Ville-En-Sallaz: Lake and Heritage

Ville-En-Sallaz brings together several interests for trip planning: Lac du Môle represents a man-made landscape and connections with nature, while the Villa des Tattes and the Chapelle de Prévières offer opportunities to explore archaeological and religious themes. The municipality spans elevations from 610 to 1,220 metres. When looking for a hotel for a trip to Ville-En-Sallaz, you can consider whether the lake and walks or local history will be the focus of your stay.

Lac du Môle: Formation and Walks

Lac du Môle lies between the municipalities of Ville-En-Sallaz and La Tour. The artificial lake was created in 1969, when a former marshland was excavated. Water lilies in the lake provide a habitat for fish, frogs and herons. For trip planning, this offers two distinct themes: how the lake was formed and its importance as a habitat for animals.

At Lac du Môle, PAYSALP offers the playful, family-oriented “Dis-moi le lac” walk. Availability is seasonal and may change; check whether the walk is offered on your travel dates before you visit.

The “Walk around the Mole's Lake” route is an easy 2.6-kilometre loop, taking 25 minutes to walk. There is a car park along the route, and parking is free. There is also a picnic area and public toilets. When choosing an outing, you can weigh up a loop with a set distance and duration against a more playfully oriented walk.

Archaeology and Religious History

The Villa des Tattes was inhabited from the 1st to the 3rd century AD and covered approximately 2,300 square metres. Archaeological excavations uncovered pottery, roof tiles and bricks. The period and area give a concrete sense of the site’s scale; the finds add a picture of three different material groups. For travellers interested in archaeology, this history offers a distinct focus alongside the lake.

The Chapelle de Prévières is dedicated to Saint François de Sales and was built in 1683 by Ambroise Broise, a villager of the time. It commemorates a miracle attributed to François de Sales in 1606: while praying to the Virgin Mary, rosaries are said to have multiplied. The dates mark different things: 1606 belongs to the miracle story, while 1683 is the year the chapel was built.

The Church of Saint-Pancrace-et-Sébastien is dedicated to Saints Pancrace and Sébastien and has a bulb-shaped tower typical of the region. An older church lies beneath it; it was probably built on an ancient Roman site. The tower represents a regional architectural style, while the older church suggests a possible connection with Roman antiquity.

Discover more destinations: Jonzier-Épagny, Cluses, Douvaine, Arâches-La-Frasse, Megève, Vers, Saint-Jorioz, Loisin

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Savoie.