Serraval is a rural mountain commune located between Thônes, Faverges and Annecy. Its name certainly comes from its geographical position since "Serra Vallis" means "valley lock". Its agricultural heritage is today represented at the House of Apple and Biscantin the Aravis ski resorts (Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, Le Grand-Bornand, La Clusaz and Manigod) not far away expand the range of activities on offer.
Between Tournette, Sulens and Mont Charvin
A village in the middle of pastures
The village still preserves its agricultural tradition today. The many orchards that had disappeared in the 60s have been brought back into the spotlight since the end of the XNUMXth century. As farmers began making cheese, the crops disappeared in favor of pastures. Serraval has many farms and is distinguished by the importance of its goatherds. Indeed, the steep mountain pastures such as that of Praz Dzeures, are more suitable for these goats! You can taste good cheeses there. During your walks in the different hamlets of the commune, you will discover the heritage of Serraval: 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 around 2 hours without any particular difficulty through the mountain pastures which offers you a beautiful view of Mont Charvin and Sulens (30 m elevation gain and 503 km).
For the more sporty, the superb loop around the Needle passing through the Col des Vorets and the Praz Dzeures, reveals spectacular landscapes characteristic of the limestone Pre-Alps and allows you to admire the Aiguille from all angles. Allow for the day and 1000 m of altitude difference. From Praz Dzeures, a path also takes you to La 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 Serraval winter hike is the climb to Sulens on touring skis from the Marais Pass. You will climb through a series of clearings and forest passages to the Bancs chalet from where you will reach the Lanches ridge before reaching the southwest antecipe of Sulens, the dome of “Petit Sulens”. Allow 3h30 of hiking and 940 m of elevation gain.
This hike can also be done at snowshoes on a somewhat different route. From the summit, you will enjoy a 360° view of all the surrounding mountains, Mont Charvin, Aravis, Mont-Blanc, Sulens ridge, Parmelan, Tournette and 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 two hours” walk from the Molloire car park, welcomes you from mid-June to the end of September for the night, or simply for a drink or a meal. On the way back down from the tip of Bajullaz or Tournette, you can relax in this green amphitheater with a breathtaking view of the Aravis and enjoy a delicious tartichèvre, the guardian's specialty!
not to miss
La house of the Apple and Biscantin is located in the main town opposite the church. Created by the association of the Orchards of the Thônes Valley, it presents through photos, videos, old objects, texts and educational animation everything related to the apple in the valley: terroir, culture, customs and traditions and of course the production of apple juice and biscantin. Without forgetting the Porcha… You don’t know it? Then come and visit this place quickly!
revelry
For 10 years now, Tous au Champ is the unmissable event of the month of June : a fabulous free, family-friendly music festival in the middle of the mountains. Rock music, non-stop from 18pm to midnight in a simple, friendly atmosphere and… 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.
