Hiking Trail: a walk along the water

First mentioned in 1225, this bridge probably existed even earlier. Until 1880 it was the only crossing point to access Sallanches. It has had Historic Monument status since 1934 and only became a pedestrian bridge in 1974.

This small church, rebuilt in 1681, harmoniously combines the Baroque decorations of the 18th century with the Neoclassical ones of the 19th century. On the altarpieces or the vault, angels—whether sculpted or painted—are eagerly waiting to welcome you!First church in the Mont-Blanc region to be restored, in 1681, in the Alpine Baroque style of the 17th century. This artistic movement reflected the major principles of the Catholic Reformation, as established during the Council of Trent (1545-1563). This religious building was consecrated in 1688 by Monsignor Jean d’Arenthon d’Alex. The parish was organized as early as the 13th century—or even earlier—around the bridge, a key crossing point to the left bank of the Arve: Sallanches and the Val d’Arly. Originally, the village was called Saint-Martin-du-Pont. The patron saint of the area, Martin of Tours (316-397), was invoked in Savoy for the protection of travelers and frequently used structures. The Baroque-style facade, featuring a Serlian (triple window), includes a rounded arched portal topped by a statue of Saint Martin of Tours and a square bell tower crowned with a polygonal spire. Do not be deceived by the simplicity of the exterior architecture—step inside to discover its intimate treasures! On either side of the side entrance are four funerary steles of priests who served in Saint Martin. Dedicated to Saint Martin, this parish church was built on a Latin cross plan with a square choir, a flat apse, and a nave with two bays. Its interior furnishings (altars, altarpiece, pulpit) appear to follow a late Baroque tradition from the 1820s. The south transept houses the altar of the Virgin and Child, while the north transept features the altar of Saint Joseph and the pulpit. The furnishings combine elements of regional folk Baroque with pieces altered or added in the 19th century, reflecting a more rigid Neoclassical style. The vaults are adorned with beautiful frescoes. The twisted columns of the main altarpiece, dating from the 18th century, dominate the sarcophagus-shaped altar. Its niches house 19th-century statues, including one of Saint Francis de Sales. Observe the central painting behind the altarpiece, depicting the story of Saint Martin. This work stands out for its remarkable detail: it portrays the scene within the setting of Saint-Martin-sur-Arve itself. Saint Martin is shown on horseback in front of the village’s bridge and church, sharing his cloak with a poor man. Dated 1828, this painting was donated by villagers of Saint-Martin who had emigrated to Paris. It thus illustrates the theme of the Charity of Saint Martin. Above all, God the Father, portrayed as a kindly elder, accompanied by the dove of the Holy Spirit, seems to emerge from a cloud filled with cherub heads! The pulpit, sculpted around 1861 by Laurent Baud, an artist from Morzine, has lost its sounding board. However, its hexagonal basin still displays the scene of Jesus among the Doctors and three of the Evangelists.

Very beautiful leisure center with its 3 lakes which welcome you for all your leisure activities: fishing, swimming and paddle, windsurfing, walking and relaxing and many other activities on site: fitness trail, volleyball court, ping-pong table.* “What if we teased the trout?!” This 1st lake, coming from St Martin, is exclusively reserved for category 1 fishing and extends over 242 m in length. Guaranteed tranquility. The island located in the middle of the lake being a hunting reserve, you will have plenty of time to observe mallards, coots and wild rabbits while waiting for the fish to take the bait! - Aquatic species: wild and rainbow trout, perch, carp, pike, roach, tench, chub, crayfish, verons, and frogs. - Fishing license: on sale at the “Passion peche” store or at the Sallanches tourist office - Night fishing for carp: "no kill" organized by the AAPPMA - Faucigny Approved Association for Fishing and Protection of the Aquatic Environment - (registration required) - Fishing competitions: organized by the fishing company (information at the tourist office) * "Take the plunge !" This 2nd lake is a true summer paradise, perfect for swimming, paddleboarding and relaxing. With its 450 m length, it offers an area dedicated to supervised swimming in July and August, as well as ideal areas for paddle boarding and kayaking on the southern part. Whether under the bright sun or in the refreshing shade, you can relax on the green lawns that border the lake waters. Numerous facilities are available for leisure and well-being: open-air showers near the first aid station, volleyball courts, fitness trail, ping-pong table; but also equipped picnic areas. Snacks & refreshments in the summer. Free-standing barbecues are accepted under conditions established by municipal decree. Classified in category 2 for fishing outside the summer season. To preserve the tranquility, hygiene and health of the premises, access to the 1st and 2nd lake is prohibited for animals. Free parking and sanitary facilities on site. * “Want to slide on the water?” This 3rd lake is reserved for windsurfers on the southern part and for fishermen on the northern part in category 2. It is 515 m long. Notice to lovers of "jibe" and "fun" who are welcome on this site, one of the best spots in Haute-Savoie, for windsurfing. Exploring the northern end of the lake, you will find a waterbird and fish observation cabin, a true treasure for nature lovers. This last lake welcomes animals subject to compliance with the following provisions: • swimming of animals is strictly prohibited; • animals must be kept on a leash; • dog owners will have to pick up their pet's droppings themselves. Animals can take the so-called rustic route on the banks of the Arve (dike) at any time of the year. Standing barbecues are allowed according to the conditions established by the municipal decree; ground fires are strictly prohibited on the 3 lakes.

Very beautiful "spot" in Sallanches for a moment of tranquility and contemplation close to nature, 2 km from the city center. At the edge of the lakes you will have a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and can also observe the local flora and fauna.During a pleasant walk, you will have the opportunity to soak up the beauty of this preserved natural environment while taking the time to take breaks on the benches along the route of this true haven of peace. The 1st lake, classified category 1 and intended for fishing, is full of fish and wild birds that you can observe up close being careful not to disturb them while feeding them. The 2nd lake, reserved for swimming and paddle boarding in summer, also offers a setting conducive to relaxation, allowing you to enjoy moments of absolute relaxation. Outside of this period, fishing is authorized in category 2. The 3rd lake, dedicated to windsurfing and walking, offers an introductory experience to discover the local fauna and flora, complete with an observatory allowing you to explore this preserved environment more closely. Authorized for fishing on the northern part, in category 2. By following the "Au fil de l'eau" path towards the north, which crosses the Luzier footbridge, you can reach the famous Arpenaz waterfall, just 2km away (30 min on foot). To preserve the tranquility, hygiene and health of the premises, access to the 1st and 2nd lake is prohibited for animals. The 3rd lake is accessible to animals subject to compliance with the following provisions: • swimming of animals is strictly prohibited; • animals must be kept on a leash; • dog owners will have to pick up their animal's droppings. Animals can take the so-called rustic route on the banks of the Arve (dike) at any time of the year. Ground barbecue is strictly prohibited. ground fires are strictly prohibited on the 3 lakes.

Et si on taquinait la truite ? !" Ce 1er lac, en venant de St Martin est exclusivement réservé à la pêche en catégorie 1 et s'étend sur 242 m de longueur. Il regorge de poissons et oiseaux sauvages que vous pourrez observer de très près.Tranquillité garantie pour ce lac niché dans un lieu arboré très paisible.. L'île située au milieu du lac est une réserve de chasse abritant de nombreux animaux : vous aurez tout loisir d'observer colverts, foulques macroule et lapins de garenne en attendant que le poisson morde à l'hameçon ! - Espèces aquatiques : truites sauvages et arc-en-ciel, perches, carpes, brochets, gardons, tanches, chevennes, écrevisses, vérons, et grenouilles. - Permis de pêche : en vente au magasin "Passion pêche" ou à l'office de tourisme de Sallanches - Pêche de nuit à la carpe : en "no kill" organisée par l'AAPPMA - Association Agréée du Faucigny pour la Pêche et la Protection du Milieu Aquatique - (inscription obligatoire) - Concours de pêche : organisés par la société de pêche (renseignements à l'office de tourisme) Pour préserver la tranquillité, l'hygiène et la propreté des lieux, l’accès à ce 1er lac est interdit aux animaux. Ces derniers peuvent emprunter la voie dite rustique le long des berges de l’Arve à toute période de l’année. Un parking gratuit ainsi que des installations sanitaires sont disponibles sur place. De plus une fontaine au centre du parking permet de se ravitailler en eau potable.

The Chapelle de Luzier was built in 1716, and is located at the top of the village. Three saints share its patronage: St Anne, the Virgin Mary's mother, St Guérin and St Alexis, who is considered the patron of the chapel.

At a height of 270m, this magnificent waterfall, dominating the hamlet of Luzier, is the 3rd highest waterfall in France and is of geological interest (shales). Listed natural site. Impressive in the spring, you can refresh yourself there in the summer.Natural site classified since 1991. The waterfall is easily observed from the highway or national. Many travelers have always stopped at its foot to admire its splendid waterfall. This waterfall has its charm in any season, but its fall is very impressive in spring when the snow melts. In summer, a reception basin that can be used as a "vat" for swimming, and a small stream sheltered by the forest await you there. The torrent, called Nant d'Arpenaz or La Laiteuse, descends from the Platé massif, where it originates from several streams from the mountain pastures of the Véran mountain. From its source located at an altitude of 1850 m to where it flows into the Arve, the torrent travels 4 km. The name "Arpenaz" comes from the Celtic prefix "Ar" meaning living water and the Celtic suffix "pen" meaning rocky head. The site is also of geological interest, with its "S" rock folding. Developed site: free parking, picnic areas, starting point for hiking and mountain biking trails. When the Arpenaz waterfall inspires... The novelist Théophile Gaultier described the Arpenaz waterfall in the middle of the 19th century as follows:. "From the upper plateaus of the mountain, between the tumult of large rocks of a purplish gray, the water descended and seemed from afar a vein of silver embedded in the stone. From a distance, the most furious waterfalls seem motionless and have the air of streaks of snow between masses of rocks. At the edge of this steep slope, the mountain cuts steeply and the water rushes into the void".

Geocaching is a treasure hunt that takes place using a device equipped with a GPS. Modern-day treasure hunt combining the pleasures of walking with those of play and discovery.