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 around 650 m, Thônes is the ideal base camp to radiate towards Annecy 20 minutes drive, and the Aravis resorts just 10 minutes away. A true beating heart in the hollow of the mountains, Thônes benefits from a historical and natural heritage which makes 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 commune loaded with history, religious heritage littering the territory but also traditions and customs of its inhabitants over the centuries. During your walks, you will discover the city center and its arcaded houses, Saint-Maurice church and its baroque altarpiece, Place Avet and its statue, the old bridges, ovens, fountains, chapels and oratories…
Benefiting from the “Family Plus” label, Thônes does everything possible 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 inseparable from agriculture. Even if today this activity is overtaken by tourism and industry, it remains emblematic of the city thanks to its ancestral cheese, Reblochon, and its other AOP, Chevrotin des Aravis. You will be able to visit a of our farms open to the public to discover 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 city center of Thônes. A marked 2-hour route takes you to discover the Round Table and the King of the Mountain, a spruce tree that is more than a century old. You will learn its full history once you are there.
The Road to Calvary is another route, relatively short (1 hour) but steep, which starts from the bus station. Walking from cross to cross, you will first discover the Calvary chapel then the belvedere before going back down through the forest.
The Roman Bridge Trail is a walk starting from the city center of Thônes. Lasting 2 hours, you can combine relaxation and heritage discovery by going to the Roman Bridge located on the border between the town of Thônes and Les Clefs, which is the end point of this route.
Remember to download the new app Trips in Aravis !
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 resorts less than a quarter of an hour by car from Thônes promises you wonderful moments in the snow with family or friends: downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or skiing... Shuttles leave from the bus station to Manigod Wednesdays and weekends as well as every day during school holidays. “Car + ski” operations are also set up for the Grand Bornand and La Clusaz from the bus station.
Want some powder far from the slopes? and new sensations? The Thônes guides offer you different activities including the famous full moon outings on cross-country skis. Thrills guaranteed!
To make a break
Many restaurants welcome you to help you discover multiple flavors... traditional local dishes to more exotic delicacies, your taste buds will definitely find what they are looking for! After strolling through the Thônes shops or when returning from walks, the city's terraces will allow you to enjoy a drink in this environment bustling with activities, both during the day and in the evening.
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 1312 the Saint-Maurice Fair which takes place every year at the end of September, is the oldest of all events in the valley. Purely agricultural at 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, many traders, craftsmen from here and elsewhere, a car exhibition and sale, a garage sale, various entertainment with honey and cheese competitions, parades of prize-winning animals, funfair and catering.
The Games Amuse Me Festival
All summer long, on Wednesdays from Games amuse me transform the city center of Thônes into a real giant playground. Young and old can come and have fun and take part in countless wooden games, strategy games, sports games, educational games, construction games, board games, etc. for free. Family moments of conviviality that are 100% fun!
Christmas in Thônes
The streets of downtown Thônes are decked out in Christmas colors. Come and stroll through the illuminated streets and discover local creators and producers while drinking a good 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, which earned it a place among the 1945 French cities awarded the Resistance medal in 18. Many maquis were organized from 1943 and Thônes experienced terrible days from February to August 1944 with the fighting at Glières and the bombing of the city. The Morette site, a highly symbolic and moving place National Necropolis with its 105 tombs, the Departmental Museum of the Haute-Savoie Resistance and the Departmental Memorial of the Deportation can be visited all year round, and offer an educational presentation of the events which led to the liberation of Haute-Savoie.
