Authentic exploration of Bonneville, Haute-Savoie, Rhône-Alpes

Peace and quiet are guaranteed for the climb up this dead-end road, which seems to have been built uniquely for the pleasure of cyclo-climbers. One of the top 5 cyclo-climbing challenges in Savoie Mont Blanc.

This extremely steep road is a favourite climb among local cyclists. At the top, it emerges from the forest into open pastures, only to stop 2 km before the pass and the road from Thorens.

The tourist office keeps at your disposition a cultural maps that will make you discover the cultural heritage of Bonneville. This is a self-guided tour. This touristic and historic tour invites you to discover Bonneville : from the Hotel de Ville to the castle of the Sires of Faucigny, going through the church or the Maison des têtes... Discover the city with 10 stops : Beginning : Hotel de Ville 1- The Grandes Chambrettes street 2- The castle of sires of Faucigny 3- The Saint Catherine church 4- The powder keg 5- The City hall square 6- Saint Catherine street (n°61) 7- The City hall 8- The fountain 9- City hall square (n°36-38) 10- The royal house 11- The Faces house 12- The "Brown" street 13- The bridges 14- The Charles Felix column 15- The sub-prefecture 16- The courthouse 17- Carroz Street

Fancy a little trip out in the Bonneville area ? This easy, pleasant walk takes you between woods and the banks of the Arve and is great for everyone, both children and grownups alike. Discover an often unknown environment: the wetlands of the Arve. This loop allows you to follow a bicycle path in complete safety, to go around the ponds and to cross the Arve on a pedestrian bridge. The wooded part of this hike is recognized as a Zone Naturelle d'Intérêt Faunistique et Floristique de type 1 (ZNIEFF). It is the ZNIEFF of the Arve gravel pits. You will be able to meet various animal and plant species such as - the beaver - the brown nutsedge

This path between Bonneville and Contamine-sur-Arve goes through natural areas which are blessed with amazing ecological richness. The itinerary can be done on foot or by bike, for children and grown-ups alike! The course goes up the right bank of the Arve river in its entire length and in a remarkable natural setting.

The natural areas through which the Bonneville-Contamine-sur-Arve trail passes are uniquely ecologically rich. Accessible on foot and by bike for young and old! The course goes up the right bank of the Arve river in its entire length and in a remarkable natural setting.

This walk is accessible to all thanks to its low altitude difference and walking time. If you have time, stop at a winegrower's to discover the making of the AOC Ayze wine. Between forest and vineyards you will discover the richness of the village of Ayse! The forest of Levry offers you a soothing atmosphere of undergrowth. Then the landscape opens up and offers a breathtaking view of the hillsides of the village, the Arve valley and the Bargy Massif. You will also be able to see the Massif du Haut Giffre (le Buet) in the distance. The path on which you will be is typical of the agricultural and wine-growing construction of Ayse, known as a terrace (old stone wall). It allows to appreciate the patrimonial and landscape aspect of Ayse. .

Loop not currently passable Authentic discovery of a botanic path with many-faceted forests ! With this hike you will observethe various fauna and flora and sees very differents landscapes.

The Dard path cross a small piece of preserved nature where it is good to have a little walk all along the seasons. If you like flora, you will find what you want... This is a family hike accessible to all. You'll find spruces, beeches, black pines and, more surprisingly, Scots pines, giving this trail a Mediterranean air. Prohibited passage: Prefectoral decree prohibiting access to the waterfall from winter to spring. The botanical trail remains accessible all year round.

For a moderate effort, the easy hike to Petit Môle, culminating at 1534 meters above sea level, offers a first step towards one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the area. From the top the view of Mont Blanc is breathtaking ! To climb up to Petit Môle (1534m) from the parking lot, go towards the wide alpine trail that starts in the forest. The route is well indicated. Indeed, you always stay on the main trail until you reach the orientation table and the alpine chalets. From there, you can enjoy the panorama of the Arve Valley, the Bargy chain, the Aravis chain and Mont Blanc. The return is then done by the same route. Possibility to extend the ascent to the top of the Môle to discover a panorama at 360 ° C (see ''Hiking trail - Le Môle from Chez Béroud'' for a complete description.) Walkthrough available by clicking on the printer icon.

The castle of Bonneville also called Castle of the Sires of Faucigny is located on a rocky hillock at the foot of the Mole, built in the 13th century around 1260 by Beatrice de Faucigny on the advice of her father Peter II. It is the only surviving example of medieval Savoyard military architecture in the Savoy region This vast building oriented East-West corresponds to the regular plan known as "Savoyard square": a quadrilateral with a cylindrical tower at each corner. Only two corner towers remain, linked by a curtain wall of 18 meters to the east. On the south wall, one can observe a Gothic window with double ogive, probably corresponding to the ceremonial room of the castle. Successively a seigneurial residence and then a count's residence, it became the seat of the châtellenie, following the fire of 1392 which destroyed the dwellings. From the 16th century, the castle was transformed into a prison, which saved it from ruin. It kept this assignment until 1934 and during the Second World War. The castle marks the birth of Bonneville and remains one of its most remarkable monuments. It has been listed in the Inventory of Historic Monuments since 1987. Its renovation continues every year.

Welcome to the Bois des Tours municipal campsite in Bonneville, located in the heart of the Haute-Savoie, in the city centre, away from the noise and the traffic, at the foot of the mountains. Motorhomes are allowed all year round and vans and caravans are only allowed to stay during the high season (1 July - 31 August) when the sanitary facilities are open.

Guided and commented mountain bike tour on the links woven over time between the vine, humans and nature. Set off to explore the Ayze vineyard by mountain bike ! An outing accessible to everyone, guided by a passionate local expert to discover the richness of the vineyard, its landscapes, and winemaking know-how, with a gourmet break to taste the local flavors.

Summer and winter, the En Hôt offers mountain activities adapted to a varied audience: individuals, groups, schools. From hiking to trail running, including snowshoeing or even trekking, come and recharge your batteries in the En Hôt! Marion is happy to help you discover, at your own pace, the virtues and hidden treasures of our mountains. Whatever your level, your desires (from walking for a few hours to hiking on the most beautiful peaks) or your objectives (environmental education, practicing a sporting activity in a grand setting or simply discovering culture mountain) ...... come and join me at the En Hôt *! * In Savoy dialect, "En Hôt" means "There up"

Sophie takes you, summer and winter, to discover our beautiful mountains, hiking, on snowshoes or Nordic walking. Through paths, forests, pastures and summits, for great and beautiful hiking ! Yougers or adults, families, schools or group, we will find together the good way !

Passionate by mountain world, I want to share with people pleasure of browsing paths, forests, and summits ... in conscience Every walk, snowshoe or mountain bike trip is unique.

APIRANDO, your mountain leaders, offers hiking for all tastes! Come and discover mountain secrets, magnificent landscapes, lakes, fauna, flora or great peaks. Sporty or contemplative, families, groups, we adapt hiking according to your desires and your level. Activities for everyone: Hiking, E-Biking, Nordic Walking and Snowshoeing. - 1/2 day E-Biking - Nordic Walking discovery - Day or half day hiking - Night hiking - Discovery of region summits - Animal exit and photographs - Night in shelters, out on several days - Goal 3000 m, treks - Orientation, map reading

The town of Peillonnex conceals a treasure that has survived the ages. Enter his Priory of the XII century and discover its magnificent baroque choir background with a sound and light of a rare quality . PAYSALP offers guided tours in summer for families and all year round for groups (+20 people) on reservation - more information on www.paysalp.fr -. Groups of children and adults: All year round on reservation 04 50 36 89 18

This family resort in the heart of the pine trees offers a superb panorama from the Jura Mountains to the Mont Blanc range. Here the snow is soft, the price of ski passes too: ideal for the first glides! With its trails from the green to the red and its snow garden, beginners and experienced will enjoy the joys of skiing.

Built out of ashlar stone, the building was finished in 1853 and is an important example of this period which can also be seen in other neighbouring town halls. One of engineer Imperatori's masterpieces, the building's neo-classical facade is patterned with four pilasters, the two central ones topped by a triangular pediment pierced by an oculus (currently the clock), all of it crowned by a pinnacle. Three doors with ashlar stone frames open into the hall, whilst the window of the formal reception room on the first floor is adorned with a cast iron balcon. Alternating stone and coloured render provide character to the facade. The entrance hall is home to three historic pieces: • The original bas-relief original (replaced by a copy) which decorated the pedestal of the Charles-Félix column (see “column” for details) • A drill which served to tunnel under the Mont Cenis for the railway, invented by Germain Sommeiller, an engineer from the Haute-Savoie (born in Saint Jeoire). • A stone that came from the Bastille when it was demolished. The patriot Palloy, entrepreneur-architect in charge of the prison’s demolition, gave it to the district of Cluses on the 1st January 1793. A plan of the fortress is framed and displayed above the stone. On the left of the town hall's rear door, you will notice a stained-glass window depicting the coat of arms of both Bonneville and Staufen, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the French-German twinning which dates back to 1963.

Come and see the grimacing masks and smiling angels on the baroque facade of the Maison des Têtes. The baroque-style Maison des Têtes was built in 1731 by a stone-mason/sculptor called Mr Chauplannaz. It was built to replace a building that dated from 1573, as the old lintel, serving as a doorstep, proves. This date is the oldest inscription in Bonneville. The facade was decorated by an emigrant from Bavaria, with the window surrounds featuring four comical masks (the grimacing grumbler, the forlorn one with a long nose, the angry face and the man with a lion's muzzle). The grimacing masks are in stark contrast to the attractive creatures on the second floor. Set in a black baroque-style frame, with elegant curves, are four young women, with carefully groomed hair, made-up faces and generous cleavages.

The castle of Bonneville also called Castle of the Sires of Faucigny is located on a rocky hillock at the foot of the Mole, built in the 13th century around 1260 by Beatrice de Faucigny on the advice of her father Peter II. It is the only surviving example of medieval Savoyard military architecture in the Savoy region This vast building oriented East-West corresponds to the regular plan known as "Savoyard square": a quadrilateral with a cylindrical tower at each corner. Only two corner towers remain, linked by a curtain wall of 18 meters to the east. On the south wall, one can observe a Gothic window with double ogive, probably corresponding to the ceremonial room of the castle. Successively a seigneurial residence and then a count's residence, it became the seat of the châtellenie, following the fire of 1392 which destroyed the dwellings. From the 16th century, the castle was transformed into a prison, which saved it from ruin. It kept this assignment until 1934 and during the Second World War. The castle marks the birth of Bonneville and remains one of its most remarkable monuments. It has been listed in the Inventory of Historic Monuments since 1987. Its renovation continues every year.

The bridge dates back to the town's origins, built from 1225 onwards. It was first built of wood, with supports on the islets of the river Arve to link the two banks. In 1661, the Regent Marie-Jeanne-Baptiste de Savoie-Nemours commissioned the building of a five-arch stone bridge. Between 1863 and 1866, it was replaced by the current bridge which was created by engineers, Deglin and Vivenot. It was named "Pont de l'Europe" to mark the visit to Bonneville of Valérie Giscard d’Estaing in 1989, during the European election campaign. Downstream, it is replicated by a second bridge, built in 2010, with irregular guy wires, the elegant silhouette of which has already become a feature of Bonneville's architectural heritage.

The column is one of the most popular monuments in Bonneville, an iconic structure in this capital of the Faucigny. The only monument of its type in the Savoie, it was built in 1826 to honour Charles-Félix, king of the States of Savoy. This construction followed his visit to Bonneville in 1824 and the grant he agreed for the containment of the river Arve. The column features a pedestal decorated with a bas-relief representing a chained Arve, with a Doric-style limestone column (19 m high) topped with a marble statue of the king, almost 3 m high, made by the Cacciatori brothers. Both artists were working on the restoration of the Abbaye de Hautecombe at the time. The bas-relief is a copy that was created in Savoie blue marble in 2012 by Béatrice Sassone Bouvet. It represents the embodiment of the river Arve, represented as a nymph clothed in classic-style robes, half lying in the reeds and held chained by her ankles and both arms. In the background, the mountain decor gives space for Charles-Félix's monogram at the centre of a wreath of oak and laurel leaves.

In summer, the lake welcomes you for sunbathing on the beach, with a free supervised swimming area. Swimming is strictly forbidden in areas reserved for fishing, as well as in other areas not marked by buoys or a water line. Due to the shallow depth of the water, diving is prohibited around the lake. Depending on weather conditions or water analyses, bathing times may be modified and bathing prohibited without prior notice. For picnics, tables and barbecue areas are available!

The current church was rebuilt between 1837 and 1887, on the base of an older church. Its most distinctive feature is the fact that its chancel faces west and not east, as is usual. Members of the local congregation wanted to organise themselves into a fully religious community, with their own sanctuary for celebrating mass... a long process which led to the building of this church.

You are sure to enjoy this lovely walk to the Môle, which reaches a height of 1863 m and overlooks Bonneville as well as the rest of the valley and once you reach the summit, you will have a 360ᵒ panoramic view over almost the whole department. Altitude of 1863 m and change in altitude of approximately 700 m. The walk lasts about 3 hrs to reach the summit of the Môle, using a safe, well-maintained footpath. You can reduce the length of the walk if you want, as it is divided into three stages lasting 1 hr each. The Môle mountain is shaped like a near-perfect cone: 7 km long and 5 km wide, with an altitude of 1863 m. It is a little mountain in Haute-Savoie's terms, but is significant geographically-speaking: it separates the Arve valley, running from south to west, from the Giffre valley, running north to south-east and stands guard over the southern entry to the Genevois basin.

This sunny alpine pastureland, which hangs over the village of Brison stretches between the Pointe d'Andey and the Leschaux rocks. Above Brison, the Plateau de Solaison has alpine pastureland in summer and ski trails in the winter, in a protected natural setting. Already in the 19th century, tourists frequented the Solaison site. Every weekend, many of them still come from the valley below to gain a bit of altitude and enjoy the fresh air... There are about 50 alpine chalets dotted around, most of them residential and proof of na alpine grazing tradition. The chalets were once directly linked to Brison's farming life and alpine farmers. There are several information panels describing the flora, geology and pastureland that covers the plateau. The Plateau de Solaison is situated at an altitude of 1500 m, with wide untouched spaces amidst an unspoiled natural environment. Both in winter and summer, Solaison offers a wide range of activities. In the winter, there is cross-country skiing, ski touring, snow-shoeing and sledging. In the summer, hiking, mountain biking, climbing on the adventure trail, paragliding. Enough to satisfy everyone! Solaison also boasts amazing fauna and flora, the colours and smells of which will scent your country walks. From the plateau, you can climb up to the Pointe d'Andey from where you get a magnificent panoramic view over the valley.

In a warm, family atmosphere, your Chez Moi restaurant in Saint-Jean-de-Tholome offers gourmet, home-made burgers. For an evening, alone or with friends, come and discover our creations, our cold soups and our desserts. A tasteful restaurant in a region full of character, you'll want to come back again and again. Come and visit us!

Come and enjoy our melt-in-the-mouth raclette burgers, our fondue, our traditional raclette, our duck parmentier au gratin with raclette cheese and our lasagne au gratin with raclette cheese! Enjoy our lunch menu ! Enjoy our lunch menu with a delicious dish of the day. And for your seminars, treat your guests to a unique experience in our theatre, full of humour and good cheer! L'Auberge Ensoleillée: taste, conviviality and celebration await you!

Located in a magnificent natural setting, on the shores of Lake Môle, you will be welcomed in a refined and friendly atmosphere. An ideal restaurant for a romantic meal or meals with family or friends. La Cabane du Pêcheur offers fresh, homemade products with a menu that changes with the seasons. Large choice of drinks such as cocktails, wines, liqueurs ... and a great menu of sundaes.

This mountain inn will make you discover its Savoyard specialties but also its nets of poles. Booking is recommended. 42 people in the big room, 10 people in the little room and 42 in the terrace. Possibility to compose a menu for groups, weddings or other ...

In a "Bistrot Guinguette" style, La Biolle welcomes you for a friendly and warm moment in the heart of the Alps and its landscapes. A former mountain restaurant around which many farm animals still thrive, La Biolle now offers spontaneous cuisine. We welcome you from Wednesday to Sunday noon to make you taste our meats, cooked before your eyes over a wood fire, accompanied by our gourmet garnishes: potato fritters, homemade fries... and our revisited traditional dishes. For all your events: weddings, corporate meals, family reunions ... the restaurant La Biolle offers a private hire service. For your cocktail parties, wines of honor, meals at the table, buffets ... we provide the catering service and we take care of the connection with other service providers (florists, photographers, DJs ...) for a turnkey service and guaranteed peace of mind. - Local products: Every day, we select fresh, quality products from local producers and partners. - Homemade or nothing: We offer local recipes made every morning in our kitchens, from fresh products: foie gras fritters, vegetable fritters, cheese fritters, white tomme… updated to continually surprise your taste buds.

Restaurant Auberge des lacs, terrace feet in the water at the lake of Thyez, specialties of fresh fish.

Located at Colombière Pass, La Colombière welcomes you after a hike in the Bargy Massif. Many local specialties will be offered.

At the Colombière pass, the Auberge d'Aufferan lets you discover its Savoyard specialities. Nath and Tatan offer you their menu Potato beignets and farcement for lunch and one of the traditional Savoyard dishes in the evening (fondue, tartiflette,...)

Restaurant facing directly south in front of Mont Blanc in typically Savoyard setting. Possibility of holding banquet, business or birthday lunch. Specialties: La rebloche, the brooch, the beef tartar. A decorated room of beautiful fireplace in stone for winter evening, panoramic pavement area facing full south. Accessibility by car all year.

Welcome to the Bois des Tours municipal campsite in Bonneville, located in the heart of the Haute-Savoie, in the city centre, away from the noise and the traffic, at the foot of the mountains. Motorhomes are allowed all year round and vans and caravans are only allowed to stay during the high season (1 July - 31 August) when the sanitary facilities are open.

Situated in the heart of the small Ayze vineyard, the Bellevue Hotel offers a warm welcome in this quiet, restful mountain setting . Well-appointed rooms, some of them with balconies, overlooking the valley. Grounds offering shade and sunny outside terrace. Room for family meals, weddings and banquets available for bookings.

Free management lodging

Located in Brison, the old the cheese dairy of the Plateau de Solaison has been restructured and is now a shelter for groups since 1990. We will easily fell like home thanks to the warming and hospitable welcome. Perfectly located on the wild and preserved plateau of Solaison, it's the ideal place for your events ( family events, meetings, groups holidays) and also for "colonie de vacances" or school trip (Youth and Sport authorisation). You will fall in love with Solaison, you will love its calm, its view, the activities around ( in summer and in winter). Remi likes this little corner of paradise and share it with passion

Located in the village of Amancy (1.5 km from La Roche sur Foron and 7km from Bonneville. Near the Parc des Exposition Rochexpo. On road connection of Geneva/Annecy and Chamonix Le Charmagît has 12 bedrooms with individuals bathrooms (one for person with reduced mobility). Perfect for a short, medium or long stay, for work, holidays, alone or with your family or friends ! Personalized welcome for individual guests or groups. Country setting close to the main roads for the advantages without the disadvantages. Private parking. Storage room for bikes and skis. Free Wifi. Terraces with tables and deckchairs. Family room for 5 people. 5 minutes from Rochexpo and La Roche sur Foron town centre, 7km from Bonneville.

Detached alpine gite located at an altitude of 1400m, with dormitory for 12 people.

Come and discover the authentic ambiance of our refuge, located at the foot of the Col de Spée (booking required).

Stop off at the refuge de Lessy, a warm and welcoming mountain refuge where simplicity is the order of the day. This refuge is situated on the edge of Lac de Lessy, set against a fabulous mountain backdrop. Its owners are also alpine farmers. The refuge sleeps 24 (overnight or half-board).The refuge is equipped with running water but no shower.

Panoramic views of Le Haut Giffre peaks. At the heart of the village, group gîte in old presbytery. 5 bedrooms (3-4 people), all with washbasin (1 room has full facilities). Shared facilities: 3 showers, 4 WCs. Fitted kitchen (dishwasher, microwave), opening onto living room. Courtyard and garden. Well known paragliding centre, skiing at Sommand and Praz de Lys. French Chèques Vacances accepted. Restaurants and shops 200m. French Jeunesse & Sports certification no. 074183681 (18 children under 18). Self catering only. In Mieussy: paragliding, skiing, walking/hiking and rock climbing with professionals.

Surrounded by greenery, along a marked and restored path, the guest room "Sur le Coux" will allow you to discover natural sites and rural landscapes.