Discover Talloires: Nature and Heritage

Talloires offers several themes to consider when planning a trip: nature and views, activities on and by the water, and cultural heritage. The places and experiences also differ in the conditions that matter when planning.

Nature Reserve and Walking Trail

The Roc de Chère National Nature Reserve in Talloires-Montmin was established in 1977 and covers 69 hectares. Limestone slopes and marshy hollows are home to a variety of natural habitats. These different landscape features form part of the natural environment to take into account when choosing an outing in nature.

The Roc de Chère walking trail – Circuit pédestre des Belvédères features a purpose-built, themed discovery trail. It runs through the protected forest of the Réserve naturelle du Roc de Chère and offers panoramic views of Lake Annecy and the surrounding peaks. The walk combines forest, nature-related interpretation and views. Access is weather-dependent, so take conditions into account when planning.

Activities on and by the Water

The Cercle Nautique de Talloires offers sailing lessons and rents out Optimist dinghies, catamarans, windsurfing boards and kayaks. You can choose between lessons and a range of rental equipment. Operating periods may change, so check in advance which activities are available on your travel dates.

Another activity takes you to the Cascade d’Angon: the 60-metre-high waterfall is accessible from the village of Talloires. Canyoning descents involving abseiling are available at the Cascade. When planning, you can distinguish these descents from sailing lessons and water-sports equipment rentals.

Culture and History

The Abbaye de Talloires developed from a chapel and later a monastery. Benedictine monks built the present-day abbey in the 17th century. Talloires has been documented in historical records since the 11th century; the two dates refer to different things: the history of the town and the age of the present-day abbey building.

The Abbaye hosts numerous exhibitions that are open to the public. As the exhibition programme may change, check the latest dates before your visit. This will help you distinguish between the abbey’s building history and its changing exhibition schedule when planning your trip.

The Church of Saint Maurice de Talloires, dedicated to Saint Maurice, dates from the 18th century and contains polychrome wooden sculptures. “Polychrome” means multicoloured and describes the decoration of these sculptures. The church and its woodwork add another specific aspect to the historical themes of the Abbaye.

Trip Planning and Hotel Search

Different timing considerations matter when planning a stay: the weather affects the walking trail, while the operating periods of the Cercle Nautique and the Abbaye’s exhibition programme may change. If you are looking for a hotel in Talloires, match your travel dates to the activity that matters most to you. Check dates in advance for water-sports activities and exhibitions.

Discover more destinations: Bonnevaux, La Côte-D'arbroz, Saint-Blaise, Les Carroz-D'arâches, Verchaix, Les Esserts, Les Clefs, Nâves-Parmelan

Return to the main travel overview: Haute-Savoie.