Pelluaz,
with a northerly or light southerly
wind. Landing area in the ski lift car
park for experienced fliers.
Club de parapente
“Les Ascendants d’Oche”
tél : 06 86 28 58 97
First flight for beginners: 70€.
First flight (40€) and panoramic flight
over Bernex with qualified instructor
(60€).
For information and reservations call
Vincent Labro on 06 14 74 19 34.
THOLLON-LES-MEMISES
EVIAN
Takamaka
Tél. 04 50 73 80 98
Paragliding and two-seater.
Summer in the Gavot
FISHING
FISHING IN LAKE GENEVA
Angling is authorized in all parts of the
lake. You will find all kinds of freshwater
fish such as trout, char, fera, carp,
pike etc… and of course perch.
FISHING IN THE RIVERS AND
MOUNTAIN LAKES
You will discover outstanding scenery
in the various rivers and lakes such as
the Dranse and its tributaries.
THONON
Lac Léman
EVIAN
St-Paul
en-Chablais
Thollonles-Mémises
Champanges Larringes
Vinzier
Féternes
Pic des Mémises
Bernex
La Dent d’Oche
In the rivers, you will find wild trout
and in the lakes, trout and char.
FISHING LICENCE
Fishing licence : For fishing, you need
a licence. There is a special one for the
lake and an another one for rivers and
lake of mountains.
You can buy it here: tourist office of
Bernex
Tourist Office - Le Clos du Moulin
74500 Bernex
Tél. 04 50 73 60 72 Fax 04 50 73 16 17
Boulangerie Jordil - Thièze
74500 Féternes
Tél. 04 50 73 43 80
Bricojêm - 74500 Vinzier
Tél. 04 50 73 35 70
FISHING IN THE LAC DE LA
BEUNAZ AT SAINT PAUL EN
CHABLAIS
Fly-fishing. You will find perch, tench,
pike and roach.
A fishing guide is available in Tourist
Offices and Town Halls (Mairies).
15
Su

16
Advice and safety
in the mountains
Safety during a storm
Avoid mountain ridges. If you are
caught on a peak, go down as low as
possible, avoiding the ridges. Remove
all metal objects from your person.
Never shelter under trees or rocks, particularly
isolated ones. Avoid anything
that is a conductor, water trickling
along a wall for example. Sit on the
ground, because lightening is attracted
by anything that stands proud (a tree,
a rock, a person standing up). Isolate
yourself as much as possible by sitting
on your rucksack or sleeping bag (preferably
dry).
Practical advice
Wear sturdy footwear. Tell someone
where you are going. Always pack warm
clothing and a waterproof coat (it can
snow at anytime of the year above
1500m). Take food and drink and a
map (I.G.N TOP25). Check the weather
forecast before setting out. Telephone
Méteo France on
08 92 68 02 74.
Respect the environment
Please dispose of your litter on your
return to the village. Avoid shouting
and disturbing the wild animals, which
you may not be able to see.
Do not approach animals with young
or whilst they are eating, they may be
very aggressive.
Don’t pick wild flowers, they will not
survive the journey and many are protected
species.
Always close gates behind you and do
not disturb the farm animals.
The heat
Too much heat can be very dangerous,
leading to cramps, sunstroke or collapse.
Practical advice :
Cover your head. Wear light-coloured,
loose, cotton clothing. Drink plenty of
water at regular intervals (avoid alcohol,
tea and coffee), for example 250ml
every time you stop, even if you don’t
feel thirsty. Sweating is the best way
to cool down and avoid cramps.
The sun
The higher the altitude, the less the
sun’s rays are filtered. So their strength
is multiplied by1.5 at 2000m altitude,
compared with that at sea level and
by 2.5 at 4000m. The sun’s rays are
strongly reflected by the snow. Fog and
cloudy skies absorb few or no ultraviolet
rays, so give a false sense of security.
Beware! It is easy to underestimate
the strength of UV rays at altitude, due
to the cooler temperatures.
Practical advice :
Wear sunglasses with lenses adapted
to the mountains. Use sun protection
products with a protection factor of at
least 25 and apply several times a day.
Thunder and Lightening
Mountain storms are fairly frequent and
more violent than those in other areas.
Gusts of wind and very strong rising
currents of air generally precede them.
Lightening is the most dangerous. Its
electrical characteristics are impressive:
high temperatures (8000 to 30000°c),
high tension (10 to 100 million volts),
25000 amps, very brief contact time
(1/1000 to 1/10000 seconds).
Themed walks :
1 – Easy.
2 Circuits – Moderately thématiques difficult (variation in
Difficulté : 1 = facile,
2 = gradient moyen (dénivelé 200 to 200 400m). m à 400 m)
3 3 – = Difficult difficile (durée (takes : environ around 3 3 h, hrs.
dénivelé variation supérieur in gradient à 400 m). over 400m).
Balisages pédestres
Continuité
du sentier
Changement
de direction
Mauvaise
direction
GR
GR de Pays
VTT Equestre
PR
Summer in the Gavot
Viewpoints and walks
A detailed description of walks is
available in tourist offices and town
halls (mairies).
La chapelle de Champeillant
From Vinzier, walk towards Féternes,
past the football pitch and the tennis
courts. Once you pass the sign indicating
the end of the village (Vinzier),
continue 600m and take the 3rd side
road on your right, which leads to the
chapel.
Fron the chapel, you can take in the
360° panoramic view of mont Blanc,
lake Geneva, dent d’Oche and the Jura.
There is an orientation table.
Several short walks start in the car
park next to the chapel, offering you
the chance to appreciate the wonderful
long-distance views. The walks follow
the local roads or level, marked footpaths
and are suitable for the whole
family to enjoy. Accessible by car.
Le col de Creusaz and mont
Bénand
From Bernex, take the road towards the
hamlet of Trossy, then turn left towards
Bénand and Creusaz. After a 1.5km
climb, continue towards Creusaz, where
you will find a car park. From here,
marked footpaths leave in every direc-
THONON
Lac Léman
EVIAN
St-Paul
en-Chablais
Thollonles-Mémises
Champanges Larringes
Vinzier
Féternes
Pic des Mémises
Bernex
La Dent d’Oche
tion. The more difficult are detailed in
leaflets available in the tourist offices.
Here, let us discover those suitable for
all the family.
The themed walk ‘The secrets of Mont
Bénand’ is suitable for all the family
and offers spectacular views. From this
walk, you can continue by climbing to
the top of Mont Bénand, where you
will have a 360° view of the area. The
climb is steep, but short.50m from the
car park, you can take the path to the
right (next to a large chalet), which
leads to pastures at the foot of the
impressive cliffs of the Mémises, with a
magnificent view of the lake. This path
climbs gently for 3 minutes, and then
flattens out in the forest.
When you return to your car in the
‘Alpage’ car park, why not stop and
enjoy a refreshing drink or the local
specialities ?
Le Pré Richard
From Bernex, take the road through
Trossy, and then climb up through the
forest to reach Pré Richard at 1400m
altitude (accessible by car). Under the
watchful eye of dent D’Oche, you can
walk up through the meadows, taste
and buy local products at the chalets.
On your return, there are 2 bar-restaurants
in the car park.
The Peak of the Mémises
An effortless journey from Thollon village
(station) to the top of the Mémises
at 1650m by cable car. Once there, an
easy footpath leads you along the ridge
to the peak. An exceptional panorama,
of which you will never tire, to enjoy
as you wander through wildflower-filled
meadows (many species specific to
mountain climes). Information posts
are situated along the route.
Many other walks are possible from the
top of the cable car. On your return,
the bar-restaurant has a sunny balcony,
ideal for a relaxing drink.
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Su

18
Summer in the Gavot
Le sommet du Hucel
From the car park at Thollon station,
follow directions for the walk “Man and
Mountain” (L’homme et la Montagne)
which takes you through the hamlets
of Chez les Aires and Le Nouy to reach
Le Hucel.
5 minutes steep walk to reach the
summit, where you will appreciate the
unobstructed view of lake Geneva 600m
below and the Swiss Alps to your right.
If you visit in the spring, you are sure
to come across keen ornithologists,
who come to Le Hucel to observe and
count the 13 000 birds who pass by
during their annual migration to northern
Europe.
THEMED WALK BERNEX DENT
D’OCHE
“The secrets of Mont Bénand”
The walk takes you through hamlets
and forests, across meadows and offers
a magnificent panorama, taking in the
Jura, lake Geneva, the pays de Gavot,
Bernex and many peaks: mont César,
Boré, dent d’Oche, château d’Oche,
Pelluaz and mont Baron.
Discover views, habitats, flora, fauna
and agricultural activities. It is suitable
for families, even with young children.
10 information posts are situated at
intervals along the path.
A leaflet is available from the tourist
office for 1,50€.
The walk starts from the ‘Alpage’ car
park, at the col de Creusaz. It takes
around 2 to 21/2 hours, is 6km long
and the gradient varies by 140m.
THEMED WALKS THOLLON LES
MEMISES
“Man and Mountain”
Discover the relationship between man
and mountain on the marked footpath
starting at the top of the cable car.
Walk along the ridge of the Mémises,
with information posts and 2 orientation
tables to guide you, as well as a
booklet (available free from the tourist
office). Choose between 1hr30 and 5hrs
of walking (not particularly difficult).
This footpath develops different themes
and the first section is suitable for
families.
Themes
1- Thollon-les-Mémises plateau
2- Use of the slopes, in the past and
today
3- Panoramic orientation table: The Swiss
Alps
4- The importance of water
5- Life in the mountain pastures
6- Quarrying
7- Panoramic orientation table
8- View of the Chablais peaks
9- Terracing
10- View of the headland at Yvoire
11- View of the Jura mountains
12- The col de Pertuis
13- In the past a glacier, today Lake
Geneva
14- Common land
A leaflet is available from the tourist
office.
Summer in the Gavot
“Discover Thollon”
Starting at the tourist office, this
footpath takes you through meadows
towards Lajoux. Visit the grotto at
Lajoux, one of the oldest hamlets in
Thollon. You can also appreciate many
old buildings and the old school with
its bell.
Onto Grand Roc with its Michelin guide
listed view of the mouth of the Rhone,
the Swiss Alps, Montreux and Vevey.
The path then takes you via Les Reboux
and La Buissonnière to the hamlets of
Le Maravent and Le Hucel.
At Le Hucel: climb up to the transmitter,
where you will find a panoramic
view. It is also an ornithological observation
site, one of the best in the northern
Alps to observe and count birds
of prey migrating from the north and
east in the spring.
More than 10 000 pass through Le
Hucel in the spring. Situated at the end
of a huge funnel, shaped by the lakeshore
and mountain ridges, the birds are
channelled towards Le Hucel.
The path then takes you back to the
‘Station’ via the hamlets of Le Nouy
and Chez les Aires, where you will see
traditional houses and old basins for
collecting spring water.
Un guide des sentiers est disponible à
l’office du tourisme.
Please remember:
that for the comfort and safety of
all users, dogs must be kept on a
lead, litter must be taken with you,
it is forbidden to cross land under
cultivation and grazing animals must
not be disturbed. Thank you for your
cooperation.
Mountain walks
There are many routes starting from
Thollon or Bernex. Lake Geneva (70km
long), the Swiss Alps, Mont Blanc, the
Jura, the Chablais. From the chalets
d’Oche to the Mémises, from the easy
Mont Bénand walk to the challenging
Dent d’Oche climb, the Pays de Gavot
is the ideal base for a large variety of
walks.
The Tourist Offices of Thollon and
Bernex are at your disposition to inform
you, to obtain detailed guides of walks
in the area, to help you plan your itineraries.
You will find contact details
towards the front of this guide.
19

Summer in the Gavot
TENNIS
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Adventure in a sledge pulled by dogs
- Vinzier 06 80 93 26 20
Takamaka
Takamaka via ferata, canyoning, parachuting
etc.
Tél. 04 50 73 80 98
Parcours santé du bois de Larringes
situé dans les Bois communaux, départ
au niveaux du parking situé à 1 km du
Collège du Pays de Gavot.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
MARKED TRAILS
182km throughout the plateau
4 black trails
5 red trails
5 blue trails
3 green trails
The trails are marked using the nationally
recognized signs with 2 yellow
circles and a yellow triangle indicating
the direction.
A leaflet is available from the tourist
offices.
ACCOMPANIED MOUNTAIN
BIKING
Mountain guides are available in the
summer.
Courts Hourly rate/subscription Reservations
Bernex 2 8 E/h - 26 E/4h - 58 E/10 h Office de tourisme
Deposit de 80 E cheque 04 50 73 60 72
Champanges 2 5 E/h - 25 E/family/week - Permanence chalet
deposit. Annual subscription: At the courts
Under 20’s: 20 E 6p.m.-8p.m. or tel
Adult : 40 E 04 50 73 49 59
Family : 80 E 04 50 73 47 46
Féternes 1 25 E/month adult - Michel Vatter
40 E/month couple 04 50 73 43 45
15 E/month Under 18’s
Larringes 1 Couple : 60 E - Individuals 34 E Thierry Séjourné
Children 9-18yrs: 20 E Pugny - 74500 Larringes
Children 9/11yrs from Larringes 11E Tickets available from
Ticket hour 8 E + 8 E deposit village shop
Ticket week 23 E + 8 E deposit. “Chez Yohann”
(Yohann Broux).
St-Paul 1 Seniors: 36,60 E under 18’s: 18,30 E Mairie Monday Saturday
Over 18’s, students: 19,90 E Deposit for key: 76,30 E
couple : 58 E - family : 74,70 E
guest : 3,10 E.
6,10 E/h - 30,50 E/forfait 6 h.
Thollon 2 10 E/h - 35 E/5h Office de tourisme
Annual ticket: adult: 55 E, 04 50 70 90 01
Under 15’s: 39 E, family 77 E
MOUNTAIN BIKE RENTAL
Voiron Pierre - 74500 Champanges
Chemin des Viots
Tel. 04 50 71 00 75 or 06 88 22 65 51
LA BELLICIME
Le dimanche 3 juillet 2011, 2 ème édition
de la randonnée vtt du plateau de
Gavot. 3 parcours de 15, 30 et 60 km.
Venez nombreux.
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22
Discovering the
marshlands and lakes
Only the Gavot plateau can claim to be
Evian Mineral Water’s factory. It is true
that in 20 years time, a small percentage
of the rain falling on the plateau
today will be bottled under the prestigious
name of Evian Mineral Water.
On the plateau, scattered around, a
hundred or so marshes and a few lakes
unite to preserve the ever-fragile quality
of the water. Scorned for years,
often feared, the marshes shelter
varied and mysterious wildlife.
Today, they are protected and maintained.
Three marked footpaths allow you to
discover the diversity of these natural
sites:
Pond talk
Starts at the car park in La Beunaz, St.
Paul en Chablais. Take the path to the
right of the fence of La Beunaz plage.
After 30 metres, you will see the sign
“Paroles d’etangs” (pond talk). Follow
the wooden signs. Wooden pontoons
over the water and information points
describe the local wildlife.
Maravent marsh and Toupidek
Park your car in the Collège du Pays
de Gavot car park (between St. Paul
and Vinzier/Larringes). To access the
marsh, follow the wooden markers to
the entrance about 50 metres from the
car park (to the left as you face the
building). A raised wooden walkway
with handrails takes you round the
marsh.
Memories of a peat bog
Park your car in the Collège du Pays
de Gavot car park (between St. Paul
and Vinzier/Larringes). To access the
marsh, follow the wooden markers to
the entrance about 150 metres from
the car park (to the right as you face
the building). You will need to cross
the field to reach the poplar wood at
the entrance to the site. The troughs
can still be seen, where peat was
extracted here during the war. But let
Louis tell the story…
Visites guidées july and august, informations
at Tourist Office
Bernex: 04 50 73 60 72
Thollon: 04 50 70 90 01
Groups all the year, on reservation.
Informations: SIVOM du Pays de
Gavot - Gremey - 74500 Saint-Paul-en-
Chablais - Tel. 04 50 75 04 51
Fax 04 50 74 07 31.
An illustrated booklet, the “Guide du
patrimoine naturel du Pays de Gavot”
(Natural heritage of the Pays de Gavot),
is on sale in bookshops.
23

24
Winter in the Gavot
Bernex Dent d’Oche
1000-2000m altitude. The ski area
consists of 19 runs; 4 green, 3 blue, 7
red and 4 black.
There are 12 ski lifts; 3 chairlifts, 7
button lifts and 2 rope tows.
The ski area has 53 snowmaking machines.
A children’s ski area (jardin d’enfants),
managed by the ski school (ESF) is
situated at the foot of the pistes and
welcomes children aged 4 –6 yrs.
There is no nursery at Bernex, but a
list of child-minders is available on
request at the Tourist Office.
2 restaurants are situated in the heart
of the ski area, with another at the
foot of the pistes, near the beginner’s
ski area.
The French Ski School (ESF) is situated
at the foot of the pistes, tel. 04 50 73
62 80, e-mail esf-bernex@wanadoo.fr
and an independent instructor, Mireille
Laurent, tel. 06 82 07 67 75, e-mail
mireillelaurent@infonie.fr.
The ski lift operators
tel. 04 50 73 62 77
Cross-country skiing
7,5km of prepared tracks are at your
disposition.
Snowshoeing
Discover the 3 marked trails in Bernex
with friends or as a family. Access is
free from the foot of the pistes. Each
takes 1-11/2 hours. Route maps are
available from the Tourist Office or skihire
shops on request.
Accompanied outings
Outings are organized throughout the
winter season with mountain guides.
Details at the Tourist Office.
Equipment rental
There are 3 rental shops in the resort.
Super Bernex Sport/Sport 2000
Tel. 04 50 73 62 31
Michoud Sports Tel. 04 50 7316 00
e-mail michoudsport@aol.com
Ski Set Bernex Tel. 04 50 73 69 26
Winter in the Gavot
Thollon les Mémises
Thollon is a charming village situated
at 1000m altitude, with skiing up to
2000m and views of Lake Geneva and
the Swiss Alps.
The Tourist Office organizes activities
throughout the season for the whole
family.
Tourist Office: 04 50 70 90 01 –www.
thollonlesmemises.com
The ski area consists of 16 runs (9
red, 4 blue, 3 green) as well as a snow
park.
The ski lift operators: 04 50 70 92 87
The French Ski School (ESF) instructors
are available for private and group lessons,
including children from 4yrs old
(jardin d’enfants). Several instructors
speak English. Tel: 04 50 70 91 71
www.esfthollon.com
The crèche welcomes children from
6 months to 6 years in summer and
winter.
Details from the Town Hall
04 50 75 09 88.
The Tourist Office has a list of babysitters.
Cross-country skiing
6km of tracks are at your disposition
from the top of the cable car.
Snowshoeing
Route maps are available from the
Tourist Office on request. Outings are
also organized with a qualified guide.
Accompanied outings
Outings are organized throughout the
winter season with mountain guides.
Details at the Tourist Office.
Equipment rental
There are 4 rental shops at Thollon
station:
Ecco ski: 04 50 70 93 84
www.skiset.com
Savoy skis: 04 50 70 92 44
www.savoyskis.com
Méda sports: 04 50 70 95 75
www.medasports.com
Yéti sports: 04 50 70 91 94
www.yeti-sports.net
25

26
Discovering neighbouring Haute-
Savoie and Switzerland
In the previous pages you have discovered the many facets of the villages of the
Pays de Gavot. Now you are going to discover the surrounding areas of Haute-
Savoie and Switzerland.
INFORMATIONS
The Tourist Office telephone number
is shown in bold. The telephone number
of each attraction is shown. For
Switzerland, the telephone number is
given with its international dialling
code. CHF = price in Swiss Francs
The shores
of lake Geneva
Genève
Annecy
Lac Léman
Evian
Yvoire
Thonon
Douvaine
Chamonix
SAINT-GINGOLPH
Parc Aventure « Léman forest »
04 50 76 74 74 ou 06 16 91 53 49
Tyroliennes géantes - Route de Novel
74500 Saint Gingolph -
En terre Franco Suisse, des parcours
progressifs et accessibles à tous... Des
parcours enfants spécialement adaptés...
Un matériel de sécurité certifié et obligatoire
sur plus d’1 km de parcours !
A partir de 2 ans.
Ouverture :
Avril-mai : week end , jours fériés et
tous les jours pendant les vacances
scolaires de 13h à 19h
Juin : mercredi, week end et jours
fériés de 11h à 19h
Juillet-Août : tous les jours de 10h à 19h
Septembre : mercredi, week end et
lundi du jeûne fédéral de 11h à 18h
Octobre : week end et tous les jours
pendant les vacances de 13h à 18h
Tarifs : 2-5 ans : 5 € / 5-10 ans : 12 €
8-14 ans : 16 €€ / + de 14 ans : 20 €
www.leman-forest.com
LUGRIN
TO: 04 50 76 00 38
Temple du Fromage (cheese)
04 50 76 00 14
In a Savoyard setting, a giant animated
display recounts the life of farmers
in the mountain pastures, from milking
the cows to making and refining the
cheese.
Adults: 5,50 €
Children (6 to 12yrs): 4 €.
Open throughout the year. Mondays to
Saturdays 9a.m. to 7p.m. Visit lasts 20
minutes, followed by cheese tasting.
www.temple-du-fromage.com
EVIAN
TO: 04 50 75 04 26
In harmony with its surroundings,
famous for its mineral water, Evian is
an internationally renowned resort. Its
main attractions derive from its geographical
setting, its listed buildings
and of course its history as a spa town.
Le funiculaire
04 50 74 98 93
Completely renovated in its original
style (dating from 1907), the funicular
railway will take you from the lakeside
(375m alt.) to the top of Evian (500m
alt.). Travel back in time, as you are
transported in wooden carriages past
Edwardian-style stations. Departs from
behind the old thermal baths (Anciens
Thermes) – arrives at the Hotel
Ermitage.
Open every day from 10a.m. to 7p.m.
From 15th May to 20th September.
No charge.
Informations: Funiculaire Evian.
The shores of lake Geneva
The ‘Pré-Curieux’ water gardens
04 50 70 15 44 / 06 25 07 60 60
The garden, situated in lakeside
grounds of 3.5 hectares contains several
water-related areas. Discover the
flora and fauna of ponds, torrents,
marshes, meadows, deltas….
Exhibition showing the function, richness
and fragility of humid areas.
Guided tours – accessible by boat from
Evian.
Open from 1st May to 30th September,
Wednesdays to Sundays. Every day
in July and August. Boat leaves at
10a.m., 1.45p.m. and 3.30p.m.
Adults: 11 € / Children: 6,50 € (6-12
yrs) / families: 28 € (2 adults + 2
children).
Reservation at the Tourist office.
www.precurieux.com
Evian Mineral Water exhibition
hall
04 50 84 80 29
Films, information boards and educational
games about the Evian Mineral
Water Company.
Open every day from 9th May to 18th
September.
From 9th May to 5th June: From
2.30p.m. to 6.30p.m., daily except
Sunday.
From 6th June to 11th September:
From 10.30a.m. to 12.30p.m. and
3p.m. to 7p.m.
From 12th September to 18th
September: From 2.30p.m. to 6.30p.m.,
daily except Sunday.
The Amphion bottling factory
04 50 84 86 54
Prior reservation required at the exhibition
hall (above), situated in the
pedestrian street (Rue Nationale).
Minibus departs from the exhibition
hall.
Visit: free. Bus: 2€. Group: max 50
visite-usine-evian@danone.com
Evian’s musical fountain
See the fountain ‘playing’ music! Free
show at the ‘Place des Mouettes’.
From the Easter holidays until October.
27

The shores of lake Geneva
Le Palais Lumière
04 50 83 15 90
In the ancient thermes from 1902,
venez découvrir tout au long de l’année
diverses expositions artistiques,
tout en profitant de la médiathèque.
Information Tourist office.
Open daily from 10.30am to 7pm.
Except Mondays 2pm to 7pm. Themed
exhibitions all year round.
4th June – 2nd October: Collections
of Liechtenstein Princes.
Rates : 12 € / 9 € reduced rates.
AMPHION-PUBLIER
TO: 04 50 70 00 63
La Cité de l’Eau
04 50 70 05 06
The pleasures of water throughout the
year. Swimming and diving pools, wave
machine, 2 jacuzzis, paddling pool for
young children, slide.
Open Monday and Thursday from
12a.m. to 10p.m., Tuesday and Friday
from 12a.m. to 9p.m. Wednesday from
11a.m. to 8p.m., Saturday from 12a.m.
to 7p.m. and Sunday from 10a.m. to
5p.m. On summer open Monday to
Friday from 10a.m. to 8p.m.; Saturday
and Sunday from 10a.m. to 7p.m.
Visit www.lacitedeleau.com for prices.
Tropic’Alp Golf Aventure
04 50 26 05 76
Minigolf 2 - 18 holes : Free park.
Open all day from Sat 26th March to end
September. April: 2p.m. - 6p.m. / May:
11a.m. - 6.30p.m. June: 11a.m.- 7p.m.
and 11a.m. - 10p.m. on Friday and
Saturday / July and August: 10a.m. -
10p.m. / September: 2p.m.- 6p.m. /
October: 2p.m. - 6p.m. Wednesday and
week end.
Adults : 6,5 € / children : 4 € (- 16yrs)
Group: min 20.
www.tropicalp.fr
THONON-LES-BAINS
TO: 04 50 71 55 55
Musée du Chablais
(château de Sonnaz)
04 50 70 26 96
Situated in an old 17th century building,
formerly the residence of the
Earls of Sonnaz. Natural and local history,
ethnography, archaeology.
Open from 9th April to 7 November. On
June and September from Wednesday
to Sunday 2.30p.m. to 6p.m. July and
August: 10.30a.m. to 12.30a.m. / 3p.m;
to 18.30p.m.
Rates: 2,10 € adults / 1,65 € reduce
rate / - 11 yrs free.
Ecomusée de la Pêche
04 50 70 26 96
Situated in an old 17th century building,
formerly the residence of the
Earls of Sonnaz. Natural and local history,
ethnography, archaeology.
Open from 29 May to 29 September.
June and September: from Wednesday
to Sunday - 14.30p.m.-6p.m., July and
August: 10.30a.m.-12.30a.m. / 3p.m. -
18.30p.m.
Rates: 2,05 € adults / 1,65 € reduce
rate / - 11 yrs free. Rates for 2
museums : 3,60 € adults / 2,60 €
reduce rate.
Château Ripaille Estate
04 50 26 64 44
This 15th century castle is the former
residence of Amédée 8th, first duke of
Savoie. The 155-hectare lakeside estate
consists of a 21-hectare vineyard,
53-hectare forest and an arboretum.
Open daily in July and August and
occasionally at other times. Visit the
web site for details of opening times
throughout the year.
www.ripaille.fr
Duration 1h.
Rates: 6 € adults / 3 € children.
Reduced rate: 4€€ / family: 15€
The shores of lake Geneva
YVOIRE
TO: 04 50 72 80 21
Stroll through the streets, down to
the port of this charming lakeside village.
Named one of the most beautiful
villages of France, Yvoire is also the
most renowned attraction around Lake
Geneva.
Medieval Yvoire
info@ot-yvoire.fr
Guided tour of the 14th century market
town.
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.45a.m.
Wednesdays and Fridays at 4.45p.m.,
in July and August. From the Tourist
Office.
Adults: 5.50 € / Children: 3.50 € /
Family: 14 €
info@ot-yvoire.fr
Le Jardin des Cinq Sens
04 50 72 88 80
www.jardin5sens.net
In the château’s old kitchen garden, a
dream garden has been created in the
style of the Middle Ages. Plant maze
themed around the five senses, herb
garden in the cloisters, ancient fruit
trees, roses, fountains, aviary, video
and quiz for children.
Open every day from 10th April to
31th May from 11a.m. to 6p.m. From
1st June to 31 august from 10a.m. to
7p.m. From 1st september to 4 october
from 11a.m. to 6p.m.
Rates: 10 € adults / 8 € reduce rate
/ 5,50 € from 4 to 16 years / 25,50 €
family.
Sun Boat tour
06 07 03 63 20
Every 30 minutes, from Domaine de
Rovorée 30 mn.
Adults: 6 € - children: 5.50 €
Family (4 persons): 20 €.
www.helionaute.com
DOUVAINE
TO: 04 50 94 10 55
Grange de Servette
04 50 94 10 55 ou 06 98 51 51 21
17th century building, housing traditional
craftsmen’s tools, as well
as modern paintings and sculptures.
Temporary painting exhibition.
Spectacles et représentations théâtrales.
Open every day in July and August.
Rates: 3 € adults / children – 12 yrs
free. Spectacles : 13 € adults / children
– 12yrs free. Amis des Granges :
10 €.
Informations:
www.grange-de-servette.com
Côteaux du vin de Crépy (AOC)
Several vineyards are open to visitors:
Crépy, Métral, Déturche…
BALLAISON
Ferme de la Mère Gaud
04 50 94 01 18
The only manufacturer of foie gras in
the Haute-Savoie. Possibility of seeing
the animals being force-fed, depending
on the season.
Open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9a.m.
to 12p.m. and 2p.m. to 7p.m.
Groups by prior arrangement.
Visit + tasting: 4 € per person.
101 impasse Thénières
www.la-mere-gaud.com
La Framboiseraie
04 50 85 18 07
M and mrs Pouillard receive you in the
family working. They pick small fruits
and transform in jam, brandy, raspberry
coulis.
Open all days (except Sundays) on
summer.
Visit the afternoon.
Route des Voirons Ballaison.
28 29

30
The shores of lake Geneva
SCIEZ
TO: 04 50 72 64 57
Les Aigles du Léman/Le parc
cinémalier
04 50 72 72 26
17 shows, themed surroundings (oriental,
medieval, jungle, Indian)…every
day, panthers, bears, wolves, eagles,
dromedaries…perform for you. Horseriding
stunts, farm animals.
Open every day from 28th May to 28th
August, from 10a.m to 6p.m.
Rates morning : 8 € adults / 8 € children
(5 to 14 yrs) / free – 5 yrs. Rates
afternoon: 12 € adults / 10 € children
(5 to 14 yrs )/ free – 5 yrs. Day from
10a.m. to 6p.m.: 16 € adults / 12 €
children (5 to 14 yrs) / free – 5 yrs.
Exposition.
www.lesaiglesduleman.fr
Vin de Marignan AOC
04 50 72 70 30
Don’t miss the Canelli-Suchet wine
cellars, the oldest in the Savoie, dating
from the 11th century. Fortified cellar
with impressive oak beams. Several
methods of wine production are used.
Open all day from 8a.m. to 7p.m. On
Sundays, please phone before visiting.
BRENTHONNE
Château d’Avully (castle)
04 50 72 79 22
Constructed on an old Roman site,
the castle was restored in 1970. With
its towers, dungeon, moat, loophole,
drawbridge and Italian gardens, it is
the only one of its kind in the area.
The museum “Mémoires des Etats de
Savoie” takes a historical look at the
Savoy region.
Open every day July and August from
2p.m. to 6p.m. The rest of the year on
Sundays from 2p.m. to 6p.m.
Rates: 3 € from 12 to 16 yrs / 6 €
adults.
www.chateau-avully.com
ALLINGES
TO: 04 50 71 21 18
Châteaux et chapelle des Allinges
04 50 71 22 12
A unique viewpoint taking in the lake,
the Chablais plain, as well as the foothills
of the Alps.
Two castles were built here, rivals for
centuries. A romantic setting and a
fascinating history, haunted by the
memory of St. François de Sales. The
11th century frescoes, inspired by the
Byzantine era, are the oldest in the
Savoy region.
Open all day from 9a.m. to 7p.m..
Free. Guided tour in July and August:
04 50 72 01 30
Abondance
Valley
Genève
Annecy
Lac Léman
Abondance
Châtel
Chamonix
BISE ET UBINE
Two mountain pastures at the heart
of impressive mountain sites, reached
through a very narrow valley.
At Bise discover the production of
Sérac. Cows and goats wander freely.
At Ubine, don’t miss the rustic chapel.
Abondance Valley
ABONDANCE
TO: 04 50 73 02 90
Cloître de l’abbaye
(Abbey cloister)
04 50 81 60 54
In the Middle Ages, the Abbey’s
influence extended throughout the
Northern Alps. Today, only part of the
church and the 14th century cloisters
remain. The wall paintings tell the
story of daily life in 15th century
Savoy.
Animation et expositions.
From 22 december to 30 april : open
from Monday to Friday from 9a.m. to
12a.m. and from 2p.m. to 5p.m.; and
Sundays during holidays. Guided tour at
3p.m. Closed Tuesday.
On May, June, September and October:
open everyday except Mondays from
9.30a.m. to 12a.m. and from 2p.m. to
6p.m. Guided tour at 3p.m.
On july and august: open everyday
9.30a.m. to 12.30a.m. and from 2p.m. to
6p.m. Guided tours at 3p.m.
Groups on reservation. Closed from
31/10/11 to 19/12/11, 25 December and
1st January.
Rates: adults non guided 2 € and
5,50 € guided / children from 11 to 15
yrs 3 € guided.
www.abbaye-abondance.org
Plagnes lake
In the valley leading to the lake, you
will see some 400yr old chalets. Near
the lake is the chapel of Saint Anne.
Maison du Val d’Abondance
04 50 73 06 34
Discover the area, history, geography,
the way of life and particularly the breed
of cows, whose milk is used to produce
the renowned Abondance cheese.
From January to June and September
to December open Monday to Saturday,
from 9.30a.m. to 12 noon and 2p.m.
to 5.45p.m. (closed on Sundays).
From 4th July to 31st August open
Monday to Saturday, from 9.30a.m. to
12.30 and 2p.m. to 6.15p.m. Sundays
from 2p.m. to 5.45p.m.
Rates: adults: 3 € / children (11-15yrs)
2,50 €.
www.valabondance.com
LA CHAPELLE
D’ABONDANCE
TO: 04 50 73 51 41
Deer park
On the Chevennes road towards la
chapelle.
Arvoin lake
Access by car to the start of a forest
footpath followed by a 30-minute walk
to the lake.
“A talking tree! Trees, men and
gods”
04 50 73 50 22
Trees have played an crucial role in our
lives. These huge and friendly plants
have accompanied man through history,
enabling him to build his home,
feed himself, stay warm and make
tools… But trees are also musical,
mysterious, artistic …
Exhibition open at the Maison des
Sœurs, above the tourist office, on
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
from 3-6pm.
Prices: adults 2.60€ - children 1.40€
CHATEL
TO: 04 50 73 22 44
Fantasticable
04 50 81 34 83
The one and only in the Alps! Attached
to a cable you fly across the valley
from Rochassons to Plaine Dranse.
1200m at almost 100km/h.
Open every day from 24th June to 4th
September
Weekends in June 11th,12th, and
18th, 19th and September 9th,10th,
11th and 17th, 18th, 19th
www.fantasticable.com
31

Abondance Valley
Piste de bob luge (All-season
sledging run)
04 50 81 32 48 / 04 50 73 34 24
In the middle of trees, you will go up
with a lift. You will pick up with sensation.
Children under 1m25 must come
with parents.
Weekends in June 11/12/13 and 18/19
and Sept 9/10/11 and 17/18/19 from
2pm to 5pm. All days from 24th June
to 4th September from 11a.m. to
12.30a.m.and from 1.p.m. to 6.30p.m.
Rates : 1 ride 3,70 €. 3 rides +
1 free : 11,10 €.
Le Dévalkart
In Pré la Joux , some karts not motorized
offers a new activity. From 10
years. Open from 2nd July to 4th
September from 11a.m 12.30a.m and
from 1.30p.m to 6.30p.m.
Rates : 1 run 1,90 € / 3 runs + 1 free
5,60 €.
Le Rollerbe
04 50 73 34 24
With an all terrain scooter : you pick
up the pist of Covagny in good mood.
You will go up with a lift. Open from
2nd July to 4th September from
11a.m 12.30a.m and from 1.30p.m to
6.30p.m.
Rates : 1 run 1,90 € / 3 runs + 1 free
5,60 €.
Col de Bassachaux
See the Essert waterfall (cascade) on
the road to the col (mountain pass) in
the Châtel valley. From the col, viewpoint
of Avoriaz, Montriond lake and
peaks of the Chablais and Haut-Giffre
Mountain ranges..
Pic du Morclan
Accessible by Morclan cable car and
chair lift. An orientation table at the
summit shows peaks in the Swiss Alps
(Valais and Vaud) as well as the nearby
French Alps.
Col du Grand-Taillet
Take this mountain pass to the alpine
village of Tréchauffé. Orientation table.
Morzine Valley
Genève
Annecy
Lac Léman
St-Jean-d’Aulps
Avoriaz
Praz-de-Lys
Chamonix
LA VERNAZ
Les Gorges du Pont du Diable
04 50 72 10 39
A remarkable example of erosion in the
limestone pre-alps. The river Dranse
plunges into a deep ravine dominated
by a natural arch: the Devil’s Bridge.
The site has been adapted for visitors.
Open daily from May to September,
9.30a.m. to 6p.m. 45 min.
Rates: Adults: 5.30€, Children 16 -20
yrs: 4.30€, 6 -15 yr olds: 3.30€.
The natural lighting is particularly good
in the morning. It’s a good idea to
bring warm clothing in bad weather.
www.lepontdudiable.com
SAINT-JEAN D’AULPS
TO: 04 50 04 52 63
Abbaye Notre-Dame d’Aulps
04 50 72 16 16 / www.aulps.com
The Abbey’s remains are classed as a
historical monument and bear witness
to seven centuries of Cistercian monastic
presence in the valley (1093-1792).
During the school holidays: visit at
11a.m. on Fridays and at 5p.m. on
Tuesdays (in costume).
July-August: Group visits by prior
arrangement.
MONTRIOND
TO: 04 50 79 12 81
Lac de Montriond
The largest mountain lake in the
Haute-Savoie, created by a landslide
4500 years ago.
Waterfall (cascade) at Ardent.
In August: Festival of fire (sound and
light).
Morzine Valley
Les Lindarets
Village of old restored animal sheds.
Goats are king in this mountain village,
as they invade shops, restarants…
Cascade de Brochaux (waterfall)
A 30-minute walk from Linderets
towards Avoriaz.
AVORIAZ
TO: 04 50 74 02 11
Modern resort with striking architecture.
Visit Seraussaix farm. Milking the cows
and cheese-making. Daily from 3 rd July
to 29 th August.
Information at the tourist office
(number above).
MORZINE
TO: 04 50 74 72 72
Lac des Mines d’Or (Gold mine
lake)
In the Morzine valley, charming lake at
the foot of the Tête de Bostan (imposing
limestone block).
The name comes from the gold mine
at the Col de Coux. Exploited in the
18th century, it was soon abandoned
because of poor quality.
Col de Joux Plane
Magnificent view of the Giffre valley
with Mont Blanc in the background.
Heritage leaflet available at the Tourist
Office.
Covered ice rink
Palais des Sports / 04 50 79 08 43
Open every day during the summer until
the 5 th September. Shows, figure skating,
hockey...
Winter: Monday-Friday 2.15p.m to
5.15p.m. Tuesday 9p.m to 11p.m. Closed
at the weekend. Open in the event of
bad weather 2.15p.m to 5.15p.m.
Admission + hire: under 18s
Morning 5.80€ /Afternoon 6.90€ /Eve
6.50€
Adults: Morning 6.10€ /Afternoon 7.50€
/Eve 7.30€.
Summer: Monday-Sunday 2.15p.m to
5.15p.m. Phone for details of evening
sessions. Children 6.90€ /Adulte 7.60€.
LES GETS
TO: 04 50 75 80 80
Musée de la Musique Mécanique
(Mechanical Music Museum)
04 50 79 85 75
One of the best collections in Europe
of musical boxes, organs, gramophones,
automatic pianos, automata and
orchestrions. Several themed rooms and
displays.
Open all year everyday from 2.15p.m.
to 7.15p.m. except saturday in winter.
Closed from 1 st November to 20
December. In July and August open
from 10.15a.m. to 12.15p.m. and
2.15p.m. to 7.15p.m..
Rates : adult 7 €/ - 16 years 4 €.
www.musicmecalesgets.org
Swimming lake
04 50 79 81 76
A guard is here from mid-June to mid-
September. The temperature of the
water is 22° about.
Supervised in July and August.
Adults: 3€ /under 16s 2€.
32 33

Aventure Parc
04 50 75 84 65
There are 86 games in 7 courses. Many
games in trees. Some people help you
during the courses. Open weekends in
June and September to 18th, daily
from 25th June – 4th September. 4 th
– 19 th July and 24 th – 30 th Aug from
10a.m. to 6.30p.m. (No admission
12noon to 1.30p.m.).
20 th July – 23 rd Aug 10a.m to 6.30p.m.
(Last admission 4.30pm).
Big circuit: 22€ /small circuit (children)
16€.
www.aventure-parc.fr
PRAZ DE LYS
TO: 04 50 34 25 05
You can take a detour through Praz de
Lys.
Superb viewpoint of Mont Blanc.
Le val d’Hermone
et la vallée Verte
(Green valley)
Genève
Annecy
Lac Léman
Boëge
Bellevaux
Chamonix
Route taking you through gentle,
relaxing mountain scenery, far from
major roads.
VAILLY
Alpage de la Buchille
Typical Alpine village with good views
of the valley and Lake Geneva. Take a
left turn towards Le Bosson 1km before
the village.
BELLEVAUX
TO: 04 50 73 71 53
Cascade de Bellevaux (waterfall)
See canyoning, the waterfall is at the
roadside.
Musée de la faune (fauna
museum)
04 50 73 71 53
Discover the local fauna (more than
140 naturalized animals) in its environment
(reconstructed).
Open on Wednesdays and Thursdays
from 3p.m. to 4p.m. Closed in October
to January.
Adults: 3.50€, Children 4-16yrs: 2.50 €.
Musée de l’Histoire
et des Traditions (Museum of
History and traditions)
04 50 73 71 53
Open on Wednesdays and Thursdays
from 4.30p.m. to 4.30p.m. Closed in
October to January.
Adults: 3.50€, Children 4-16yrs: 2.50€.
Lac de Vallon (lake)
Lake created by a landslide in 1943,
which buried several chalets and 2
sawmills. You can see through to the
foundations of a house. Pleasant setting
for a stroll.
Don’t miss
Chapelle Saint Bruno (old Carthusian
chapel) at the lake. Guided tours in
summer. Details from the Tourist Office.
Le val d’Hermone et la vallée Verte
BOEGE
TO: 04 50 39 11 28
Voirons monasteries
You can see the workrooms of the first
monastery. From the second, which
was originally a hotel, a road leads
through the forest to the ridge. The
area is renowned for its game and view
of the ‘Petit Lac’ (Geneva end of Lake
Geneva).
HABERE-POCHE
TO: 04 50 39 54 46
Gliding center
04 50 39 56 56 / www.planeur74.com
First flight with an instructor.
Experience new sensations for around
15 minutes.
Open from 15th April to 15th October
every day except Tuesdays.
30 min flight: 105€
1 hr flight: 170€
reductions for groups (min 6)
Numerous possibilities: discover the
Chablais /Mont Blanc mountain ranges.
The canton of
Vaud (Switzerland)
ROCHE
Musée Suisse de l’Orgue
0041 21 960 46 57
King of instruments in size and sound,
the organ has been celebrated culturally
and architecturally for centuries.
Come and discover 23 centuries of
music, history and technique.
Closed from January to 31 April and
from November to December.
Open Sunday at 2.15p.m., closed
Monday.
Open from 1 st May to 31 st October
from Tuesday to Sunday by reservation
only, open to the public on Saturdays.
Concert at 5p.m. on Saturdays in July
and August.
Adults: 5 CHF, Children 5-16yrs: 3 CHF.
Guided tours at 10.15am, 2.15p.m. and
3.45p.m.
You must book in advance for groups
(max 35).www.orgue.ch
34 35
Genève
Annecy
Lac Léman
Lausanne
Chamonix
Gruyères
Château d’Oex
Aigle

The canton of Vaud (Switzerland)
AIGLE
TO: 00 41 24 466 30 00
Château et musée vaudois de la
Vigne et du Vin (castle and wine
museum)
00 41 24 466 21 30
The imposing Château d’Aigle, surrounded
by vineyards, was built in the 13th
century by the Savoy region, reworked
by the Bernese and restored from 1973.
The museum takes advantage of these
grand surroundings to preserve the
heritage of traditional winemaking.
Open daily from 11am to 6pm (except
Mondays). Open daily in July and
August.Visit takes around 1 hour.
Rates: adults 9 CHF / student 6 CHF /
children from 9 to 16 yrs 5 CHF.
www.chateauaigle.ch
Musée international de l’Etiquette
(International label museum)
00 41 24 466 21 30
Combined ticket for both museums.
Adults: 11 CHF, Children (9-16yrs): 5
CHF, Students: 9 CHF.
LEYSIN
TO: 00 41 24 494 22 44
Restaurant tournant de la
Berneuse “Kuklos” (Revolving
restaurant)
00 41 24 494 31 41
Take the cable car to the summit. At
2048m altitude, enjoy the view. From
the Eiger to Mont Blanc, from the
Diablerets glacier to the Jura.
The Rhone valley and the Léman basin
spread out before your eyes. This
superb restaurant, entirely glazed,
turns in an hour and a half, giving you
a fantastic panoramic view.
There is also a self-service restaurant.
Return ticket for the cable car: Adults:
CHF 21, Children (6-16yrs): CHF 14.
5th June to 23rd October from 9a.m.
to 5p.m.
www.teleleysin.ch
BEX
TO: 00 41 24 463 30 80
Mine de sel de Bex (salt mine)
00 41 24 463 03 30
The mine is a maze of galleries, shafts,
stairs and rooms of which the total
length is around 50km, reaching as far
as Villars, Chesières and Arveyes.
The area open to the public shows the
most spectacular elements and those
characteristic of the methods used
during the running of the mine from
the time of the first gallery in 1684 to
the present day.
Open all year. Telephone for times and
further information, pre-booking advised
for groups (guided tour lasts 1hr 45).
Adults: 19 CHF, Children (5-16y): 12 CHF
http://www.mines.ch
GRYON
TO: 00 41 24 498 00 00
Gryon parc vapeur + mini-golf
(miniature steam railway and crazy
golf)
130m-miniature railway in a small park.
Scale 71/40/00. Museum.
Open weekends in June from Pentecost
and in September and October. Every
day July and August.
Rates : 2 CHF train / 5 CHF golf.
The canton of Vaud (Switzerland)
TAVEYANNE
Jardin botanique “La Thomasia”
00 41 24 498 13 32
At Pont-le-Nant above Bex. The visitor
can admire almost 3000 mountain
plants, arranged geographically.
Himalayan species alongside alpine
varieties, plants from the Andes flirting
with those from the Jura. The
Rockies neighbouring the Caucasus,
the Japanese Alps, the mountains of
New Zealand or the Moroccan Atlas
mountains.
Open from March to October: 10a.m.
to 5.30p.m. every day. From May to
September: 10a.m. to 6p.m. Closed
from 12noon to 1.30p.m. Free entry.
Visit takes around 30 minutes.
Col de la Croix
Don’t forget to look out for the famous
gypsum pyramids
LES DIABLERETS
TO: 00 41 24 492 33 58
Take the cable cars to the eternal
snows and witness spectacular views of
many alpine peaks. Various walks and
excursions.
Open from 01/01 to 08/05 and 05/11
to 31/12: 9a.m. to 4.30p.m.
09/05 to 25/09: 9am to 4.50pm.
Adults: CHF77 return. Children
(9-16yrs): CHF39.
COL DU PILLON
Lac Retaud
Ideal stop for a leg stretch. Mountain
Lake, 2km from the Col du Pillon road.
GSTAAD
TO: 00 41 33 748 81 81
Renowned Swiss resort. Wandering
through Gstaad, you may come across
a film star or famous person. Keep your
eyes open!
ROUGEMONT
TO: 00 41 26 925 11 66
Musée de minéralogie et fossiles
(Mineral and fossil museum)
Rich collection of around 2000 specimens.
Open Monday to Friday 8.30a.m.
to midday and 2p.m. to 5.30p.m.
Saturdays from 10a.m. to midday. Visit
lasts 30 minutes. Adults CHF 3 and
children CHF 2 (6 to 16 yrs)
Le village
Walking through the village, admire old
chalets built between 1630 and 1800.
Discover the church, built in 1080 as
well as the wood oven in the ‘Cure’
garden.
36 37

The canton of Vaud (Switzerland)
CHATEAU-D’OEX
TO: 00 41 26 924 25 25
Musée du Vieux Pays-d’Enhaut
00 41 26 924 65 20
Museum of art and working-class traditions,
with a rich collection of rustic
furniture, dress, tools and utensils from
the past. Exhibits on four floors plus
an attic.
Open daily except Mondays from 2p.m.
to 5p.m. Visit takes around 1 hr.
Rates: adults 8 CHF / children (6 to 16
yrs) 4 CHF / Retired, student 6 CHF.
La fromagerie de montagne
“Le Chalet”
00 41 26 924 66 77
Daily at 2pm except Mondays and
Tuesdays.
Musée Le Chalet de l’Etambeau
00 41 26 924 77 66
Museum of life in the 19th century.
Comic-strip illustrations by children.
Adults: CHF 5, children (12 to 16 yrs):
CHF 3. Open on July/August from
Thursday to Sunday from 3p.m. to
6p.m.
Le pont Turrian
One of the last suspension bridges
in the French-speaking part of
Switzerland. Built in 1883.
GRUYERES
TO: 00 41 26 921 10 30
Cité médiévale et
célèbre château
00 41 26 921 21 02
One of the most prestigious in Switzerland,
the castle dominates the town
and boasts five centuries of history.
Each room is characteristic of a particular
social class and style. It has been
restored to its former glory, originally
created by its inhabitants from the
15th to the end of the 19th centuries.
Open april to october from 9a.m. to
6p.m. From november to march from
10a.m. to 4.30p.m.
Rates: adults 9.50 CHF / children (6 -
16 yrs) 3 CHF.
The observatory at the peak of the
Moléson (2002m) offers you access
to the largest binoculars in the world
and over 1000 viewpoints. Panoramic
restaurant.
BULLE
TO: 00 41 26 916 10 10
Musée Gruérien
00 41 26 912 72 60
Undergoing renovation until autumn
2011. A museum covering 1550m 2 ,
with exclusive and originally presented
displays of typical interiors (peasant
bedrooms, alpine cheese dairy) and
themes (the different stages of life,
pastoral cycle).
Two audiovisual shows are included as
well as an art gallery and temporary
exhibitions.
Open Tuesday to Saturday from10a.m.
to midday and 2p.m. to 5p.m.
Rates: adults 8 CHF / reduce rate 6 CHF
/ children free.
BROC
Fabrique de chocolat
Cailler-Nestlé (chocolate factory)
00 41 26 921 51 51
Film showing the chocolate factory,
followed by tasting. Visits ended in
1992, due to hygiene restrictions.
Learn about the history of chocolate.
Open daily from Monday to Sunday
10a.m. to 6p.m..
Adults: 10 CHF, reduced rate 8 CHF.
The canton of Vaud (Switzerland)
LAUSANNE
TO: 00 41 21 613 73 21
A leaflet is available in Tourist Offices
with details of tourist attractions in
Lausanne.
Musée olympique
(Olympic museum)
00 41 21 621 65 11
Unique, lively and interactive, the
museum is the largest Olympic information
centre in the world. Advanced
audiovisual techniques, computers and
robotics bring to life the best moments
of the games and the emotions of the
athletes.
Open from 1 st april to 31 october all
days from 9a.m. to 6p.m. From 1 st to
31 march from tuesday to sunday from
9a.m. to 6p.m. (closed monday).
Rates: adults 15 CHF / children (6 to 16
yrs) 10 CHF / children - 6 yrs free.
www.museum.olympic.org
VEVEY
TO: 00 41 21 922 20 20
Musée de l’Alimentation (Food
museum)
00 41 21 924 41 11
The museum offers a fascinating way
to discover the many aspects of food.
Cooking, eating, buying and digesting.
Exhibitions - cooking workshops
- themed lunch – junior nourishment
(6-12’s) – displays – media library –
garden.
Open Tuesday to Sunday 10a.m. to
6p.m.
Adults CHF. 12, Under 16’s free, groups,
students and the elderly: CHF 8.
LA TOUR DE PEILZ
Musée suisse du Jeu (Games
museum)
00 41 21 977 23 00
The castle, completed in the 13th
century by the Counts of Savoy, has
housed the Swiss Games Museum since
1987. Games from all countries and
from all eras are on display. You can
discover and play games inside as well
as in the castle grounds.
Open yearly except 1 st January and 25
December, from Tuesday to Sunday
from 11a.m. to 5.30p.m. Closed
Monday.
Adults: CHF 9 / children (6-16 yrs) :
CHF 3 / Retired, stuent: 6 CHF.
You must book in advance for groups
(max 15).
MONTREUX
TO: 00 41 848 86 84 84
Les rochers de Naye - Marmottes
Paradis
00 41 21 989 81 81
50 minutes in a cog railway takes you
to the Alpine garden “la Rambiertia”.
Journey from lake to rocky crags, from
palm trees to edelweiss. You may be
lucky enough to spot the shy marmot,
a small animal that lives at Marmottes
Paradis.
Train departs every hour. 1 st train at
8.46a.m. and last at 3.46p.m. In low
season return trip 60CHF.
Informations:
www.goldenpass.ch
38 39

ève
The canton of Vaud (Switzerland)
CHILLON
Château de Chillon
00 41 21 966 89 10
Erected in the 13th century on Roman
foundations, the castle was the home
of the Counts of Savoy throughout
the Middle Ages. Initially a fortress,
the castle has undergone many transformations
during its history and has
welcomed many important people;
emperors, popes, princes etc.
Open to the public all year round,
except the 25/12 and 01/01.
Open: Oct and March: 9.30am to 6pm.
Nov-Feb: 10am to 5pm. Apr-Sept: 9am
to 7pm.
Visit takes around 1 hour.
Adults CHF 12, child 6-16yrs CHF 6.
www.chillon.ch
Rhône Valley and
Valais
Annecy
Lac Léman
Chamonix
Martigny
Sion
(Switzerland)
SAINT-GINGOLPH
TO: 00 41 24 481 84 31
Musée des Traditions et des
Barques du Léman
(Boating museum at the castle)
00 41 24 481 81 61
Slide show - 5 centuries of commercial
navigation on Lake Geneva (in English
or German on request).
Open daily from 1st July to 31st
August, 2p.m. – 5.30p.m. from 1st
April to 30th June and 1st Sept to 31st
Oct every Saturday 2p.m. – 5.30p.m.
Adults 6€, children under 16 free.
Book in advance for a guided tour.
Groups on request (min. 10 people)
CHF 6 (4 €) per person.
LE BOUVERET
TO: 00 41 24 481 51 21
Swiss Vapeur Parc
(near port) 00 41 24 481 44 10
Miniature trains and buildings, in
17 000m 2 .
Open from 19th March to 20th May and
from 21st September to 1st November,
daily 1.30p.m. – 6p.m. Weekends and
bank holidays 10a.m. – 6p.m.
From 21st May to 19th September,
daily from 10a.m. – 6p.m. and at night
on the 18th and 25th June and 31st
July.
Open until approx 11.30p.m. from 17th
to 26th June for the International
Steam Festival.
Adults 15 CHF (9€), Children 4-16yrs
13 CHF (7.74€).
info@swissvapeur.ch
www.swissvapeur.ch
Aquaparc
00 41 24 482 00 00
Come and experience great sensations
in the pools and water slides of
Aquaparc. The theme is the Caribbean
at the time of the pirates. Three worlds
under one roof.
Ideally situated at the lakeside, in the
splendid Bouveret bay.
Open all year (closed for a few days
in low season). 10.30am to 8.30pm
(1/07/10 to 19/08/10)
Day ticket; Adults 47 CHF. Children
(6-16yrs) 39 CHF.
Rhône Valley and Valais (Switzerland)
www.aquaparc.ch
SAINT-MAURICE
TO: 00 41 24 485 40 40
Grotte-aux-Fées (Fairy grotto)
(entrance on the west side of the
town)
00 41 24 485 10 45
1000m of underground galleries leading
to a lake fed by a 50m high waterfall.
Temperature 10°c. 15 mins walk from
the car park to the entrance. Open
from mid-March to mid-November.
From 15 March to 30 June 10a.m. to
5p.m.
From 1 July to 31 August 10a.m. to
6p.m.
From 1 September to 15 November
10a.m. to 5p.m.
From 16th Nov to 14th March by prior
arrangement (min 10 people).
Adults CHF 8. Children (4-14yrs) CHF 5.
Lasts 45 minutes.
www.grotteauxfees.ch
Abbaye et son trésor (Abbey and
treasure)
(place du Parvis) - 00 41 24 486 04 04
Abbey with magnificent treasure.
Guided tour: July/August: 10.30am,
2pm, 3.15pm.
Jan – June, Nov and Dec tour at
2.45p.m. (phone to book in advance).
Sat and Sun at 2.45p.m. (no need to
book). Closed on Mondays.
Adults CHF 10. Children (6-16yrs) CHF 4.
Tour lasts 45 minutes. Free without
tour. Reservations by mail :
tresor@stmaurice.ch
Chapelle du Scex (Chapel)
(near the railway station of St-Maurice)
More than 300 steps lead to this chapel
carved in the rock, overlooking the
town. Closed in winter.
MARTIGNY
TO: 00 41 27 720 49 49
Fondation Pierre Gianadda
00 41 27 722 39 78 www.gianadda.ch
Cultural centre established around the
last remnants of an ancient temple,
housing the Gallo-Roman museum and
car museum. Temporary art exhibitions.
from 17th June to 20th november exhibition
Claude Monet.
November to June 10a.m. to 6p.m.
June to November 9a.m. to 7p.m.
Adults CHF 18. Retired CHF 16, Student
CHF 10 Family CHF 40.
Visit lasts around 2 hrs.
Moulin Semblanet (watermill)
(Martigny-Bourg) 00 41 27 722 51 98
Watermill from the end of the 18th
century. Open daily from 10a.m. to
10p.m.
Adults CHF 5. Children CHF 2.
Lasts around 45 mins. Guided tour possible
for groups.
Archeological walk
(Starts near Tourist Office)
Follow signs. 1 hour 30 min guided
tour possible for groups.
Adults CHF 18. Children CHF 10.
Free for those visiting La Fondation
Gianadda.
Gorges du Durnand
(on the Martigny-Champex road)
00 41 27 722 20 77
Raging torrent with 14 waterfalls.
Sturdy footwear recommended. Takes 1
hour. Open from 1 st May to end October
9a.m. to 6p.m.
Adults CHF 8. Children (6-16yrs) CHF 5.
www.gorgesdudurnand.ch
Pisse-Vache
Impressive waterfall. Free access.
40 41

Rhône Valley and Valais (Switzerland)
S I O N
TO: 00 41 27 327 77 27
Musée cantonal d’Archéologie
(Archeology museum)
(Rue des Châteaux, 12)
00 41 27 606 47 00
Excellent collections of objects from
the Valais area from 30 000B.C. to the
end of the Roman era.
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 1p.m.
to 5p.m.
Adults CHF 4. Children CHF 2. Family
CHF 8.
Free on the first Sunday of each month.
Musée cantonal d’Histoire et
d’Ethnographie (History and
Ethnography museum)
(château de Valère) 00 41 27 606 47 10
One of the main Swiss history
museums, with its important medieval
collection.
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11a.m.
to 5p.m.
Adults CHF 8. Children (6-16yrs) and
seniors CHF 4. Family ticket CHF 16.
Free on the first Sunday of each month.
Visit with commentary the 1st Saturday
of each month at 2p.m.
Illiez Valley
Valais (Switzerland)
Genève
Annecy
Lac Léman
Chamonix
Monthey
Champéry
CHAMPERY
TO: 00 41 24 479 20 20
Téléphérique Champéry-
Planachaux (cable car)
00 41 24 479 02 00
Magnificent view of the Dents du Midi.
Open: 18th June to 9th October,
8.30a.m. to 5p.m., every hour.
Open: 18th June to 9th October, every
1/2 hour, 8.30a.m. –5.30p.m.
One-way CHF 11. Return CHF 15.
Children half price.
LAVEY-LES-BAINS
TO: 00 41 24 477 23 61
Bains de Lavey
Hot springs, Turkish baths 30–36°c.
Open daily 9a.m. – 9p.m. (Sat and Sun
to 10pm)
Adults from CHF 24. Children (4-16yrs)
CHF 17.
MORGINS
TO: 00 41 24 477 23 61
Sentier planétaire
Representation of the solar system on
a scale of 1:1 000 000km between the
planets. Free. 1 hr 30mins walk.
VAL D’ILLIEZ
TO: 00 41 24 477 20 77
Bains de val d’Illiez
00 41 24 477 20 92
Close for work. Reopening in July 2010.
Open-air thermal swimming pool at
34°c and river at 28-33°c.
Open daily 10a.m.
Adults from CHF22, Children(2-15yrs)
CHF15.
Illiez Valley - Valais (Switzerland)
New: Grotto at 23°c (Massage by
appointment).
Information: 00 41 24 477 20 92.
Trient Valley
Valais (Switzerland)
Mont-Blanc Express
00 41 27 723 33 30
Mountain train departing from Martigny
for Chamonix. Departures almost hourly
from Martigny from 8a.m. to 8p.m.
Adult return CHF 49. Child CHF 28.
Return to Châtelard (to connect with
the Emosson dam cog railway).
Adult CHF 30.60. Child CHF 15.80.
LES MARECOTTES
TO: 00 41 27 761 31 01
Swimming pool and zoo
00 41 27 761 15 62
Unusual alpine swimming pool carved
in the rock. Alpine zoo.
Zoo: Open daily from 9a.m. to 5p.m. all
year round (6.30p.m. in peak season).
Automatic ticket office (low season).
Adults: CHF 10., Children: CHF 6.
Swimming pool: open from June to
mid-September.
Adults: CHF 7., Children CHF 5.
Combined zoo/pool: Adults: CHF. 15.
Children: CHF. 9. Euros accepted.
Gorges du Trient
(village du Trient)
Open: 20 May to the end of September,
9.30a.m. to 6p.m. daily. Takes around
1hr30mins.
Adults: CHF 7. Children: CHF 5.
Gorges du Dailley
(at les Granges, behind the hotel
42 43
Genève
Annecy
Balance)
Lac Léman
Chamonix
Martigny
Salvan
Finhaut
Path alongside river (with steps). Free.
Open May to October. 1hr30min walk
approx.
LE CHATELARD
TO: 00 41 27 768 12 78
Traces de dinosaures (Dinosaur
trail)
(starts at Emosson Lake)
Around 5 hours walk along paths following
the hillside. Free. Summer only.
Lac et barrage d’Emosson (Lake
end dam)
00 41 27 769 11 11
From Châtelard, cog railway, then
Emosson panoramic train.
Open: 21st May to 23rd October
Return ticket: Adult 54CHF.
Children (4-12yrs) 27CHF, (12-15yrs)
40.50 CHF, (up to 3yrs) 13.50CHF, dogs
27CHF.
Euros accepted.
www.chatelard.net

Giffre Valley
Genève
Annecy
Lac Léman
Mieussy
Samoëns
Sixt
Chamonix
VIUZ-EN-SALLAZ
TO: 04 50 36 86 24
Country Museum
04 50 31 13 48
Next the country museum of Viuz en
Sallaz, Paysalp offers a new exhibition:
you will discover the local cook. The
museum explain the country life during
the 2 last century : farmers, mountain
pasture…
Open every day all the summer from
2p.m to 7p.m. From September to
June: every day from 1.30p.m to 5p.m.
rates: Adult : 5€ Children : 3.50€.
Reduction for 4 people or more.
www.paysalp.asso.fr
MIEUSSY - SOMMAND
TO: 04 50 43 02 72
Over the Col de la Ramaz, you’ll arrive
at Sommand. After the lake, turn left
to discover one of the best paragliding
sites in the area. Always plenty to see.
Rucher des Briffes (Apiary)
04 50 43 06 70
Visit the honey-making centre with
explanations about the life and habits
of bees. Hive behind glass, tasting.
Free. Open all year in the afternoons, by
appointment. July/August from 2p.m.
La fruitière des Hauts Fleury
04 50 36 89 18
Visitor’s gallery behind glass, overlooking
the workshop, interactive games.
Free access 8.30a.m. – 10.30a.m.
Multimedia room with large-screen display
about agriculture in the mountains
in the past and today. Individual interactive
terminals.
Open all year round Monday to Saturday,
8.30a.m. to midday and 2.30p.m.
to 7p.m. Sunday 9a.m. to midday.
Reblochon cheese to taste. Please
phone for rates.
TANINGES
TO: 04 50 34 25 05
Chartreuse de Mélan
Gothic-style monument (13 th Century)
Free access throughout the year
(groups by appointment). Guided tour
of the interior possible in July and
August.
VERCHAIX
TO: 04 50 90 10 08
View over the valley from the church.
SAMOENS
TO: 04 50 34 40 28
www.samoens.com
Guided visit of the village
Charming village renowned for its stonecutters,
who worked for Napoleon
1st, amongst others. Also hear the
story of Madame Jaÿ (From Le Villard
hamlet), who founded the department
store “ La Samaritaine” with her husband,
Monsieur Cognacq.
To find out more about the history of
the village, tours are organized by the
Guides du Patrimoine (Heritage guides)
on Mondays during the summer holidays.
Details at the Tourist Office.
Adults: 4€, Children (12-16yrs): 3€.
Le col de la Joux Plane
11km from Samoëns are the col de
la Joux Plane and mountain lake.
Excellent view of the Mont Blanc range.
Accessible by car.
Giffre Valley
Jardin de la Jaÿsinia (garden)
04 50 34 49 86
Waterfalls, chapel, 8000 plants from
around the world, collected together in
geographical areas or settings.
Free entry. Open from mid-April when
the snow melts. Open daily in summer
8am to midday and 1.30pm to 7pm.
Ferme du Clos Parchet
04 50 34 46 69
A traditional 19 th century farm on the
Joux-Plane road at 1000m altitude.
Each room has been laid out to show
all the activities of a Savoyard peasant.
Open all year. Thursdays at 2.30pm.
July/August: Tuesdays, Thursdays
and Fridays at 2.30p.m. Allow 2hrs.
Followed by tasting.
Adults: 7€, Children: 4€.
SIXT FER À CHEVAL
TO: 04 50 34 49 36
The oldest village in France and one of
the most beautiful, Sixt has retained
its style and will charm you with its
natural surroundings.
Maison de la réserve naturelle
04 50 34 91 90
In the village, a model of the Fer à
Cheval valley. Permanent exhibition of
the fauna in winter, as well as temporary
exhibitions.
Open Monday to Saturday all year, 9am
to 12.30pm and 2pm to 6.30pm. Also
on Sundays during school holidays.
Free entry for individuals. A charge is
made for groups.
Le cirque du Fer à Cheval
Ancient glacial cirque, enabling an
easy walk to the ‘End of the World’.
30 waterfalls over 100m high. Jacques
Balmat, who conquered Mont Blanc,
was killed here looking for gold at the
foot of the Ruan glacier.
Cascade du Rouget : la « Reine
des Alpes » (waterfall)
Spectacular double waterfall 77m high.
44 45

Arve Valley
Genève
Annecy
Lac Léman
Bonneville
Cluses
Chamonix
LE REPOSOIR
TO: 04 50 98 18 01
Chartreuse du Reposoir
(Carthusian monastery)
Built in 1151, the characteristic architecture
remains. Around 30 nuns live
there today. It is possible to visit every
day.
To arrange a guided tour:
04 50 98 29 31.
CLUSES
TO: 04 50 98 31 79
Musée de l’horlogerie
et du décolletage (clock and watchmaking
museum)
(next to Tourist Office)
04 50 96 43 00
Discover the development of the art
of clock and watchmaking over the
years. Open from September to June,
Monday to Friday, 1.30p.m. to 6p.m.,
Saturdays, 1.30p.m. to 5.30p.m.
In July and August, Monday to Friday,
10a.m. to midday and 1.30p.m. to
6p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 10a.m.
to midday and 1.30p.m. to 5.30p.m.
Adults: 5,50€, children (7-14yrs): 3,50€.
Groups min. 15 people.
LE PLATEAU D’ASSY
TO: 04 50 58 80 52
Lac Vert
Lake bordered by fir trees, with Mont
Blanc reflected in the water. Fabulous
views.
Le balcon du mont Blanc
See an exceptional panorama of the
Mont Blanc range from the road linking
the villages of Cordon and Combloux.
You will come across magnificent
farms, typical architecture and churches
listed as “Historic Monuments”.
Mont-Blanc Valley
Genève
Annecy
Lac Léman
Sallanches
Chamonix
SALLANCHES
TO: 04 50 58 04 25
Cascade de l’Arprennaz
As you come into Sallanches, you will
see a 270m high waterfall on the left
side of the valley.
Les lacs des Ilettes. Lakes in a natural
setting.
La Collégiale St Jacques (church).
Guided tours in summer. (details at the
Tourist Office).
La Route des Chapelles (Road of chapels).
Guided tours in summer. (details
at the Tourist Office).
Mont-Blanc Valley
Château des Rubins :
Mountain nature centre
04 50 58 32 13
All the stages of a mountain walk from
the forest to the pastures and mountains.
Discover the flora and fauna.
Audiovisual, musical and interactive
animation.
Open all year, Monday to Friday 10a.m.
to midday and 2p.m. to 6p.m, in summer
open all day 10a.m. to 6.30p.m.
weekends and bank holidays 2p.m. to
6p.m.
Adults: 5,80€, Children (6-18yrs):
3,50€. Family: 16€. Reduced rate:
4.30€.
Guided tours by appointment.
SAINT-GERVAIS
TO: 04 50 47 76 08
Tramway du mont Blanc
Glacier de Bionnassay
04 50 53 22 75
The highest cog railway in France
(2372m).
Accessible from the bottom of one of
the largest glaciers of the Mont Blanc
range. (Nid d’aigle- 5km long).
Open 11th June to 25th September.
Return journey: Adults 26€, Children
20.80€.
Allow half a day. Sign up for the return
journey as soon as you arrive at the
top. Walking shoes indispensable.
SERVOZ
TO: 04 50 47 21 68
Gorges de la Diosaz
04 50 47 21 13
A conservation area, these gorges owe
their reputation to their impressive
cliffs, at the bottom of which runs
the river “Diosaz” with its spectacular
waterfalls. Paths and walkways enable
visitors to walk up the gorges for
around 1.5km.
Open daily from June to September, 9a.m.
to 6p.m. In July and August, 9.30a.m. to
6p.m. Allow an hour and a half.
Adults: 5€, children (5-10yrs): 4€.
www.gorgesdeladiosaz.com
Elevage de chiens Saint-Bernard
à poils courts (Short-haired
St. Bernard breeding centre
(endangered species)
04 50 47 23 60
Leaving Servoz in the direction of
Chamonix, follow “Aire de la Fontaine”.
Guided tour 45min –1hour and exhibition
(history of the Saint-Bernard).
Open all year, 10a.m. to 11.30a.m. and
2.30p.m. to 5.30p.m. July and August,
10a.m. to 11.30a.m. and 2p.m. to
5.30p.m. (6.30p.m. in summer)
Adults: 5€, children (5-12yrs): 3,20€.
Groups by appointment.
La Maison de l’Alpage (Mountain
pasture house)
04 50 47 21 68
Free visit. Information at the tourist
office of Servoz.
Tel. 06 30 07 20 42 for a guided tour.
46 47

48
Mont-Blanc Valley
LES HOUCHES
TO: 04 50 55 50 62
Musée Montagnard (mountain
museum)
04 50 54 54 74
In an 18th century house, a collection
of old objects and tools, a traditional,
rural, 19th century home and a temporary
exhibition (The Age of wood).
In winter: Mon, Wed and Fri, 3p.m. to
6p.m.
In summer 1 st July to 15 th Sept: Every
day, 3p.m. to 6p.m. except Tuesday.
In winter: Monday, Wednesday and
Friday, 3p.m. to 6p.m.
Rates: adult 3 e / child 1,50 e.
Guided tour not available.
Parc de Merlet
04 50 53 47 89
Mountain animals in semi-liberty at
1500m altitude (chamois, ibex, deer,
marmot and wild sheep). No dogs or
picnics allowed. Free access to telescope
to view the mountain peaks.
Open in July and August, 9.30a.m.
to 7.30p.m. and in May, June and
September, 10a.m.to 6p.m. Closed on
Mondays.
Adults: 6€, Children (4-12yrs): 4€.
Group reductions (min. 15 people).
In winter, guided tour with snack on
request: 20€ per person.
CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC
TO: 04 50 53 00 24
Téléphérique de l’aiguille du Midi
(cable car)
04 50 53 30 80
One of the highest in the world, taking
you up to the Aiguille du Midi (3842m)
in 20 minutes.
Discover the fantastic world high in
the mountains. Be prepared with warm
clothing, suitable sunglasses (for glaciers),
sun cream and walking boots.
Open all year.
Adults: 42,50€ return, children
(4-15yrs): 34€.
Téléphérique du Brévent
04 50 53 13 18
Magnificent viewpoint opposite Mont
Blanc at 2500m altitude.
Open from 18th June to 18th September.
Adults: 25 € return.
Children (4-15yrs): 20 €.
Mer de Glace
04 50 53 12 54
The Montenvers railway enables you to
access some magnificent high mountain
scenery. A cable car takes you to
the ice house (carved in the ice).
Annual closure 10th to 21st October.
Ticket for train + cable car + ice house
+ alpine fauna + glacier exhibition +
crystal gallery.
Adults: 25€ return, children (4-15yrs):
20€.