Marcellaz-Albanais: Trails, Landscapes and Local History

Marcellaz-Albanais lies halfway between Annecy to the east and Rumilly to the west. The municipality has a hilly landscape and a distinctly rural character. There are several ways to plan a visit: a walking trail starting in the town centre, mountain biking routes, local history and regional products. Which of these you focus on depends on whether you prefer to explore on foot, are looking for a mountain biking route or are interested in the history of the area.

Exploring on foot and by mountain bike

The Chemin des Euphorbes is a walking trail about 4 km long, starting in the town centre. The route is estimated to take 1 hour 30 minutes. This time and distance provide a guide for planning; check trail conditions locally.

The Albanais mountain biking area offers varied trails for all levels. One option is mountain biking route 4, “Le Bois au loup”: it is 14 km long, rated easy and takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The route passes through the Marais de Praille and along rural and forest trails to the Fier; it ends in the town centre of Marcellaz-Albanais. Check trail conditions and road crossings before setting off.

The walking trail and mountain biking route differ considerably in distance and mode of travel, while their estimated times are close: around 1 hour 30 minutes for the Chemin des Euphorbes and around 1 hour 35 minutes for mountain biking route 4. Their connection to the town centre also differs: the walking trail starts there, while the cycling route ends there. This information can help you compare the two options by activity and route length.

Another cycling option is mountain biking route 5, “Les bois ronds”. After a 4 km section towards Château de Pieuillet, it reaches the town centre. Château de Pieuillet is privately owned and is one of the protected castles of Marcellaz-Albanais. The route direction does not change its private status.

The church and local history

The present-day Église Saint-Maurice was built between 1842 and 1844. The base of the bell tower of the second church, built in 1625, has been preserved on its grounds. The dates refer to two different building phases: the predecessor and the present-day church. A local legend about the “skull of the bell tower”, dating back to an incident in 1712, is also associated with Église Saint-Maurice.

The place name also has a historical connection: Marcellaz derives from the Gallo-Roman Marcellus and his villa of the same name. A necropolis and graves are located at Crêt-Dieu; the site is protected. Together with the church and the protected Château de Pieuillet, these provide several distinct historical points of interest, ranging from the origin of the place name and a local legend to architectural history and protected sites.

Regional products

The Brasserie Distillerie Veyrat in Marcellaz-Albanais produces organic beer, organic cider, organic spirits and organic non-alcoholic drinks. The brewery has a beer bar and a takeaway shop. It also holds monthly gin-making workshops for individuals. As workshop dates may change, check the current schedule in advance.

Another place to find regional products is the farm shop at GAEC de l’Alambic. It sells goat’s cheese, local cow’s milk cheeses, and beef and pork. If you are visiting for specific products, check their availability in advance. You can consider visits to producers and exploring the trails or local history as different focuses for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Mûres, Lyaud, Bloye, Andilly, Saxel, Cernex, Seytroux, Ville-La-Grand.

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Savoie.