Brens: Local History and Cycling Routes

Brens combines a layered local history with specific cycling routes. The Château de Brens represents several distinct historical periods: the destruction of the castle in 1325, the later acquisition of the reconstructed château, and traces that can still be seen in the landscape today. At the same time, the 38.6-kilometre Annemasse–Thonon cycling route passes through Brens. Historical architecture and cycling therefore stand side by side as two distinct travel interests.

Historical Traces of the Château de Brens

The commune of Bons-en-Chablais describes Brens as one of the three founding communes of the area. The Château de Brens was destroyed in 1325 by troops of the Dauphin of Viennois, reinforced by troops of the Count of Geneva. The reconstructed château was acquired as jointly owned property in 1569 by Louis de Sales, Seigneur de Montpiton and du Vuaz, together with his brother François. François was Seigneur de Novel, de Boisy and de la Thuile, as well as the father of Saint François de Sales. The two dates mark different periods: 1325 for the destruction of the castle, and 1569 for the acquisition of the reconstructed château.

Today, only a heavily modified residential building remains of the estate. The square ground plan of the castle, traced by the moats, and the bases of four round towers can also be seen in the landscape. A modified surviving building and traces of the former estate still visible in the landscape thus stand side by side.

Religious History and the Église Saint-Maurice

The first religious building in Brens dates from 518 to 520 and was already dedicated to Saint Maurice. The current bell tower and nave of the Église Saint-Maurice, however, were built between 1863 and 1868. The dates mark different milestones: the earlier date refers to the first religious building, while the later years refer to the construction of these two parts of the present-day church.

Saint François de Sales is also associated with the château. He is believed to have stayed there for three to five years and to have admired the beauty of Lake Geneva from there. The duration of his stay is explicitly reported as uncertain.

Cycling Routes Through Brens

The 38.6-kilometre Annemasse–Thonon cycling route passes through Brens and branches off there from the Tour des Voirons and the Circuit de la Vallée Verte. Brens is also a junction with the Circuit de la Vallée Verte, Route No. 28. The Tour des Voirons cycling loop also branches off in Brens from the Annemasse–Thonon-les-Bains route (No. 23). The named routes can therefore be distinguished by their itineraries and respective connections.

The Annemasse–Thonon cycling route includes the Brens forest and offers viewpoints over Lake Geneva. As part of the Haute-Savoie Vélo plan, it is signposted by the Haute-Savoie Département. Riding conditions may vary by season, so check conditions before setting out.

If returning by train, the Thonon–Annemasse cycling route can also include a stop halfway in Bons-en-Chablais or Machilly. If you plan to use this option, check the train service conditions in advance.

Discover more destinations: La Rivière-Enverse, Thônes, Annemasse, Praz-Sur-Arly, Le Petit-Bornand-Les-Glières, Cluses, Metz-Tessy, Draillant

For the overview of the wider area: Haute-Savoie.