Discover Menthon-Saint-Bernard

Menthon-Saint-Bernard offers several distinct points of interest to help you plan your trip: the Château de Menthon, the architectural history of Saint-Bernard Church, a publicly accessible stretch of shoreline, and water sports. If you are looking for a hotel in Menthon-Saint-Bernard, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your stay. Heritage, routes through hamlets and activities on the lake offer different ways to experience the area.

The château and its architectural history

The Château de Menthon stands on a rocky promontory and offers views of the lake and the surrounding terrain. The same family has lived there for almost 1,000 years. The views and the family’s long-standing presence offer two different perspectives on the château: its setting in the landscape and its history.

The Château de Menthon is open for guided tours from April 5 to October 27. Since visiting arrangements may change, check them before your visit. This will help you plan your château visit for the time of year you are travelling.

Saint-Bernard Church also offers specific points of reference for its architectural history. It was built in 1846–1847 on the remains of a Romanesque church. The base of the bell tower dates from the 13th century, and the counts’ chapel from the 15th century. The different dates show that the church’s history is not limited to its 19th-century construction.

Shoreline and water sports

The one-kilometre stretch of publicly accessible shoreline is intended for walks and lake activities. These include visits to the beach, sailing, diving and boat hire. At the Menthon-Saint-Bernard water sports centre, Delphis plongée offers introductory dives and training for all levels. Since availability may change with the operator, check the current offering before making plans.

There are other specific options for sailing and rentals: the Cercle Nautique du Lanfonnet offers recreational sailing in catamarans and single- or double-handed dinghies, and rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Availability may change here too, so check in advance which options are available during your visit.

At Menthon-Saint-Bernard beach, the swimming school offers 30-minute private or group lessons in the mornings from June to September. They are for children aged three and over and help improve swimming skills. Check the current schedule before your visit. At Port de Menthon, Le Bounty rents boats and pedal boats; their availability may also change.

Natural surroundings and a route through the hamlets

The Bay of Menthon-Saint-Bernard is beside the Roc de Chère nature reserve. The public stretch of shoreline is intended for walks and lake activities; the bay beside the Roc de Chère nature reserve is a different geographical point of reference.

Another way to explore the area is the “Château de Menthon-St-Bernard par les hameaux” hiking trail. It passes through the hamlets of Ramponnet and Les Moulins and by the Château de Menthon. The trail is accessible year-round on foot or by mountain bike, provided conditions are suitable. This lets you choose between lakeside activities and a route through the hamlets when planning your trip, without assuming a walking time or difficulty level.

For seasonal activities, check the relevant visiting or lesson dates; for rental services, check current availability. This will help you choose activities that are actually available during your trip.

Discover more destinations: Armoy, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Marcellaz-Albanais, Morzine, Tournon, Arâches-La-Frasse, La Côte-D'arbroz, Lyaud

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Savoie.