A restaurant in Thônes?
Hosting visitors of Heritage Museum of the Pays de Thônes - Founders: François and Lucien Cochat ? Appear here.
Become a partnerPaid · Book online
Heritage Museum of the Pays de Thônes - Founders: François and Lucien Cochat
At the heart of Thônes, this Musée de France, created in 1937 by François Cochat, tells the heritage story of the Pays de Thônes: geology, prehistory, crafts, cheeses, religious art, firefighters' costumes and the famous Fête des Sapeurs.
At a glance
Type
Musée de France · Local history
Access
Paid (free under 12)
Price
See town hall · free under 12
Duration
1 h to 1 h 30
Best season
Year-round · Manoir de la Tour in summer
Parking
Town centre
Animals
Not allowed
Stroller / Reduced mobility
Accessible
Town
Thônes
Wheelchair access
Not accessible Source: Acceslibre
💶
Price
Moins de 12 ans
0,00 €Gratuit
What is Heritage Museum of the Pays de Thônes - Founders: François and Lucien Cochat
The Musée Patrimonial du Pays de Thônes, founded in 1937 by François Cochat and extended by his son Lucien, is one of the richest municipal museums in Haute-Savoie. Awarded the "Musée de France" label, it offers a full journey into the history and heritage of the Pays de Thônes (Reposoir, Aravis, Manigod and Bouchet valleys) at the heart of the Savoyard Pre-Alps.
The route covers all aspects of local life: geology (Aravis limestone, fossils), prehistory and early human occupation, traditional industry and crafts (cloth of Thônes, wood turning, saws, cheesemaking trades), paintings and Savoyard baroque religious art, wild flora and fauna of the Aravis, and the famous fireman's costume of Thônes built around the celebrated Fête des Sapeurs (annual May parade), a military tradition unique in France and dating back to the 19th century.
The personalised welcome and the museum's offer of self-guided or guided visits include fun, interactive activities for the youngest. The ticket also includes the seasonal visit to the Manoir de la Tour, an emblematic medieval residence in Thônes. The museum is free for children under 12. Hours: Monday 2.30 pm-5.30 pm, Tuesday 9 am-12 pm, Wednesday 9 am-12 pm and 1.30 pm-5.30 pm, Thursday-Friday 9 am-12 pm and 2.30 pm-5.30 pm, Saturday 9.30 am-12 pm and 2.30 pm-6 pm. Contact: +33 (0)4 50 02 97 76.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
2 place Avet, 74230 Thônes (municipal museum) View on map
Coordinates
45.881715° N — 6.323951° E
Altitude
approx. 620 m
Opening hours
Monday 2.30 pm-5.30 pm. Tuesday 9 am-12 pm. Wednesday 9 am-12 pm and 1.30 pm-5.30 pm. Thursday-Friday 9 am-12 pm and 2.30 pm-5.30 pm. Saturday 9.30 am-12 pm and 2.30 pm-6 pm. Verified 10 June 2026.
Phone
+33 (0)4 50 02 97 76
Official site
mairie-thones.fr and thonescoeurdesvallees.com
Access / Parking
Parking in central Thônes. From Annecy (approx. 30 min) via D909. From La Clusaz (approx. 15 min) via D909.
Visit duration
approx. 1 h to 1 h 30 (museum) · + 30 min for the Manoir de la Tour in summer
Booking
No booking for self-guided visits. Guided and tailored tours by appointment.
Pets
Not allowed in the museum
Access
How to get there
Nearest stops
- Gare Routiere · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · N-ARAVISBUS, Y62, Y63 · 138 m
- Groupe Scolaire Arthur Thurin · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · N-ARAVISBUS · 370 m
- Groupe Scolaire Arthur Thurin · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · N-ARAVISBUS · 410 m
- Cars Région Haute-Savoie · Official fares & timetables →
Transport data verified on 2026-06-15 · source transport.data.gouv.fr (Licence Etalab 2.0)
Nearby
Where to eat, drink, stay
A bakery, a shop in Thônes?
Share hours and specialties with visitors of Heritage Museum of the Pays de Thônes - Founders: François and Lucien Cochat.
Become a partnerA nearby stay?
Gîte, B&B, campsite, rental in Thônes.
Become a partnerPhotos
Gallery
Been there? Share your photos — we'll add them to this page with credit. Tag #loisirs74 or email photos@loisirs74.fr
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Pays de Thônes Heritage Museum cost?
The Pays de Thônes Heritage Museum is free for children under 12. The adult price is to be confirmed with the Thônes Town Hall on +33 (0)4 50 02 97 76. Verified 10 June 2026.
What are the opening hours of the Pays de Thônes Heritage Museum?
The Pays de Thônes Heritage Museum is open Monday to Saturday with varying hours: Monday 2.30 pm-5.30 pm, Tuesday 9 am-12 pm, Wednesday 9 am-12 pm and 1.30 pm-5.30 pm, Thu-Fri 9 am-12 pm and 2.30 pm-5.30 pm, Saturday 9.30 am-12 pm and 2.30 pm-6 pm. Verified 10 June 2026.
What is there to see at the Pays de Thônes Heritage Museum?
The Pays de Thônes Heritage Museum presents geology, prehistory, crafts, Baroque religious art, fauna and flora of the Aravis, and the firefighters' costume of the famous Fête des Sapeurs.
Is the Pays de Thônes Heritage Museum a Musée de France?
Yes. The Pays de Thônes Heritage Museum is awarded the 'Musée de France' label, recognising the scientific quality of its collections and their inclusion in the national heritage.
Who founded the Pays de Thônes Heritage Museum?
The Pays de Thônes Heritage Museum was founded in 1937 by François Cochat, who donated his rich collection. His son Lucien Cochat continued his work. The museum bears their names.
Are there activities for children at the Pays de Thônes Heritage Museum?
Yes. The Pays de Thônes Heritage Museum regularly offers playful and interactive activities for younger visitors. Personalised welcome. Free for children under 12.
Does the Pays de Thônes Heritage Museum ticket include the Manoir de la Tour?
Yes, in season. Entry to the Pays de Thônes Heritage Museum includes a visit to the Manoir de la Tour (open in summer), an emblematic medieval residence in the historic centre of Thônes.
Where is the Pays de Thônes Heritage Museum?
The Pays de Thônes Heritage Museum is in central Thônes (74230), 30 min from Annecy via the D909 and 15 min from La Clusaz.
Featured in our selections
Sources
Sources & verification
- Mairie de Thônes — Musée Patrimonial
- Thônes Cœur des Vallées Tourisme
- Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc Tourisme
- Musée du Patrimoine de France
Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
Nearby
Nearby
Other places to explore in the area and in the same category
Free
Thônes Via Ferrata
Thônes
Sporty via ferrata in Thônes, 600 m of cable on vertical wall, visible from the village. Free access, equipment required. 20 min from Annecy.
Paid
Atelier Ryokan
Thônes
Ceramic pottery workshop in the Aravis — wheel intro, hand-building, kids/adult courses, materials and firing included. By booking.
Paid
Atelier de poterie du Prunier
Thônes
Ceramic pottery workshop in the Aravis — wheel intro, hand-building, kids/adult courses, materials and firing included. By booking.
Paid
Écomusée du Bois et de la Forêt
Thônes
19th-century hydraulic sawmill in Thônes (Aravis): live water-powered sawing demonstration, forest trail, kids' workshops from age 6. Adult €7.
Paid
Site de Morette — Museum of the Resistance and Memorial of the Deportation
La Balme-de-Thuy
The Morette site, at the entrance to the Glières valley: a national necropolis, museum of the Haute-Savoie Resistance and memorial of the deportation. A place of remembrance of the Second World War.
Paid
Maison de la Pomme et du Biscantin
Serraval
In Serraval, the Maison de la Pomme et du Biscantin tells the story of the farm orchards of the vallée de Thônes: mountain apple varieties, a cider press, the making of Biscantin — the local cider — and orchard produce for sale. Opening hours, prices and verified information.