Explore Thones, Haute-Savoie, Rhône-Alpes

Very nice road with south facing bends, facing the Tournette mount. Less crowded, but much more difficult than the Aravis Pass Gradient : 7%

MTB circuit for intermediates, a route which follows in the tracks of Jean-Jacque Rousseau on the slopes of the Lachat. Discover the local heritage at the same time as taking part in your favourite sport : with the possibility of visiting the Tower Manor (manoir de la tour), depending on the opening times or the Bossenaz Chapel. Easy level on the section Thones - La Bossenaz, more technical on the section La Vacherie - Le Fetelay. Description on the MTB map, on sale in the tourist offices.

Forest walk to be carried out with the family from the city center of Thônes. Discover the history of the old and new King of the Mount, centuries-old trees whose legend continues to be forged over time. On the heights of Thônes, walk through the Bois du Mont in the shade of its huge spruce trees. Along the route, let the local legend of the "Roi du Mont" be told. A tree distinguished itself among other woods by its impressive size. More than 50 metres high and with a circumference of 5 metres, the latter has undoubtedly been one of the largest spruce trees in France. Its extraordinary dimensions have earned it the nickname of the "Roi du Mont" by the inhabitants of the village. It took a storm (that of the winter of 1999) to put an end to his reign, he was 275 years old according to estimates. Part of the giant was then transformed into a flowering basin, which is observable at the Eco-Museum of Wood of Thônes. On the square, you can discover its stem representing a flame and a throne in a symbolic way. Since then, a New King reigns on the Bois du Mont, 54 meters high, its circumference grows over the years and its prestige is built on the traces of its elder. This walk will also allow you to discover beautiful views of the village and the Valley of Thônes

Located on the east flank of the Tournette, the emblematic mountain which dominates Lake Annecy, the Marais pass climbs gently on the north side from the centre of Thones. It's a good pass for beginners. Slope : 3.5%

Sheltered walk on the left bank of the river Nom, the Jean-Jacques Rousseau circuit will take you to the Tour hamlet, known for its manor house. Jean-Jacques Rouseau stayed for the day ; referenced in his work 'L'idylle des Cerises'.

This historical and geological path allows you to discover the various different types of forest in the area in a varied natural habitat. From the bus station, go through the underground tunnel which crosses below the D909, then take the Calvary path up to the chapel. Keep climbing for another 200m (view point), before taking the path which climbs down to the left and rejoins the access path for the via ferrata. This circuit is a little precarious on its upper section, so please be careful.

The Roman bridge path is a loop easily walkable with the family, leaving from the centre of Thones.

A small walk to undertake with the family or friends, in the centre of Thones. Without much height difference and lasting less than an hour, we can recommend this route for those with prams and young kids. From the centre of town, walk past the skate park (behind the tourist office) andtake the first right signed Promenade Aime Constantin, which follows the banks of the river. Return by the Rue St Blaise, or if you want you can stop at the horse riding centre to see the animal park.

On the roman bridge path, a small walk to undertake with the family or friends, in the centre of Thones. Without much height difference and lasting less than an hour, we can recommend this route for those with prams and young kids. Park behind the Salle des Fetes, at the free car park called Plot. Take the Paradis path. Follow the first part of the path, from the roman bridge to the Chamossiere bridge. Return by the same route.

This route will give you an insight into how difficult life was for the local people, from 1750 to the middle of the 20th century. Life in the high mountain pastures consisted of repairing buildings, keeping the pastures healthy, looking after the animals and cutting the hay... Above Les Villards sur Thônes, hike up Mont Lachat, one of the most beautiful peaks in the Bornes massif. As you hike, retrace the traditional history of the mountain pastures of Haute-Savoie. Along the way, you'll come across oratories, farms and typical mountain farm buildings at the Granges du Lachat. Continuing along the beautiful ridge path to the Lachat iron cross, you can also enjoy magnificent views of the Aravis chain, the Bauges massif, La Tournette and the nearby Plateau des Glières. The memory of the Maquis is commemorated on a plaque along the way.

An activity above Lake Annecy in the Talloires/Montmin area, at the foot of the mountains and mountain pastures of the Tournette massif, Le Chemin des Tyroliennes gives you access to the Col de l'Aulp at an altitude of 1400 metres. A strenuous but rural walk through fir trees, meadows and streams, two zip lines and we're at the pass, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and herds to the sound of bells. The return to the starting point and car park is a slide from one zip line to the next. Keep your eyes peeled for the breathtaking scenery.

The INTERSPORT store, located in the heart of the village of La Clusaz, specializes in the rental and sale of skis and snowboards. Intersport Crêt du Merle consists of two stores: one dedicated to RENTALS, located opposite the Crêt du Merle chairlift, and another focused on SALES, situated at Place de la Poste. Styled like a traditional mountain chalet, the rental store is the closest to the ski slopes. Our sales area offers a wide range of mountain gear at Intersport prices. Available brands: K2, Rossignol, Oakley, Tecnica, Leki, Kimberfeel, McKinley.

IIn La Clusaz there’s no longer any need to choose between the mountains and swimming…whether in the winter or summer, enjoy this veritable oasis in the middle of the Alps with its heated pools and breathtaking panoramic views!

SKI and BIKE rental near the Bossonnet ski lift. The mountain expert in the Aravis. Vertical Mountain Sports welcomes you in an authentic, luminous and precise space. A unique opportunity to discover all the mountain expertise in a quality shop close to the legendary Aravis mountain range. Vertical Mountain Sports specializes in the rental of climbing equipment, climbing shoes, via ferrata harnesses, ice axes, helmets, crampons...

Your rental/sales store for skiing, snowboarding, e-biking, downhill mountain biking and skateboarding Located near the Bossonnet chairlift at the top of the village, Bossonnet Proshop offers, for rental and sale, skis and snowboards in winter, electrically assisted mountain bikes for your sporty or family outings on the paths van the Aravis, but also downhill mountain bikes (DH) for the more daring.

Renowned for its good early snow coverage and its altitude (1450/1550 m), the Plateau des Glières is one of the Haute-Savoie's top spots for cross-country skiing. Set between vast stretches of alpine pastureland and forested sections, the varied trails are accessible for skiers of all levels. The Plateau des Glières boasts numerous pluses, not least the variety of its ski slopes, the quality of its well-maintained trails, its proximity to large towns such as Annecy and to the Arve Valley and, last but not least, the wide range of activities available in the area. The Plateau des Glières offers 29 km of cross-country ski trails, varying in difficulty (from black to green) and timing (from 1 hr to 3 hrs or day-long skiing). When you stop for a rest, you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of one of six restaurants on the Plateau, where you will be able to taste some of the local specialities. Some of them are ski-in/ski-out. Two access points: via Thorens-Glières or via Le Petit-Bornand-les-Glières. RESORT ACCESS Check out the Mobil'alp Glières! From January to March. Every Saturday/Sunday. Stops = Annecy - Annecy le vieux (Sibra stop "Albigny")-St Martin de Bellevue-Le Vernog; Charvonnex Le Clémone ; Groisy-Le Plot For more info: 04 50 22 45 63

A refuge at the top!!! An authentic refuge with an exceptional 360° view. Lunch, snack, dinner, breakfast and overnight stay. The Parmelan: a very accessible summit for everyone. At the summit, the refuge offers simple and quality food. Accommodation in dormitories for 2 to 18 people to admire the sunsets and sunrises.

Playful bike ride with workshops to discover fundamentals mountain bike techniques: balance, braking, propulsion, obstacle course, handling ability on varied terrains. 4 half-day course or 5 half-day course. Biker progress book (MCF) given at the end of the course. Passage of the Biker 1 license and handlebar plate offered for the diploma obtained.

Playful bike ride with workshops for beginners and initiated in order to discover fundamentals mountain bike techniques: balance, braking, propulsion, obstacle course, handling ability on varied terrains...

Discover and learn mountain biking, control of braking, balance and safety rules. Different games and bike rides. 3 or 4 sessions of 2h30 supervised by a qualified mountain bike guide. You will receive a progress report and a diploma at the end of the course. One or two sessions on the mountain bike playground at the bottom of the Bouchet valley.

Admire the heritage-listed framed altarpiece from the 18th century. Located in the heart of Thones, the St Maurice church was built in the 17th century. Between the french revolution and the 1944 bombardments, there have been many stages of restoration, lasting until today. Witness to the baroque period which dominated Savoy eclesiastical architecture between 1650 and 1750, the onion bulb clock tower and the framed alterpiece are noteworthy. You will be seduced by the balance of its architecture and the theatricality of the statuary. The clock tower houses 4 cast bells : 2 from the Gautier foundry and the other two cast by the Paccard Brothers. The framed alteripiece was created by the sculptor J. Jacquetti. This unique piece is an assembly of finely sculpted and painted woodwork, which supports the altar. In 1923 the framed altar was listed as a historical monument.

Gallery to discover the history and heritage of our valley. Large animated models of houses, chalets, sawmill, mill, etc. Old photographs. Exhibition "The bombings of August 3 and 4, 1944, in Thônes and Villards-sur-Thônes".

Municipal Museum : history and local heritage. Its rich collections also make it a museum of France. Personalized welcome, free or guided tours, fun and interactive activities for young people scheduled regularly.

The Old Bridge, known as the "Roman bridge", is part of the built heritage of Thônes. It spans the river Name.

Built in 1515, the Calvary chapel overlooks the city from its rocky promontory.

The "Fier" is a river-torrent with a length of 71.9km. It represents an interesting natural diversity, both in terms of its flora and its fauna.

Discover the Mobalpa Showroom at Thônes. Over 2000 m² of exhibition (kitchen, bathroom, Storage unit..) Has rain or fog hit the resort? Use this opportunity to head down to Mobalpa. Kitchen, bathroom or storage space: as a couple or with children, dressed in everyday clothes or ski suits, take the slope of your dreams and reach the summits of well-being!

The Notre-Dame de Pitié chapel, also called “the Coin chapel”, dates from the 16th century.

Country residence of the noble Gallay family, built around 1670 and known principally for having welcomed Jean-Jacques Rousseau in 1730.

Planned at the end of the 17th century, the Chamossière chapel was built in 1727 under the name of Notre-Dame du Puy, Saint Jacques and Saint François.

At the foot of Mount Sulens. Winter snowshoe walks. Panoramic view. Savoyard specialities. Booking is recommanded. Home made.

Restaurant situated on the plateau, in a welcoming setting. Nadège and Jean-Pierre serve Savoyard specialities (potato fritters, white tomme, tartiflette and hot tomme), cooked using the cheeses produced on the Plateau des Glières, followed by home-made desserts (blueberry tart, pancakes, floating islands). A spacious restaurant with a warm, friendly welcome, the chalet is perfect for all of your family gatherings (weddings, Christenings, birthdays and parties).

Terrace. Friendly environment mixing modern and mountain atmosphere.

Friendly and moutain atmosphere. Anytime service. Brasserie with superb terrace, view on the Aravis mountain range and the Grand-Bornand bell tower.

Chalet atmosphere, fireplace, outstanding panorama. Varied menus. In the land of Reblochon cheese, let's taste traditional Savoyard cuisine, rich and generous, refined by our chef: to be enjoyed winter or summer, on the terrace or by the fireplace.

Terrace. Friendly environment mixing modern and mountain atmosphere. Appetizer with finger-food, pizzas...

A warm welcome, a friendly atmosphere in a typical setting. Cooking of fresh and seasonal products from local producers. "La Pointe-Percée" can organize your business, seminary, wedding or baptism lunch.

Bakery, tea room in the center of the village.

Restaurant, bar, pizzeria. Venez partager un repas dans un esprit chalet montagnard.

Lindion gite is located at an altitude of 1125m on the GR96 road in the Bornes-Aravis range, 90 minutes walk from the Morette car park, near to Thones. Manuela and Stephane offer you a warm welcome during your visit in the heart of the alpine meadows.

The Larrieux refuge, at the foot of the Dent du Cruet and Talamarche, is an alpine meadow farm dating from 1764, 2 hours on foot from Montremont, near Thones. There's a magnificent view of the Tournette and Lake Annecy from the top of the alpine meadows. Meals. Rich diversity of flora and fauna.

This chalet is ideally located on the Glières plateau, in the heart of the Dran plain, not far from the Notre Dame des Neiges chapel, in a wild and preserved nature. Make the most of our chalet's charm and discover, or rediscover, the delights of old-fashioned evenings. You can enjoy getting up in the morning right in the midst of nature, for a good breakfast, before setting out on a lovely walk on the Plateau des Glières.

A holiday-village facing the magnificent Aravis mountain range. 5 kilometers from La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand, 30 minutes from Lake Annecy. Holiday-village*** with 60 rooms and 20 apartments Full-board or rental options 60 rooms with 2 to 6 beds and flat-screen TV. 20 apartments from 4-person studios to 3-room 8-person apartments with flat-screen TV. Formulas : full board or rental Facilities: outdoor Norwegian bath, indoor heated pool, sauna, fitness room, sports fields: tennis, pétanque, volleyball. 6 kids' clubs for children aged 3 months to 17 years during school vacations Daytime and evening entertainment for adults: Leisure package included : 3 to 5 half-day activities depending on the period (hiking, cultural outings or sports discovery), 6 sports or artistic workshops. During the school vacations, a richer program of activities every day and for all levels: more guided hikes, supervised cultural walks, family outings and entertainment with our sports leaders. In winte r: shuttles to resort villages, ski lessons for children, on-site ski room for equipment rental, ski pass sales on site. For children : toboggan run with buoys. In summer, the mountains offer pure air, lush green landscapes and a thousand and one opportunities for family fun and relaxation. Open-air wellness area : Norwegian bath and sauna with mountain views. -Indoor swimming pool heated to 27°. -Sauna, fitness room, massage salon. -Sports fields: tennis, pétanque, volleyball.

The refuge is located on the massif of Tournette. It welcomes you for a drink, a meal break or an overnight stay. Scenery guaranteed with panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the entire chain of Aravis. Mandatory reservation. Walking time: count 2 hours to reach the refuge and the same time to reach the top of the Tournette.

Welcome to this old mountain farm of 1779. Take a break in the middle of nature and enjoy sauna, hamman, indoor pool and chimney. WINTER : From december to april, Lionel and Lucie invit you to discover a wonderful natural environment at the heart of the Aravis. A familial and gourmet cuisine is served, enhancing local products and flavours of the Aravis. Lionel, mountain guide, will share his knowledge and advice to help you choose your routes of cross-country skiing, snow-shoes or walking paths, including the iced faterfall. He can also offer you his "à la carte" guiding services for a full or half day. The human-sized chalet offers 17 places at most, distributed into 6 bedrooms. No need to bing heavy luggages, your beds will be done when you arrive and the towels will be provided. It is possible to privatize the chalet on demand on half board (presence of the guardians only). SPRING, SUMMER, AUTOMN : You can rent the chalet for a week or a shorter stay with total autonomy. Disability accessibility: The property has an elevator for people with reduced mobility. An adapted double room is available.

Large detached chalet on the impressive Plateau des Glières, close to the cross-country skiing and snow-shoe areas. Weekend breaks available. Capacity up to 26 people in conjunction with nearby refuge. Property offering warm and friendly welcome, easily accessible by car. Large sitting room with open fireplace and galley kitchen, double bed. Three bedrooms: bedroom 1 : 3 single beds; bedroom 2 : 1 single bed, 1 double bed; bedroom 3 : 3 single beds, 1 single bunk bed. 2 shower rooms. 2 separate WCs. Garden : garden furniture and barbecue.

Danielle Bonzi, your host, will be more than happy to welcome you in her shelter on the Plateau des Glieres : "Les Augets" It's located on the Plateau des Glières, near the ski center and at 500 meters from the historic monument. This is a very well situation to enjoy the activities on this touristic site

The Les Alérions centre is the ideal place to come together and recharge your batteries, as a family or with friends. With its 3-hectare park and proximity to Lake Annecy, its the perfect destination for your holiday. The centre is a structure of 76 beds registered with the Education Nationale and the Direction Départementale de la Cohésion Sociale. All year round it welcomes families, individuals and groups (children, teenagers and adults) for training courses, culture, sports and discovery stays.

Immerse yourself in the life of the alpine pasture farmers for a meal or a stay! In an exceptional environment, you can discover the farm's activity and milking of the animals. Accessible by foot or car, Guillaume welcomes you and shares his universe and his work with you. He invites you to take a break in the patio or in the old barn for a tasting (farm tomme, délice, gruyere cheese, yoghurts, goat cheese tomme, lactic tomme, sérac cheese, saucisson, raclette, tartiflette...) Only fine products to delight your taste buds! The refuge has a dormitory with a 40 persons capacity as well as 5 individual bedrooms for 2 to 5 persons each.