Sallanches: Hiking Trails, Water and Cultural Heritage

In Sallanches, you can plan your outings around what interests you most: water and activities at Les Ilettes, hikes to mountain pastures and viewpoints, or chapels and local heritage. Options range from a short circular walk to a multi-day trail in the Aravis Massif.

Lakes and activities at Les Ilettes

At the Base de loisirs des Ilettes, supervised swimming is available in the central lake during summer. In July and August in particular, swimming is supervised from 12 pm to 6 pm. Swimming is permitted only in the designated bathing area. Check the scheduled dates and supervision hours before your visit. Paddleboarding and a solarium are also available at the leisure centre.

Windsurfing is permitted on Lac nord, where wearing a life jacket is compulsory. The bathing area at the central lake and the windsurfing rule at the northern lake are different conditions for different activities. If you plan to do both, follow the relevant rule at the appropriate lake.

The “au fil de l’eau” promenade links the lakes of Les Ilettes with the Cascade d’Arpenaz, following the Arve. It brings together two kinds of scenery: the lakes at the starting point and the waterfall as the destination. Temporary trail closures are possible; check current trail conditions before setting off.

Hikes of varying lengths

The promenade to the Chapelle de l’Immaculée Conception is described as an easy circular walk taking 35 minutes and covering 1.3 kilometres. At the viewpoint, the vista opens out over Sallanches, with Mont Blanc in the background. Trail conditions can change seasonally; check them before setting off. The chapel overlooks Sallanches and is also visible from the town centre.

The four-day circular Tour des Aravis, face au Mont-Blanc takes more time. It starts in the centre of Sallanches and includes three overnight stays in the Aravis Massif. The Arête des Saix loop connects the Mayères and Doran mountain pastures and leads to two pastures and three mountain refuges. For multi-day hikes, check the refuges’ seasonal opening periods and mountain conditions in advance.

At the Doran mountain pasture, traditional agro-pastoral and cheesemaking activities take place from June to September. Visitors can buy fresh cheese there. Access and current offerings may vary by season; check both before your visit. This allows you to combine a hike to the mountain pasture with an insight into its agricultural activities.

Another trail passes through the Bois de Fessy to the hamlet of Le Psot. From there, you can enjoy a view of the Mont Blanc Massif when visibility is good. The woodland walk features a variety of coniferous and deciduous trees and is accessible to everyone. Weather, snow and ground conditions can affect access.

Waterfalls and nature experiences

The Cascade d’Arpenaz is 270 metres high and has been classified as a natural site since 1991. There is free parking and picnic areas at the site, as well as hiking and mountain biking trails starting there. The “au fil de l’eau” promenade links this waterfall with the lakes of Les Ilettes. As facilities at visitor sites can change, it is worth checking conditions before your visit.

The Centre de la Nature Montagnarde offers free nature outings and children’s workshops. As it is best to check the current activities before booking, it is a good idea to review the available options in advance. These guided nature activities complement the self-guided trails and walks described in Sallanches.

Chapels and history

The Collégiale Saint Jacques was completed in 1847 in the Sardinian Neoclassical style, elevated to collegiate church status in 1893, and classified as a historic monument in 1974. Its construction, elevation to collegiate status and protected status mark three distinct historical milestones for the church.

The Chapelle de l’Immaculée Conception de Lévaud was built between 1855 and 1857 and officially consecrated on 4 October 1857. The Chapelle de la Pierre was built between 1856 and 1860 and formerly served as both a chapel and a school. Both sites are part of the Route des chapelles, which passes through the hamlets of Sallanches and visits ten small, typical chapels considered to be a testament to local religious heritage. Arrangements may be needed to visit the interiors.

The present-day Observatoire des Alpes, formerly the Château des Rubins, features a modern, entertaining and interactive exhibition about the mountains for the whole family, open year-round. Exhibition content may be updated. Anyone interested in landscapes and mountains will find a different way to explore the subject here than on the hiking trails.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Cons-Sainte-Colombe, Megève, Cluses, Habère-Poche, Viry, Vétraz-Monthoux, Villard, Praz-Sur-Arly.

For the overview of the wider region: Haute-Savoie.