Grand Bornand
Perfectly located between Mont Blanc, Lake Annecy and Switzerland, the local community has carefully worked to combine their visitor's needs, whilst maintaining the area's traditional charm and respecting its alpine heritage. The Aravis Mountains form the main backdrop to the village. Le Grand Bornand sits at two distinct elevations: Le Grand-Bornand Village is located at 1000m where we feature Les Chalets du Joy luxury residence, a typical Savoyard village with its outdoor market, central plaza, church, and shops, as well as the spectacular Bouchet Valley in the background, at the foot of the Aravis Mountains. 6km further up the road leading to Col de la Colombière Pass is Le Grand-Bornand Chinaillon, where our luxury residences Roc des Tours and Le Village de Lessy are located. Located at 1300m elevation, the well-preserved historic village centre dates back to the 17th century.
Apart from the usual mountain activities, Le Grand Bornand and Aravis mountain range offer a huge amount of marked mountain bike trails accessible with a special lift pass. The more adventurous can try paragliding or hot air ballooning above the impressive mountain range and valleys.
Only a 30-minute drive away, a visit to Annecy is a must; with its dramatic backdrop of sharp mountain peaks, the turquoise lake is one of Europe’s most romantic lakes. Annecy often referred to as ‘the Venice of the Alps’, is a pretty city with old quarters offering an array of restaurants, bars, shops and activities. The attractions of Chamonix and Lake Geneva are only a one hour drive away.
Interested in buying an apartment in Grand Bornand? See our Buying in the Alps section
Top summer activities to experience in Grand Bornand
Please note Peak Retreats do not book any activities and most activities are payable therefore the below is just for information. More detailed information and how to book can be found on the tourist office website
Here are some ideas of activities, however there is plenty more on offer!
Grand Bornand leisure centre
The 12,500m2 outdoor aqua-recreational centre of Grand-Bornand, in a green setting just a stone's throw from the heart of the village, allows you to refresh yourself all summer long by taking advantage of its fun equipment: slide, paddling pool, fountains, bubble bench...Open May-September.
Grand Bornand watersports
Enjoy whitewater adventures on the Giffre or Dranse rivers. Open to everyone, even beginners (must know how to swim). Hydro-speed (river-boarding): swim down a river using fins, a board, and a special wetsuit.
Ages 12 and up (mini descent: ages 7-12). Gear provided.
Walking/hiking
Plenty of trails and routes to choose from in the mountains, from easy to challenging.
Grand Bornand mini golf
15-hole miniature golf in the heart of the village. Ages 3 and up.
Le Grand Bornand mountain biking
The mountain bike area of Grand-Bornand unfolds 178km of marked trails for 16 itineraries of varying difficulty. Within the Aravis area there are 250km of trails.
Grand Bornand adventure parc
Tyrolean traverses, rope bridges, cable traverses, and catwalks, bike and skate high-wires...more than 80 exciting activities in the trees. 180m zip line.
Discovery itinerary for children, equipped with a continuous lifeline (maximum security). Children under 16 years old have to be with an adult.
Dodes Forest Challenge: leap into the void 14m above the ground
Escalad’arbre 12m high climbing wall in 1 tree with a "quick jump" device for safety.
Grand Bornand horse-drawn carriage
Horse-drawn carriage ride all year around.
Reblochon cheese making at the farm
Discover farm life and learn about the making of Reblochon cheese. Cheese tasting and selling.
Tennis courts
Outdoor tennis courts for hire.
Archery
One hour session for group (3 people minimum). 4 targets from 5 to 20m.
Le Grand Bornand shops, bars and restaurants
Various restaurants and a few bars are open during the summer, not only in the Village but up in Chinaillon too.
Sport shops, mini-markets (Spar and Sherpa in village and Spar under the residence Le Village de Lessy in Chinaillon, pharmacy, gift shops, bakery, butcher, delicatessen, wine shop, cheese shop.
There is quite a wide selection of shops, mostly in the village.
Getting to Le Grand Bornand, France
By road
Driving distance from Calais to Grand Bornand is approx. 865km (537 miles) (approx. 8hrs30). From Calais, Le Massif des Aravis is easily accessible: A40 (Autoroute Blanche); exit N° 16 Bonneville, direction Stations des Aravis at 20km. A41 exit Annecy Nord direction Thônes / Stations des Aravis at 30km.
By rail & air
The nearest train station for Le Grand Bprnand is Annecy, 30km away.
4 international airports are nearby. We don't book flights, we invite you to do your own research.
Geneva Airport to Le Grand Bornand is roughly 65km, approximately 1hrs
Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport to Le Grand Bornand is roughly 75km, approximately 1hr 15 mins
Grenoble Alpes Isere Airport to Le Grand Bornand is roughly 165km, approximately 1hr 45 mins
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Le Grand Bornand is roughly 141km, approximately 1hr 45 mins
Private taxi transfers
Private taxi transfers from airports and train stations are pre-bookable with Peak Retreats. See our airport & station transfers page for more information.
News and Events 2024
News:
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Market held on Wednesday from 8.00-12.30.
Events:
- La Grand Bo 23rd Cycle race: 29th-30th June 2024 - this year, the "Grand-Bo" allows you to choose between a gravel format and a road format.
- Mountain Festival: 14th July 2024 - Savoyard meal in the village square with commentary of the peaks on the Aravis Mountain range, followed by a dance.
- La Cour Lake Party: 23rd July 2024 - a late summer evening around La Cour lake. Short walk, dinner and concert by the lake.
- Fete de l'Alpage (Pasture Day): 4th August 2024 - Fête de l'Alpage, a traditional festival with a lot of events focusing on life on the mountain pasture.
- 32nd Festival Au Bonheur des Momes: 25th-29th August 2024 - is one of the biggest cultural rendezvous for children in Europe. The theatre of the Toupine and the village of Le Grand Bornand have organised an event celebrating children and families and performing art.
