Circuit découverte : Le pays du Mont-Blanc

  • Road
74100 Annemasse

Description

Itinerary through the glacial valley of the Arve, a river that rises in the Mont Blanc massif and flows into the Rhône at Geneva. Discover a grandiose panorama that is constantly renewed. Departure from Annemasse: by freeway or main road. Cluses (36 km): Capital of décolletage. Musée de l'Horlogerie et du Décolletage. Sallanches (50 km): freeway exit. Pleasant town, dominated by the Aiguilles de Warens, at the entrance to Mont-Blanc. Château des Rubins. Combloux (60 km): Friendly tourist resort - magnificent bulbous bell tower - exceptional view of Mont-Blanc. Megève (65 km): World-famous ski and tourist resort. - Characteristic alpine site - Numerous tourist facilities. Saint-Gervais-les-Bains (75 km): Well-known spa resort - pleasant mountain resort for winter and summer seasons - Baroque church - Cable car - "T.M.B." mountain railway. Les Contamines Montjoie (83 km): Mountain village in the hollow of a valley - Baroque chapel of Notre-Dame de la Gorge. Passy (98 km): Village made up of hamlets built on slopes facing Mont Blanc. Mont-Blanc - Characteristic chalets. Plateau d'Assy (105 km): Modern church decorated by great contemporary painters - Lac Vert - Panorama of Plaine-Joux facing Mont-Blanc. Return to Annemasse, total approx. 185 km.

Accepted customers

  • Individuals

All year round daily.
Check mountain access conditions in winter (snow).

Points of interest

Points of interest

1Cluses Tourist Office

The Tourist Office of Cluses is the ideal place of information for the tourists and the premises.<br/>The tourist office welcomes you and is happy to offer its many services!
- In the spring, summer, and fall, we have many adventure game kits developed by our team available for purchase. Feel free to ask us about them!
- We sell guidebooks for summer walks and hikes
- We sell Swiss highway vignettes
- We sell fishing licenses
- In winter, we sell ski passes for nearby resorts, Reposoir and Romme. You’ll also find snowshoe trails.
- A wide selection of free brochures on Geneva, Annecy, and Chamonix
- Ticket sales for concerts, shows, and festivals
- Sales of public transit and school passes (monthly passes, single-ride tickets, etc.) as well as tickets for the Les Carroz > Flaine route
- Daily weather updates
- Free and unlimited Wi-Fi access

CYCLING INFORMATION CENTER:
The Cluses Tourist Office is certified as an “Accueil Vélo” facility! We offer: cycling tourism information, electric and standard bike rentals (1 or 3 months), a basic repair kit, battery charging, and a storage area for bike bags...
Drinking water fountains are located right next to the Tourist Office: to the right of City Hall, near the playground on Place de l’Église, and on Place du 11 Novembre.

2Clockmaking and Screwmachining Museum

Discover the Museum, a real timepiece of the industrial and social history of the Arve's valley. Follow the evolution of the farmer-watchmakers' skills from the XVIIIth century until the advent of the screwcutting technology during the industrial revolution.<br/>Original by its history and its collections, the museum is worth the trip. Instituted at the early XXth century by the National School of Clockmaking of Cluses, the museum used to have 2 vocations : to collect ancient time measure instruments (oldest piece is from 16e century) and to save the local industrial memories.

Located into the Espace Carpano & Pons, an old factory, the museum presents also the story of the National School of Clockmaking by presenting unique pieces of clockmaking made by the pupils in Cluses.

Theme guided tours, theatric visits, workshops, temporary exhibitions are organized all the year round and will make you discover the treasures of the museum.

For schools, from kindergarten to high school, we offer tailor-made activities in small groups. We suggest dividing your classes in advance to create smaller groups, thus facilitating the exploration of our workshops and collections. Adapted workshops are also available for school groups with disabilities.

The Museum holds the Tourism and Disability label, and our team is fully aware of welcoming visitors with disabilities.

3Sallanches market

The valley's largest and most popular market. Numerous stands selling food, gardening equipment or plants and fashion items.

4Sallanches Tourist Office

Welcome to Sallanches Tourism! Information, ticketing, souvenirs, and guided tours: our team is here to help you fully enjoy this beautiful town in the Mont-Blanc region and its treasures.<br/>Step through the door of Sallanches Tourism and dive into an authentic experience in the heart of the Mont-Blanc region. Our team is here to guide, inspire, and support you in all your discovery desires.

Looking for souvenirs? In our shop, find magnets, maps, posters, bags, books, hiking guides, and local treats to give… or to keep for yourself.

Want to go out? Tickets for shows, events, excursions, or activities with the Guides’ Office: we open all doors for you.

Looking for practicalities? Fishing permits, Swiss vignette, guided tours: everything is on site to make your stay easier.

Here, every piece of advice, every smile, and every recommendation is designed to help you experience the best of Sallanches: its landscapes, its people, its heritage… and that little mountain magic that makes all the difference.

At the Tourist Office, you have the chance to enjoy an exceptional experience thanks to our Virtual Reality station. Dive into Sallanches with our two headsets and explore the town, its landscapes, and its iconic sites as if you were there, for a unique, immersive, and fun experience suitable for all ages.

Awarded the Qualité Tourisme label since 2016 (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.qualite-tourisme.gouv.fr/fr">https://www.qualite-tourisme.gouv.fr/fr</a>), the office also highlights its partners committed to this approach, such as Château des Rubins – Observatoire des Alpes and the Relais du Mont-Blanc hotel.
It is currently pursuing the new Destination d’Excellence label (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.atout-france.fr/fr/destination-dexcellence">https://www.atout-france.fr/fr/destination-dexcellence</a>).

5Sallanches

A Mont-Blanc destination, Sallanches is an area with hiking trails between 550m and 2750m in altitude, only an hour from Geneva and Annecy.<br/>Sallanches welcomes you to the heart of the Mont-Blanc region. On the program panoramic hikes, mountain sports, swimming and gastronomy. Sallanches,
Nestled in the heart of the mountains, Sallanches offers a wide range of mountain activities for all tastes on a playground that stretches from the valley to the breakthrough point (2750 m). Hiking, walking, road biking, mountain biking, hiking with animals, tree climbing, aviation, climbing, white water... our service providers offer many excursions in Sallanches!
For those who prefer relaxation: the Ilettes leisure base is made up of three lakes facing Mont-Blanc for lovers of skiing, lazing around, swimming, fishing... These three lakes, a haven of peace for nautical activities, are also the ideal starting point for family walks between the Lac des Ilettes, the Arve and the Cascade de l'Arpenaz..
Former religious and economic center of the region, Sallanches welcomes you today in a very lively town center with many shops. The advantage: being in the mountains but with all the comforts and services of the city.

6Combloux

Combloux - The Pearl of the Alps - In a pretty postcard panorama, opposite the majestic Mont Blanc, come and discover one of the most beautiful scenery and quintessential alpine architecture in the whole of Europe.<br/>Combloux is the ideal playground for outdoor activities : winter sports, the beautiful biotope lake, a wide variety of walks and snowshoeing trails, bike...

Comblous is also defined by its traditions, its mountain architecture, its rich natural and cultural heritage, which give the village a special authenticity, preserved thanks to its concern for the environment.
Family-friendly destination above all else, the resort offers a large range of activities and events and a quality accomodation : hotels with a choice ranging from 2* to 4*, self catered apartments classified from 1* to 5*, several bed and breakfasts, two campsites and several holiday centres welcoming both adults and children...

7Combloux Tourist Office

The tourist office provides varied touristic information about Combloux and the surrounding areas.<br/>The tourist office offers these services:
- weather forecast
- hotels availability
- board games loan
- free wifi
- reservation for activities: hiking or snowshoeing, guided visits, entries to the ecological lake, outdoor activities, ...
- diverse items: hiking book, ancient post cards, book on the baroque path, posters, photocopies, scans, caps, ... (online boutique available too)
- on request: touristic documentation (maps, kids guide, ...)

The accommodation service will help you finding the ideal accommodation for your winter holidays with all-inclusive options (accommodation + ski pass + ski lessons + child care centre + ski rental)

8Megève

Megève, an historic Alpine village that, despite developing quality tourist hospitality, has managed to retain a strong identity, the core of its old world charm today. Sport and authenticity go hand in hand to the delight of a French and International clientele.<br/>Megève is a traditional Haute-Savoie village that will not leave you feeling indifferent. Nestling in the heart of the Pays du Mont-Blanc in an exceptional setting, endowed with an out of the ordinary history and heritage, the village has a soul that goes well beyond the image that we may already have of this unique venue.
Ambassador of local gastronomy revisited by Michelin star Chefs, it is a destination that lives throughout every season. The cultural and sporting events give rhythm to the local life and in Megève everyone will find an emotion close to their heart.

Winter sports, and summer hiking take the pride of place in Megève. But that's not all! To the authenticity of a village flourishing around its magnificent central square is added the possibility of discovering a multitude of activities, for all the family. Member of the prestigious "Best of the Alps" association, Megève is a village that lives all year to the rhythm of the seasons and events. The village is not lacking in assets. Gourmets, gastronomes, all lovers of fine food know that Megève is one of the best culinary destinations in the region and are never disappointed. Likewise shopping buffs are spoilt for choice with the 200 boutiques, shops and art galleries that punctuate the village streets, whose charms are unveiled by whichever rhythm you choose: on foot, by bicycle or, for the pleasure of children and romantics, during a ride in one of the traditional horse-drawn carriages, the hooves clip clopping on the paving stones, regardless of the weather or the season.

Nestling in the heart of the magnificent Mont-Blanc massif, it is also the ideal place to take advantage of a wide selection of extraordinary outdoor activities. Throughout the summer season hiking is without doubt one of the best ways to make the most of the mountains. In winter we enjoy the 445 km of ski pistes to the full, and all year we luxuriate in the most beautiful spas in the Alps. Come and share an instant of emotion with us. Welcome to Megève...

9Saint-Gervais Church

The church of Saint-Gervais, a Baroque masterpiece, was completely restored in 2016 as part of the European ALCOTRA programme. Nine contemporary stained glass windows, created by the artist Kim En Joong, were installed at this time.

102KM3 Saint-Gervais contemporary art platform

Enjoy free daily access to view the art work in the
car park and on the post office wall. Access during opening hours
to view the works at the pool and in the different lift stations.<br/>Urban artists have created a contemporary art circuit within
resort by performing works of art in several unusual places.
The underground car park located in the centre of Saint-Gervais
has been transformed into a monumental and unprecedented
platform dedicated to modern art. The north facing facade
of the post office offers a very different interpretation
of the surrounding summits. Finally, the walls of the gondola
stations in Saint-Gervais, Le Bettex and Mont d’Arbois and those
of the swimming pool in Saint-Gervais, are decorated with
a selection of original works. To complete the picture, discover
the fresco by Francois Durafour: an entire wall painted to celebrate
the 95th anniversary of the landing of the first plane
on the “Col du Dome”

11Office de Tourisme de Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc

The Maison de Saint Gervais in the town centre houses the tourist office, the Compagnie des Guides et Accompagnateurs (guide and tour leader company), the ski lift company and the ESF (French Ski School).<br/>A play area for children and free Wi-Fi are available for guests.
Services offered:
- Real-time availability centre for furnished tourist accommodation, hotels and guest rooms.
- Photocopying, faxing
- Sale of fishing permits
- Ticket office (themed hikes, activity passes, shows, etc.)
- SAT ticket office for summer excursions.

12Tramway du Mont-Blanc

A ride on the Mont-Blanc Tramway is a pretext for adventure... Discover a variety of alpines landscapes along the journey and some of the most views from the top. More than a simple excursion, a true discovery !<br/>As of this summer, forget the old steep terminus. From now on, the trains will drop you off 300 meters further on, directly at the foot of the Nid d'Aigle refuge, at an altitude of 2,412 meters. The new platform, fully stabilized and integrated into the landscape, offers a level arrival point, making the site much more accessible to families and contemplative visitors. A new observation platform allows visitors to admire the seracs of the Bionnassay glacier in complete safety.

In winter, it takes pedestrians and skiers to the Plateau de Bellevue (1800 m) and the Les Houches ski area, for the pleasure of a picturesque stroll and the grandeur of an exceptional panorama.

13Evasion Mont-Blanc ski resort

The Evasion area has more than 400 kilometers of slopes and 110 ski lifts for pure skiing pleasure facing Mont Blanc.<br/>Welcome to the Saint-Gervais ski area: From 1150 m to 2353 m altitude, equipped with more than 900 snow cannons with its breathtaking panorama.

EVASION MONT-BLANC SKI PASS
1 pass, 7 resorts! Ski for an entire week and never ski the same run twice!
The Evasion Mont-Blanc ski pass gives you access to the ski lifts
in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc, Megève, Saint-Nicolas de Véroce, Combloux,
La Giettaz, Les Contamines Montjoie and Hauteluce.

MARMOTTONS BEGINNER AREA AT 1,840M ALTITUDE
This progressive ski area accessible by gondola has all the advantages of a beginner's area: wide slopes, gradual slopes, safe mats and ski lifts and views of Mont-Blanc! As a bonus, the play area "Charlotte la Marmotte" allows the youngest to take a break while having fun.

WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE SLOPES?
Visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.saintgervais.ski">www.saintgervais.ski</a> for live on-slope weather conditions:
webcams, weather forecast and snow conditions.

TAKE THE EASY OPTION
Make life easier by renting a ski locker at the foot of the Saint-Gervais
gondola and pick up your warm dry gear every morning!

GREAT SPOT FOR A PICTURE!
2 photo hotspots, one at the summit of Mont Joux, the other on
the Epaule chairlift, enable skiers to take a high quality selfie with
the Mont-Blanc in the backdrop. Plus, receive a video via email
when you complete the boardercross circuit on Mont Joux.

14Tourist Office

Tourist Office

15Nature Reserve

The Nature Reserve of Les Contamines-Montjoie covers the left side of the valley when you enter the village. Forests, pastures, torrents, rocks, snow and glaciers offer a fragile but wonderful alpine environment.<br/>This protected area of 5,500 ha, located within the commune of Les Contamines-Montjoie is a haven of calm and tranquillity. It is classed as a “Nature Reserve” to protect it from development, which all too often ravages the countryside and natural environment. Here you can admire nature in its unspoiled state.
Take time to enjoy and savour its many different facets (lakes, mountain pastures, cliffs, glaciers). Appreciate its varied fauna and flora: chamois, ibexes and black grouse live among the gentians and rhododendrons.
The natural environment is fragile and animal life is easily disturbed, so please help us by being very careful not to interfere with the natural equilibrium.
Help preserve nature for our own and future generations.
Nature Reserves are part of the very rare areas of Haute-Savoie where nature has remained “unspoiled” by human contact. So enjoy them! Savour the silence and don’t forget that the rules exist to remind us that nature must be respected!

16Plateau d'Assy

The Assy Plateau is an architectural site of international renown thanks to its former sanatoriums. These buildings illustrate the technical and aesthetic engineering of twentieth-century architecture. They had a considerable influence on our habitat.

17Lac Vert

Nestled at an altitude of 1,200 m, Lac Vert boasts emerald waters of rare transparency, fringed by spruce trees. A reflection of Mont Blanc, this listed natural site is ideal for a peaceful stroll in an unspoilt setting.<br/>Nestled at an altitude of 1,200 metres, in the heart of a coniferous forest, Lac Vert is one of Haute-Savoie's natural gems. This glacial lake, whose emerald waters owe their name to the underwater vegetation, offers a breathtaking panorama of the Mont Blanc massif. Listed as a nature reserve, it is a haven of unspoilt beauty and tranquillity.

Easily accessible, the site is ideal for a family stroll or a contemplative break. A path winds around the lake, overlooking it and allowing you to appreciate all its facets. Depending on the light and the season, the landscape changes and takes on unique colors.

Lac Vert is also a place steeped in local legends, adding to the magic of the place.

In order to preserve this fragile ecosystem, no swimming or water sports are permitted.

It's a must-see for lovers of nature, photography and mountain serenity.

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