Author Archives: Fiona Rolian

Unlimited skiing thanks to a season skipass at reduced rates

• 19 September 2023
• by:  Fiona Rolian 
• note:  0 Comments 

What to see and do in October 2023

• 15 September 2023
• by:  Fiona Rolian 
• note:  0 Comments 

LEISURE AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES

In Praz sur Arly:

– Themed Hikes (marmots, ibex, glaciers, panorama of Mont Blanc, etc) and supervised half-days. Contact Mountain Guides Office: 04 50 21 55 11.

– Initiation flights in a hot air balloon: Contact Alpes Montgolfière:  04 50 55 50 60.

– Cani rando – 3D Nordic – 06 11 66 35 04 – 3d-nordic.com

– The Baroque Circuits – “La Thonnaz ne sonne plus” – fun hiking trail starting in the hamlet of  la Tonnaz (4 hours’ walk there and back – 500m of altitude difference). Comic book on sale at the Tourist Office, 6€

In the area:

– Côte 2000 Aventure in Megève: Tree climbing course (from 5 years old). Open every day by appointment: 06 76 29 71 04.

– Paint Ball Expérience: open all year from 9.00 to 22.00, by reservation on 06 09 81 31 17.

– Paragliding:  Megève Baptême Parapente: 06 62 13 27 71; and Megève Aventure Parapente : 06 70 07 51 21.

– Cinéma du Mont-Blanc in Sallanches (18km): 04 50 18 39 10.

– Saint-Gervais Thermal Baths.  Open Monday, Wednesday and Sunday from 10.00 to 19.00; Thursday and Friday, 10.00 to 21.00; and Saturday, 9.00 to 21.00. Closed on Tuesday. Info: 04 50 47 54 57.

– Via ferrata in Passy: Curalla via ferrata (1.30 climb) with guides from the Bureau des guides de Megève: 04 50 21 55 11.

– The Baroque Circuits – fun hiking trails in Cordon / Saint Gervais / Passy / Contamines Montjoie

– Accompanied Mountain Bike Outings – Evolution 2 in Megève (04 50 55 54 55) or the Bureau des guides de Megève (04 50 21 55 11)

– Accompanied Climbing Outings: Evolution 2 in Megève (04 50 55 54 55) or the Bureau des guides de Megève (04 50 21 55 11)

– Escaladventure du Nant Rouge in Crest Voland-Cohennoz – Unique rock, water and sky course – Open all year on reservation: 04 79 38 83 02/ 06 11 27 76 72

The Palais des Sports in Megève – the largest sports complex in the Alps

– Indoor Olympic pool:

From 04/09 to 20/10/2023
Opening hours on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 12 pm and 2 pm and between 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm. On Wednesday between 12 pm and 9 pm. On Saturday and Sunday between 10 am and 12 pm and between 2 pm and 6 pm.

From 21/10 to 05/11/2023
Opening hours on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 12 pm and 7.30 pm. On Wednesday between 12 pm and 9 pm. On Saturday and Sunday between 10 am and 6 pm.

– Balneoform:

From 04/09 to 20/10/2023
Opening hours on Wednesday between 6 pm and 9 pm. On Saturday and Sunday between 10 am and 12 pm and between 2 pm and 6 pm.

From 21/10 to 05/11/2023
Opening hours on Monday, Thursday and Friday between 2 pm and 7.30 pm. On Tuesday between 10 am and 12 pm and between 2 pm and 7.30 pm. On Wednesday between 2 pm and 9 pm. On Saturday and Sunday between 10 am and 6 pm.

– Gym:

From 09/05 to 22/12/2023
Opening hours on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 8 am and 9 pm. On Saturday between 9 am and 6 pm. On Sunday between 9 am and 1 pm.

– Olympic Skating Rink: from 04/09 to 20/10/2023, every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday between 3 pm and 5 pm. Closed exceptionally on 20/09. From 21/10 to 05/11/2023, daily between 2 pm and 5 pm. Closed exceptionally on 02/11, 03/11 and 04/11.

– Climbing Wall: From 04/09 to 20/10/2023, opening hours on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 4 pm and 9 pm. On Saturday and Sunday between 2 pm and 7 pm. From 21/10 to 05/11/2023, opening hours on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 3 pm and 9 pm. On Saturday and Sunday between 2 pm and 7 pm.

 Also indoor tennis court, climbing wall, fitness, saunas et media library available in the Sports Centre.

LEISURE AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

In Praz sur Arly:

– Visit of Louis Chabaud’s workshop, painting and sculptures at the Meurets Farm. 04 50 21 95 11.

– The Belles Leisure Park:  open from Wednesday to Sunday (depending on weather), 10.30 to 20.00. Closed on Monday and Tuesday. Closed exceptionally from 02/10/23 to 10/10/23 inclusive and open from 11/10/23 to 05/11/23. Open on 31/10/23 for Halloween depending on weather.

– Swimming lake: Walk around the lake and swimming.

– “A mountain of inspiration” exhibition – Praz sur Arly as seen by artists, along the banks of the Arly River: Praz sur Arly, A Mountain of Inspiration

In the area:

– The Fairytale House in Notre Dame de Bellecombe (7km), open daily from 10.00-19.00. An unusual, unique and original exhibition, imagined and created with the family, for young and old alike, in paper paste and salt paste.

– Val d’Arly Cheese Cooperative in Flumet (2.5km) open daily from 8.30 to 19.30.

– Visit the Saint-Nicolas-la-Chapelle Church (7km) with its double-lantern bell tower.

– MEGEVE: The town centre and the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church (5km). The Calvary Walk (an hour’s walk above Megève with fifteen chapels and oratories representing the Stations of the Cross). The Upper Val d’Arly Museum (04 50 91 81 00). Exhibition “Poetically incorrect» till 17/09/23, Saturdays and Sundays from 15,00 to 19.00 (3€). Exhibition “Itinérances Mégevannes” Bernard Just, daily in the Jardin Alpin.

– THE VAL D’ARLY AND THE BEAUFORTAIN: Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, Col des Saisies (18km), Hauteluce (Baroque church), Beaufort (cheese factory), Arêches, return via Conflans (medieval city) and Albertville.

– THE ARAVIS PASS: Go through Flumet towards La Clusaz and stop at the Aravis Pass. A change of scenery guaranteed! You can also reach Annecy and its famous lake in less than 1 hour.

– COMBLOUX:  Its baroque church with its typical bulb; and the granite path: a 1km walk through the forest where huge glacial erratic rocks, deposited about 15,000 years ago during the retreat of the glacier, still remain. Outdoor exhibition, “Les habitants au cœur de la vallée”.

– CORDON: walk around and discover the village. Exceptional view of the Mont Blanc.

– LES HOUCHES: Visit the St. Bernard kennels, open till 5 November 2023 from Tuesday to Saturday, 10.00 to 11.30 and 14.30 to 17.00.

– CHAMONIX: a must-see destination, the capital of mountaineering at the foot of the famous Mont Blanc. (1h.30 drive).  Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix Mont-Blanc (36km): continuous cabins, or every 10, 15 0r 30 minutes depending on numbers. Open till 5 November 2023. Le Montenvers, Mer de Glace, closed for works from 02/10/23 to 20/10/23, open from 21/10/23 till 05/11/23 every 30 mins.

EVENTS

• PRAZ SUR ARLY : Le 27/10/23Festival « les Petits Asticots » à 9h30.
• COMBLOUX : Marché les mercredis matin – Le 14/10/23 visite guidée des Vaches et des Plans, les fermes d’hier à aujourd’hui de 14h à 16h – Du 25/10/23 au 31/10/23 au Sommet du bien-être.
• CORDON: Le 01/10/23 back to 70’s Marché des Créateurs de 9h à 19h – Le 14/10/23 la Souricière (pièce de théâtre) à 20h – Du 28/10/23 au 29/10/23 Bal d’Halloween de 22h à 2h.
• MEGEVE: Marché les vendredis matin – Le 07/10/23 exposition Micro-folie fête de la science de 14h à 18h – Le 08/10/23 102^ème édition du Concours Agricole de la race Abondance – Le 14/10/23 la Mégevanne – du 20/10/23 au 22/10/23 Toquicimes, les rendez-vous de la cuisine de montagne – Du 27/10/23 au 03/11/23 les Petits Princes de l’Automne de 10h à 12h et de 14h à 17h – Le 31/10/23 Hockey sur glace Match Mont-Blanc vs Neuilly-sur-Marne.
• SAINT GERVAIS: Marché les jeudis matin – Du 02/10/23 au 27/10/2023 exposition « Peintures d’Automne » – Du 03/10/23 au 09/10/23 salon 4807 Flying Light à 11h – Le 04/10/23 les Histoires de Charlotte à 10h30 – Le 05/10/23 soirée cartes postales anciennes à 18h – Le 06/10/23 projection cinéma d’animation à 18h30 – Le 14/10/23 Match Hockey Club les Yétis du Mont-Blanc de 19h30 à 21h30 – le 15/10/23 44^ème Foire Agricole à 9h – Du 21/10/23 au 05/11/23 exposition « la Haute-Savoie pittoresque » de 15h à 18h – exposition « Refuges Alpins, de l’abri de fortune au tourisme d’altitude ».
• PASSY : Le 01/10/23 fête des Séchieux – le 07/10/23 fête de la Courge à partir de 15h – le 13/10/23 concert Mohamed ABOZEKRY et Julie CAMPICHE à 20h – Le 14/10/23 Concert évidence de 20h à 21h15 – Le 21/10/23 JEP 2023 atelier land Ar(t)ve de 14h à 16h – Le 26/10/23 festival les Petits Asticots à 17h30.
• SALLANCHES: Marché les samedis matin – Le 01/10/23 événement point de Camelote au Castel Rubins de 14h à 17h – concert d’Orgue à 17h30 – Le 08/10/23 vide grenier des familles de 8h30 à 18h – Le 08/10/23 marche rose au pays du Mont-Blanc de 13h30 à 18h – Le 13/10/23 spectacle Esquive de 20h à 21h – la Pranathérapie de 20h à 22h – Du 14/10/23 au 15/10/23 bourse aux livres de 9h à 17h – Le 15/10/23 les Rencards de l’Observatoire de 10h à 11h30 – Le 20/10/23 Futur Antérieur (rencontre avec le photographe Garry Pycroft) à 19h – Le 20/10/23 concert Foire froide « Oyez, oh yeah ! » à 19h – Du 21/10/23 au 22/10/23 Foire froide – Le 31/10/23 nocturne : soirée des Gueux ! De 19h à 22h.
• CHAMONIX: Le 03/10/23 concert Elvett (jazz soul) à 20h30 – Le 05/10/23 concert Hubert Mayo Quartet (swing jazz) à 20h30 – Le 06/10/23 Match de Hockey, Chamonix vs Nice à 18h15 – Théâtre Mort d’une montagne à 20h – Le 07/10/23 Verti’Cham de 6h à 20h – fête de la science avec le CREA Mont-Blanc de 10h à 16h – Le 12/10/23 Apero business de 19h à 23h – Le 13/10/23 fresque du climat de 17h30 à 20h30 – Le 15/10/23 compétition de mini-bowling de 18h30 à 21h30 – Le 18/10/23 la mini boom des Kids de 14h à 17h – Le 20/10/23 Match de Hockey sur Glace, Chamonix vs Anglet à 20h – Du 21/10/23 au 23/10/23 Chamonix Photos Festival de 10h à 18h30 – Le 25/10/23 animation Prête-moi tes yeux de 14h à 16h et le 27/10/23 de 10h30 à 12h30 – Du 26/10/23 au 02/11/23 visite guidée en compagnie d’un cristallier – Le 31/10/23 Match de Hockey sur Glace, Chamonix vs Cergy à 20h.
• CREST VOLAND : Le 07/10/23 Grand fête d’Automne 3^ème édition avec le vide grenier.
• LA GIETTAZ : Jusqu’au 20/10/23 découverte des amours du Cerf, écoute et observation de 18h à 21h.

For additional information, don’t hesitate to contact the various Tourist Offices in the region.

This summer discover a fun new Hiking trail and a new comic book “La Thonnaz ne sonne plus!”

• 22 June 2023
• by:  Fiona Rolian 
• note:  0 Comments 

 

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A fun new hiking trail!

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Following on from the success of the Smugglers’ Trail, the commune of Praz-sur-Arly is opening a fun new hiking trail on 1 July, this time on the south-facing slope in the direction of the Plan de l’Aar refuge. It includes a treasure hunt with clues in a new comic book set during the French Revolution.

Opening of swimming lake, Aquapark on Saturday 8 July 2023 and Accrobranch Saturday 24 June 2023

• 16 June 2023
• by:  Fiona Rolian 
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New swimming lake (free access)

Access to the swimming lake: The main access to the swimming lake is from the Belles Leisure Park via a footbridge over the Arly River.

Thanks to a footpath created right around the lake, accessible to people with reduced mobility from Les Belles or the Cassioz road, users will be able to reach the beach and the reception building in which sanitary facilities, a lifeguard’s room, a storage room, a snack bar and a reception office are planned. They will also be able to reach the Accrobranch tree climbing course on the banks of the Arly.

New: A shuttle service (free) will also give you easy access to the swimming lake : timetable

Aquapark

Come and discover our giant water playground for up to 60 people! The aquapark for big and small is a series of different inflatable modules:

AIRBAGS, PLATFORMS, UNSTABLE LOGS, SLIDES, TRAMPOLINE, etc.

This sports course allows you to challenge your family and friends in a fun way. If you fall into the water, handles located all along the course allow you to get back up easily. A qualified supervisor is present on the course for the safety of all. Located a few meters from the shore, access to the aquapark is by swimming. It is therefore essential (especially for the youngest) to be at ease in the water and to know how to swim. The obligatory life jackets will be provided by the aquapark team.

Opening 2023: from 8 July to 3 September, 11.00-18.00, daily – from 3 September to 17 September 2023, 11.00-18.00, Wednesdays and weekends.
Cost: 11€ per hour.
Conditions: from 5 years and knowing how to swim / children under 10 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult / no reservation required / life jacket obligatory for all.

Accrobranch Park

We have 4 circuits to suit everyone, with a continuous lifeline system for added safety. What is a continuous lifeline system? For you, it means peace of mind: no carabiners to manipulate throughout the route. All you have to do is slide the pulley from one end of the circuit to the other and, above all, think about… having fun!

Our 3 courses give you access to 4 circuits in total, each made up of 12 to 15 workshops, for a good dose of fun for all the family! The level of difficulty is established in the same way as for the ski runs: Green, Blue, Red and Red +.

Opening: Saturday 24 June 2023

Contact and reservation: praz-lac-aventures.com (FR only)

Dates of main events of summer 2023

• 23 May 2023
• by:  Fiona Rolian 
• note:  0 Comments 

JULY 2023

SATURDAY 1 JULY AND SUNDAY 2 JULY: THE MB RACE

Passage and refreshment in the church square of the competitors in 2 of the MB Races: the MB Ultra (up to 170 km and 7,000 metres of altitude difference) and the MB Explore (a single-distance course of 55 km and 2,800 metres of altitude difference). On both days, from 8.20 to 12.30. Come and cheer on the racers, free access.

SUNDAY 9 JULY: MOUNTAIN WELL-BEING

On the programme: workshop and initiation with speakers on the theme of nature and well-being: naturopathy, reflexology, occupational therapy, herbalist… Free access. From 10.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 18.00. Belles Leisure Park. More information (FR only)

THURSDAY 13 JULY: CONCERT “BAROQUE FESTIVAL IN THE PAYS DU MONT-BLANC”

For its 25th anniversary, the Festival will be under the sign of nature – both terrestrial and human. Join us in Praz sur Arly on the banks of the new swimming lake at 18.00 for a concert: “La Volière Magique” with Constance Luzzati and Claire Gonnard. Harp music and an aerial acrobat for a poetic moment at the water’s edge. Free access.

FRIDAY 14 JULY: FRENCH NATIONAL DAY  “TELEPHONE TRIBUTE” CONCERT AND FIREWORKS

At 21.00, free concert in the Town Hall square by the JEAN-LOUIS & CO group: tribute to the greatest French rock group TELEPHONE.  At 23.00: fireworks.

SUNDAY 16 JULY AND WEDNESDAY 19 JULY: PASSAGE OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE

The mythical race will go through the village twice: on the Route de Megève and the Route du Val d’Arly in the 15th and 17th stages of the Tour de France. Entertainment in the village centre during the two stages. Info on road closures (FR only)

THURSDAY 20 JULY and SUNDAY 13 AUGUST: SMUGGLERS’ TRAIL

A hike and a fun way to discover the world of smugglers. A sporty, cultural and playful approach for all the family with Praz Montagne and the company “En visite Simone”. On Thursday 20 July: a new itinerary Summer Smugglers’ Trail “La Thonnaz ne sonne plus!”; and Sunday 13 August, the traditional  “Smugglers’ Trail” via the Crêt du Midi chairlift.

THURSDAY EVENINGS IN PRAZ: 20/27 JULY

This summer, nightfall on Thursday evenings promises to be lively and festive in Praz sur Arly! From 20 July to 24 August, from 19.00 to 23.00, the main road through the village will be closed and accessible to pedestrians. 2 places, 2 different ambiences: at the beginning of the evening from 19.00 to 21.00 in the church square there’ll be an entertainment village for children; and from 19.00 to 23.00, 2 live concerts in the Town Hall square. More information (FR only)

SUNDAY 23 JULY:  PETANQUE TOURNAMENT

Our traditional and fun pétanque tournament with lots of prizes to be won. Inscriptions in pairs on the spot. Drinks stand and snacks available organized by the Praz sur Arly Ski Club. Banks of the River Arly.

SUNDAY 30 JULY: MOUNTAIN PASTURE FESTIVAL

Discover the Plan de l’Are mountain pasture and the work and life of a farmer on this high altitude farm. Picnic lunch with music. La Thonnaz no longer rings! A treasure hunt on this new fun trail with a comic strip as a top-guide to the new fun family trail. From 12:00 to 17:00 at the Plan de l’Are refuge, about 2 hours walk to reach the refuge.

AUGUST 2023

THURSDAY EVENINGS IN PRAZ : 3/10/17/24 AUGUST

This summer, nightfall on Thursday evenings promises to be lively and festive in Praz sur Arly! From 20 July to 24 August, from 19.00 to 23.00, the main road through the village will be closed and accessible to pedestrians. 2 places, 2 different ambiences: at the beginning of the evening from 19.00 to 21.00 in the church square there’ll be an entertainment village for children; and from 19.00 to 23.00, 2 live concerts in the Town Hall square. More information (FR only)

SUNDAY 6 AUGUST: PRAZ ON A MOTORBIKE

A new event – a gathering of all types of motorbikes. With the presence of the Seigneur Motosports Mont-Blanc team and the motorized Gendarmerie. Exhibition and stands, safety workshops and driving tips. From 10.00 to 16.00 in the centre of the village and the Route du Val d’Arly. Giant raclette at 12.00 and free concert at 14.00 with Rémy Boyer (Le Stou). Free access.

THURSDAY 20 JULY and SUNDAY 13 AUGUST: SMUGGLERS’ TRAIL

A hike and a fun way to discover the world of smugglers. A sporty, cultural and playful approach for all the family with Praz Montagne and the company “En visite Simone”. Thursday 20 July: a new itinerary from Bellevarde; and Sunday 13 August, the traditional  “Smugglers’ Trail” via the Crêt du Midi chairlift. More information (FR only)

TUESDAY 15 AUGUST: JUMBLE SALE AND FIREWORKS

From 8.00 to 17.00, shopkeepers’ sale and private individuals’ jumble sale throughout the village, which is closed to traffic (Route du Val d’Arly) for the occasion. Free access. Celtic rock concert by the group Arvester at 14.00 and fireworks at 22.00. More information (FR only)

SUNDAY 20 AUGUST: “RETROMOBILE” VINTAGE CAR RALLY

Gathering of more than 70 vintage cars and rides for the benefit of bone marrow donations with the Sapaudia Association. Musical entertainment, activities for children. From 10.00 to 12.30 and from 14.00 to 18.00 in the centre of the village and the Route du Val d’Arly. Free access. More information (FR only)

SATURDAY 26 AUGUST: 3rd ESPACE DIAMANT CANITRAIL

A mountain trail race with your dog. Second stage in Praz sur Arly: departure and arrival at the foot of the Crêt du Midi chairlift. Over 80 participants will cover more than 35 km in 3 stages in the Pays du Mont-Blanc. Free access for spectators. More information (FR only)

 

 

What’s on in March

• 3 March 2023
• by:  Fiona Rolian 
• note:  0 Comments 

+  Don’t miss these activities

March is here and the school holidays are now over. This is what’s on the programme, including: a welcome drink in the church square on Sunday evenings at 18.00; on Tuesdays there are puzzles to solve and win a reblochon cheese; on Wednesdays you can discover unusual snow equipment at the foot of the slopes. And in the art and culture department, there is the new exhibition PRAZ SUR ARLY, A MOUNTAIN OF INSPIRATION which brings together 12 paintings at the Tourist Office reception and 12 others along the banks of the Arly River.

See the full programme (FR only)

The Tourist Office is open from Monday to Sunday from 9.00 to 12.00 and 14.00 to 19.00.

-> Snowshoe outings with the Megève Mountain Guides’ Office. Go off and discover our mountains off the beaten track with a mountain guide. Inscriptions at the Tourist Office (Snowshow outing programme).

-> A reblochon cheese to be won on Tuesdays from 14.30 to 15.00. Only 30 minutes, not a minute more! Figure out our puzzles via our Face book stories and Instagram, the first three to find the right answer will win a reblochon cheese!

-> Initiation to Watercolour Painting with Babeth on Thursdays from 14.00 to 17.30. Registration obligatory at the Tourist Office, by Thursday 12.00 pm at the latest. Discover the art of watercolour painting with Elisabeth (Babeth) Socquet-Meilleret, a Praz artist for forty years, who will give you all the advice you need. 15€ per person – material provided.

Also don’t miss: 

-> THE TOWN COUNCIL’S CUP: (Cancelled due to bad weather forecast)  The people of Praz, permanent residents or visitors, young or old, are invited to ski a fun giant slalom race for the Town Council’s Cup on SUNDAY 12 MARCH. Fancy dress is strongly advised! By inscription.

-> SNOW FOR REFUGEES. Praz sur Arly has a big heart and and invites young refugees in the Haute Savoie region for a discovery day of skiing on THURSDAY 16 MARCH.

-> VAL D’ARLY SMUGGLERS’ TRAIL 2023  (Cancelled) An unusual hike following in the footsteps of the smugglers and customs officers of yesteryear. A really fun walk on SUNDAY 2 APRIL.

As well as…

-> BE A SKI PATROLLER FOR A DAY on Thursdays at 8.40. A unique opportunity! Set off with a ski patroller and make your first tracks before the ski area opens.

-> DISCOVER THE TETRAS LYRE on Wednesday 15 March from 9.00 to 16.00: A stand to discover the local fauna.

-> CRAZY SNOW SPORTS every Wednesday at the foot of the slopes from 15.00 to 16.00: Free loan of sledges and yooners!

+ Ski Area

+ State of the roads

+ Weather

Chamonix and Mont Blanc Area Weather Forecast in English: chamonix-meteo.com