Cohennoz: Nature, Trails and Cultural Heritage

Cohennoz combines alpine scenery with nature and cultural experiences. The area sits alongside the Massif du Beaufortain and faces the Massif des Aravis. When planning a trip, possible highlights include trails through forests and alpine pastures, a protected peat bog, and historic buildings and objects. Season and conservation rules are especially important at the peat bog.

Alpine Scenery and Peat Bog

A peat bog lies in the upper part of the Cohennoz forest and has been included in the Natura 2000 inventory. In winter, it is accessible only on cross-country skis to protect wildlife. If you plan to visit during this season, be sure to take this special access rule into account.

In summer, the peat bog area of the Réserve naturelle régionale de la tourbière des Saisies–Beaufortain–Val d’Arly offers two educational trails and guided tours every afternoon. Since the program is seasonal, it is advisable to check the dates before your trip. For information and reservations for the reserve, you can contact the Crest-Voland / Cohennoz Tourist Office.

A branch of the Val d’Arly Mont-Blanc intercommunal tourist office is located in Le Cernix, 73590 Cohennoz. Office details may change; check them before your visit.

Hiking Trails, Cycling and Winter

More than 90 kilometers of marked hiking trails start from Crest-Voland and Cohennoz. They pass through forests and alpine pastures and range in difficulty. Conditions on individual trails may vary. The Le Bois du Croë area features games about forest animals and a Himalayan suspension bridge about 15 meters long.

There are also various options for cyclists: the Crest-Voland Cohennoz area has downhill mountain biking trails of varying difficulty; enduro mountain biking routes can be reached by chairlift. Lift access and trail conditions may vary by season, so it is worth checking before setting out. The Cohennoz FFC Route No. 51 runs mostly through the forest, gradually climbs to the Croix de Varzeron, then descends toward the village of Cohennoz. Along the way, there are views of the Aravis and Mont-Charvin.

In winter, Cohennoz is part of the Crest-Voland Cohennoz ski area, which is connected to Les Saisies and the Espace Diamant. This means winter planning can be split into two distinct themes: the ski area and the peat bog’s special cross-country ski access rule.

Church, Museum and Ainoz Mill

The church of Cohennoz was built in 1781 in the main village and is dedicated to Saint Peter in Chains. Its white walls are decorated with geometric, symbolic or floral motifs; the vaults are painted red and blue. Numerous 19th-century statues complete the interior. The architecture, colors and sculptures offer specific details to look for when viewing the building.

The small, cozy Écomusée de Cohennoz is in the main village, right next to the town hall. Its miniature objects include exact reproductions of tools and everyday items made by schoolchildren around 1890. These objects offer a unique way to explore everyday life in the past; the date refers to the original models used for the reproductions.

The restored Ainoz Mill is open for visits. A visit lasts about an hour and a half and must be booked through the tourist office; check the visiting arrangements before you travel. The mill is located on the Nant du Moulin, the natural boundary between the municipalities of Crest-Voland and Cohennoz. Its history includes both milling and a thriving wooden handle-making workshop.

Discover more destinations: Les Chapelles, Saint-Avre, Termignon, Praranger, Montagny, Val-D'isère, Saint-Pierre-D'albigny, Montaimont.

For the overview of the wider area: Savoie.