Situated between 574 m and 2 m above sea level, Thônes extends over a vast natural area, at the crossroads of the Val Sulens, Aravis and Fier plain valleys.
In the heart of the valleys
A base camp at the gates of Annecy and the Aravis
Located in the heart of the valleys at an altitude of approximately 650 meters, Thônes is the ideal base camp for exploring Annecy, a 20-minute drive away, and the Aravis ski resorts, just 10 minutes away. A true beating heart nestled in the mountains, Thônes boasts a rich historical and natural heritage, making it an unmissable destination for green, sporting, and cultural tourism.
Thônes has a remarkable natural heritage due to its geographical location. This green setting is the ideal place for practicing countless outdoor sports and activities. Summer and winter, many activities await you!
Thônes is also a town steeped in history, with religious heritage scattered throughout the area, as well as the traditions and customs of its inhabitants over the centuries. As you stroll through the town, you will discover the town center with its arcaded houses , the Church of Saint-Maurice and its Baroque altarpiece , the Place Avet and its statue, the old bridges, ovens, fountains, chapels, and oratories…
Benefiting from the “Famille Plus” label , Thônes makes every effort to allow families to have an unforgettable stay thanks to numerous shows, activities and entertainment for everyone throughout the year.
World capital of Reblochon
Thônes is inextricably linked to agriculture. Even though today this activity is overtaken by tourism and industry, it remains emblematic of the town thanks to its traditional cheese, Reblochon, and its other PDO cheese, Chevrotin des Aravis . You can visit one of our farms open to the public to discover a know-how passed down through generations.
A tour on the trails a stone's throw from the city center
Many trails crisscross the forests and mountains around Thônes.
The famous Mont forest can be explored on foot or by mountain bike from the center of Thônes. A marked 2.5-hour trail leads you to discover the Round Table and the King of the Mont , a spruce tree over a hundred years old. You'll learn its full story once you're there.
The Calvary Path is another relatively short (1 hour) but steep route that starts from the bus station. Walking from cross to cross, you will first discover the Calvary Chapel and then the viewpoint before descending through the forest.
The Roman Bridge Trail is a walk starting from the center of Thônes. Lasting approximately 2 hours, it allows you to combine relaxation and heritage discovery as you walk to the Roman Bridge located on the border between the towns of Thônes and Les Clefs, which is the endpoint of this route.
Don't forget to download the new Aravis Getaways app!
In the land of white gold
The Mont forest can also be explored in winter, with snowshoes on your feet. Beautiful walks in the snowy forest await you!
The proximity of the ski resorts, less than a 15-minute drive from Thônes, promises wonderful moments in the snow with family or friends: downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or ski touring… Shuttle buses depart from the bus station to Manigod on Wednesdays and weekends, as well as every day during school holidays. "Bus + ski" packages are also available to Le Grand-Bornand and La Clusaz from the bus station.
Craving powder snow off the beaten track and new thrills? The guides of Thônes offer a variety of activities, including the famous full moon ski touring excursions. Guaranteed excitement!
To make a break
Numerous restaurants welcome you to discover a multitude of flavors… From traditional local dishes to more exotic cuisine , your taste buds are sure to find something to delight them! After strolling through the shops of Thônes or returning from walks, the town's terraces offer the perfect spot to enjoy a drink in this lively atmosphere, bustling with activity both day and night.
Not to be missed
To discover the richness of the valley's heritage, don't miss:
- The Manor of La Tour which welcomed Jean-Jacques Rousseau in July 1730, the origin of “The Cherry Idyll”, a famous passage from the Confessions. In addition to presenting the places where Jean-Jacques Rousseau stopped off, the visit allows you to learn more about the philosopher's thinking transposed into our contemporary context. A multimedia room projects more general documents on Savoy.
- Le Heritage Museum of the Pays de Thônes – Founders: François and Lucien Cochat which traces the history of the valley from its origins, its geology, its fauna, its activities, its customs and its folklore. An approach that is both fun and interactive that will please young and old alike.
- The Wood and Forest Ecomuseum, installed on the site of the former Etouvières sawmill, presents mountain woodworking from yesterday to today, as well as the natural heritage of the forest ecosystem in a highly interactive way. An authentic journey back in time when sawmills operated using water power.
revelry
Many festivities bring the town of Thônes to life throughout the year, including:
The Saint-Maurice Fair in Thônes
Created in 1312, the Saint-Maurice Fair, which takes place every year at the end of September, is the oldest of all the events in the valley. Purely agricultural in its beginnings, the fair has developed and diversified over the years to become a large festive gathering bringing together the agricultural world with its animals and machinery, numerous traders, artisans from here and elsewhere, a car exhibition and sale, a flea market, various activities including honey and cheese competitions, parades of prize-winning animals, a funfair and food.
The Games Amuse Me Festival
All summer long, the " Games to Amuse" Wednesdays transform the town center of Thônes into a giant playground. Children and adults alike can come and have fun and participate for free in countless wooden games, strategy games, sports games, educational games, construction games, board games… 100% fun family moments of conviviality!
Christmas in Thônes
The streets of downtown Thônes are decked out in Christmas colors. Come stroll through the illuminated streets and discover local artisans and producers while enjoying a delicious glass of mulled wine. A magical moment for the whole family!
A page of history
The Thônes Valley played a major role in the resistance against the Germans during the Second World War, earning it a place among the 18 French towns awarded the Resistance Medal in 1945. Numerous maquis groups were organized from 1943 onwards, and Thônes experienced terrible days from February to August 1944 with the battles of Glières and the bombing of the town. The Morette site , a highly symbolic and moving place, includes the National Necropolis with its 105 graves, the Haute-Savoie Departmental Museum of the Resistance, and the Departmental Deportation Memorial, all open to visitors year-round and offering an educational presentation of the events that led to the liberation of Haute-Savoie.
