April 23, 2026
Ah, picnics! A simple pleasure, synonymous with conviviality, nature, and delicious food. And what better place to indulge than Thônes Cœur des Vallées, with its magnificent landscapes and delicious local produce?
Prepare your basket with some good fresh bread, a bottle of Biscantin to quench your thirst (in moderation!), a piece of Reblochon Fermier or Chevrotin AOP, some Savoie charcuterie, a few rissoles for dessert... and follow us! We'll reveal our favorite places for a memorable lunch.
Along the water: a refreshing break 💦
💦Along the Fier: this river offers accessible banks in places. Find a flat spot, in the shade of a tree, and enjoy the coolness and the bucolic setting (beware of rising waters, do not get too close).
💦The Roman Bridge at Les Clefs: You can either access the Roman bridge via the dedicated path starting from the town center of Thônes (information at the Tourist Office) or go there directly by car (parking on site). Located by the river, the shaded spot is ideal during heatwaves. A barbecue is available on site.
Easily accessible by car 🚗
🚗Opt for dedicated areas: several villages in Thônes Cœur des Vallées (Thônes, Dingy-Saint-Clair, La Balme-de-Thuy, Serraval, etc.) have picnic areas, often equipped with tables, benches, and a water point easily accessible by car.
The call of hiking: picnic in the great outdoors ⛰️
For walkers, the picnic is often the reward!
⛰️Viewpoints on the trail: many hikes offer viewpoints (benches) or natural (flat rocks) perfect for a snack break with a panoramic view. Check here our hiking ideas in the Thônes Heart of the Valleys area.
A touch of history: picnic and heritage 🏛️
Combine taste bud pleasure and discovery:
🏛️The Apple and Biscantin House: Every afternoon from Monday to Friday, from 15 p.m. to 18 p.m., come discover the natural heritage and the Biscantin region at the Apple House in Serraval. A shaded picnic area is located nearby, ideal for relaxing after your visit.
🏛️The Glières Plateau: This Resistance hotspot is also a vast, unspoiled natural space. Explore the area with a cultural mediator from the Mémoire du Maquis site and find a quiet spot (outside the immediate memorial sites and respecting regulations) for a picnic steeped in history and nature.
🏛️The Wood and Forest Ecomuseum: enjoy a refreshing break by the river after visiting the Ecomuseum.
🏛️L'Abri sous Roche: a former archaeological excavation site where traces of prehistoric human presence have been discovered, dating back 10 years. Activities are organized during the months of July and August on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Consult the agenda.
Our tips for a successful picnic in Thônes Cœur des Vallées 🧺
- Fill your local basket! Visit the Thônes market (Saturday mornings), local producers, bakeries, cooperatives, and dairy shops for fresh, authentic products.
- Respect nature: take away ALL your rubbish, do not disturb wildlife and livestock, stay on the trails, do not pick wildflowers.
- Beware of fire: Fires are prohibited in the wilderness, especially in summer. Check current regulations.
- Check access: Some sites may be on private property or active mountain pastures. Obey the signs.
- Adapt to the weather: The weather can change quickly in the mountains. Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and more.
Need advice, a map, or hiking ideas to find the perfect spot? Come see us at the Thônes Cœur des Vallées Tourist Office!
