La Chinaillon is a great location for a vacation all year round. Very popular for its fantastic winter ski conditions, it is also ideally placed for a wide range of cultural, creative and healthy outdoor pursuits…
Castles – Thirens Glieres Castle (In Thorens Gliers)
- The Thorens Gliéres’ Castle is located at the beginning of the tableland of the Glières. The ancient fortress is made with secret dungeons and shelters the Salésian treasure which consists of ornaments, episcopalian documents from Saint Francois de Sales, wonderful tapestries telling the adventurous life of Tobie, ministerial furniture and works of art which belonged to the Count de Cavour, the creator of a united Italy. For more information please visit the official website.
Castles – Montrottier Castle (In Lovagny)
- This medieval castle was a fortress, the oldest parts date back to the 13th century. A remarkable collection of furniture, ceramic wall tiles, lace, weapons and rare African and Oriental objects has been preserved, thanks to the dedication of Léon Mares, one of the last great collectors of the 19th century. Included in the collection are 4 bronze bas reliefs by the artists Peter and Hans Vischer of Nuremburg. It screens numerous collections (arms, lace, ivory, antique furniture, statues, portraits of famous personalities, bronzes from the German renaissance). From the donjon path, you can see all the undulating country which spreads over the Alpine mountains dominating the lake of Annecy. For more information, please visit the official website.
Castles – Menthon Saint Bernard Castle
- Inhabited by the Menthons family since the 12th century, the Château of Menthon was the birthplace of the legendary St Bernand de Menthon, patron saint of all Alpine mountaineers. Built and extended between the 12th and 19th centuries, it was transformed from a medieval fortress into a splendid 19th century Château with many of its original furnishings and period interiors still preserved. The Château commands a magnificent view over Lake Annecy and features a fabulous library. On weekends and public holidays, visits are animated by actors in period costume. For more information, please visit the official website.
Castles – Chateau D’Arenthon (in Alex)
- Restored in 2001, this castle dates from the 13h century. For more information, please visit the official website.
Markets
- All the markets have a large range of fruit and vegetables as well and the ubiquitous cheese and sausage stalls, plants, jewellery, clothing, bread and a whole host of local crafts or `artisans’.
- Annecy – Tuesday, Friday and Sunday morning in the old town
- Grand Bornand – Wednesday morning in the market square
- Thone – Saturday morning in the town centre
Museum – Art & History Museum of Haute Savoix
- Art and history museum of Haute Savoix – this monument looks down upon the lake of Annecy, and is near the castle and the old town. It was built in the 17th century and exhibits some very nice collections, and some of them are absolutely unique. Free entrance, visits guided on appointment
Museum – Thones
- From Grand Bornand head for Thones, pass through Thones as if going to Annecy and the museum is on your left just past the graveyard. The museum was set-up in the “Asile Avet” which was originally built in 1862 to act as a warm refuge for old people and as a school for young children. It was created by F.Cochat with the help of the generosity of the people of the region with the aim of preserving costumes, flags and weapons brought together for the centenary celebrations of the Thones fire-brigade. The museum was then damaged in the bombardment of August 1944 and restored in 1982. Today it contains a remarkable collection primarily commemorating the local resistance movement during WW2.
Museum – Plateau de Glieres
- This is where the resistance fighters lived during WW2. There is a hospital and places to visit as well as walks on the plateau. It is worth visiting the museum beforehand.
Towns & Villages – Annecy
- There is a lot to see in Annecy, some of the key things are listed below but the tourist centre is in the centre of town by the lake and is very helpful. You can either get the bus in from Grand Bornand or drive in. There are many car parks, we would recommend the one just after the imperial hotel before you come into the centre of Annecy, which is free and enables you to walk along the lake shore into the town, or the one just past the Prefecture just before the Tourist Office, which is also on the lake shore.
- Sight seeing – The old town is beautiful with many lovely old building, see our guide and map to help you find your way around.
- Shopping – There are plenty of lovely little shops to browse through as well as department stores and a regular market (see below)
- Eating – With a huge range of restaurants (Greek, Indian, Moroccan, Thai, French and many more) you can find something for everyone.
- Boating – You can take a boat trip around the lake (including lunch if you wish) from the docking point next to the gardens, or hire a motor boat or pedallo if you are feeling energetic
- Sailing – The sailing club is on the western shore of the lake and easily reached from the town centre, simply follow the path round the lake.
- Chateau – The chateau is in the centre of the old town and houses the lake
Towns & Villages – Menthont
- Follow the directions for the Chateau above and carry on past the chateau. Menthon is a lovely village on lake Annecy with a swimming pool, park and port. You can catch the ferry to Annecy from here as well as Tallois.
Towns & Villages – Tallois (see above)
- Another lovely lake side village further south after Menthon.
Le Chinaillon Apartment 