le grand bornand tourist office

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Le grand-bornand village tourist information center.

From 03/09 to 08/12/2023. Closed on Sunday. Closed exceptionally on November 1st and November 11th. From 9 am to 12 pm and from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm. From 09/12 to 10/12/2023, daily. From 9 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm. From 11/12 to 15/12/2023, daily. From 9 am to 12 pm and from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm. From 16/12 to 22/12/2023, daily. From 9 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm. From 23/12/2023 to 05/01/2024, daily. From 9 am to 12.30 pm and from 2 pm to 7 pm. On Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm. From 06/01 to 09/02/2024, daily. From 9 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm. On Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 7 pm. From 10/02 to 08/03/2024, daily. From 9 am to 12.30 pm and from 2 pm to 7 pm. On Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm. From 09/03 to 14/04/2024, daily. From 9 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm. On Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 7 pm. From 15/04 to 21/06/2024. Closed on Sunday. Closed exceptionally on bank holidays. From 9 am to 12 pm and from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm. From 22/06 to 28/06/2024, daily. From 9 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm. From 29/06 to 24/08/2024, daily. From 9 am to 12 pm and from 2.30 pm to 7 pm. From 25/08 to 31/08/2024, daily. From 9 am to 7 pm. On Monday from 8.30 am to 7 pm. From 01/09 to 30/11/2024. Closed on Sunday. Closed exceptionally on November 1st and November 11th. From 9 am to 12 pm and from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm.

• Sale of fishing licences
• Tourist routes
• Tourist brochures
• Tourist information
• Booking of general amenities
• Ski pass/ski lift sales outlet
• Central booking system available
• Central availability system available
• Tickets for events
• Defibrillator
• Charging stations for electric vehicles
• Free car park

Ça peut vous intéresser

Office information at Grand-Bornand Chinaillon

Le Grand-Bornand

Cross-country ski and snowshoeing school

Bureau des guides et accompagnateurs du Grand-Bornand

Guided half-day : nature awakening

Ski de fond & Raquettes

Sur les sentiers de l’Alpage

Best Western Chalet Les Saytels

Magic roundabout

Swimming pool

Randonnée : Au Pied de la Pointe Percée

Brasserie La Croix St Maurice

Paragliding : Ascendance flight

CGH Residences & Spas « Le Village de Lessy »

Picnic area at the top of Mont Lachat

Hiking : La Tournette 2351M

Le Grand-Bornand Village Tourist information center

Visitor center located in the centre of the Village, you can find here every information you need during your stay as well as many services : weather forecast, information on visits and activities, room to change the nappy, lost and found...

Visit the Grand-Bornand

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Lyon Alps - Mont Blanc Nature and Outdoor Activities Sporting Activities Food and Wine Cultural Heritage

Reading time: 0 min Published on 31 December 2022, updated on 16 April 2024

Le Grand-Bornand, located between Lake Annecy , Chamonix, and Geneva, is set in the heart of the Aravis foothills of the Alps. It boasts the best this region has to offer: the charm and soul of a mountain village with first-rate tourist facilities for both summer and winter activities.

The municipality encompasses two sites at two different altitudes: Le Grand-Bornand Village , at 1,000 metres (3,250 feet), is the starting point for cross-country ski trails against the backdrop of the majestic Aravis Mountains.

Six kilometres (four miles) further along, Le Grand-Bornand Chinaillon , at 1,300 metres (4,250 feet), is the main centre for downhill skiing . Its old village is still in an authentic state of preservation.

Le Grand-Bornand has forged its unity thanks to its residents’ attachment to their land and to dynamic agricultural activities, along with its local traditions and architectural heritage, enlivened by the many events organised throughout the year.

• Annecy-Meythet Airport : 35 km
• Lyon - Saint Exupéry Airport : 150 km
• Geneva international Airport : 50 km
• Annecy train station : 30 km
• By car : A 40 (Autoroute Blanche) ; exit N° 16 Bonneville, direction Stations des Aravis
• By car : A 41 exit Annecy Nord direction Thônes / Stations des Aravis

Main Tourist Office: Maison du Tourisme La Clusaz, 161 Place de l'Église, 74450 LeGrand-Bornand Tel: 00 33 (0) 4 50 02 78 00

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Office de Tourisme Le Grand-Bornand - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Tourist board Le Grand Bornand

Tourist board of the ski resort Le Grand Bornand

Towns/villages at the ski resort (distance from town center): Le Grand Bornand (0.7 km), Le Chinaillon (0.7 km), more Towns/villages at the ski resort (distance from town center): Le Grand Bornand (0.7 km), Le Chinaillon (0.7 km), Les Outalays (0.2 km), La Mulaterie (0.6 km), Hameau de Suize (0.9 km), Nant Robert (1.6 km), Le Bouchet (2.1 km), St-Jean-de-Sixt (4 km) Towns/villages at the ski resort more (distance from town center): Le Grand Bornand (0.7 km), Le Chinaillon (0.7 km), Les Outalays (0.2 km), La Mulaterie (0.6 km), Hameau de Suize (0.9 km), Nant Robert (1.6 km), Le Bouchet (2.1 km), St-Jean-de-Sixt (4 km)

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Contact details for the tourist office Le Grand Bornand

Office de Tourisme du Grand Bornand Maison du Tourisme BP 11 74450 Le Grand Bornand France Tel.: +33 / 450 / 027800 Fax: +33 / 450 / 027801 Email: [email protected] Go to Website

Office de Tourisme de Saint Jean de Sixt Maison des Aravis 74450 Saint Jean de Sixt France Tel.: +33 / 450 / 027014 Fax: +33 / 450 / 027878 Email: [email protected] Go to Website

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Le Grand-Bornand

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the haute-savoie.

Located one hour from Geneva and half an hour from Lake Annecy , in the heart of the Aravis massif , Le Grand-Bornand concentrates the pleasures of the mountain. A gentle and beneficial altitude in a high mountain setting topped by the majestic Pointe Percée (2752 m), a centuries-old preserved architecture recognizable by its tavaillons and ancelles (wooden tiles) roofs, very lively agro-pastoral traditions, a flagship product: farmer reblochon....

This Haute-Savoie resort has been awarded the Famille Plus Montagne label, the only national certification awarded to resorts offering a specific tourist offer for families. At an altitude of 1000 m, Le Grand-Bornand Village, with its weekly market, displays its warm airs of a well-being destination. Six kilometers further, at 1300 m, Le Grand-Bornand Chinaillon stretches at the foot of the slopes and is home to a number of chalets almost 400 years old. Village or Chinaillon, the ski area is accessible from these two highly complementary poles of life.

Geographical information

Nearest cities & towns, things to see and do.

A field for all winter sports : snow Pastures of Col des Annes slopes or foothills of Aravis, all winter sports will invite over 360 acres of skiable terrain spread of 1000 m to 2100 m altitude. 70 hectares of snowmaking guarantee skiing throughout the season, in a station that annually invests in its infrastructure. The snowpark, ranked among the top five in France combines elitism and accessibility through its four lines of evolutionary jumps and his special tray beginners, located at the foot halfpipe. Free shuttle buses Le Grand-Bornand Chinaillon and resorts of La Clusaz Manigod and Saint -Jean- de- Sixt.

Places of interest

Events and festivities.

• Heart slide.
• Lormay country festival.
• Lake of the Court Festival.
• Mountain Festival.
• Lac de la Cour Festival.
• Alpine pasture festival at Chinaillon.
• Festival of August 15: Le Bouquetin, timed cycling climb of the Col de la Colombière and Tractor Farm Factory (pedal tractor race).
• Tour de France Femmes: arrival village on August 17 / departure village on August 18, 2024.
• Au Bonheur des Mômes international festival.
• In September:
• Saint-Maurice agricultural fair.
• In December:
• Time for Christmas from December 23 to January 5.
• On 8 june 2024
• Les cyclistes arriveront par le col des Aravis - La Clusaz - Saint Jean-de-Sixt - Le Grand-Bornand Village - Chinaillon - Col de la Colombière
• Penultimate stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule - Plateau des Glières. The riders will pass through Le Grand-Bornand on their way up the Col de la Colombière, between 12. : 30 pm and 1:30 pm. Road closure planned.
• From 6 july to 23 august 2024
• Le Grand-Bornand Village, Route de la vallée du Bouchet
• Discover the work of our craftsmen : graphic ceramists, mosaicists, painters, carpenters, candle makers, organic soaps, jewelry and fabric accessories…
• From 7 july to 25 august 2024
• Centre Chinaillon, Le Grand-Bornand Chinaillon
• Summer market in Chinaillon.

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Cultural Itineraries: Museum of Thônes - Museum of the Resistance and museum wood Thônes - Chateau de Thorens - Museum and Castle of Annecy - Museum of the bell Sévrier - Castle Menthon Saint Bernard - Castle near the picturesque Montrottier Gorges du Fier - Caramel Reposoir, on the other side of the neck of Fellini.

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What to see and do in Le Grand Bornand, Haute-Savoie

• Janine Marsh
• Rhône Alpes

Le Grand Bornand, in the Aravis, part of the Annecy Mountains region is a skier’s delight, but it’s also an absolutely fabulous summer destination. You’ll discover a vibrant little town, with plenty of shops, bars and restaurants plus a plethora of activities including fantastic hiking and biking routes, as well as culture and heritage, set against a backdrop of mountains covered in greenery and wildflowers. It really is a little hidden gem…

What to see and do in Le Grand Bornand

Le Grand Bornand is small enough to get to know it well in a day, big enough to keep you happy for a week or more, and surrounded by glorious countryside.

This is a town that loves cows and there’s a year-round Cow Art Trail , an open-air tour featuring artworks paying homage to the humble cow!

You’ll also find here the shop of Didier Perrillat, one of the last artisans making leather goods in Haute-Savoie, including necklaces for cows! Did you know every cow has a unique bell? And a good farmer can recognise an individual cow by its ring? Cows here wear daytime bells but they may have a special “dress” bell which is much bigger and heavier and worn for shows and special occasions. Didier makes beautiful leather straps for the bells to hang on for those special occasions! You can watch him creating all sorts of leather goods from purses to bags in his cosy shop Chez Le Bourrelier.

Nature lovers and families will love La Source , an authentic farm with exhibition rooms, workshops, play areas, a quirky cow sculpture (of course), plus a bar and café set in stunning surroundings.

The town makes for a great base for touring the area by car, bike, on foot or even on roller skis, great practice for the winter season and a terrific way to get fit. It’s the outstanding natural beauty of the area that is the real star though with a photo opp at every step.

Around and about

A short drive from Le Grand Bornand you’ll find the Col des Aravis. At 1498m it has magnificent views that take your breath away. Those ski lifts that make skiers life easy, also work in the summer and make for a fun ride.

Mountain bikers will love the 178km of cycle paths weaving their way through the Massif des Aravis mountain range – there are 16 trails, a bike park and even a bike school offering guided night-time e-bike rides including dinner in a high-altitude restaurant and a starlit descent to the village. Don’t fancy breaking into a sweat? Hop on an e-bike and take an 18km route that offers spectacular views over the Aravis Mountains, great for the whole family with a farmhouse auberge stop en route.

Hikers are spoiled for choice with a huge variety of signposted walks for those who like a challenge, or those who like to wander in peace and not run out of puff.

You’ll pass herds of cows wearing bells creating an orchestra of tinkling chimes. There are meadows of wildflowers, cascades of fauna and flora and waterfalls which look like a curtain of diamonds including one which is known to the locals as the “Mysterious Waterfall” at Chinaillon village, a small resort above le Grand Bornand. Traditional style chalets dot the slopes and paragliders float overhead. The summer sun is warm but high up in the mountains, it’s still cool. There are lakes you can take a dip in, secret chapels, plus cheese farms and potteries where you can watch the artisans work and buy a beautiful souvenir.

For a contrast, head to Annecy , just an hour away by bus which takes you through spectacular countryside. The city on the edge of a crystal-clear water lake, perfect for boating and swimming in summer months, is fringed by castles and alpine villages, has a mountain of charms. Crisscrossed by canals which has earned it the nickname of the “Venice of the Alps”, and cobbled streets that are peppered with medieval buildings, clock towers and ancient churches, and everywhere flowers – blooming baskets hang from posts, blossoms drip from troughs and giant pots, windowsills and stone urns festooned with colour. Climb a hill to visit the castle turned museum for fabulous views and afterwards treat yourself with a fabulous choice of cafés, restaurants and bars, before taking a boat ride around the lake.

Skiing in le Grand Bornand

Le Grand Bornand is separated in to two villages at different altitudes. At 1000 metres, Le Grand-Bornand is at 1000m and Le Grand-Bornand Chinaillon which you reach via the Col de la Colombiere (top photo) is at 1300m and is the main departure for the ski slopes. There are 90km of ski slopes including piste is great for families, beginners and intermediary level skiers but there is some terrain suitable for experienced skiers looking to be challenged. The area connects to 220km of ski slopes, linking with other resorts including Manigod and La Clusaz. There’s also 150km of cross country trails.

Pop to the tourist office in the centre of Le Grand Bornand for details on a raft of events held throughout the year in the town and around and find out about sports and activities on offer plus the local art and heritage trails.

The high street of Le Grand Bornand is lined with delicious gourmet food shops including cheese, chocolate and charcuterie shops. There’s an award winning boulangerie at Le Petit Marquis with speciality breads of Savoie, and if you’ve got a sweet tooth, head to Gourmandises d’Antan and try the “alpine snowflakes”, “Aravis crystals” and more delicious little treats. Or stop by the Shed Cafe, the newest cafe in the old village for home-made cakes and a pick me up coffee.

There are plenty of restaurants and bars in the town, from gastronomic to traditional. Head up into the mountains for glorious views and more fabulous restaurants.  For spectacular vistas, ambiance and scrumptious dishes, Restaurant les Rhodos ticks all the boxes.

Don’t miss a cheese tasting – this is Reblochon cheese country. First produced in the 13 th century, it’s a traditional taste of the Mountains. Find out more about the history of the area, life in the past and Reblochon cheese at the  Le Hameau des Alpes museum  at nearby La Clusaz. And don’t miss out on tartiflette , a melted cheese melange of lardons, cream, onion and potato topped with Reblochon – perfect after a bike ride or ramble on a summer’s day.

More info:  Annecy Mountains tourist office website;  Le Grand Bornand tourist office

By Janine Marsh, Editor of The Good Life France, and author of several books about France.

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Blog , Family Friendly , French ski resorts , Le Grand Bornand , Ultimate Guides

The ultimate guide to le grand bornand.

Photo: Le Grand Bornand – © Pascal Lebeau

Le Grand Bornand is the quintessential traditional French ski resort. It is the ideal destination for skiers that want world-class skiing without eye-watering prices and concrete high-rise buildings.

In this ultimate guide to Le Grand Bornand, we will give you all the information you need to determine if this is the place for you and how to get the most out of it once you arrive.

Where Is Le Grand Bornand In France?

Le Grand Bornand is located in the French Alps, but more specifically, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is part of the Aravis mountain range, part of the larger French Prealps. It is also about 30 kilometres from Annecy and approximately 70 kilometres from Chamonix. Therefore, the location of Le Grand Bornand also makes it an ideal base for exploring other notable towns and attractions in the region.

The closest major airport to Le Grand Bornand is Geneva Airport in Switzerland, approximately 60 kilometres away. But some people arrive via Lyon, about 180 kilometres from Le Grand Bornand.

How High Is Le Grand Bornand?

The village itself is divided into two main areas: Le Grand Bornand also known as Le Chinaillon, and Le Grand Bornand Village. Le Chinaillon is the higher part of the village, at about 1,300 meters, while Le Grand Bornand Village is situated slightly lower, at 1,000 meters.

The highest point within the Le Grand Bornand ski area is located at the top of Mont Lachat, reaching approximately 2,100 meters above sea level. This vantage point offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Le Grand Bornand benefits from higher elevations that typically receive more snowfall during winter. The increased altitude helps maintain lower temperatures, which is crucial for preserving snow quality and extending the ski season.

On top of this, the mountainous region is known for its favourable microclimate, often resulting in good snowfall. The surrounding peaks act as natural barriers, trapping cold air and precipitation and leading to consistent snow coverage throughout winter.

Le Grand Bornand Ski Resort

Le Grand Bornand is a traditional mountain village brimming with charm. It has over 400 wooden chalets that have retained their Savoyard style, providing the backdrop for an authentic French ski holiday. The oldest chalet was built in 1664 and still houses the same family.

To give you more of an idea of how unspoiled Le Grand Bornand is, there are nearly 40 farms still in operation. Many of the farms are situated in the Col des Annes pastures, famous for producing Reblochon cheese since the 13th century. The majority of Le Grand Bornand’s residents live and work there all year round.

Le Grand Bornand’s location makes it very convenient. It is only one hour from Geneva airport, making it one of the quickest ski resorts to get to. This is very welcomed after a long flight, especially if you have kids.

Staying in this area gives you the opportunity to choose between two villages, Le Grand Bornand and Le Chinaillon, which sits at a slightly higher altitude in the next valley.

Even with its traditional mountain village atmosphere, Le Grand Bornand is where most of the action happens. But, both villages are bustling all year round, thanks to their farming communities. The architecture of both villages are similar in their traditional style; even the more modern developments are in keeping with their surroundings. A reliable and very useful shuttle bus connects the two villages, which skiers and locals can use free of charge.

Le Grand Bornand Chinaillon is a traditional Savoyard village dotted with wooden chalets, the oldest of which was built in 1664.

ON THE MOUNTAIN

Le Grand Bornand is linked with La Clusaz, Manigod and St Jean de Sixt to create the Les Aravis ski area.

Most of the terrain actually lies on the slopes above Le Chinaillon. These varied pistes are directly accessible from the village via the high-speed La Floria chairlift. There are also some alternative chairlifts all over the valley. If you base yourself in Le Grand Bornand village, you can choose between two gondolas. The Le Rosay gondola is the longer of the two and gives you access to more challenging and steeper slopes.

At the highest point in the area, Mont Lachat (2100m), you will find a dedicated freeride area, which is spectacular on a powder day. If you want to feel like you are in the wilderness, head to the far end of the Vallée du Maroly. Here, you can also have lots of fun in the large snowpark, ranked as one of the top 5 best snowparks in France.

Less experienced skiers will enjoy the gentle novice areas just above Le Chinaillon. There is some easy stuff at the top of the La Joyère gondola too, which is ideal for those staying in Le Grand Bornand village.

The local ski area of Le Grand Bornand is going through a gradual modernisation program. In recent years we have seen the development of a new beginner’s area at the bottom of the slopes, while a couple of older lifts have been replaced with modern high-speed versions.

You can buy a full Les Aravis lift pass that allows you to explore the whole area. However, beginners and families may want to just buy the Le Grand Bornand pass. This will save you some money if you are not going to ski the whole area.

One of Le Grand Bornand’s advantages is that even though it only sits at 1,300m, it gets excellent snowfall each winter. This lower altitude also means that it doesn’t get too cold, and the air isn’t as thin as higher resorts. This makes it more pleasant for beginners and kids trying to get to grips with their skis or snowboards.

Le Grand Bornand is a family-friendly resort situated in the Aravis mountains behind Lake Annecy

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION

Le Chinaillon is the best place to stay out of the two villages. It doesn’t have any five-star hotels, but there are some fantastic four-star self catered apartments. Here are our favourite ones in the resort.

Le Roc des Tours

Le Roc des Tours is a wonderful residence consisting of 39 apartments that comfortably sleep 2 to 8 people each. The spacious rooms are designed in a contemporary but cosy style. The cosiness is enhanced by the underfloor heating and the exceptionally comfortable beds.

Le Roc des Tours sits in a prime location at the bottom of the pistes. It is directly opposite the lifts of Chinaillon, making it super easy to get on the slopes quickly in the mornings. This is especially useful if you need to get your kids to ski school in the mornings. To add to the convenience of Le Roc des Tours, the residence team offers a range of services. Pastries, a selection of wines and champagnes and even shopping can be delivered to your apartment ready for your arrival. There is also an option to order a raclette grill, fondue set and a pierrade. This will allow you to enjoy local specialities on your balcony overlooking the dramatic alpine landscape in the true French style.

The residence has a wonderful wellness centre to help you relax and recuperate during your stay. The wellness centre has a calm atmosphere and includes an indoor swimming pool, sauna, hammam, hot tub and a fitness area. There is also an excellent range of massage treatments available to get you ready for the slopes.

Le Village de Lessy

Le Village de Lessy is a large residence of self-catered apartments. Even though it is one of the more modern buildings in the area, its design is still in keeping with the local style.

It is a four-star residence located in the centre of Chinaillon village, giving you easy access to the slopes. The building is incredibly convenient for its self-catered guests. On its lowest level, there is a mini-market and a few shops, including a well-equipped ski hire shop. It is also just across the road from the Tourist Office, which has a lift that takes you down to the slopes.

Guests of the residence can take full advantage of the private indoor heated swimming pool, which has panoramic views of the ski slopes and mountains. There is also a hot tub, sauna and steam room for relaxing and a fitness room to keep up your exercise regime.

In addition to all this, O des Cîmes Spa Centre is the perfect place to be pampered during your stay. Here you can choose from a selection of massages and beauty treatments from skilled staff members.

Book Your Dream France Ski Holiday

Le roc des tours.

With a unique location next to the slopes, “Le Roc des Tours” favours intimate atmosphere with its 39 apartments with comfort and authenticity that can welcome from 2 to 8 people

EATING AND DRINKING IN LE GRAND BORNAND

Le Grand-Bornand is famous for serving traditional Savoyard food. One of which is péla, which is considered to be the “true” tartiflette. There are a few fantastic restaurants in Le Chinaillon and Le Grand Bornand villages and on the mountain. Here are some of our recommendations for lunchtimes and evening meals.

Mountain Restaurants

La Taverne is a restaurant set in a converted alpine barn. It serves fantastic local cuisine with epic views over the valley. It is located at the top of the La Taverne ski lift, making it very easy to find. The sunny terrace is a beautiful place to enjoy your lunch, but the cozy and welcoming interior is excellent on colder days.

The Auberge du Croix

The Auberge du Croix is a converted 18th Century chalet owned by the Angelloz Pessey family. Gisele, Jean-Pierre and Raphael welcome diners to sample traditional dishes either in the cosy authentic interior or on the terrace overlooking the Aravais landscape.

Along with traditional specialities such as grilled Reblochonnade farmer, Manigodine, Croziflette and fondues, you can expect other local dishes, such as Savoyard Omelettes, braised Diots, trout marinated with herb sauce with saffron risotto.

During the winter, the Auberge du Croix is a 15-minute walk on a groomed trail in the evenings. But during the day, it is just a 5-minute walk from the Joyere gondola.

Le Panoramic 1800

Le Panoramic 1800 unsurprisingly gives diners spectacular views at lunchtime. The restaurant is located at the top of the la Floria chairlift and has an excellent terrace for soaking up the sun while refuelling for your afternoon on the slopes. You can expect traditional dishes, barbecued meat and fast food options to suit your mood and appetite.

Le Panoramic is a convenient mountain restaurant serving great food that suits most people’s tastes.

In Resort Restaurants And Bars

L’Arpège is a lovely restaurant not far from the church in the centre of Le Grand Bornand. It specialises in serving Savoyard specialities either in the large interior or on the terrace. The terrace is a great spot to eat, especially towards the end of the season when temperatures are mild. The interior is cosy, with authentic decor, so you can get a genuine Savoyard dining experience.

Casanova is also located in the heart of Le Grand Bornand, close to the Church. It is open every day of the week during the winter and summer. This is a more contemporary restaurant that serves fantastic pizza, but you can also choose from a range of local dishes from the menu.

Confins des Sens

Confins des Sens is the gourmet option in Le Grand Bornand and is recommended in the Michelin guide. This is the place to go when you want a change from the traditional dishes served in other establishments.

Owned by Jean-Sébastien Faber and Anthony Barrucand, Confins des Sens are dedicated to serving gourmet and innovative cuisine with value crafted from seasonal ingredients. The interior decor blends traditional and contemporary design to create a cosy atmosphere. You can also choose to dine on the gorgeous terrace on sunnier days.

Le Grand Bornand has one of the top 5 best snowparks in France which has something for everyone: small and big, young and old, beginner to experienced professional.

APRÈS VENUES

Le Grand Bornand is not particularly well known for its vibrant après scene, as it is popular with French families. You will notice that French families will simply return to their apartment after a day on the slopes. They will often eat out once or twice per week, but they won’t be dancing on tables in their ski boots all evening.

Still, there are many bars and restaurants to celebrate a day on the mountain with a drink or two. You don’t have to have a full meal to enjoy a drink in the restaurants. You may want to check out The Green Monkey , though, which is an Irish pub in Chinaillon. This is regarded as the best après ski bar in Chinaillon, where you can enjoy great bar food and a relaxed atmosphere.

Discover an authentic French traditional market held every Wednesday morning since 1795 in the village square next to the church.

NON-SKIING ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

There is more to a Le Grand Bornand than just skiing and eating. There are plenty of other things to do when you want a rest or experience what else the area offers. Here are some of our favourite non-skiing activities to enjoy in Le Grand Bornand.

The Local Market

There isn’t much more authentic than a traditional French market. Every Wednesday morning, Le Grand Bornand’s village square plays host to the market from 8am to 12:30pm. This has been a tradition since 1795 and is a great place to find local ingredients for self-catered holidays. It is also an excellent way to soak up the local culture. You will often see local chefs buying ingredients for their plat du jour wandering around the market too

Take A Drive

Annecy is just a 45-minute drive to Annecy. Annecy is known as the Venice of the Alps, thanks to its network of canals. It sits on the banks of one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. The narrow cobbled streets of the old town are lined with boutique shops, bakeries, bars and restaurants. While the more modern part has many shops with big brands and is perfect for buying new ski clothing and equipment.

Geneva is about a 1-hour drive from Le Grand Bornand. Not only does this give you a short transfer time from the airport, but it gives you a chance to see somewhere different during your stay. Here, you can see the famous Lac Leman (also known as Lake Geneva) and check out the various designer and jewellery shops.

Try Cross Country Skiing

Cross country skiing is very popular in the area. There is 68km of routes winding through the forests around the Aravis mountain range. Le Grand Bornand is also home to the Sylvie Becaert international Olympic biathlon stadium, the venue for the Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand French round of the Biathlon world cup. You can try your hand at biathlon yourself at the stadium, which combines cross country skiing and target shooting.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is an excellent way of exploring the area while being able to take in the scenery. There is 81km of snowshoe trails and 18 km of marked-out hiking trails too. Hire the equipment, follow the marked routes solo, or hire a guide to take you to the best places.

See Les Aravis From The Air

Seeing the French Alps from the air is an incredible experience. You can do this during a tandem paragliding flight. This allows you to sit back and enjoy the view while your pilot steers you over the peaks and valleys below. If you manage to get to Annecy, the paragliding is spectacular there too.

Another way to fly over the Alps is to take a speedriding course. Advanced skiers can fly around off-piste areas under their own miniature paraglider. This gives you the ultimate rush while providing access to places nobody else can get to.

However, the most accessible way to see the mountains from above and the most magical, is in a hot air balloon basket. Silently drifting over the spectacular landscape is an incredible experience that will create lasting memories.

Let The Animals Do All The Work

If you want to experience the area with a little less effort involved, there are a few methods for animal lovers. Take a horse sleigh ride that will allow you to take in the mountain atmosphere while you sit back and relax. Alternatively, put your skis back on and let a horse pull you along while ski joering. Ski joering is a fun experience suitable for kids and adults.

Ice Climbing

Around Le Grand Bornand, there are several frozen waterfalls in winter. These waterfalls are perfect for trying your hand at ice climbing. Book a guide to teach you the correct techniques for using the equipment and to stay safe. Ice climbing is a very different experience for many people visiting a ski resort.

Ice Skating

Kids love to go ice skating, and Le Grand Bornand has an 800m2 ice rink. Ice skating is an ideal activity to do on bad weather days or in the evenings.

One of Le Grand Bornand’s advantages is that even though it only sits at 1,300m (Chinaillon), it gets excellent snowfall each winter.

How To Get To Le Grand Bornand

Most visitors to Le Grand Bornand arrive by flying to Geneva Airport, taking the train or driving. If you fly or take the train, we recommend booking a private transfer to meet you at the airport or train station. This makes the final part of your journey incredibly easy and stress-free. Here are a few ways you can get to Le Grand Bornand:

How To Get From Paris To Le Grand Bornand

One of the best ways to get from Paris to Le Grand Bornand is by train. You can take the train from Paris to Lyon, which takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on which trains are running and if you take the high-speed TGV train. Once in Lyon, you can get to Le Grand Bornand by road in roughly 2 hours.

Alternatively, you can take the train to Annecy, which takes about 4 hours from Paris. But the transfer from Annecy is less than an hour by road, and you get to see the stunning town and lake.

How To Get From Geneva Airport To Le Grand Bornand

Visitors to Le Grand Bornand arriving via Geneva Airport can get to the resort in about an hour. However, your journey time may be extended during peak weeks and snowy days.

You can hire a car at the airport, which is great if you want to visit local areas. However, you have to be confident with driving on twisty roads that may be covered in snow. It is also worth noting that your hire car needs snow tyres and snow chains to drive in the mountains in winter. Hire companies don’t always offer these items, so make sure you request them when booking.

Why Book your Ski Holiday to Le Grand Bornand

For an authentic French family ski holiday, Le Grand Bornand is an excellent choice. It is easy to get to, is in a great ski area, and has many other things to do. Le Grand Bornand and Le Chinaillon are not purpose-built ski resorts and function all year round to serve the local community. This means that visiting the area gives you a true taste of the French Alpine lifestyle and its characterful atmosphere.

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