Haute-Savoie is full of countless treasures and places to visit. Here are a few that we have selected for you.
-Camping L’Escale is nestled between two well-known and renowned mountain passes: Col de La Colombière and Col des Aravis.
These legendary passes, famous among cyclists and motorcyclists, offer hikes and breathtaking viewpoints. After Col de La Colombière, in the village of Le Reposoir, you will find a Monastery surrounded by lush greenery. This calm and peaceful place offers a visit to the Chapel, a short film presenting the daily life of the Carmelites, and a souvenir shop. You can also enjoy their large lake for a picnic. It is a visit to a place of prayer and a site classified as a Historical Monument.
-Not far from Camping L’Escale, 6 km away, in the village of La Clusaz, you will find a fun and cultural space to visit: Le Hameau des Alpes. The traditional mountain activities will hold no more secrets for you! Here are three good reasons to visit it! To learn all about Reblochon while having fun with an interactive trail about our famous cheese, to become an expert on winter sports, and to stroll along an educational path.
-In this same village, you can stroll on Monday mornings at the Weekly Market, which is open all year round.
This resort opens the doors to its natural mountain biking area called “Le Domaine,” located in the heart of mountain forests. Over 110 km of marked trails are available, including 18 tracks of varying levels, from discovery circuits to enduro routes, and a Bike Park. All served by 3 ski lifts.
Thrills await with the summer luge! In the heart of La Clusaz, thanks to the Patinoire gondola, come and experience unforgettable moments! Tracks are available for beginners and experienced riders. Don’t hesitate! Come and share a unique family moment, accessible to both young and old. Get comfortable, hands on the brake, at your own pace and in complete safety. On your marks, get set, go… for an 800 m descent!
-A few kilometers away, overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy, the Château de Menthon Saint Bernard opens its doors to you. Over the centuries, it has adorned itself with a romantic subtlety, so much so that a certain Walt Disney, vacationing in the region, was inspired by it for Sleeping Beauty’s castle. A magnificently preserved centuries-old architecture and exceptional furniture to see in the heart of an exceptional site.
Staying in Annecy? Take the time to enjoy the Lake, along its beaches or by taking a cruise. If you feel like strolling, you can wander around Place du Pâquier or towards the Jardins de l’Europe: the mountain view is breathtaking. For sports enthusiasts, cycle around the Lake along the bike paths. Also, enjoy a good ice cream or a crêpe in the old town where you’ll find plenty of shopping! Children can play on the lawns while you take a photo on the Pont des Amours.
-While you’re in the Annecy Basin, take the opportunity to visit the Gorges du Fier: an enchanting place in the heart of Nature. A visit for everyone, safe and effortless! And if you still have some time, we suggest Le Château de Montrottier (located next to the Gorges du Fier). There, you’ll rediscover the tales of your childhood.
If the weather isn’t on your side: stop by La Forêt Enchantée: an indoor, air-conditioned play area of over 1,200 m² for children aged 0 to 12.
-For history lovers, we recommend ascending to the Plateau des Glières, a significant site of the French Resistance. Located at an altitude of 1,435 meters, the Plateau des Glières was chosen as a parachute drop zone by the Allies during World War II. From January to March 1944, 465 resistance fighters gathered there to receive weapons intended for the Haute-Savoie maquis.
-It’s impossible to stay at Camping L’Escale in Le Grand Bornand without visiting Chamonix! Chamonix Mont-Blanc is one of the most unique resorts in the French Alps, offering a multitude of outdoor sports activities all year round in an exceptional setting. Chamonix is located at the foot of Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc (4,809 m), between Switzerland and Italy. The glacier and its massif attract visitors from all over the world, both for tourism (the 3rd most visited natural site in the world) and for mountaineering and mountain sports. Embark on an adventure aboard the Montenvers Train towards La Mer de Glace! A 20-minute journey aboard the famous little red rack railway to reach Europe’s most legendary ice giant: La Mer de Glace. In addition to the stunning panorama, you can visit the Ice Cave and the Glaciorium.
-Are you ready for the ultimate thrill? Take the cable car to L’Aiguille du Midi at an altitude of 3,842 meters. You’ll find a 360°C view with panoramic terraces, as well as Le Pas dans le Vide (Step into the Void), a unique technological feat in the world, in this 5-sided glass “box.”
Camping L’Escale will offer you discounts on these activities.
-On your way back to L’Escale, stop at Les Houches Animal Park: Le Parc du Merlet. More than an animal park, it’s an exceptional site! 80 mountain animals roam freely on a 20-hectare alpine pasture around an authentic hamlet facing the Mont Blanc massif.
Hiking enthusiasts have a vast playground where 150 km of marked trails are offered. Mountain lakes, snowfields, passes, and refuges will motivate you to reach the summit!
The Company of Guides and Mountain Leaders also offers year-round engagements for groups or individuals.
You’ll also love contemplating nature: chamois, ibex, marmots, and bearded vultures.
You’ll find itineraries from L’Escale or by driving a few kilometers.
Also visit a farm to uncover the mysteries of making our local cheese: Le Reblochon. You can also find it at our Wednesday Market along with Tomme de Savoie. Opt for a farm snack with Blueberry Tart and Savoie Biscuit 15 km from Camping l’Escale.
Speed enthusiasts will opt for mountain biking on the 93 km of marked trails, while enjoying a fun and safe activity.
You might try paragliding, as Le Grand Bornand is a reference site for this sport.
Come and try biathlon, even in summer, following in the footsteps of Martin Fourcade.
Zip lines, monkey bridges, cable crossings… Le Grand Bornand adventure park offers its tree-top activities.
Looking for a break for yourself? Yoga, Feldenkrais, reflexology, and Tai Chi workshops are available throughout the season.
Gain altitude effortlessly with the Rosay Gondola and the Lachat Chairlift to enjoy a hike or to watch paragliders take off.
Discover the latest films or cartoons during a screening at the cinema, 50 meters from Camping L’Escale.
Interested in creative hobbies? Sign up for pottery, painting, or small shingle-making workshops.
Discover the Heritage at the Maison du Patrimoine, a traditional Grand Bornand house, restored and furnished, where the life of the Bornandins around 1830 is recounted.
Explore the “L’Art vache” trail, a permanent and temporary exhibition of cow-themed artworks in various locations around the resort. As you stroll through the village, you’ll find chapels, crosses, and oratories along your way, bearing witness to the importance of Christian life. Each building has its various must-see works: statues, stained glass, paintings, altarpieces.
The summer holidays are a unique opportunity to introduce children to various farm chores and animal care at La Ferme des Animaux, alongside all the campsite animals, as well as to teach them about harvesting and cultivating the vegetable garden and doing DIY!
To complete your experience, the Aravis Passion equestrian center welcomes you to experience an intense moment of communion with horses and the Mountains.
Le Grand Bornand Golf Course is an ideal space with its 9-hole course and 9-hole pitch and putt course on a flat, 200 m long driving range; 5 km from L’Escale.
Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation on the fitness trail! Located 100 meters from Camping L’Escale in Le Grand Bornand. A path that runs along the river and allows for a walk accessible to everyone, even with strollers. 1.5 km long with a few fitness trail obstacles for an easy and peaceful stroll.
Summer is also market season, discovering local scents and products along the stalls. A meeting place for vacationers and Bornandins,
Le Grand Bornand Market is one of the most renowned in the Aravis. Every Wednesday morning.
-Monday mornings: La Clusaz (6 km away)
-Wednesday mornings: Le Grand Bornand (300 m from L’Escale)
-Saturday mornings: Thônes (10 km away)
-Sunday mornings (July and August only): Saint Jean de Sixt (2 km) and Le Chinaillon (7 km)
Summer Highlights in Le Grand Bornand:
-July 14th National Day: Come celebrate National Day in Le Chinaillon: entertainment followed by fireworks and a dance.
-Lormay Festival: A day of celebration centered around old customs and traditions: revisited local traditions, old trades and local crafts, folk group, country meal, popular dance, fireworks. Organized by the Bornandine Agricultural Animation. Hay bale tossing, wood, leather, and rope work, old-fashioned laundry, grandmothers’ coffee, bread baking in Lormay’s wood-fired oven… will animate the day. Pony rides and obstacle courses will delight the youngest or most intrepid. It’s also an opportunity for visitors to (re)discover the manufacturing secrets of “ancelles” and “tavaillons,” these famous wooden tiles that contribute – among other things – to Le Grand-Bornand’s reputation.
-La Cour Lake Festival: A late summer evening around a mountain lake. The program includes a country picnic, musical atmosphere, and a torchlight descent.-First Sunday of August: Alpine Pasture Festival: A festival in Le Chinaillon centered around traditions with numerous activities related to alpine life: herd descent, sheepdog challenge, tasting of local products, lumberjack competition, parade of about ten floats.-August 15th Festival: Blessing of the “pain bescoin” bread, children’s activities: mini golf, mini biathlon, jump are offered all day while awaiting the Famous Tractor Race! A spectacular and unique event in France in Le Grand Bornand with an evening dance accompanied by its Giant Tartiflette to be enjoyed in the Village Square.
-International Festival: “Au Bonheur des Mômes”: The sweetest festival of the summer! The European gathering for young audience shows, featuring all facets of live performance: theater, circus, dance, music, puppetry… 6 days of dreams to share with the family!
