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Discover Thorens-glieres, Haute-Savoie

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Nestled in the heart of Haute-Savoie, Thorens-Glières is a charming town rich in history and breathtaking landscapes. This destination serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding natural and cultural wonders.

Begin your journey at the Plateau des Glières, a historic site that also offers exceptional hiking opportunities. Along its marked trails, you will discover magnificen...
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Walking around Thorens-glieres

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What to do in Thorens-glieres

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What to visit in Thorens-glieres

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Engage in outdoor activities in Thorens-glieres.
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Plateau des Glières
7.1 km

Plateau des Glières

This site is a haven of peace with nature that is still pristine. What a surprise for the visitor who, having climbed the limestone escarpments, discovers this plateau, where grassy valleys alternate with rocky crests and conifer forests. At the heart of the Haute-Savoie region, this superb valley is made of limestone rock. It is situated in the Bornes Massif, between the mountains of Auges (1,800 m) and Frêtes, 29 km and 15 km away from La Roche-sur-Foron and Thorens-Glières respectively, and located in the communes of Petit-Bornand-les-Glières and Thorens-Glières. The pass is situated at an altitude of 1,440 m, the Plateau des Glières offers a number of activities. In fact, it is the key meeting place for passionate Nordic skiers in winter, and hikers in summer. In winter, snowshoeing is common, and a toboggan slope is set up each year children. Caving activity is also popular, with some fifteen cavities of over 150 metres deep identified on Les Frêtes. The deepest cavity of which we are currently aware on the Plateau des Glières is the Tanne à Paccot, also known as the "hole of the A2". Its estimated depth is around 400 metres. History lovers will be able to devote themselves to guided tours to discover - or supplement their knowledge of - the events that took place on the plateau during the Second World War that made it a centre of resistance. There is also a discovery trail, to learn while enjoying nature.

Thorens-Glières 74570 Fillière
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Espace d'accueil et d'information Mémoire du Maquis - Plateau des Glières
7.2 km

Espace d'accueil et d'information Mémoire du Maquis - Plateau des Glières

The Plateau des Glières is a place of remembrance of the Resistance, with the National Monument for the Resistance, the Mémoire du Maquis visitor's centre and the historic discovery trail. Situated at an altitude of 1,435 metres, the Plateau des Glières was chosen by the Allies as a parachuting site during the Second World War. From January to March 1944, 465 maquisards gathered there under the successive command of Lieutenant Tom Morel, then Captain Maurice Anjot, to receive weapons destined for the maquis in Haute-Savoie. On 26 March 1944, they faced a massive joint attack by Vichy and Wehrmacht forces. 129 maquisards and 20 local residents lost their lives, either killed in action, shot or deported. Most of them are buried at the Glières National Necropolis. Historical trail Le maquis des Glières In the centre of the Glières plateau, a new historical trail tells the story of the organisation of the Glières maquis during the winter of 1944. A one-hour loop between the Mémoire du maquis building and the Monument national à la Résistance. 12 reading tables, 2 large orientation tables. Free adult and children's booklets available from the Mémoire du maquis building. Free access. Exhibition - Esplanade du Monument Celebrating the spirit of Les Glières. The National Monument to the Resistance Built in 1973 on the initiative of the survivors of Les Glières and designed by the artist Emile Gilioli, the monument pays tribute to the 465 maquisards on the plateau and to the events of the winter of 1944. In his search for simple, uncluttered forms, the artist was able to capture the spirit of Les Glières while at the same time creating a work of art that speaks to the viewer. This exhibition traces the history of the work, from its conception through to its completion. Accompanying booklet available free of charge from the Mémoire du maquis reception building. Free access Visits and events for all ages are offered by the Department's team of cultural mediators.

RD 55 Plateau des Glières Thorens-Glières 74570 Fillière
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Monument national à la Résistance de Gilioli
7.4 km

Monument national à la Résistance de Gilioli

National Monument to the Resistance. At the end of the 1960s, as plans for the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Maquis des Glières were being put forward, the idea developed amongst the survivors that it was becoming important "to do something appropriate to mark the event". Selected following a national competition judged by a jury made up of 5 survivors from Glières and 4 personalities chosen because of their knowledge of the art world (such as the chief conservator of Paris' Modern Art Musuem, Bernard Dorival, and the painter Hans Hartung), the National Monument to the Resistance was inaugurated on 2nd September 1973 by André Malraux. The dimensions of the monument are impressive,measuring 15.20 meters high, 4 meters wide and 21 meters long and weighing 65 tonnes. It is not a monument to the dead, but rather a symbol of hope. Its creator, Emile Gilioli (1911-1977), wanted to create a architectural sculpture that expresses the commitment of Glières' fighters and remains in harmony with the surrounding mountains which lengthen it further by their ridge lines. The monument soars like a V of the victory. One of the two arrows shoots up towards the sky as a sign of hope. From the monument comes a solar disc symbolising rebirth and liberty. Its surprising balance reminds us that liberty, always under threat, constantly needs to be secured. The other arrow looks as if it has been snapped off, representing the fact that all victories bring struggles, suffering and death. The monument was conceived as a whole, with the mast and the Pleureuses (mourners) marking the entrance to this site. The interior of the monument was planned as a sacred space; it displays various works that invite viewers to contemplate and reflect. Here you will find the Bataillon's slogan together with a text engraved in the concrete, recalling the fighting at Glières and a drawing showing a tracery of lines representing war. In the back there is a shining statue in the shape of a flame; it also points an arm towards the sky, whilst the other, like the statue, is truncated. The head of the statue is marked by the cross of Christ. It represents Joan of Arc and was offered by Gilioli who had originally made it for the city of Florence. It was the sculptor's aim to bring the concepts of Joan of Arc and the fighters of Glières together to evoke the idea of a resilient France.

Plateau des Glières Thorens-Glières 74570 Fillière
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Where to eat in Thorens-glieres

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The flavors of Thorens-glieres await you.
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Where to sleep in Thorens-glieres

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Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾