In the Aravis: what to do in La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand and around?

30-meter waterfall on the Nant du Chinaillon, accessible in 20 minutes' walk from Chinaillon. Local legend, sculpted gorges, easy walk year-round.

Mountain pass at 1,477 m between Manigod and La Clusaz, popular with cyclists, family ski resort in winter and hiking starting point in summer.

Small alpine lake at 1,358 m at the foot of the Aravis range, accessible by car. Easy 2.7 km loop, starting point for hikes, cross-country skiing in winter.

700 m equipped route, graded D (difficult), on the Borderan cliff facing the Étale massif. Free access, gear required, open May–November.

Aravis interpretive trail from the Col des Annes to the Refuge de la Pointe Percee: 4 geological stations, 10 landscape windows, free shuttles in summer.

La Clusaz, a large village resort in the Aravis: 125 km of slopes between 1 100 and 2 600 m, the Confins Nordic area, a snowpark, and genuine village life. Access, ski area and information.

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.

Treetop adventure park at the Col de la Croix Fry (1,477 m) in Manigod, in the Aravis range: trails for ages 4 up, facing the range and Lake Annecy.

Aquatic centre in the heart of the village with heated indoor/outdoor pools, jacuzzi, sauna, hammam and fitness room. Panoramic views of the Aravis mountains.

1,000 m² covered ice rink in La Clusaz, open late December to end April: public sessions, night skating, Monday Eisstock. From €5.

Karting in Thônes (Aravis) — adult & junior karts, gear provided, birthday, team-building and seminar packages. By booking.

The Cascade mystérieuse in Le Grand-Bornand: a drop of around thirty metres (~30 m) through a narrow gorge of the Nant du Chinaillon, a 20-minute walk through the beech forest from the Envers du Chinaillon. Free access, a founding legend and verified information.

Pass at 1,486 m between La Clusaz and La Giettaz. Mont-Blanc view, chapel, alpine meadows, hiking, Reblochon. Route des Grandes Alpes. Free access D909.

Sporty via ferrata in Thônes, 600 m of cable on vertical wall, visible from the village. Free access, equipment required. 20 min from Annecy.

Playful 7-module wooden-ball trail at La Clusaz: from the Patinoire cable car top down to the Bossonnet woods. Mountain summer.

Le Grand-Bornand, a village resort in the Massif des Aravis: 90 km of slopes around Chinaillon, 74,5 km of cross-country skiing in the Vallée du Bouchet, a snowpark and genuine Savoyard atmosphere.

19th-century hydraulic sawmill in Thônes (Aravis): live water-powered sawing demonstration, forest trail, kids' workshops from age 6. Adult €7.

A little-known waterfall near Faverges: 30 min there and back, 600 m of walking, free access all year round. Route, parking and verified tips.

Iconic summit of Parmelan at 1,832 m with panoramic views over Annecy, its lake and Mont-Blanc. Free access via marked trails from Villaz or Dingy-Saint-Clair.

One of the longest via ferratas in the Aravis range: 1100 m of aerial route at the Col de la Colombière, suspension bridge, panoramic views of the massif.

Manigod, a family-friendly village-resort in the Aravis between the Col de la Croix-Fry and Merdassier, linked to La Clusaz (125 km of pistes in total). Ski area, access, off-piste activities.

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.

Ceramic pottery workshop in the Aravis — wheel intro, hand-building, kids/adult courses, materials and firing included. By booking.

Heritage Museum of the Pays de Thônes (Musée de France label): history, prehistory, crafts, religious art and Fête des Sapeurs costumes. Free under 12.

Ceramic pottery workshop in the Aravis — wheel intro, hand-building, kids/adult courses, materials and firing included. By booking.

Bun-J-Ride at Saint-Jean-de-Sixt: supervised giant swing in the Aravis, big thrills guaranteed. Seasonal, by reservation.

Escape Canyon: guided canyoning outings in the Aravis from La Clusaz. Beginner and sporty routes, gear included. Summer 2026.

Dog sledding (huskies) in Le Grand-Bornand: coached rides, kennel visits, family outings in winter season.

Dévalkart de Manigod: mountain coaster at the Manigod / La Croix-Fry resort. Several-hundred-metre rail descent, chairlift access, summer.

Archery in Le Grand-Bornand: coached intro sessions, mountain nature course, holiday camps. Gear included, from age 8.