Among the most beautiful resorts in the French Alps, Le Grand-Bornand, a great ski village in winter and an unmissable mountain destination in summer, cultivates the charm of its two-hundred-year-old chalets combined with the modernity of a resort with an envied event dynamic and the avant-garde of a new arty chic.
In Le Grand-Bornand, we (re)find time…
Both an authentic village…
Between Lakes Annecy and Geneva , Switzerland and Mont Blanc, in the heart of Haute-Savoie, Le Grand-Bornand is one of the most easily accessible French resorts, whatever the season, whether you arrive by car, train or plane. An authentic village that thrived year-round long before becoming one of the leading tourist resorts in the French mountains, Le Grand-Bornand boasts a wealth of advantages: the pleasure of being together and a sense of timelessness, but also a land of unlimited leisure and discovery.
…and a station with international influence
Boasting a pristine environment and being the primary production site for the renowned farm-made Reblochon cheese , Le Grand-Bornand cultivates a lifestyle that blends tradition with a pioneering spirit. Its 400 two-hundred-year-old chalets stand alongside leisure facilities worthy of the finest resorts. Freestyle culture thrives here, fueled by a vibrant agricultural and pastoral tradition, and farms passed down from father to son now coexist with the most intimate accommodations.
Two altitudes, two atmospheres… one station
At the foot of the Aravis mountain range , which makes up one of the most beautiful landscapes in the French mountains, Le Grand-Bornand is presented in the form of two villages:
Le Grand-Bornand Village – alt. 1000m
This is the main town, the true heart of the resort, at the junction of the Bouchet and Chinaillon valleys, the gateway to the ski area via the Rosay and Joyère gondolas. The historic center of Le Grand-Bornand, the old quarter clusters around its church with its iconic onion-domed bell tower, against the backdrop of the Aravis mountain range, and houses artists' studios and all the shops, hotels and restaurants scattered throughout its small squares.
Le Grand-Bornand Chinaillon – alt. 1300m
The "new" resort, born in the alpine pastures with the advent of recreational skiing in the 50s, is conveniently located, with its snow fronts – Charmieux, Floria, and Mulaterie – serving its various sectors. Le Grand-Bornand Chinaillon boasts a line of comfortable tourist residences, shops, and other accommodations and services along the Col de la Colombière road , overlooking Mont Lachat. Paradoxically, one can also admire some of the resort's most beautiful groups of century-old chalets: Vieux Chinaillon, the hamlets of Les Bouts and Cuillery…
Although 6 km apart by road, Le Grand-Bornand Village and Le Grand-Bornand Chinaillon form a single resort, Le Grand-Bornand, connected by bus and a ski area with two entrances.
Bohemian Mountain
Le Grand-Bornand cultivates the art of thinking outside the box. Alternative and full of audacity(ies), it is an invitation for hipsters of all stripes to go green… unless you prefer winter time!
The secrets of farmhouse reblochon cheese revealed
Le Grand-Bornand , the leading agricultural town in Haute-Savoie with around forty farms producing farm-made Reblochon cheese , opens its doors to the public every week. This is an opportunity to discover, on-site, the different stages of production, from milking the cows to aging in the cellar, and to savor the creamy round cheese alongside passionate producers.
Artists to make the heart of the station vibrate
A land of inspiration, the resort is home to many artists and craftsmen in the setting of some of the oldest buildings in the village: potters, saddler, retro cafe, cabinetmaker, upholsterer… a visit is a must, to discover trades often intimately linked to life in the mountains.
Art takes to the air!
Unique in the world, evolving, arty and as quirky as can be, the Cow Art Trail allows skiers (and hikers!) to appreciate hundreds of works – paintings and sculptures – offering a new vision of the ruminant “star” of Grand-Bornand… while the “Grandborama” project tells 100 years of history of the resort along the 55 gondolas of the Rosay line.
We get wet in the summer…
With your feet in the water and your head in the mountains… the 12,500 m² of the Grand-Bornand aqua-recreational centre, in a green setting a stone’s throw from the heart of the village, allows you to cool off all summer long by enjoying its fun facilities: fountains, bubble benches, slide… unless you prefer the simple pleasure of a walk along the shaded banks of the Borne with its crystal-clear and refreshing waters.
…and we take out the skates in winter!
Overlooking Le Grand-Bornand Village and next to the Sylvie Becaert International Biathlon Stadium, the ice rink and its 800 m² covered hall complete the resort's leisure offerings. Whether it's an ice garden for beginner skaters or an ice dance floor for DJ nights, there's no age limit to feeling like a skating king!
Mountain adventurer
For rebellious spirits, Le Grand-Bornand offers a sports field where you can play without limits. Between sky and earth, something to let your adventurous nature express itself…
Skiing to see all the colors!
With 86 km of alpine ski runs including 16 green, 13 blue, 16 red and 4 black, Le Grand-Bornand has something to satisfy both contemplative skiers and sports enthusiasts, with all levels finding something of interest in its open and sunny ski area hugging the slopes of Mont Lachat.
Ski touring… in the skin
Alongside its free practice – within the limits of the safety conditions specific to any practice in a natural environment – it is possible to try ski touring along the three secure routes set up along the alpine ski slopes.
At the mountain school, with the Compagnie des Guides des Aravis…
Outdoor activities, treks or getting close to the impressive alpine fauna (ibex, chamois…), the Compagnie des Guides des Aravis offers a wide range of mountain discovery activities, starting from Grand-Bornand.
Aiming right, testing the biathlon
Home to the French leg of the Biathlon World Cup , Le Grand-Bornand offers introductory sessions… both in winter and summer. The principle remains the same: target shooting at 10m using an air rifle, running and relays in the spectacular setting of the Bouchet valley or the Sylvie Becaert international stadium, in the heart of the resort.
Let's set sail!
A world-renowned spot for paragliding , Le Grand-Bornand is ideal for tandem flights given by state-certified instructors, all experts and passionate… another sensational way to leave the ground!
Epicurean mountain
Attention epicureans, Le Grand-Bornand vibrates with a new arty chic blending traditions and pioneering spirit, to be savored during a retreat conducive to letting go among initiates.
Sunset Skiing
Le Grand-Bornand offers a unique opportunity to extend the pleasure of skiing by one hour, every Saturday from mid-January to the end of March, as well as every evening during the winter holidays. All at no extra charge.
Very good mention… to be
Fitness areas, swimming pools and spas integrated into luxury accommodation – some of which are even open to outside customers – and other certified organic beauty salons go hand in hand with the cocooning spirit specific to the resort.
Namaste!
Whether in Indian philosophy mode, Asanas and Pranayamas taught in the setting of a former grand hotel, or taking advantage of the natural environment of the resort, yoga is practiced there in all seasons, alongside young professionals who are masters in the art of this beneficial discipline for the body and mind.
And it swings…
When summer arrives, the northern plain of the Bouchet Valley rolls out the green carpet, transforming into a 9-hole golf course approved by the French Golf Federation and bearing the Club Golfy label. An ideal setting to learn or improve your game, nestled among groves of spruce trees, a small stream, and century-old chalets…
We are having a great time!
With the famous farm-made Reblochon cheese and the bescoin, a small anise-flavored bread celebrated during the patron saint's festival on August 15th , as emblems, Le Grand-Bornand abounds in gastronomic specialties to discover in its many restaurants and food shops, proud to offer the full range of local products through short supply chains…
Entertainment and events: things are happening here!
From the French round of the Biathlon World Cup Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand to the Au Bonheur des Mômes festival, via the number 1 charity event in the French mountains Glisse en Cœur and the regular hosting of the Tour de France , Le Grand-Bornand shines with its ability to bring people together around events with international resonance.
Biathlon World Cup Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand
Chosen land of the French leg of the major world biathlon event
The Monaco of biathlon
Slide in Heart
The number 1 charity event in the French mountains
Skiing for a lifetime, what a great challenge!
To the Happiness of Kids
The European meeting place for live shows for young audiences
Children's Avignon
An après-ski that plays the card of experiences to be had
Torchlight descents, DJ evenings and concerts, sports initiations, themed welcome drinks, artistic performances and other children's booms: Le Grand-Bornand has created a programme of activities with high experiential added value in an open-air "club" spirit promoting local customs and conviviality.
