Douvaine: Culture and Local History

Douvaine offers several ways to enjoy a stay focused on culture and local history. The Manoir Chapuis, Eglise Saint-Loup, the Sentier patrimoine, a walk through the church district, the media library and the Musée du Cinéma Philippe Piccot each offer a different focus. If you are looking for a hotel in Douvaine, these themes can help you shape your stay around your interests.

Two aspects of architectural history

Dating from 1799, the Manoir Chapuis is considered an example of Savoyard bourgeois architecture. Eglise Saint-Loup highlights a different aspect of architectural history: its original bell tower was retained during the reconstruction. It houses two bells and a clock. The manor house and church therefore offer different points of interest: the manor house as an example of Savoyard bourgeois architecture, and Saint-Loup with its preserved tower and fittings.

Walking tours around Douvaine

The Sentier patrimoine de Douvaine is an easy 2.0 km circular route that takes around 45 minutes. It is open daily year-round. The route combines a manageable distance with an approximate duration that you can take into account when planning your day.

“A la croisée des chemins” takes you through Douvaine’s church district, highlighting notable buildings and the district’s history. Crosses on the ground mark the way. There is a question at each stop; the answers combine to form a crossword puzzle. The cross shape appears on two levels: as a waymarker and as part of the puzzle that brings together the answers from the stops. The two formats differ: the Sentier patrimoine is 2.0 km long and takes around 45 minutes; “A la croisée des chemins” combines questions at each stop with a crossword puzzle.

Media library and film culture

Douvaine’s media library is another of the town’s cultural offerings. Access and use of the on-site facilities are free of charge. It adds a distinct cultural element to your stay, alongside the architectural history and walking tours.

The collection at the Musée du Cinéma Philippe Piccot includes film projectors dating from 1900 to the present day. There is also an exhibition of historic film posters. The projectors and posters offer different points of interest: the collection focuses on equipment from a long time span, while the exhibition features posters from films of the past. The cinema in Douvaine is located on Avenue du Stade.

Practical information

The Sentier patrimoine starts at the Place du Marché car park, where parking is time-limited. Another option is the free La Bulle car park. There is a nearby bus stop on Rue du Centre. The car parks therefore differ in the feature specified: parking at Place du Marché is time-limited, while La Bulle is free.

Discover more destinations: Thorens-Glières, Saxel, Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains, Lullin, Saint-Pierre-En-Faucigny, Meillerie, Brens, Collonges-sous-Salève.

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Savoie.