Bellevaux: Nature, Heritage and Alpine Experiences

Bellevaux brings together nature, local history and seasonal activities. If you are looking for a hotel, you can choose the focus of your trip based on whether you want to explore the landscape, museums and architectural history, or enjoy winter sports. The different themes range from Lac de Vallon to the churches and the Bellevaux-Hirmentaz ski area.

Nature and landscapes from the lake to the peaks

Lac de Vallon was formed in 1943 as a result of a landslide. Together with its flooded hamlet, it is one of the outstanding sites of the Géopark du Chablais. For a hike, the “La Source du Brevon” route leads through the Pététoz forest to the Brevon’s resurgence. After a long underground course, the river emerges directly from the Massif du Roc d’Enfer. Hiking conditions may vary depending on the weather.

Pointe d’Hirmentaz lies at an altitude of 1,610 metres. From there, panoramic views extend between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc; a summit orientation table helps you identify the surrounding mountains. Access to the summit may depend on seasonal conditions, which you should check before your visit.

Bellevaux is listed as a municipality within the continental ZNIEFF Type II area “Pointe des Brasses et Montagne d’Hirmentaz”. The INPN description, dated 7 January 2025, highlights the area’s high biological importance, including notable wetlands and the presence of species at the edge of their range, particularly so-called “abyssal stations”.

Museums, gardens and religious buildings

The Musée de la Faune offers a chance to discover the wildlife of the Bellevaux mountains. The Maison de la Belle Vallée showcases the former way of life, tools, and the history of Bellevaux and Lac de Vallon. The two museums therefore have different focuses: one is dedicated to mountain wildlife, the other to life in the past and local history.

In the Chef-lieu district, behind the church, you’ll find the Jardin Alpin, an alpine botanical garden. It invites you to take a stroll with mountain views. The churches of Bellevaux also tell stories of different periods: Notre-Dame de l’Assomption was consecrated in 1830. The paintings in the church date from the 19th century and were created by the Piedmontese artists Etienne Gilardi, Francesco Giletto and Paolo Sasonini from Val di Sesia in the Sardinian Neoclassical style.

The present-day Chapelle Saint-Bruno was built in 1651 by the Carthusians on the ruins of the former church of the charterhouse. It is the only restored remnant of the Chartreuse Vallon-Bellevaux and lies close to Lac de Vallon. The religious buildings thus bring together the paintings at Notre-Dame and the chapel’s history, which is associated with the former charterhouse.

Winter activities and active outings

The Bellevaux-Hirmentaz ski area has 25 pistes, 15 ski lifts and a total of 25 kilometres of pistes. As the infrastructure may change, check the latest operating information before your trip. The Plateau des Mouilles has 20 kilometres of skating and classic cross-country ski trails; access is subject to a fee. The cross-country skiing facilities are seasonal. The plateau also offers snowshoeing and walking trails, as well as a toboggan run.

For a seasonally available introductory via ferrata session, a professional provider accompanies the activity. The exposed route follows a waterfall, and suitable equipment is provided. Check availability before your trip. A fishing licence is required to fish in Lac de Vallon, and APPMA rules apply. As regulations may change, check the current rules before fishing.

Plan your connections

The Brev’bus connects Bellevaux with Lullin, Vailly and Reyvroz, and serves the municipality’s ski areas. If you plan to use this service or travel to the ski areas, check the latest timetable before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Dingy-Saint-Clair, Mont-Saxonnex, Thénésol, Morillon, Reyvroz, Nancy-Sur-Cluses, Messery, Fillinges

For the main travel overview: Haute-Savoie.