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What to see and do in Haute Savoie

Below are some of the places you must visit while in the Mont Blanc region

Les incontournables de Praz-sur-Arly

The 1881 Neo-Gothic Church
In 1696 a church was built and united with the church in Megève. On 4 August 1803 , at the bishop's request, the government established the parish church of Ste Marie Madeleine and appointed the first priest. Under the reign of the Dukes of Savoy, at the beginning of the 19 th century, the parishioners reconstructed the church, the steeple and the presbytery and paid for the costs of the alterations and upkeep. Between 1950 and 1955, a complete renovation of the interior was undertaken. The Praz sur Arly church is of neo-gothic style

The Bonne Fontaine Chapel

Situated in the Commune of Flumet, on the border with Praz, on the road connecting the Christomet and the Tête du Torraz. It is a large brick building, 2 metres long and 3 metres high. The 4-sided roof is covered with sheet-metal and there is a wrought iron cross on the top. The building resembles a sentry-box. The walls surround a recess, and there is a holy water basin on the right hand side. A wrought iron gate protects the recess which contains a magnificent wooden Virgin and child. Water from a spring flows at the foot of the recess. The Virgin has been restored.

Tonnaz hamlet with its 17th century bread oven and its traditional farms
The village of Praz sur Arly was originally made up of three hamlets, called "dîmeries": La Thona, Réon and the Pratz de Megève. The most populated was La Thona where the inhabitants quite logically built their farms on the Adret, the sunniest side of the valley. It was dependent on the Commune of Megève and its agricultural activity was limited to daily tasks indispensable for survival. Then in 1834, Praz declared its independence but only obtained it in 1869 because of problems related to the dividing up of the land. Nowadays the Tonnaz hamlet is one of Praz sur Arly’s most important heritage sites and it will delight lovers of traditional regional architecture.

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What to see in the region

Megève Village


Megève and its pedestrian streets, a charming village with a very beautiful church and luxury shops in its square.


The Mont-Blanc Tramway in St Gervais (15 km)


The highest train in France awaits you for a fantastic journey at the foot of the Mont-Blanc. This cog-railway dates back to 1904. It will take you up to the Nid d'Aigle (2372) and to the foot of the Bionnassay Glacier, travelling leisurely through forests, Alpine pastures and high mountain areas.
Information : 04 50 47 51 83 or on internet !

The Sea of Ice in Chamonix (35 km) : The Montenvers train


Come and enjoy the unique experience of discovering the inside of the glacier, as well as its sculptures and characters from the past. From the centre of Chamonix , you can reach the Sea of Ice site in 20 minutes by the cog-railway. With an area of 40 km 2, 7 km long and 200 m thick, this natural site is surrounded by amazing mountain peaks. You can access the cave directly from the telecabine. There, deep in a gallery dug out in the rock, you will find a permanent exhibition of dozens of Alpine animal species as well as different types of crystals.
Information : 04 50 53 12 54


The Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix (35 km)


The Aiguille du Midi cable car will take you to the heart of the Mont-Blanc range. In 8 minutes, you will go from 1030 m to 3842 m, gliding over the forest. You will see the Mont-Blanc summit, the Bossons Glacier, the Aiguille Verte, the Drus and then the seracs and the Pèlerins glacier. Finally, you will visit the north peak, the central peak, the Mont-Blanc terrace and the Vallée Blanche.
Information : 04 50 53 12 54 or on internet !

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Lakes and rivers

The Arpenaz Waterfall in Sallanches (20 km)
Situated at the north entrance of Sallanches, on the left side of the austere Magland passage, this is a magnificent site, particularly in the spring and autumn when the waterfall, leaping from a height of 270 m, is very spectacular. It is fed by the Laiteuse torrent which descends from the Véran mountain. Geologically, it is noted for its Jurassic limestone synclinal fold, in the form of a Z, which is unique in the world.
Classified a natural site, the waterfall is accessible by road. In summer, there is a nice picnic area.

The Bonnant Gorges in St Gervais (15 km)
The Bonnant Gorges are a spectacular itinerary consisting of various footbridges and ladders fixed to the rock, spanning waterfalls and gorges. They link Le Fayet to St Gervais.

The Chedde Waterfall in Passy (20 km)
The Chedde waterfall offers a superb view and watery scenery before you set off to discover the Plateau d'Assy

The Lac Vert in Passy (30 km)
The Lac Vert is "an emerald in a jewel-case of greenery". This classified site is accessible by car or on foot and, in winter, by snowshoe or on cross country skis.

The Diosaz Gorges in Servoz (35 km)
These gorges are the gems of the Chamonix Valley . They are reputed to be the most beautiful in France . There is an easy and shady footpath which is well equipped, solidly fixed, occasionally clinging to steep rock faces or crossing ravines on robust footbridges – an opportunity to enter a mysterious and picturesque world. An unusual and majestic sight in an unspoiled and natural setting. Information : 04 50 47 21 13

The Lake of Annecy (60 km)
One of the most beautiful Alpine lakes. Also one of the largest in the region. Very pleasant boat trips on the lake. The town of Annecy , with its pedestrian streets, its old town and many boutiques, is also well worth a visit.

The Lake of Geneva (Lac Léman)
Situated on the French-Swiss border, this is the largest of all the Alpine lakes. What is the best place to visit? The charming little mediaeval village of Yvoire (70 km) where there are only pedestrian streets lined with beautiful flowers.

The Emosson Dam in Vallorcine
In Switzerland , 60 km by car. Take the direction of Châtelard-Finhaut , Col de la Gueulaz (2000m). This place of great geological interest offers a nice walk from the dam to the Vieux Emosson lake, with the added attraction of dinosaur tracks. Walking time: 2h30.

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Glaciers

The Bossons Glacier in Chamonix (30 km)
Born in the snows of the Mont-Blanc, the roof of Europe , and in the four highest peaks in the range, the Bossons Glacier is quite magical. Without alluvial deposits and incredibly white, surrounded by greenery, the glacier offers unique panoramas and pathways. Access by chairlifts in 15 minutes at 2700 m. Also discover the biggest ice cascade in Europe , with a 3600 m drop. Information : 04 50 53 12 39

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Museum

Val d'Arly Museum in Megève (4 km)
This museum, housed in a 19th century farm, retraces different aspects of mountain life in the past century. Many objects are on display, from the most humble to the most original. Main themes: wood handicrafts, agriculture, dairy, wool, winter sports... In a word: the preservation and knowledge of the region’s rural heritage. Tel: 04 50 91 81 00.

Musée de Megève (4 km)
Learn all about rural life in the Megève region. Exhibition: "Megève: An important place of Baroque art, or the Sacred Art Treasures of the Parish of St. John the Baptist in the 17th and 18th centuries".

Tel: 04 50 91 81 00

Mechanical Music Museum in Les Gets (60 km)

Chimes, clocks and musical boxes, street, dance and merry-go-round organs… all are displayed in their historical context. Music salon, concert hall, street and fairground, talking-machines room. Guided illustrated tours. Tel: 04 50 79 85 75

Maison de l'Alpage in Servoz (35 Km)
Situated in the heart of the village, this renovated old farm invites you to discover past and present rural life in the Pormenaz Alpine pastures. A marked footpath (3-hour climb) will lead you to herds of animals in the Pormenaz pastures. Tel: 04 50 47 21 68.

Mountain Museum in Les Houches (30 km)
The aim of this mountain museum is to illustrate the active and tough life of past generations. The museum has a large collection of objects on display, including furniture used up until ca.1930. Tel: 04 50 54 54 74

Alpine Museum in Chamonix (35 km)
Exceptional documentation about the Valley's past history, the history of Alpine sports including skiing, mineralogy, cartography, with a reconstituted Chinese salon. Interesting collection of engravings, lithographs and old posters. Tel: 04 50 53 25 93.

Musée de Barberine in Vallorcine (45 km)
Traditional 18th century house, this museum contains various mementos of the life of past generations of Vallorcine inhabitants. Tel: 04 50 54 63 19

Clock Museum in Cluses (40 km)
Take a trip through time... Clock-making over the years: from the15th century to today. Collection of old tools and watches. Tel: 04 50 89 13 02

Conservatoire d'art et de musique in Annecy (60 km)
Departmental heritage and collection of artistic cases (Paul Payot, Pierre-Louis-Aimé Chastel, Evariste Jonchère...). Tel: 04 50 51 02 33

Pierre GIANADDA Foundation in Martigny, Switzerland (80 km)
Exhibitions of famous artists.
Temporary exhibitions. Tel : 00 41 27 722 39 78.

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Castles

Chateau des Rubins in Sallanches (20 km)

A centre for introduction to mountain nature: understand and enjoy all the different stages of a mountain walk - from the forest, to the Alpine pastures, to the rock formations. Tel: 04 50 58 32 13

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Nature parks

Animal Park in Les Houches (30 km)


See the mountain animals roaming free in the Merlet Park at Les Houches, right in front of the Mont-Blanc range. Accessible by car or by footpaths from Chamonix , Les Bossons and Les Houches. Information : 04 50 53 47 89

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The Baroque Trail (15 km)

A little school in St Gervais is at the origin of this trail. Supported by the Pays du Mont-Blanc SIVOM, this baroque trail will enable you to discover, on foot, the churches and chapels dotted along the itinerary, which links Combloux and Contamines-Montjoie, passing through St Gervais on the way. It is easy and fascinating to follow since it is well marked. A topo guide is on sale in the Tourist Office.

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Summer
  activities
 

. Activities
. Aquatic activities
. Other activities
. Aerial sports
. Hiking
. Mountain Guides' Office
. Mountain biking
. Climbing, via ferrata
. Water sports
. Children's activities
. Other summer activities



Winter
  activities
  . Children's activities
. Ski Lifts Company
. French Ski School
. Mountain guides' office
. Alpine skiing
. Cross country skiing
. Ski trekking
. Snowshoe excursions
. Hot air ballooning
. Paragliding and hang-gliding
. Rides in horse-drawn sleighs
. Evening in a mountain refuge
. Fun quad
. Afternoon snack at farm
Tourist Office  
opening hours

Monday to Thursday
9h - 12h and 14h - 18h
Friday 9h - 12h and 14h - 17h
Saturday 9h - 12h

contact  
us
. OFFICE DE TOURISME - BP 30
74120 Praz sur Arly
Tel. 04 50 21 90 57
Other contacts
Mentions légales - Crédits Photos - Réalisation Alpium