Serraval is a rural mountain village located between Thônes, Faverges, and Annecy . Its name likely derives from its geographical position, as "Serra Vallis" means "lock of the valley." Its agricultural heritage is showcased today at the Maison de la Pomme et du Biscantin (House of Apples and Biscantin Cheese ). The nearby Aravis ski resorts (Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, Le Grand-Bornand, La Clusaz, and Manigod) further expand the range of activities available.
Between Tournette, Sulens and Mont Charvin
A village in the middle of pastures
The village still maintains its agricultural traditions today. The numerous orchards that disappeared in the 1960s have been revived since the end of the 20th century. With farmers taking up cheesemaking, crops gave way to pastures. Serraval has many farms and is distinguished by its significant goat herding population. Indeed, the steep alpine pastures, such as Praz Dzeures , are better suited to these goats! You can taste delicious cheeses there. During your walks through the various hamlets of the commune, you will discover Serraval's heritage: its chapels, oratories and numerous crosses, its old bread ovens…
A tour on the trails
The Sappey circuit starting from the hamlet of La Sauffaz is a family loop of about 2h30 without any particular difficulty through the alpine pastures which offers you a beautiful view of Mont Charvin and Sulens (503 m elevation gain and 5,3 km).
For the more athletic, the superb loop around the Aiguille, passing through the Col des Vorets and Praz Dzeures, reveals spectacular landscapes characteristic of the limestone Prealps and allows you to admire the Aiguille from all angles. Allow a full day and 1000 meters of elevation gain. From Praz Dzeures, a path also leads to the Tournette.
The Serraval trails of course allow you to reach Sulens. However, this route is the longest to reach the summit, passing through the Mont and the mountain pastures. You can also travel it by mountain bike or electric mountain bike.
In the land of white gold
The classic winter hike in Serraval is the ascent to Sulens on touring skis from the Col du Marais . You'll climb through a series of clearings and forest sections to the Chalet des Bancs, from where you'll reach the Lanches ridge before arriving at the southwest sub-summit of Sulens, the dome of "Petit Sulens". Allow 3.5 hours for the hike and 940 meters of elevation gain.
This hike can also be done on snowshoes along a slightly different route. From the summit, you will enjoy a 360° view of all the surrounding mountains: Mont Charvin, Aravis, Mont Blanc, the Sulens ridge, Parmelan, Tournette and the Bauges mountains.
Remember that winter activities present risks and that it is imperative to go out informed about snow conditions and equipped. Do not hesitate to call on a mountain professional to accompany you.
To make a break
The Praz Dzeures refuge, which, as its name suggests, is located "in a meadow about a two-hour walk" from the Molloire parking area, welcomes you from mid-June to the end of September for the night, or simply for a drink or a meal. On your way down from the Pointe de la Bajullaz or the Tournette , you can rest in this verdant amphitheater with breathtaking views of the Aravis mountain range and enjoy a delicious tartichèvre, the warden's specialty!
not to miss
The Apple and Biscantin House is located in the main village, opposite the church. Created by the Thônes Valley Orchards Association , it showcases everything related to apples in the valley through photos, videos, antique objects, texts, and educational activities: terroir, culture, customs and traditions, and of course, the making of apple juice and Biscantin. And don't forget the Porcha… Never heard of it? Then come and visit this place soon!
revelry
For the past 10 years, Tous au Champ has been the unmissable event of June : a fabulous free, family-friendly music festival in the heart of the mountains. Non-stop rock music from 18 pm to midnight in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere… in a field!
A note of history
The construction of a beautiful stone viaduct with 7 arches for a total length of 96 m was completed in 1896. Spanning the Monthoux stream, its semi-circular shape facilitated the transport of wood. This beautiful structure was destroyed by explosives in 1986 under the emotional gaze of 500 people.
