Discover Sales: Pont Coppet, churches and weekly market

Sales offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: Pont Coppet and its construction and transport history, historic religious buildings, the Tuesday weekly market, and views over the Albanais plain. If you are looking for hotels in Sales, your own interests can guide your travel plans: would you like to explore a historic building, plan a visit to the market, or take in the landscape from the town centre? These themes show different sides of the town.

Pont Coppet: structure and history

Pont Coppet is listed as a historic monument in its entirety under a decree dated 4 November 2015. It is made of stone and has a single semicircular arch. Charles-Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy, had it built to improve the connection between Chambéry and Geneva. At the same time, the structure shortened the route between Rumilly and Vallières by more than a lieue, or approximately five kilometres. Its design and historic function offer two different ways of understanding it: the single semicircular arch describes its architecture, while its transport purpose explains the historical context.

The bridge is accessible to pedestrians and bicycles. Circuit 3 – La Salésienne includes a 2-kilometre round-trip detour to Pont Coppet. The 2 kilometres refer to the return detour, not the total distance of Circuit 3. When planning, therefore, consider the structure’s accessibility and the length of the detour separately.

Churches and historic building phases

The Eglise Saint-Pierre was rebuilt between 1645 and 1650, replacing a dilapidated medieval Romanesque sanctuary. In 1864, it was demolished and rebuilt in the Neo-Gothic style. La Chapelle du Pessey was built by the hamlet’s residents at the end of the 19th century. It received stained-glass windows in 1977. A second restoration of the chapel lasted two years; the work was completed in 2009. Le Puits du Mollard was built in the 19th century. Thus, the church is notable for its several phases of rebuilding, while the chapel is shaped by its origins in the hamlet, a later decorative feature, and its restoration.

Weekly market on Place de la Mairie

Sales’ weekly market takes place on Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. on Place de la Mairie. Products on offer include cheese, artisan bread and honey, as well as seasonal fruit and vegetables. Around ten vendors are represented; the number of vendors and individual sellers may change. The market therefore offers both a specific time to visit and a selection of regional products to help with your travel plans.

Municipal boundaries and views

To the north, the Fier forms the boundary of Sales and separates the commune from Vallières. To the west and southwest, the Chéran bounds Sales; its left bank touches Rumilly. From the town centre, there are lovely views over the Albanais plain. The rivers thus define the commune’s boundaries, while the view from the town centre offers another aspect of the landscape.

Plan your visit and make reservations

The L'île verte equestrian centre offers visits and activities by prior arrangement. The weekly market takes place on Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. Check the market hours before travelling and book your visit to the equestrian centre in advance.

Discover more destinations: Leschaux, Les Praz-De-Chamonix, Saint-Ferréol, Les Carroz-D'arâches, Bossey, Chavanod, La Forclaz, Aviernoz

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Savoie.