22th June 2026

Calling all nature lovers and explorers! This summer, The Wood and Forest Ecomuseum Thônes takes a new step with the launch of its Forest SchoolThis exceptional site invites you to explore the forest like nowhere else.

Born from a collaborative approach initiated in 2019 by the Ecomuseum, in consultation with more than 30 local partners, this large-scale project redefines our relationship with the mountain forest. A 10-hectare open-air laboratory, this site has been conceived as a living space for learning, knowledge sharing, and raising awareness.

A wonderful new addition that enriches the local offering for experiencing the forest together!

An immersive experience up close to the trees

Located on a municipal plot managed by the ONF (National Forestry Office) right next to the Ecomuseum, the Forest School complements the traditional visit. Now, the experience is no longer limited to the spaces of the structure (with its 19th-century hydraulic sawmill, demonstrations, and carpentry workshops): it extends and is enriched directly under the trees.

This new space is structured around three fundamental pillars:

Environmental awareness and education

The website is a fantastic educational resource that offers concrete projects throughout the year:

  • The "Forestry Apprentices" program carried out with schools in the area (such as the Vacherie school in Thônes).
  • Citizen science projects with Phenoclim to closely follow the rhythms of nature in the face of climate change.
  • The "Sylvafresque" animation, created with the ONF, for a sensitive and sensory approach to the forest.

An essential life-size learning ground for the Ecomuseum, which welcomes more than 15,000 schoolchildren each year out of its 20,000 total visitors!

Forest management and adaptation to climate change

The Forest School serves as a concrete testing ground for addressing current climate challenges:

  • BioClimSol tool: Deployed with CNPF technicians to assess the bioclimatic vigilance of trees (70% of the local forest being private).
  • Essences of the future: Participatory plantings and enrichment tests of new forest species adapted to the future climate are being carried out there with the ONF.
  • "Enclosure-Exclusion" system: This specific arrangement measures the real impact of deer on the natural regeneration of the forest, in consultation with the ONF, the ACCA of Thônes and the Federation of Hunters of Haute-Savoie.

Vocational training and the forestry and wood sector

It is a place of practical learning where local sectors (the three professional MFRs in the area, including the MFR of Arclosan, and the CFMM) have been working concretely since 2022. Training sites, exams, sanitary cuts, management diagnoses or setting up camera traps for wildlife monitoring: young people train there in real conditions.

The educational trail

The central feature of this Forest School is a 1,4 km loop trail (100 meters elevation gain). Safe and well-maintained, it takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

This route was initially designed as an activity tool for groups and families. It's within the framework of the Ecomuseum's programming that you'll discover all its secrets! The route is structured around four main themes:

  • Birth Zone: The awakening of the seed and the natural renewal of the forest. This space includes a "Yog'tree" area, ideal for a sensory approach adapted to early childhood and school groups.
  • Balance Zone: A landscaped and "garden" space that illustrates the harmony between humans, biodiversity, and forestry. It houses an outdoor classroom, perfectly suited to primary and secondary school students.
  • Imbalance Zone: Equipped with a playful "Wheel of Misfortune", this stage interactively presents current issues, diseases and major climate challenges facing our forests.
  • Renaissance Zone: A space dedicated to contemplation and transmission, punctuated by "forest portraits" in the form of interviews with professionals in the industry.

Accessibility and preservation:

Thanks to its width of 1,20 m, the path is accessible to Quadrix (specific all-terrain wheelchairs for people with disabilities) in partnership with the LIVE association.

Please note: it is essential to contact the Ecomuseum in advance to best organize your visit.

To prevent erosion and preserve the soil, the route is strictly prohibited to mountain bikes.

The major events of the 2026 season

Heritage Day of Rural Areas & Mills – Sunday, June 28, 2026

A festive day perfect for a sneak preview of the brand new Forest-School trail!

  • You’ll find here: Guided walks to discover the fauna and flora (departures at 10:30, 14:30, 16:15), craft demonstrations of chainsaw carving, basketry, wood turning and wild cooking.
  • Lunchtime (12pm-14pm): A friendly picnic and concert with the band Mountain Folk (Prices: €15 adult / €6 child) Booking required).
  • Convenience : Free shuttle buses will run continuously from the CFMM (11:30am-12:30pm and 13:30pm-18pm).

"Along the Woods" Biennial / The Forest in Celebration – From October 16 to 18, 2026

This major, unmissable weekend, held every two years, will mark the Official Inauguration of the Forest School. All activities are free (on registration)!

  • Friday October 16: Immersive and sound-based show "The Georgia Creek Forest" (Espace Cœur des Vallées, 8 p.m., ages 20 and up) and "Forest Readings" with lumberjack-author Mathias Bonneau.
  • Saturday, October 17 (The Forest-School Festival!): Free-roaming workshops along the trail from 14pm to 17:30pm for the whole family: musical tree climbing (The Tree of Sounds), lyrical hike in the forest with a tenor, drawing workshops, meeting with donkeys, introduction to nature photography and introduction to carpentry for children.
  • Sunday October 18: Logging demonstrations at 9 a.m., followed by the official Inauguration Ceremony of the School Forest at 11 a.m., accompanied by the sound of the alphorn. At 14 p.m., enjoy a themed walk about the forest and natural hazards, led by an ONF (National Forestry Office) agent.
  • In-depth walks (Ages 10 and up): "The forest facing climate change and the Bioclimsol tool" with the CNPF (Tuesday 21/10) and "The forest and wildlife" with the ONF, the ACCA and the Federation of Hunters (Friday 24/10).

Weekly summer meetings (July & August)

Each week, the Ecomuseum offers activities suitable for all ages.

  • Guided tours of the hydraulic sawmill (Ages 3 and up) A lively and interactive visit with a sawing demonstration. Powered by water, the wheels, belts and gears come to life to reveal the secrets of a 19th century sawmill.
    • when: From Monday to Friday (departures at 10:45, 14:45 and 16:15) and Sunday (14:45 and 16:15). Ticket office opens 15 minutes before departure.
    • Prices: Adult: €7 | Youth (under 18): €5 | Under 6: Free. Booking is recommended.
  • Tuesday: Nature & Discovery for Families
    • Morning (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) | Nature Workshops (Ages 3 and up): Play, create and experience nature together through changing weekly themes (The Tree and the Forest, The Animals of the Forest, The Pond and the Stream). Single price: €6 (registration required).
    • Afternoon (16:15 pm – 17:30 pm) | Forest Discovery Activity (Ages 3 and up): A fun trail to explore the fauna and flora of our mountains. Single price: 4€.
    • The great deal "Nature & Culture Combo": Combine the 14:45pm sawmill visit with the 16:15pm nature activity! Combined prices: Adult €11 / Youth €9.
  • Wednesday: Carpentry, Big Challenges & Evening Sessions
    • Morning (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) | Carpentry Workshops (Ages 6 and up): A practical introduction where children make and personalise a useful wooden object (small mill, pencil holder, photo easel). Price: Child €6 / Accompanying person free (registration required).
    • Afternoon (13:15 pm – 14:45 pm) | The Sawyer's Challenges (Ages 6+): Lucien the sawyer has hidden the key to his sawmill! Take on his challenges as a family. Prices: Adult €7 / Youth €5. (Combined Carpentry + Challenges option available at €11 per child / €7 per adult with picnic possible on site).
    • "Sharing the Forest" event (14:00 PM – 17:00 PM | Ages 6 and up): Meet and enjoy spectacular logging demonstrations with professionals. FREE activity as part of the Forest-School project (Wednesdays, July 29 and August 12).
    • Evening (8:00 PM – 20:00 PM) | Nighttime event “Great Evening in the Woods” (Ages 23 and up): An easy walk to listen to and recognize the nocturnal fauna (owls, bats) of the Tournette massif. Prices: Adult €8 / Youth €6 (Wednesdays July 29 and August 5. Lamps and walking shoes required).
  • Thursday: The flagship activity of the Forest School
    • Afternoon (14:30 pm – 16:30 pm) | Forest Walk (Ages 6 and up): A magnificent 2-hour guided immersion in the heart of the Forest School, exploring all the secrets of the mountain forest and its biodiversity in a fun, sensory, and participatory way. Single price: €6 (Booking strongly recommended).
    • Focus on… Discovering the Beauregard Plateau (Thursday, July 23rd, from 14pm to 17pm): Don't miss this unique event at Chalet Lachat! The young people from "Camp Nature" (in partnership with the Thônes Youth and Leisure Center) will welcome you to their interactive stands to raise awareness about the biodiversity of this protected Natura 2000 area. Free event, site access only on foot. A fantastic eco-citizen initiative!

Focus on the "Sawyer Challenges" (summer combined package)

Please note, this flagship event will not be offered every week! It will take place only on 4 exclusive dates: July 15 and 22, as well as August 19 and 26.

  • The program for the 4 dates: Woodworking workshops in the morning (10:00 am – 12:00 pm) to make your own object, followed in the afternoon (13:15 pm – 14:45 pm) by the activity The Sawyer's Challenges (Lucien the sawyer has hidden the key to his sawmill! Take on his challenges as a family. From age 6).
  • Combined package prices: Child €11 / Adult €7 (Picnic possible on site between the two activities).

Practical information and reservations

Places are limited for all these activities. Remember to book your slots!

  • Ecomuseum of Wood and Forest: +33 4 50 32 18 10 – info@ecomuseedubois.com