La Balme-de-Thuy is located 5 km downstream from Thônes at an altitude of 624 m on the right bank of the Plaine du Fier. Halfway between Annecy and La Clusaz, the Morette bridge, which spans the Fier, provides access to the centre of the village, grouped around its bell tower.
Under the Turpin Head
A village around its bell tower
At the foot of the Tête à Turpin cliff, the village comprises two main hamlets, Charvex and Salignon. Surrounded by abundant nature, its beautiful waterfalls cascade from the rock, framed by the forest, and can be admired from the road coming from Annecy . With the arrival of warmer weather, the herds return to the alpine pastures of the Dran valley (on the Glières plateau ) where the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges chapel stands.
On the banks of the Fier
La Balme-de-Thuy is one of the many gateways to the banks of the Fier River and its surrounding plain, currently being developed to allow you to discover all the beauty of this protected natural area. 12 km of trails are available for shared use by pedestrians, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, offering opportunities to enjoy the river while respecting local biodiversity. Picnics, family swimming, fly fishing… Come and enjoy the pleasures of the water!
A tour on the trails
The Cascades Trail is one of the must-do walks in La Balme-de-Thuy. This woodland route, used by the French Resistance during World War II, offers a pleasant 1.5-hour loop, leading you to discover streams and waterfalls, including the magnificent Morette waterfall. The Belle Inconnue waterfall, located on the other side of the Fier river and the main road, is reserved for canyoning enthusiasts , who can also descend the Morette waterfall.
For the more athletic, you can reach the Glières Plateau via the Ablon Valley (7.5 hours, 1510m elevation gain), but this route is reserved for experienced hikers as some sections are challenging. You'll discover beautiful limestone pavements and cliffs equipped for climbing. The GR96 long-distance hiking trail passes through La Balme-de-Thuy and offers another route to reach the Glières Plateau, which you can consider hiking around in 3 days (2125m total elevation gain).
Mountain bikers with or without electric assistance can also reach the Glières plateau from the village.
In the land of white gold
In winter, when conditions permit (avalanche risk), you can reach the Notre-Dame-des-Neiges chapel via a snowshoe hike starting from Nant Debout. Allow a full day for this 10 km route with 810 m of elevation gain. Remember that winter hikes are not without risk, and it is important to be well-informed and properly equipped. Don't hesitate to contact a mountain guide.
Less than 20 minutes away by car, the Aravis resorts – Saint-Jean-de-Sixt , Manigod , La Clusaz , Le Grand-Bornand – open their ski area and their many activities to you.
To make a break
The Notre-Dame-des-Neiges mountain refuge and restaurant is accessible only on foot. It welcomes hikers year-round on the Dran plain and the Glières plateau, not far from the chapel of the same name. In a wild and unspoiled natural setting, you can find shelter for the night, enjoy local cuisine, or have a drink during your many hikes. Reservations are recommended!
Not to be missed
La Balme-de-Thuy means a “rock shelter” or “cave” located in Thuy. You can indeed visit this famous rock shelter where a campsite has been reconstructed, allowing you to imagine how these early fishermen, gatherers, and bow hunters lived. This prehistoric site can be visited free of charge , but only by registration at the Thônes Cœur des Vallées tourist office during the summer season.
The Morette site is a major memorial for all those who wanted to “live free or die”. It includes the Glières National Necropolis , the Haute-Savoie Resistance Departmental Museum , which was very active in the region and particularly on the Glières plateau, as well as the Departmental Deportation Memorial.
A note of history
In 1793, 3000 peasants from the Thônes Valley, led by Marguerite Frichelet, revolted against the French revolutionary army, which wanted to regain the government of the Sardinian King, who had notably allowed the inhabitants the right to practice their religion. The main clashes of the “Thônes War” took place between La Balme and the Morette bridge. The unfortunate mountaineers succumbed to a more numerous and better-armed enemy.
