THE INTACT CHARM OF A TRADITIONAL MOUNTAIN VILLAGE

In the heart of the Aravis Mountain range in the Haute Savoie, perfectly located between Mont Blanc, Lake Annecy and Switzerland, Le Grand-Bornand offers the best of the Alps!

Not only is Le Grand-Bornand a tourist destination in the summer as well as winter, but it is also a truly charming village where Mother Nature has done her very best . The Aravis Mountains, with their summit at 2750m, form the main backdrop to the village. The range is capped by the distinctive Pointe Percée from where green, forested mountain slopes, open to all, curve down towards the village.

The resort is divided in to two parts: Le Grand-Bornand Village is, at 1000 metres, a typical Savoyard village with a market square and 'grenette',a traditionally roofed  market  hall, its church and shops. The splendid Bouchet valley stretches away behind… a favourite cross country ski area.

Six kilometres further up, at 1300 metres and on the road to Col de la Colombiere, Le Grand- Bornand - Chinaillon is the other  part of the resort, where most of the ski runs begin. The old part of Chinaillon, very well preserved, dates back to 17 th century.

Unparalleled chalets
Le Grand-Bornand without its chalets would not be! There are more than four hundred of them spread throughout the village, often up to three hundred years old. So, how do you recognise a Grand Bornand chalet? By its typical architectural details such as the 'pointe d’ane'- the master beam in the building; the 'solaret' - a light and airy loft; and the 'credence' - a kitchen cupboard built into the wall, or a small barn right next to the main house where the 'goodies' were kept. Faced in wood, with covered balconies and warm interiors, these chalets are considered to be the true jewels of the alpine heritage.

There is also the church with its splendid onion-shaped dome, and the tiny chapels spread all over the area, around which the many small hamlets were built.

The customs and traditions of yesteryear are also upheld largely thanks to the folklore group 'Lou Brafaudi' and to the area’s musical groups.
Finally, the traditional Reblochon market on Wednesday mornings, the fairs and old festivals are just as richly authentic.

This first generation resort has stayed faithful to its traditions and the whole village has been able to maintain its own spirit, its Savoyard identity above all else, at the same time as developing modern facilities to a high standard.

Keep in mind too, as you travel round our area that 'The landscape is the most beautiful part of our legacy from the past.'

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Best Western Les Saytels *** 30 rooms Just a stone’s throw the Grand-Bornand ski lifts, the hotel “Chalet Les Saytels” is only 10 minutes away from La Clusaz.

La Croix St Maurice ** 21 rooms Located in the heart of the mountain village and resort of Grand Bornand, close to the childcare center and the recreation area.

Les Ecureuils ** 19 rooms Fabrice and Nadège guest you in a chalet very close to a large parking area and different shops, 100 meters from the lifts and a few meters from the center.

Le Royal Ours Blanc **** This hotel is situated in the heart of Alpe d’Huez and only 100 m from the slopes and the Congress Palace. All the 47 rooms and suites have spectacular views from the balcony across the Oisans mountains and are well equipped with bathroom, separate wc, hair dryer, satellite television with videorecorder, wifi, telephone and mini safe.

Les Fermes de Pierre et Anna (Guest House) 8 rooms from 2 to 4 persons and 1 suite of 4 persons Built almost 300 years ago, “The Farms of Pierre and Anna” have sheltered many generations of mountain folk, the rhythm of their lives governed by the manufacture of Reblochon (the renowned local cheese).

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