1-La Mer de Glace – Chamonix Mont Blanc
Whether in winter or summer, the Mer de Glace is a must-see during your stay in Haute-Savoie. If you are staying at our CGH residence in Les Houches, you will be only 15 kilometres by car from this incredible glacier. Climb aboard the charming little Montenvers cogwheel train which will take you to the foot of the Mer de glace and the Aiguilles des Grandes Jorasses and the Drus. The view is breathtaking... In winter, it is possible to ski in the Vallée Blanche from the Aiguille du Midi, accompanied by a guide (a very good level of skiing is required). On site, you can visit the ice cave, by taking the 580 steps down to it.
2-L’aiguille du midi Chamonix Mont-Blanc
9 km from the Hameau de Pierre Blanche residence, in Les Houches, take a step up to the famous Aiguille du Midi: a breathtaking view of the French and Italian Alps will amaze you on arrival. This visit at 3777 meters of altitude can be completed, for those who like sensations, by the Pas dans le Vide: a room entirely glazed from floor to ceiling, suspended above more than 1000 meters of vacuum... In winter, the Aiguille du Midi is a starting point for experienced skiers, accompanied by a guide, who wish to do the Vallée Blanche.
3-Annecy
Do you dream of strolling the charming cobbled streets overlooking its small canals? Annecy, the Venice of the Alps. Its turquoise blue lake, its warmly coloured buildings, the mountains that surround it... time stops and you take the time to stroll and contemplate. During your stay, visit the Palais de L'Isles (the former prisons) and the castle. Located less than 40 km from Grand-Bornand, where the residence Le Village de Lessy is situated, Annecy is sure to charm you. In summer, the more sporty ones can take a bike to ride around the lake and admire the different views of the surrounding mountains. Among these mountains, the Tournette, the Semnoz, the Mont Veyrier and the Parmelan are the most famous and offer multiple hiking possibilities.
4-Le plateau des Glières
25 km from the Lessy residence, discover the vast Glières plateau, an unmissable historical site in Haute-Savoie. High place of the resistance during the 2nd World War, this plateau has nice hiking trails to practice on foot or with snowshoes. In winter, cross-country skiing is the order of the day!
5-Le château de Menthon Saint-Bernard
Located about 30 km from Grand-Bornand Le Chinaillon, the 1000 year old castle of Menthon Saint-Bernard overlooks Lake Annecy. Majestic, it seems to have come straight out of a tale. The proof: Walt Disney was inspired by its architecture and its 105 rooms for the castle of his cartoon Sleeping Beauty. Visits are possible from May to September.
6-Yvoire
This medieval town is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France! On the shores of Lake Geneva, this pedestrianised town with its many flowers will seduce you with its cobbled streets and its 700 years of history. Take a walk with your family around the fortified ramparts and admire the castle. The Garden of the Five Senses is also worth a visit. Stroll through the traditional shops and enjoy a magical lunch break overlooking Lake Geneva. Yvoire is just an hour's drive from Les Chalets d'Angèle in Châtel, so don't hesitate to visit this little corner of paradise:
7-Strolling along Lake Geneva
There are many towns and villages on the shores of Lake Geneva (just a few minutes away from the French-Swiss ski area Les Portes du Soleil) that are pleasant to discover in both winter and summer. The world-famous French town of Evian-les-Bains owes its fame to its thermal water, which is said to have many virtues, and to its famous thermal baths. Not far from Evian-les-Bains, visit the villages of Sciez, Yvoire and Nernier, as well as the castle of Ripaille near Thonon-les-Bains. Sit on a terrace and taste the famous perch of Lake Geneva.
8-Hiking in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
A few steps from our residences in Samoëns, Flaine or Les Carroz d'Arâches, discover the Fer à Cheval cirque, one of the most beautiful hiking spots in Haute-Savoie. Admire the mountains that surround it and its numerous. There are hikes for all levels. The most famous of these is the Bout du Monde hike. You may be lucky enough to come across a herd of goats or a family of ibex!/div>
9-La cascade du Rouget
Admire the incredible spectacle that is the Rouget waterfall, located 10 kilometres from the Chalets de Laÿssia or Reine des Prés in Samoëns, 17 kilometres from the Le Centaure residence in Flaine, or 30 kilometres from the Chalets de Jouvence and Chalets de Léana in Les Carroz. Nicknamed the "Queen of the Alps", this 80 metre high waterfall is very easy to access and is very pleasant for a refreshing break.
10-The lake of Montriond and the village of Lindarets.
Just a few kilometres from Les Portes du Soleil, enjoy a timeless moment at the llac de Montriond. Very easy to access, it is possible to swim there in the summer and to walk around it in all seasons. A little higher up, accessible on foot or by car, you can go to Les Lindarets, renamed "le vilage des chèvres"! This authentic village is a must for families. Enjoy a gourmet break to taste Savoyard mountain specialities.