Le Bouchet-Mont-Charvin is the youngest commune in Thônes since it was created in 1877 after its separation from Serraval. Located at an altitude of 930 m at the foot of Mount Charvin and its lake, the village has retained an authentic character with its traditional buildings and its agricultural vocation. Multiple activities are possible there such as hiking in summer and winter or even skiing. You can also sleep there at the village hotel, in refuges or even in bivouacs.
At the foot of Mount Charvin
A preserved village
Like its neighbour Serraval, Bouchet has the particularity of having many goats among its herds. allowing, in addition to the production of reblochon, that of chevrotin and goat's cheese. As with many mountain communes, numerous hamlets extend around the main town. Its exceptional and preserved natural environment earns it its frequent nickname of “lung of the Aravis”.
A tour on the trails
In the heart of nature, Bouchet-Mont-Charvin offers multiple hiking trails which will take you through the many flowery mountain pastures. From Les Sardoches, you can go up towards from Lac du Charvin (930 m elevation) via the Porthets pass to discover where the Fier has its source. You will surely meet many marmots along the way!
Those who are more experienced in steep slopes can climb to the top of Charvin (1040 m of vertical drop). You will need to be sure-footed on its grassy slopes. Perhaps you will come across chamois there? But one thing is certain, once on the final ridge, you will enjoy a 360° panorama of the Aravis mountain range, the Bargy massif, the Tournette massif, the Parmelan, the Bauges massif, the Mont-Blanc massif and even further away the massifs of Charteuse, Vercors, Vanoise, Belledonne…
Mountain bikers will be able to set off through the mountain pastures for a 2-day tour around Mont Charvin with night in bivouac.
In the land of white gold
Once the first snow has arrived, you can put on your snowshoes with your family and do a little loop that starts from La Savatte towards Les Fontanettes and Aulp de Marlens. You will discover the white pyramid of Charvin in front of you! A wilder route will take you to Pointe d'Orsière from Les Mouilles and will offer you another point of view on Charvin.
On ski touring, other more challenging routes will allow you to discover the Bouchet valleys from La Savatte. The classic is the exit to the Col de La Tulle. But you can also follow wilder routes like Combe à l'Avion or Cul d'Ugine, and finally tackle the legendary Mont Charvin, particularly committed race.
But be careful, remember that winter activities present risks and that it is imperative to go out informed about the snow conditions and equipped. Consider calling on a mountain professional to accompany you.
Next to La Clusaz and Grand-Bornand, a multitude of activities also await you in the resorts!
To make a break
The Fontanettes Inn enjoys a truly superb setting on the Tournette, Mont Charvin and Pointe d'Orsière where calm and rest are the key words. You can spend a weekend there with your family or stop off there during your hike on the GR of the Tournette-Aravis Country. Also accessible by car via an unpaved road, you can come and have a drink on the terrace or taste the excellent potato fritters or any other traditional dish.
Located in the center of the village, The Charvin Relay is a hotel-restaurant which welcomes you in a friendly, comfortable and warm setting.
Not to be missed
Coming back down from the Charvin trails or as a walk objective, the visit of the GAEC of the Wind of the Cimes is not to be missed! This farm at the foot of Mount Charvin in winter (in Serraval) takes up its summer quarters at the Aulp de Marlens. The three associated farmers explain through guided tours – all year round – their traditional and environmentally friendly management. Cows but also goats make up their herds for the production of reblochons, tommes de Savoie, chevrotins, tommes de chèvre… In summer, you can come and spend the night at the mountain pasture and taste their cheeses and local products facing the giant!
A note of history
In the past, travel was mainly done on foot and the passes shortened the journeys. This is how the Mouilles plan was widely used by young Bochards who “went to the girls” at ManigodThese meetings often ended in beautiful marriages.
