Nestled in a wide, sunny valley halfway between Thônes and Annecy , along the Plaine du Fier, Dingy-Saint-Clair stretches across approximately 400 meters of elevation change and 27 kilometers of road between the hamlets of Nanoir, Chessenay, and La Blonnière. Like many villages in the valley, Dingy-Saint-Clair has retained a rural atmosphere with a few farmers and their livestock, and a vast forest that covers half of its territory. The inn in the heart of the village offers a welcome break on the descent from the Parmelan.
At the foot of Parmelan
A peaceful village
The village has successfully established a dynamic community centered around its natural, cultural, and historical heritage, and its family-oriented approach. The Church of Saint-Etienne boasts a 15th-century choir with beautiful stained-glass windows that are well worth admiring. You can also visit the chapels of Saint-Clair and La Blonnière. Families can discover this rich heritage through leisurely strolls along the marked trails in the village center or along the banks of the Fier River , and enjoy the play and sports areas designed for young children, as well as teenagers and young adults, with dedicated spaces for each age group: zip line, climbing wall, exercise equipment, skate park, multi-sports court, and more.
On the banks of the Fier
At the entrance to the village, the current Saint-Clair bridge replaces the stone bridge built in 1828, which you can see a little further downstream. It spans the Fier River and marks the entrance to the Dingy Gorge. The Fier then becomes a rushing river, forcing its way through the rock towards Annecy. Upstream, you can easily reach the pebble beaches to enjoy the river's many pleasures : picnics, sunbathing, swimming, fly fishing, or even kayaking when the water level allows! Stroll along the newly developed path, accessible even with a stroller, search for mushrooms, or observe the flora and fauna of this protected natural area. Mountain bikers can also enjoy themselves by riding to the Morette bridge and returning via the cycle path on the left bank, completing a pleasant 20 km loop. Finally, a new fitness trail has just been created, featuring numerous wooden exercise stations as well as weight training equipment, so there's something for everyone!
A tour on the trails
From La Blonnière, you can hike a loop to reach the Tête du Parmelan and descend via the Col du Pertuis (1005 m elevation gain). The Parmelan karst plateau , with its limestone pavements, sinkholes, and caves, is a favorite spot for speleologists from all over France. The view from the summit is magnificent, offering a 360° panorama of the Annecy basin and the surrounding mountains, culminating in Mont Blanc.
In the land of white gold
To make a break
In a simple and welcoming setting, the Auberge du Marmiton invites you to discover traditional Savoyard dishes. You can also stop by for a drink after your walks.
Not to be missed
A curiosity of nature invites you to meet up in the evening at sunset facing Parmelan… Look closely at the cliff and you will see the number 51 appear. Strange but true!
A note of history
Dingy-Saint-Clair is famous for its section of Roman road, cut into the rock at the Dingy pass. On the right bank, near the bridge spanning the Fier, a commemorative inscription is embedded in the rock indicating, in translation: "Lucius Tincius Paculus made this crossing".
