In the surroundings

Village of Taninges

Rising between 609 and 2000 metres above sea level in the heart of the Vallée du Giffre, the charming village of Taninges is home to a rich historical and cultural heritage, which you’ll have the opportunity to discover accompanied by a guide so you don’t miss a single detail! In the centre of the village, you can easily stroll through the streets and discover imposing historical monuments such as the chapel of Sainte-Anne or the church of St-Jean-Baptiste (one of the largest churches in Haute-Savoie), home to the Carillon de Taninges, whose 40 bells will leave you breathless! Prestigious carillonneurs give concerts from time to time. The Pré de l’église (church meadow) is a cool place to take a stroll. Other historical landmarks such as the old 16th-century humpback bridge and the fountain in the market square add to the town’s charm. Hungry for something to eat? You can sample the local specialities in the restaurants, local shops and at the market held every Thursday. Finally, make the most of this picture-postcard setting and stop off at the Chartreuse de Mélan. This listed 13th-century building with its 16th-century cloister now hosts concerts and various exhibitions to satisfy your cultural curiosity.

Flérier and its lake 

Need some fresh air? Take a nature break with the family and head to Flérier. This charming village, typical of the region with its traditional architecture, exudes calm and serenity. Between nature and culture, follow the signposted footpaths for keen hikers or mountain bikers: a relatively flat 4.3 km loop, part of which runs alongside Lac de Flérier, will allow you to discover the surrounding area and admire the surrounding mountain scenery. Easy to reach from Taninges, walk along the Foron and follow Flérier on the right bank via the Voie Verte ‘Au Fil du Giffre’. Keep your eyes peeled, as some of the landscape has been shaped by beavers, such as in the area around the Faucigny fish farm.

Loop of Marcelly

On the hiking side, try the Marcelly loop, a signposted 8.5km loop (approx. 4 hours) starting from Taninges. Between the blue of the sky and the green of the mountains, there are remarkable views of the Lac de Roy, whose origin is glacial, the mountain pastures and their herds, the Mont-Blanc massif and the peaks of the Chablais. From the ridge, the view opens out over the Giffre valley, Le Môle and the Aravis mountains. Fill your trip with beautiful memories and don’t miss the panoramic view from the Pic de Marcelly.

Walking circuit on the Plateau de Loëx

For a relaxing family outing, the Loëx Plateau walking trail offers a simple and accessible route starting in Taninges. The 5km route takes you through sublime landscapes in an area classified Natura 2000, a favoured habitat for a rich variety of flora and fauna. Mixing forests, mountainous terrain, green areas and pastures, the plateau on the Loëx mountain will also give you access to the Jacquicourt chapel dating from 1679, which was destroyed and then rebuilt in the 1980s. This building offers a superb view over the valley. From the Chalet de Veruy, admire the panoramic view over the Col de Joux Plane, the Pointe de Chamossière and the Bourgeoise.

La Pointe du Haut Fleury

In the heart of the mountain pastures of Praz de Lys Sommand, treat yourself to a unique panorama from the belvedere at the summit. With its two orientation tables, you can easily discover the valley, with views stretching from the Jura Mountains and Lake Geneva to the Chablais, Mont-Blanc and Aravis Massifs. An ideal family outing, thanks to the simplicity of the route. From mid-July to mid-August, the summit is also accessible by chairlift. There’s no excuse for missing out on this marvellous view!

Marmot stalking

How can you miss this emblematic mountain animal? In Praz de Lys during the high season, you can go marmot-watching between June and the end of September. Accompanied by a guide for a 3-hour walk, follow in their footsteps and enjoy this unusual opportunity with your family. See you every Monday at 5pm!

Au Fil du Giffre’ Green Route by bike

Cycle the Voie Verte ‘Au Fil du Giffre’ on your own and recharge your batteries! This route follows the torrent that flows down from the mountains, which is more or less impetuous depending on the weather conditions, and offers you 26 kilometres of signposted cycling (about 4 hours). There are several stages along the way: start with a stopover at the Chartreuse de Mélan and its contemporary art park in Taninges. Along the way, passing through pretty wooded areas, you’ll come across the Lac Bleu de Morillon (where you can swim) and the Lac aux Dames, which offers all kinds of nature-related activities: horse riding, paragliding, accrobranche, fishing and much more. Arriving in the area around the charming village of Sixt Fer à Cheval, you will have the opportunity to admire the Gorges des Tines, where white-water sports such as rafting are practised, as well as the old railway line. The waterfalls will leave you with a wealth of memories to create!

Mountain biking

For lovers of sensational sports and the great outdoors, take to the mountain trails, some of which are confidential, accompanied by a guide (Vecteur Montagne) and admire breathtaking scenery in a natural, unspoilt setting, far from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Activity to be planned for the whole day (departure from Praz de Lys) and information to be obtained from the guide.

Horseback riding trek

On the slow tourism front, the Grand Ourse riding centre offers hourly or half-day trail rides for all levels. Set between the mountains and the valley, your ride will take place on the Praz de Lys plateau, facing Mont Blanc, between peat bogs and the lake. It’s a great activity for all the family, environmentally friendly and ideal for exploring the surrounding area at your own pace.

Paragliding

Just 7 kilometres from Taninges, land in Mieussy: the birthplace of paragliding. Several paragliding schools offer you the chance to try your hand at this sport. You’ll take off right at the top of the sky, and fly over the sublime landscapes shaped by the mountains between Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. An unforgettable experience! Also available in winter.

Praz de Lys Sommand ski resort

If you’re a keen downhill skier, you’ll love the Praz de Lys Sommand ski area, with its miles of pistes for all abilities, facing Mont Blanc. For cross-country skiers, it’s the ideal base! No fewer than 60 kilometres of trails take you from mountain pastures to forests, with uninterrupted views over the valley. Other thrilling sports include ski touring, where you can take to the mountain at your own pace, and FatScoot, for something a little more unusual.

Snowshoeing with chamois

Take a family outing to Praz de Lys and discover the mountains from a different angle. With the help of a mountain guide, put on your snowshoes and enjoy a picnic facing Mont Blanc, accompanied by the chamois, a discreet and emblematic animal of the region. You’ll need to be calm and patient to make this a unique experience!