Discover Chavanod: Walking Trails and Culture

Chavanod offers several options to consider when planning your trip: walking trails through forests and fields, routes along the Fier, and cultural and historical sites. Events and facilities for sports and recreation are also part of the local scene. When choosing your destination, you can weigh up whether you mainly want to go hiking, explore history or attend a cultural event.

Walking Trails and Views Around Chavanod

The Sentier des Gorges du Fier crosses a large part of Chavanod and connects the area with Lovagny. The route is 6.7 kilometres long and takes around two hours and 30 minutes. It starts at the Salle de l’Étang car park and provides access to the Gorges du Fier and Château de Montrottier. Along the way, you’ll find examples of rural Savoyard architecture: farmhouses, former fortified houses such as the town hall in Montagny, and a bread oven.

The trail follows an open hillside. When visibility is good, views extend from Mont Veyrier to La Tournette and over parts of the Aravis range to the summit of Mont Blanc; weather and vegetation affect visibility. As a second designated hiking option, the Paysages des Lanches circular trail covers a total of nine kilometres through Chavanod. The route details can help with planning: both the length and an approximate duration are provided for the Sentier des Gorges du Fier, while the total length is highlighted for the Paysages des Lanches circular trail.

There are also walking paths through forests and fields and along the Fier River. One route leads from Chavanod to the Gorges du Fier in Lovagny. If you’d like to cycle, the Boucle du Fier follows the D16, also known as the Route des Creuses. Before setting out, check the latest route information and, if starting on the Sentier, the parking situation.

Culture and History

Chavaroche Castle is now partly in ruins; it was besieged in 1344. Another notable date in the area’s history is 1882, when Chavanod Church was built. Archaeological finds at Crêt d’Esty offer another glimpse into the past: rock pits and circular structures were unearthed there, probably dating from the first or second century BC. A stone dedicated to Jupiter and Roman graves at Crêt d’Esty attest to the Gallo-Roman presence in Chavanod.

Maclamod also offers a glimpse into a different part of the area’s history. Its medieval fortified houses still stand, having since been converted into homes. Together with the finds at Crêt d’Esty and Chavaroche Castle, they provide insight into different historical periods, though not all the traces date from the same era.

Events and Recreation

The L’Esty auditorium hosts cultural events. It has 156 seats, a sound and lighting control system, and a six-by-eight-metre screen. Those arriving by car for an event can use the free car park near the Salle polyvalente. As event programmes and facilities may change, it’s a good idea to check the details before planning a visit.

Chavire is a free, family-friendly cultural and music event held every year in late August. Rock and electronic music are part of the event, while the specific dates and programme vary. If you’d like to attend during your stay, check the dates for the relevant year.

In Corbier, around the municipal stadium, there is a leisure area for sports and recreation, open to children, young people and adults. Facilities include a skate park, a multisport court, a children’s playground and a fitness area. So alongside hiking and culture, Chavanod also offers various opportunities for exercise and leisure.

Discover more destinations: Le Praz De Lys, Lyaud, Vers, Brizon, Saint-Eusèbe, Viuz-La-Chiésaz, Pringy, Lucinges

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Savoie.