About Domaine du Tornet
The Domaine du Tornet — often called "Domaine de loisirs du Tornet" or "Lake of La Balme" — is a public recreation and sports area on the edge of the 7-hectare lake that defines La Balme-de-Sillingy. It is owned by the municipality, which has been redeveloping it in phases since 2021 following a public consultation. Entry is free, open, year-round.
It is not a campsite, not a theme park, not a paid tourist centre. It is a developed public space: a lake that locals walk around on foot or with a stroller, a pumptrack, a fitness trail, a playground inaugurated in summer 2025, an observation pontoon added in phase 2 in late 2024, and — a seasonal spectacle — a national collection of Asian flowering cherries that bloom between late March and mid-April.
What you can do there
Walk around the lake
Walk around the 7-hectare lake. Path suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
Fish in the lake
Private lake managed by Balme Pêche Loisirs. Permit required, sold at the municipal info point.
Ride the pumptrack
Concrete track, open to MTB, BMX, skateboard, rollerblades, balance bike and scooter.
Street workout & fitness trail
Fitness and running trail facing the lake, free access.
Children's playground
Summer 2025New playground inaugurated summer 2025, as part of phase 3 of the redevelopment.
Pétanque
Summer 2025Pétanque pitches laid out in phase 3, free access. Bring your own boules.
See the cherries of the Parc des Jardins
Late March – mid-AprilFrench national collection of Asian flowering cherries, on view during bloom.
Picnic & pontoon
Several picnic tables. Observation pontoon and urban furniture installed in phase 2, late 2024.
Practical info
How to get there
By car
Located at 165 route de Paris (RD1508) in La Balme-de-Sillingy, about 14 km north-west of Annecy and 27 km south of Geneva. At the central roundabout of La Balme-de-Sillingy, head towards Frangy — the Domaine is on the right.
By public transport
LIHSA line 61 connects Annecy to La Balme-de-Sillingy. The stop is a few minutes' walk from the Domaine.
By bike
The La Belle Via greenway links Annecy to Frangy via Sillingy and La Balme. The Domaine is directly on the route.
When to visit
The Domaine is open year-round. Seasonal markers:
- Late March – mid-April: Asian flowering cherries in bloom.
- May – June: spring, dense vegetation around the lake.
- July – August: peak season, families. Fête du Lac in early July.
- September – October: autumn light, low attendance.
- Winter: accessible, perfect for a brisk walk.
The Domaine hosts the Fête du Lac de La Balme, an annual event organised by the municipality in early July. Full calendar on the town hall website.
Where to eat, drink, stay nearby
La Tavola — Chalet du Tornet
The only restaurant directly on the Domaine. Traditional cuisine, afternoon ice cream, cocktail dining. Lakeside terrace. Open year-round: Tuesday to Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday 11am-5pm, closed Monday.
See the listing →Photos of Domaine du Tornet
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Frequently asked questions
Is access to the Domaine du Tornet paid?
Can I bring my dog to the Domaine du Tornet?
Is there parking at the Domaine du Tornet?
Is the pumptrack at the Domaine du Tornet open to everyone?
When do the cherry trees at the Domaine du Tornet bloom?
Can I come by motorhome to the Domaine du Tornet?
Is there a restaurant on site at the Domaine du Tornet?
Is the Domaine du Tornet accessible to people with reduced mobility?
- Commune de La Balme-de-Sillingy — Projet d'aménagement du Domaine du Tornet
- Office de Tourisme du Lac d'Annecy — Fiche Domaine de loisirs du Tornet
- Office de Tourisme Fier et Usses — Domaine du Tornet
- Office de Tourisme Fier et Usses — La Tavola / Chalet du Tornet
- Haute-Savoie Tourisme — Le Domaine du Tornet
Cross-checked across multiple sources at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before a specific visit.