Not just alpine skiing: the charm of a day in the mountains
Published on 23/01/2025.
Taking in the scenery, strolling between century-old chalets, meeting farmers, artists and craftspeople and enjoying a famous farmhouse Reblochon cheese: these are the kind of moments that make a winter holiday in Le Grand-Bornand a unique experience...
And what if, in addition to the pleasures of downhill skiing, you took the opportunity to discover a mountain alive with unusual experiences, local heritage and moments of relaxation and discovery. Le Grand-Bornand has a lot to offer!
Taking in the scenery, strolling between century-old chalets, meeting farmers, artists and craftspeople and enjoying a famous farmhouse Reblochon cheese: these are the kind of moments that make a winter holiday in Le Grand-Bornand a unique experience...
And what if, in addition to the pleasures of downhill skiing, you took the opportunity to discover a mountain alive with unusual experiences, local heritage and moments of relaxation and discovery. Le Grand-Bornand has a lot to offer!
...a mountain to explore in a different way
Right from the start, Le Grand-Bornand invites you to immerse yourself in its unspoilt natural surroundings. Discover mountain life and the wealth of its natural, cultural and architectural heritage, as you stroll past centuries-old chalets and chapels on more than 86 km of snowshoe trails and 43 km of groomed footpaths. These routes offer exceptional panoramas and a real chance to recharge your batteries. Would you like to discover some magnificent loops on the south-facing slopes? We invite you to discover the itineraries starting from Vieux Chinaillon: La Tannaz, La Bouvardière, Les Mouilles and Cotagne.
Lovers of gentle slopes can try their hand at Nordic skiing, one of the Bouchet valley's flagship disciplines. The 74.5km Nordic ski area is a wilderness of snow-covered spruce trees and cosy chalets nestling under the snowflakes, where you can discover a combination of nature, skiing, heritage and farming.
For a more unusual experience, try electric fatbikes or mountain bikes on snow, paragliding or horse riding to explore the landscape in a fun and original way.
For a more unusual experience, try electric fatbikes or mountain bikes on snow, paragliding or horse riding to explore the landscape in a fun and original way.
On the cultural side, the ‘Parcours de l'Art Vache’ is unique in the world, evolving, arty and as offbeat as it gets. Walkers can appreciate the hundreds of works - paintings and sculptures - permanently installed throughout the village, maintained and regularly renewed by professional and amateur artists from all over the world. It's a veritable open-air art gallery, offering a fresh, offbeat view of Grand-Bornand's ‘star’ ruminant.
...Haute-Savoie flavours and conviviality
After a morning full of discoveries, there's nothing like a gourmet break to replenish your strength, as the village is teeming with great places to eat, ranging from quality fast food to panoramic terraces at the top of the slopes, not forgetting the bistronomic restaurants dotting the main streets of the village and Chinaillon. On the menu: Savoyard fondue, tartiflette, or white wine diots with polenta.
It's impossible not to mention farmhouse Reblochon PDO, the local pride and joy, which traditionally dates back to the Middle Ages on the mountain pastures of the Col des Annes, and which is the perfect accompaniment to many traditional dishes. Find out more about the history of Reblochon and all the recipes based on it. For those with a sweet tooth, a typical dessert such as blueberry tart will complete this moment of comfort. Or opt for the famous bescoin, which you can buy from artisan bakers Betemps and Vuillet.
...living heritage and local traditions
The afternoon is dedicated to discovering local know-how and an authentic village. Visit a traditional farm and immerse yourself in the world of farmhouse Reblochon producers. Discover the daily life of the farmers and the steps involved in making farmhouse Reblochon.
Or visit an authentic house, a model of 19th-century rural architecture. The Maison du Patrimoine, Grand-Bornand's eco-museum, bears witness to the traditions and skills that have forged the village's identity.
Or visit an authentic house, a model of 19th-century rural architecture. The Maison du Patrimoine, Grand-Bornand's eco-museum, bears witness to the traditions and skills that have forged the village's identity.
Continue your day with a rejuvenating walk. The hamlets of Les Bouts, Cuillery and Le Vieux Chinaillon are veritable postcards of the Bornandines, with their centuries-old chalets and some of the most remarkable examples of this skilfully preserved heritage, and are well worth a visit. The village's small craft shops, such as L'Augusta, a community stall set in a discreet square, are full of local treasures to take home as souvenirs, testimony to the creative, bohemian spirit that pervades Le Grand-Bornand.
...well-being and refuge in the heart of the mountains
After a busy day, it's time to relax. For lovers of nature and authenticity, a trip to the refuge Gramusset, also known as the refuge de la pointe Percée, is a timeless experience. Situated at the foot of the majestic Pointe Percée, this refuge offers total immersion in the mountains. Ski mountaineering - or ski touring - is the only way to get to Gramusset on skis with sealskins on, combining the pleasure of the physical effort of the ascent with the exhilaration of the descent, and the satisfaction of having traced a beautiful route upwards, in regular twists and turns, rather like an ephemeral signature on the snow...
For a more cocooning alternative, a number of spas and wellness areas in Le Grand-Bornand welcome you for a relaxing break. Le Grand-Bornand has been identified as a place where you can enjoy a wide variety of forms of well-being, and is home to a number of yogis who offer their services on a session-by-session basis or as part of themed breaks and accommodation. An invitation to BO! Life...
If you're feeling peckish or hungry, head for the delights of Le Grand Bornand. End the evening in a typical village restaurant, to savour a mountain meal rich in local flavours.
If you're feeling peckish or hungry, head for the delights of Le Grand Bornand. End the evening in a typical village restaurant, to savour a mountain meal rich in local flavours.
...a day in the heart of the Aravis mountains
Le Grand-Bornand is a veritable jewel in the crown of Haute-Savoie, where winter is lived to the full, with nature, bornandine traditions, shared moments and discoveries. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a heritage buff or simply in search of well-being, this village offers a unique and memorable experience. So let yourself be charmed by the authenticity and BO!vivre of Le Grand-Bornand!