Among the most beautiful resorts in the French Alps, Le Grand-Bornand, a great ski village in winter and an unmissable mountain destination in summer, cultivates the charm of its two-hundred-year-old chalets combined with the modernity of a resort with an envied event dynamic and the avant-garde of a new arty chic.
In Le Grand-Bornand, we (re)find time…
Both an authentic village…
Between Lakes Annecy and Geneva, Switzerland and Mont Blanc, in the heart of Haute-Savoie, Le Grand-Bornand is one of the most easily accessible French resorts whatever the season, whether you come by car, train or plane. An authentic village living year-round well before becoming one of the first tourist resorts in the French mountains, Le Grand-Bornand combines the advantages: the pleasure of being together and finding time again, but also a land of leisure and unlimited discoveries.
…and a station with international influence
With a preserved environment and the first production site of the famous reblochon farmer, Le Grand-Bornand thus maintains an art of living that combines tradition and a pioneering spirit. Its 400 two-hundred-year-old chalets sit alongside leisure facilities worthy of the largest resorts. Freestyle culture is nourished by a very lively agro-pastoral tradition and the farms that are passed down from father to son now sit alongside the coziest addresses.
Two altitudes, two atmospheres… one station
At the foot of the Aravis mountain range, which makes up one of the most beautiful landscapes in the French mountains, Le Grand-Bornand is presented in the form of two villages:
Le Grand-Bornand Village – alt. 1000m
It is the main town, the real heart of the resort, at the junction of the Bouchet and Chinaillon valleys, front door to the ski area via the Rosay and Joyère cable cars. The historic center of Grand-Bornand, the old quarter crowds at the foot of its church with its emblematic onion-shaped bell tower, against the backdrop of the Aravis mountain range, and is home to artists' studios and all the shops, hotels and restaurants dotted around its small squares.
Le Grand-Bornand Chinaillon – alt. 1300m
The "new" resort, born in the mountain pastures with the advent of leisure skiing in the 50s. Practical, with its snow fronts - Charmieux, Floria, Mulaterie - serving its different sectors, Le Grand-Bornand Chinaillon lines up very comfortable tourist residences, all shops and other accommodation and services along the road from col de la Colombière, on a balcony overlooking Mount Lachat. Paradoxically, you can admire some of the most beautiful groups of century-old chalets in the resort: Vieux Chinaillon, the hamlets of Bouts and Cuillery…
6 km apart by road, Le Grand-Bornand Village and Le Grand-Bornand Chinaillon are one and the same resort, Le Grand-Bornand, linked by bus and by a dual-entry ski area.
Bohemian Mountain
Le Grand-Bornand cultivates the art of thinking outside the box. Alternative and full of audacity(ies), it is an invitation for hipsters of all stripes to go green… unless you prefer winter time!
The secrets of farmhouse reblochon cheese revealed
First agricultural commune of Haute-Savoie with around forty farms producing reblochon farmer, Le Grand-Bornand opens its doors to the public every week. The opportunity to discover, in situ, the different stages of production, from milking the cows to maturing in the cellar, and to savor the creamy round cheese alongside passionate producers.
Artists to make the heart of the station vibrate
A land of inspiration, the resort is home to many artists and craftsmen in the setting of some of the oldest buildings in the village: potters, saddler, retro café, cabinetmaker, upholsterer… a visit is a must, to discover professions often closely linked to life in the mountains.
Art takes to the air!
Unique in the world, evolving, arty and offbeat as possible, the Cow Art Trail allows skiers (and hikers!) to appreciate the hundreds of works – paintings and sculptures – offering a new vision of the “star” ruminant of Grand-Bornand… when the “Grandborama” project tells 100 years of the resort’s history through the 55 cable cars of the Rosay line.
We get wet in the summer…
Feet in the water, head in the mountains… the 12 m² of the aqua-recreational center from Grand-Bornand, in a green setting just a stone's throw from the heart of the village, allow you to cool off all summer long while enjoying its fun facilities: fountains, bubble benches, slide... unless you prefer the simple pleasure of a walk along the shaded banks of the Borne with its crystal-clear and refreshing waters.
…and we take out the skates in winter!
On the balcony overlooking Le Grand-Bornand Village and neighboring the Sylvie Becaert international biathlon stadium, The ice rink and its 800 m² covered hall complete the resort's leisure offering. Ice garden for apprentice skaters or ice dance floor for DJ evenings… there’s no age limit for playing the king of skating!
Mountain adventurer
For rebellious spirits, Le Grand-Bornand offers a sports field where you can play without limits. Between sky and earth, something to let your adventurous nature express itself…
Skiing to see all the colors!
With 86 km of alpine ski slopes including 16 green, 13 blue, 16 red and 4 black, Le Grand-Bornand has something to satisfy lovers of contemplative skiing as well as fans of sporty skiing, all levels finding interest in its open and sunny ski area following the slopes of Mont Lachat.
Ski touring… in the skin
In addition to his free practice – within the limits of safety conditions specific to any practice in natural environment – it is possible to try your hand at cross-country skiing hiking at the whim of the three secure routes set up along the alpine ski slopes.
At the mountain school, with the Compagnie des Guides des Aravis…
Outdoor activities, treks or getting close to the impressive alpine fauna (ibex, chamois, etc.), the Compagnie des Guides des Aravis offers a wide range of mountain discovery activities, departing from Le Grand-Bornand.
Aiming right, testing the biathlon
French Channel headquarters biathlon world cup, Le Grand-Bornand offers introductory sessions… winter and summer. The principle remains the same: target shooting at 10 m using an air rifle, racing and relay in the spectacular setting of the Bouchet valley or the Sylvie Becaert international stadium, in the heart of the resort.
Let's set sail!
World reference spot for the practice of paragliding, Le Grand-Bornand is ideal for tandem flight initiations provided by state-certified instructors, all experts and enthusiasts... another sensational way to get off the ground!
Epicurean mountain
Attention epicureans, Le Grand-Bornand vibrates with a new arty chic blending traditions and pioneering spirit, to be savored during a retreat conducive to letting go among initiates.
Sunset Skiing
Le Grand-Bornand offers a unique opportunity to extend the pleasure of skiing by one hour, every Saturday from mid-January to the end of March, as well as every evening during the winter holidays. All at no extra charge.
Very good mention… to be
Fitness areas, swimming pools and spas integrated into luxury accommodation – some of which are even open to outside customers – and other certified organic beauty salons go hand in hand with the cocooning spirit specific to the resort.
Namaste!
Whether in Indian philosophy mode, Asanas and Pranayamas taught in the setting of a former grand hotel, or taking advantage of the natural environment of the resort, yoga is practiced there in all seasons, alongside young professionals who are masters in the art of this beneficial discipline for the body and mind.
And it swings…
When summer comes, the northern plain of the Bouchet valley rolls out the green carpet, to transform into a 9-hole golf course approved by the French Golf Federation and holder of the Club Golfy label. An ideal setting to learn or improve your game, between spruce groves, a small stream and century-old chalets...
We are having a great time!
With the famous reblochon farmer and the bescoin, a small aniseed bread celebrated during the patronal feast of August 15 for emblems, Le Grand-Bornand is full of gastronomic specialties to discover in its many restaurants and food shops, proud to offer the whole range of local products in short circuits...
Entertainment and events: things are happening here!
From the French sleeve of Biathlon World Cup Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand at the Au Bonheur des Mômes festival, passing through the number 1 charity event in the French mountains Glisse en Cœur and the regular reception of the Tour de France, Le Grand-Bornand shines with its ability to unite around events with international impact.
Biathlon World Cup Annecy-Le Grand-Bornand
Chosen land of the French leg of the major world biathlon event
The Monaco of biathlon
Slide in Heart
The number 1 charity event in the French mountains
Skiing for a lifetime, what a great challenge!
To the Happiness of Kids
The European meeting place for live shows for young audiences
Children's Avignon
An après-ski that plays the card of experiences to be had
Torchlight descents, DJ evenings and concerts, sports initiations, themed welcome drinks, artistic performances and other children's booms: Le Grand-Bornand has created a programme of activities with high experiential added value in an open-air "club" spirit promoting local customs and conviviality.
