Natural sites | Le Grand Bornand

Breathtaking!

When it comes to nature, here you’ll be spoilt for choice… at every turn of the path. From Mont Lachat de Châtillon, the panoramic highlight of the resort, to the Aravis mountain range, the backbone of the landscape, Le Grand-Bornand offers a succession of emblematic sites. Lac de la Cour in the heart of Maroly, Col des Annes and its lively mountain pastures, Col de la Colombière popular with cyclists, the confidential Vallée du Bouchet, Lac de Lessy suspended in its mineral cirque or mysterious waterfalls on the edge of the forest…

01. Mount Lachat de Châtillon

The highest point of the ski area in winter, at over 2000 m, it’s also a renowned take-off point for hang-gliding.
Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or a contemplative flyer, you’ll be delighted by the 360° panoramic view of the Jura, Bauges, Chablais, Bornes, Aravis and Bargy mountain ranges, as well as the summit of Mont-Blanc and the highest peaks in the Alps.
Accessible only on skis in winter, and for pedestrians in summer, thanks to the ski lifts.

02. The Aravis mountain range

It’s a fabulous alpine playground, summer and winter, amid the lapiaz and other grooves carved into the rock by erosion: hiking, major climbing routes, ski touring, mountaineering… all within easy reach of the Village!
The Pre-Alps limestone mountain range runs NE-SW for around 25 km. Its characteristic shape is made up of a succession of parallel valleys alternating with peaks such as Mont Charvet (2538 m), Mont Fleuri (2511 m), Tardevant (2501 m), Tête de Paccaly (2467 m), Roche Perfia (2499 m), Tête Pelouse (2537 m), Mont Charvin (2407 m) and the highest point, Pointe Percée (2750 m).

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03. Le Lac de la Cour

Pretty, high-altitude lake dedicated to fishing, set amidst alpine meadows. Spectacular view of the Jalouvre, a mountain dominating the Col de la Colombière, on the route des Grandes Alpes.

Printemps-23-J.Cathala-OT-LGB-3.jpg — ©J. Cathala

04. The Bouchet valley

We invite you to discover this magnificent valley, the birthplace of Reblochon cheese, which stretches along the river “Le Borne” between the gently sloping alpine pastures of Mont Lachat and the steeper forests and rocky bars at the foot of the Aravis mountain range.
You’ll stroll through the hamlets, with their centuries-old chalets with anchelle or tavaillon (wooden tile) roofs, their chapels and the many farms that bear witness to the area’s strong agricultural activity.

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from361 €/ person

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05. The Col des Annes and its mountain pastures

At an altitude of 1,720 m, at the foot of Pointe Percée, the highest peak in the Aravis range at 2,750 m, you’ll find several high-altitude restaurants and alpine farms with unique architecture and breathtaking views of the Aravis chain.

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06. Colombière pass

Located at an altitude of 1618 m and open from June to October, it links Le Grand-Bornand to the Arve valley. A starting point for hikes, it’s also a cycling classic, used many times by the Tour de France.
A must on the Route des Grandes Alpes, it’s also a good place to stop and admire the view and the ibex that sometimes come to meet you.

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©Col De La Colombiere Opening April 2023 J.cathala 1

©069aravis Tilbyvattard Rando E22|© TILBY VATTARD

07. Lac de Lessy

A 5-hour round-trip hike from Le Chinaillon takes you to this mountain lake, which lies at the bottom of a combe at the foot of the ridge that stretches between Pic du Jallouvre, Buclon and Aiguille Verte.
From the ridge, you can enjoy superb views of the Aravis mountains, Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva and the Jura. The lake is at an altitude of 1730 m on the GR96.

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08. The mysterious waterfall

Legend has it that this pretty waterfall on the Nant du Chinaillon, tumbling down a narrow gorge for some 30 metres, marks the meeting place of the very first Bornand couple…
It’s more of a walk than a hike, a pleasant and refreshing one in the shade of the Grand-Bornand Chinaillon beech forest. The waterfall is a twenty-minute walk away.

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