Ville-La-Grand: History, Art and Parks

When planning a stay in Ville-La-Grand, you can focus on three interests: history and remembrance, art, and time in green spaces. The historic sites, the “Le clown” sculpture and the parks along the Foron offer different thematic points of interest.

History, Remembrance and Art

The Église Saint Mammès dates back to 522. The Moulin de Carra is first documented in 1637. More than eleven centuries lie between the two dates, giving you different points of reference for the town’s history. This lets you place both sites in their historical context without conflating their stories. Exhibitions are also held at the Moulin de Carra. The programme and access arrangements may vary; if you plan to visit an exhibition, check both in advance.

The Parcours du Mur de la Frontière commemorates four missionaries who organised the clandestine passage of nearly 2,000 refugees into Switzerland during the Second World War. Its 16 panels are divided into four thematic sections. This structure gives the commemoration a clear thematic framework. Guided visits are scheduled separately. If you plan to join a tour, check the relevant date.

The monumental “Le clown” sculpture offers a different point of reference in time. Daniel Chassin created it in 1999 to mark the transition into the new century. While the dates of the church and the Moulin’s first documented appearance reach far back into the past, the sculpture was created specifically to mark the turn of the century. Different ways of remembering and placing events in time therefore sit side by side: a look back at history and a work of art marking a transition.

Parks along the Foron

The Parc des Îles du Foron is a natural area on the border between Ville-la-Grand and Gaillard, beside the Foron, the river that separates France from Switzerland. The park is a place for walks and relaxation. Its location combines time in green surroundings with a clear geographical context. From Annemasse station, you can reach the Parc des Îles du Foron on foot in 20 minutes. Check the route before your visit, as changes to traffic or footpaths may affect access.

The Parc des Écureuils has a different focus. It is also located in a natural setting beside the Foron and has a rose garden and three separate playgrounds. The two parks therefore differ in their specifically listed features: the Parc des Îles du Foron focuses on walks and relaxation, while the Parc des Écureuils has a rose garden and playgrounds. If you plan to use the playgrounds, check their current condition beforehand; facilities may change due to maintenance or renewal.

Discover more destinations: Villy-Le-Pelloux, Évires, Fillinges, Thonon-Les-Bains, Le Bouchet-Mont-Charvin, Nernier, Sixt-Fer-À-Cheval, Le Praz De Lys.

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Savoie.