Manigod: Baroque Culture and Nature

Manigod brings together historic cultural sites, natural attractions, seasonal activities, and culinary offerings. If you are looking for a hotel in Manigod, you can plan around what interests you during your stay: history and churches, views and scenery, activities at certain times of year, or cheese and farm produce.

Culture and History in Manigod

The Church of Saint Pierre de Manigod was rebuilt in the Baroque style at the end of the 17th century. Written records of the church date back to 1414. Its organ was installed in 1996 and has 22 stops, 1,372 pipes, two manuals, and a full pedalboard. These details give the church both a historical and a musical connection; the two dates refer to different milestones.

Another way to explore rural Baroque heritage is the Route des chapelles de Manigod. This cultural route leads to six chapels from the Baroque period. Outdoor information panels at each chapel tell its history. The route thus focuses on individual religious buildings and information about the history of each one.

Another historical focus lies on the heights above Manigod: a memorial plaque at Chalet Collomb marks the La Cola resistance camp. This place of remembrance complements the churches and chapels with a connection to the history of the Resistance.

Scenery, Views, and Nature

The Plateau de Beauregard Natura 2000 site covers parts of the municipalities of La Clusaz, Manigod, and Thônes. The site’s name thus refers to a landscape that spans several municipal areas. At Col de la Croix Fry, the mountain pass is at an elevation of 1,477 meters. From there, you can enjoy views of the Aravis range and, in clear weather, Mont Blanc as well.

Another natural attraction is Cascade Nant Burgeat: the waterfall has four cascades and can be reached by a forest trail. The two landscapes offer quite different experiences: at Col de la Croix Fry, the elevation and views take center stage, while Cascade Nant Burgeat is all about the waterfall and its individual cascades.

Seasonal Activities

The Manigod ski area is part of the LA CLUSAZ-MANIGOD ski area, which has 125 kilometers of pistes. The distance refers to this ski area. At Col de la Croix Fry, the Télésiège de Cabeau chairlift takes visitors to the summit of Tête de Cabeau. It operates seasonally, and schedules may change. Check the current times if you are planning a ride.

The free Parcours ludique nature en forêt is suitable for families with young children. This nature trail in the forest is self-guided and features games and nature workshops. It is signposted in summer; as a seasonal attraction, its operating dates may vary. Check the dates for your travel period before planning your visit.

Cheese and Regional Produce

The Paccard cheese dairy in Manigod offers guided tours in French. They introduce visitors to the craft of an affineur, or cheese maturation specialist. Check reservation requirements and availability before your trip. It is also important to note that the tour is in French.

The Ferme de l'Étale sells Reblochon made on the farm, as well as butter, honey, cow’s and goat’s cheese, and fresh milk in its farm shop. Product availability may vary. Manigod also offers a tasting of four or five kinds of cheese with Savoy wine. The tour, farm shop, and tasting each offer a different culinary focus: the craft of cheese maturation, a selection of farm products, and the pairing of cheese and wine.

Discover more destinations: La Rivière-Enverse, Faverges, Giez, Abondance, Lyaud, Dingy-Saint-Clair, Annecy, Cernex.

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Savoie.