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Destination guide

La Clusaz, by a local

The complete guide to make the most of your stay in the heart of the Aravis — written by our local team.

You're arriving in a true Savoyard village, just 30 minutes from Annecy. La Clusaz is nothing like Megève or Courchevel: it's an authentic village-resort, alive year-round, predominantly French and family-friendly. Birthplace of Reblochon AOP (the neighbouring Bornand valley is the cheese's origin), surrounded by the majestic Aravis massif and Mont Blanc as backdrop from the Col des Aravis, La Clusaz offers a more intimate experience than the big resorts. But it's also a mid-altitude resort (1,100 m) where snow isn't always guaranteed, where you need to know how to avoid French school holidays, and where the best addresses are passed between regulars. This guide gives you the right reflexes, the best addresses, and the little secrets locals usually keep for themselves.

View of La Clusaz and the Aravis range at golden hour
Chapter 01

The unmissable sights

Place de l'Église and the village heart

La Clusaz's true nerve centre, around the Sainte-Foy church (1900), rebuilt after the 1842 fire. Preserved Savoyard architecture, fountain, sunny terraces, Monday morning market in season. A stone's throw away, rue de la Liberté and rue du Bouchet concentrate the shops, cheesemongers and cafés. This is where the village breathes year-round — not just in ski season. Unlike Megève or Courchevel, the spirit stays authentic, family-friendly, far from bling. A coffee on a terrace facing the bell tower at sunrise: the best way to start your stay.

Plateau de Beauregard (1,690 m)

Cable car from Champ Giguet (the main snow front). In 8 minutes you reach an exceptional panoramic plateau: sweeping views over the Aravis range, Mont Charvin and, on clear days, Mont Blanc. Mountain restaurants, marked hiking trails in summer, snowshoe walks in winter, the most beautiful cross-country ski loops in the Aravis. The cable car also runs in shoulder seasons — perfect for a July picnic or a sunset without crowds.

Col des Aravis (1,486 m)

10 minutes by car from the village, the mythical pass between the Thônes valley and the Megève valley. The Mont Blanc view here is one of the most iconic in the French Alps — this is where postcard photos are taken. 17th-century Sainte-Anne chapel, summer pastures, Abondance and Tarine cows grazing in alpage. Several mountain restaurants at the pass, including Le Brise-Bise. A must-see at sunset in summer. In winter, the starting point for beautiful snowshoe hikes.

L'Aiguille (2,752 m), the emblematic summit

The roof of the Aravis massif, recognisable by its sharp silhouette towering over the valley. Inaccessible to regular hikers (climbing and alpinism only), but omnipresent in the landscape. The best viewpoint is from the Combe de Balme chairlift or the Beauregard plateau. In winter, it forms the backdrop of the ski area and the off-piste terrain for experienced skiers. A silhouette that defines La Clusaz's visual identity, best photographed at sunrise.

Lac des Confins

5 minutes by car from the centre, in a magical sunken valley. In summer: swimming tolerated, paddle boarding, lake loop trail (45 min, all abilities), family playground. Exceptional setting with the Aravis reflected in the water. In winter, it's the kingdom of cross-country skiing — the most beautiful loops in the massif. Our secret favourite, still largely spared by crowds. Several alpine inns and a cheese farm along the way to taste farmhouse reblochon.

L'Étale (1,960 m) and its cable car

The emblematic skiable summit on the village side, reached by cable car then chairlift. 360° view of the Aravis massif, Mont Blanc and even the Beaufortain on clear days. In winter: all-piste skiing, technical red runs. In summer: starting point for hikes along the Étale ridge (3-4h) or downhill MTB. Summit restaurant for a panoramic lunch. Less touristy than Beauregard, more alpine, more wild.

The neighbouring village of Saint-Jean-de-Sixt

5 minutes by car, this rural village at the crossroads of the Thônes and Grand-Bornand valleys is more authentic and quieter than La Clusaz. Small church, Friday morning market (one of the area's best), family restaurants, barely touristy. Ideal for lunch or end of day away from school-holiday crowds. Also the starting point for beautiful hikes to Le Danay and the alpine pastures.

Chapter 02

The villages and hamlets of the area

La Clusaz and its neighbours form an area stretching across three valleys. Each district or hamlet has its own atmosphere and altitude.

  • Village centre (1,100 m)

    The epicentre around the Place de l'Église, rue de la Liberté and rue du Bouchet. Restaurants, bars, shops, Monday market. Very lively in season, quiet in shoulder seasons.

  • Champ Giguet

    The main snow front, departure point for the Beauregard cable car and shuttles. Ski-in vibe, ESF ski schools, equipment rental. 5 min walk from the centre.

  • Le Crêt du Loup

    Residential area on the heights, Crêt du Loup chairlift. Quieter, open view over the valley. Ideal for a family stay.

  • Le Bossonet

    Altitude hamlet at 1,200 m, direct ski-in ski-out, residences and chalets. Ideal for skiers wanting to avoid the car.

  • Les Confins (1,350 m)

    Magical valley 5 min by car, around the lake. Alpine inns, cross-country skiing, more rural and preserved. Our favourite area for authenticity.

  • Saint-Jean-de-Sixt (960 m)

    Neighbouring village 5 min away, more rural and affordable. Friday market, family restaurants. Strategic for visiting La Clusaz AND Le Grand-Bornand.

  • Manigod (1,100 m)

    Neighbouring valley, village-resort of the Col de la Croix Fry. More confidential vibe, several gastronomic tables (Le Vieux Chalet). Ideal in shoulder season.

  • Le Grand-Bornand (1,000 m)

    Neighbouring valley 10 min away, historic capital of Reblochon AOP. Listed village, more rural atmosphere, Wednesday market.

Chapter 03

The best things to do

  • Go up to Beauregard plateau by cable car

    8 minutes to reach 1,690 m, view over the Aravis and Mont Blanc. Restaurants, hikes, snowshoeing. Operates in shoulder season.

  • Visit Col des Aravis at sunset

    10 min by car, mythical Mont Blanc view. 17th-century chapel, alpine pastures, cheese farms. The absolute must-do.

  • Walk around Lac des Confins in summer

    Easy 45 min loop, swimming, paddle boarding, picnic. Still preserved, barely touristy.

  • Visit a Reblochon cooperative

    Maison du Reblochon in Le Grand-Bornand or GAEC du Soyat in Manigod. Cheesemaking demonstration, tasting, cow visit.

  • Tandem paragliding from Manigod

    Take-off from Col de la Croix Fry or La Tulle, 15-20 min flight facing Mont Blanc. €100-130.

  • Cross-country skiing at Les Confins

    The most beautiful loops in the Aravis massif, exceptional setting. Day pass €12, on-site rental.

  • Ski Cross World Cup (December)

    Annual World Cup leg in La Clusaz. Free spectacle, festive atmosphere.

  • Reblochon Festival (August)

    The great local celebration: demonstrations, tastings, costume parades, producer market. Not to be missed.

  • Day trip to Annecy

    30 min by car. Old town, lake, gastronomic restaurants. Perfect off-ski day.

Chapter 04

Our favourite walks

  • Lac des Confins loop

    45 min, almost flat, accessible to all. Exceptional setting, summer swimming. Our favourite family walk.

  • Beauregard plateau

    From the cable car top, several loops of 1h to 3h on the alpine pastures. Continuous Mont Blanc view, snowshoe-friendly in winter.

  • Saint-Eustache waterfall

    Short 1h30 round-trip hike from Saint-Jean-de-Sixt. Refreshing waterfall in undergrowth, ideal in heat.

  • Étale ridge

    3-4h from the cable car top. Altitude hike, 360° view. For experienced walkers.

  • Col des Annes (1,723 m)

    From Le Grand-Bornand, 2h walk, magnificent alpine pastures, altitude chapel. Exceptional viewpoint over the Pointe Percée.

  • Tête du Danay (1,731 m)

    From Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, 2h ascent, 360° panorama over the Aravis, Mont Blanc and Belledonne range. Less frequented.

  • Lac Bénit loop (Mont-Saxonnex)

    30 min by car, magical altitude lake surrounded by cliffs. 1h30 loop, picnic by the water.

  • Plateau des Glières

    30 min away, high place of the Resistance and altitude plateau. Easy hikes, moving memorial, alpine pastures.

Chapter 05

Haute-Savoie specialities to taste

  • Farmhouse Reblochon AOP

    Born in the neighbouring Grand-Bornand valley. Taste it farmhouse (green sticker), at room temperature. The local star.

  • Tartiflette

    Potatoes, lardons, onions, a whole reblochon melted on top. THIS is the dish's region of birth — the original is here.

  • Fondue savoyarde

    Beaufort + Comté + Emmental, Apremont wine. To share after skiing or hiking.

  • Raclette

    Half wheel of cheese, scraped onto steamed potatoes and local charcuterie. The cosy winter dish.

  • Diots de Savoie

    Savoyard sausages simmered in white wine and onions. Often served with creamy polenta or gratinated crozets.

  • Croziflette

    Tartiflette's cousin made with crozets (small buckwheat square pasta) instead of potatoes. Mountain speciality.

  • Farçon savoyard

    Grated potatoes, lardons, prunes and eggs slow-baked. An ancient peasant dish, rich and hearty.

  • Croûte aux morilles

    Toasted country bread with creamy morel sauce. The smart Savoyard bistro special.

  • Crème de Reblochon

    Local aperitif: creamy spread for bread, with garlic and reblochon. Surprisingly delicious.

  • Tome des Bauges AOP

    Another local cheese, more discreet than Reblochon but sublime. Uncooked pressed paste, natural rind.

  • Savoyard bugnes

    Traditional fritters, enjoyed in winter and at Carnival. Dusted with icing sugar.

  • Savoie wines

    Apremont, Roussette, Mondeuse. Crisp and mineral, perfect with melted cheese.

Chapter 06

Restaurants by mood and budget

Small budget (under €25)

  • La Crêperie du Manège

    Quality sweet and savoury crêpes, family atmosphere. Ideal for a quick lunch in the centre.

  • Le Pichet

    Quick and good snack, Savoyard boards, gourmet sandwiches. Handy between two runs.

  • Pizzeria du Saint-Antoine

    Honest wood-fired pizzas, lively terrace. For a no-fuss dinner.

  • Maxim's de La Clusaz

    Popular village-centre brasserie, simple and good cooking. Good plat du jour deal.

  • Pizzeria Vesuvio

    Decent pizzas, pasta, relaxed Italian vibe. Good family option.

Mid-range (€30-55)

  • Le Bistrot du Cure

    THE Savoyard institution of the village. Quality fondue, raclette, tartiflette in a warm atmosphere. Booking essential in season.

  • La Crémerie

    Traditional Savoyard cuisine, chalet atmosphere, warm welcome. A reliable choice.

  • Au Coq d'Or

    Centre institution, polished regional cooking, pleasant terrace. Good value for money.

  • La Vieille Ferme

    Raclette, fondue, braised meats in a real Savoyard barn. Authentic atmosphere.

  • L'Orée des Pistes

    At the foot of the slopes, Savoyard cuisine, south-facing terrace. Ideal for a ski-in lunch.

  • La Pomme Pinata

    Market cuisine, creative and fresh, changes with the chef's inspiration. Lovely alternative to melted cheese.

  • Maison de la Bornandine

    Local specialities including braised beef, family atmosphere, local terroir products.

  • La Brasserie du Loup

    Modern brasserie, bistronomic cuisine, fine wine list. For a more contemporary dinner.

Fine dining (€90+)

  • Le Symphonie (Hôtel Beauregard)

    One Michelin star, chef Christophe Mahé. Refined alpine cuisine, local products elevated, remarkable cellar. Book 1 month ahead in season.

  • La Scierie

    Gastronomic restaurant in the village centre, creative and inventive dishes, design setting. A more contemporary alternative to Le Symphonie.

  • Le Vieux Chalet (Manigod)

    One Michelin star in a real old alpine chalet 15 min by car. Reinterpreted traditional cuisine, exceptional view. Total change of scene.

World cuisine

  • Le Caribou

    Asian fusion cuisine, sushi, woks. A good alternative to Savoyard plates mid-stay.

  • L'Ours Brun

    International cuisine, aged meats, warm atmosphere. Good wine list.

  • Pizzeria Vesuvio

    Relaxed Italian cuisine, pizzas and pasta. Family-friendly.

Chapter 07

Cafés and pâtisseries

Bakeries and viennoiseries

  • Boulangerie Le Coureur

    The morning essential. Breads, butter viennoiseries, ski sandwiches. The best croissant in the village according to locals.

  • Pâtisserie Le Pâtissier de La Clusaz

    Fine pastries, homemade tarts, artisan chocolates. Tea room for an afternoon treat.

Cafés and tea rooms

  • Café de l'Église

    Terrace facing the Sainte-Foy church, decent coffee, village atmosphere. Ideal for a morning coffee in the sun.

  • Le 1949

    Centre bistro, coffee, wines by the glass, boards. Quiet vibe, perfect for a rainy afternoon.

Chapter 08

Great bars

  • Le Salto

    THE must-do mountain bar of the village. Savoyard boards, Rhône and Savoie wines, warm atmosphere. Cosy après-ski.

  • Le Sceau

    More mature cocktail and wine bar, mature après-ski atmosphere. Creative menu, hushed setting. Ideal for a dinner aperitif.

  • Le 1949

    Village-centre bistro, quiet vibe, wines by the glass, boards. For a calm early-evening drink.

  • L'Écurie

    The legendary après-ski directly on the slopes at the snow front. Wild atmosphere, loud music, DJ in season. The skiers' rendezvous.

  • Pub Le Pressoir

    British pub, craft beers, young international crowd, sports programming. To end the evening over a beer.

Chapter 09

Panoramic terraces

La Clusaz doesn't have urban « rooftops » — it's a village. But several mountain terraces offer exceptional panoramas over the Aravis massif and Mont Blanc.

  • Beauregard restaurant (1,690 m)

    At the cable car top, south-facing terrace looking at the Aravis range. Simple and tasty cooking, altitude lunch.

  • Le Brise-Bise (Col des Aravis)

    Mountain restaurant at the pass, mythical Mont Blanc view. Savoyard specialities, authentic atmosphere.

  • L'Orée des Pistes

    Terrace at the foot of the slopes, south-facing, looking at the area. Ideal for a ski-in lunch in winter.

  • Le Symphonie terrace (Hôtel Beauregard)

    Open view over the valley, Michelin-starred cuisine. For an exceptional gastronomic lunch.

  • Auberge des Confins

    By the lake, terrace with view of the Aravis. Alpine cuisine, farmhouse reblochon. Magical setting in summer.

Chapter 10

Nightlife

  • L'Écurie

    The legendary après-ski at the snow front. Live concerts in season, wild vibe from 5pm, extending to midnight.

  • Le Salto

    Wine bar with boards, more mature atmosphere, ideal for quietly ending the evening after dinner.

  • Le Sceau

    Cocktail bar, hushed atmosphere, DJ nights on some season evenings. Calmer crowd.

  • Le Box

    The village's only real nightclub. Open weekends in season (Friday and Saturday), festive ski-resort atmosphere.

  • Pub Le Pressoir

    British pub, craft beers, sports broadcasts, young crowd until 1am.

Good to know: La Clusaz nightlife stays village-scale — it's concentrated in après-ski and bars (Écurie, Salto, Sceau) rather than clubs. For proper club nights, head to Annecy (30 min) or Geneva (1h).

Chapter 11

Markets

  • La Clusaz market (Place de l'Église)

    Monday morning in season. Local producers, farmhouse reblochon, charcuterie, honey, Savoie wines. The locals' and holidaymakers' rendezvous.

  • Saint-Jean-de-Sixt market

    Friday morning. More rural and authentic, 5 min by car. The area's best for weekly groceries.

  • Le Grand-Bornand market

    Wednesday morning, 10 min away. At the heart of the Reblochon valley, direct producer sales, village atmosphere.

  • Christmas market (December)

    In the village centre, wooden chalets, mulled wine, crafts, lights. Magical atmosphere. Often coincides with the Ski Cross World Cup.

  • Reblochon Festival (August)

    Giant producer market, cheesemaking demonstrations, tastings, parade in traditional costumes. Not to be missed.

Chapter 12

Unique activities

  • Tandem paragliding from Manigod

    15-20 min flight from Col de la Croix Fry, valley landing. €100-130. Aravis and Mont Blanc view.

  • Husky sledding at Les Confins

    Husky team outing in the Confins valley. 1h or half day, magical in winter. Booking essential.

  • Visit a Reblochon cooperative

    Maison du Reblochon (Grand-Bornand) or GAEC du Soyat (Manigod). Cow visit, cheesemaking, tasting. From €5-8.

  • Spa at Au Cœur du Village

    Spa of the village's only 5-star hotel. Pool, hammam, sauna, massages. Open to non-guests by reservation.

  • Cross-country skiing at Les Confins

    The most beautiful loops in the Aravis massif, fairytale landscape. Day pass €12, skating and classic rental on site.

  • Ski Cross World Cup (December)

    Annual leg at La Clusaz. Free spectacle at the foot of the slopes, festive international atmosphere.

  • MTB bike park (summer)

    Several downhill trails from Beauregard, on-site rental. For all levels.

  • Off-piste skiing to L'Aiguille

    With a guide, committed descent for advanced skiers. Compagnie des Guides des Aravis.

  • Reblochon Festival (August)

    Demonstrations, parades, tastings, giant market. The village's great identity celebration.

  • Day trip to Annecy (30 min)

    Old town, lake, gastronomic restaurants. Perfect off-ski day.

Chapter 13

Outings by profile

As a couple

  • Sunset at Col des Aravis + dinner at Le Symphonie

    The full-on combo, Mont Blanc panorama then Michelin star.

  • Spa at Au Cœur du Village + dinner at Le Vieux Chalet (Manigod)

    For a timeless day, gastronomy and relaxation.

  • Lac des Confins walk at sunrise

    Magical setting, few people, memorable photos.

  • Tandem paragliding + dinner at Le Salto
  • Altitude lunch on the Beauregard plateau

With the family

  • Lac des Confins (summer)

    Swimming, paddle boarding, lake loop. Magical setting, accessible to all.

  • Beauregard plateau by cable car

    Views, alpine pastures, easy trails. Magical for snowshoeing with kids in winter.

  • Visit a Reblochon farm

    Milking demonstration, cheesemaking, tasting. Very educational for children.

  • Sledging on the green slopes

    Several sledging runs accessible from the centre. Rental at the snow front.

  • Husky sledding at Les Confins
  • Monday market at La Clusaz

    Producers, entertainment, festive atmosphere.

With friends

  • Wild après-ski at L'Écurie

    The skiers' rendezvous at the end of the day, guaranteed atmosphere.

  • Off-piste to L'Aiguille with a guide

    Compagnie des Guides des Aravis, committed descent for advanced skiers.

  • Reblochon Festival (August)

    Market, tastings, parades, evening concerts.

  • A night at Le Box (the only club)

    Friday or Saturday night in season. Festive ski-resort vibe.

  • Three-valley ski tour (Aravis Pass)

    La Clusaz + Manigod + Le Grand-Bornand in one day. The friends' challenge.

Chapter 14

Where to buy real souvenirs (not magnets)

  • Monday market (Place de l'Église)

    Farmhouse reblochon, alpine honey, charcuterie, Savoie wines — straight from local producers.

  • Maison du Reblochon (Le Grand-Bornand)

    10 min away, central hub of the Reblochon AOP industry. Direct sales, tastings, gift packs.

  • La Clusaz cheesemonger (centre)

    Selection of local cheeses aged on site: Reblochon, Beaufort, Tome des Bauges, Abondance. Expert advice.

  • Distillerie du Mont-Blanc

    Local artisan liqueurs and brandies, Savoie génépi. Tour and tasting available.

  • Snell des Aravis boutique

    Quality ski and mountaineering equipment. For a serious fleece or backpack.

  • Wood carving (village centre)

    Several traditional Savoyard sculpture workshops. Beautiful decorative pieces.

  • Opinel knives (resellers)

    The regional icon, available in souvenir shops or traditional hardware stores.

  • Boulangerie Le Coureur

    For special breads, gâteau de Savoie and AOP butter viennoiseries to take home.

Chapter 15

Local products to take home

  • Farmhouse Reblochon AOP

    The essential. Green sticker = farmhouse, red = dairy. Keep cold, vacuum-pack available.

  • Alpage Beaufort AOP

    Pressed paste from neighbouring alpine pastures, travels very well for weeks. Prefer summer (alpage) production.

  • Tome des Bauges AOP

    The other great local cheese, more discreet but sublime. Natural rind, tender paste.

  • Aravis génépi (liqueur)

    Distillerie du Mont-Blanc. Hold luggage only (high-strength alcohol).

  • Crème de Reblochon

    Local aperitif spread, surprisingly delicious. Keep refrigerated.

  • Aravis alpine honey

    Floral, rhododendron or fir. Hold luggage for the plane (liquid).

  • Savoie dry sausage

    Valley charcutiers. Perfect in carry-on.

  • Bottle of Apremont or Roussette

    Crisp and mineral Savoie wines. Hold luggage.

  • Opinel n°8 knife

    The regional icon. Hold luggage only.

  • Sucre d'orge or traditional sweets

    Village specialities. For children, travel anywhere.

Chapter 16

Getting around — practical tips

  • FREE Aravis Express bus

    Free shuttle linking La Clusaz, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt and Le Grand-Bornand in winter. Every 30 min. Very practical for exploring the three valleys without a car.

  • Intra-resort shuttles

    Several free shuttles serve the village neighbourhoods (Champ Giguet, Crêt du Loup, Les Confins). Every 15-30 min in season.

  • Aravis Pass ski lift pass

    Combined pass for La Clusaz + Manigod + Le Grand-Bornand + La Giettaz. 220 km of pistes total, excellent value.

  • Car

    Useful for Col des Aravis, Les Confins, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt and excursions (Annecy, Plateau des Glières). Village-centre parking paid in season.

  • From Geneva airport

    1h by car via motorway. Private shuttles Aravis Transport and Mountain Drop-Offs, €50-70/person.

  • From Annecy

    30 min by car via the D909. Regular Lihsa bus between Annecy and La Clusaz.

  • SNCF train

    No direct station at La Clusaz. Closest station: Annecy, then Lihsa bus or car (30 min). From Paris: TGV to Annecy in 3h45.

  • From Lyon

    1h30 by car via the A40 then A41 motorways. Saint-Exupéry airport also usable.

Chapter 17

Mistakes to avoid

  • Underestimating the resort

    50 km of pistes is small compared to the 3 Vallées, but the authentic atmosphere and the Aravis Pass (220 km combined) more than make up for it.

  • Booking Le Symphonie at the last minute

    One Michelin star, limited capacity. Book 1 month ahead in season, more for holidays and school breaks.

  • Confusing Le Grand-Bornand and La Clusaz

    Two neighbouring but different resorts: Le Grand-Bornand is more rural and family-oriented, La Clusaz more lively. Not the same village.

  • Coming without booking during French school holidays

    February and Christmas = saturated village, full restaurants, impossible parking. Book 2-3 months ahead.

  • Eating Savoyard every day

    Melted cheese = heavy daily digestion. Alternate with La Brasserie du Loup, La Pomme Pinata or world cuisine.

  • Underestimating the snow risk

    1,100 m altitude, warmer than high-altitude resorts. Check snow cover before going in December or March-April.

  • Parking in the centre in season

    Paid and saturated car parks. Use free outer car parks + shuttles.

  • Skipping the Col des Aravis

    It IS the panorama of the valley. Go at sunset, even 10 minutes are worth the detour.

Chapter 18

Insider tips from locals

  • Lac des Confins in spring

    May-June: melted snow, green alpine pastures, not a tourist. Even more magical setting than in summer. Picnic at the water's edge.

  • Friday evening in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt

    Much more authentic than La Clusaz. Market in the morning, family restaurants in the evening, village vibe.

  • Aravis Pass ski lift pass

    Combined La Clusaz + Manigod + Le Grand-Bornand + La Giettaz. 220 km, barely more expensive than a local pass. The ski deal.

  • Free Aravis Express bus

    Navigate between the three resorts without a car. Parking mandatory and paid in winter at La Clusaz, the bus is simpler.

  • Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October)

    Often magnificent weather, accommodation -40%, no crowds, restaurants open. La Clusaz's secret.

  • Reblochon Festival in August

    Market, tastings, costume parades, authentic and convivial atmosphere. Not to be missed if you're around.

  • Sunset at Col des Aravis

    Mont Blanc turning pink, alpine pastures, chapel, cows in alpage. The photographic experience of your stay.

  • Saint-Eustache waterfall in summer heat

    Short shaded family hike, refreshing. 5 min by car, little known.

  • Visit a reblochon farm (GAEC du Soyat in Manigod)

    More authentic than the Maison du Reblochon. A real working farm, educational visit, direct sales.

  • Closer to Annecy than to Chamonix

    30 min vs 1h. Combine La Clusaz (skiing/mountains) + Annecy (lake/gastronomy/old town) for the perfect stay.

Chapter 19

Suggested itineraries

Staying 1 day: La Clusaz express

  1. Morning
    Coffee at Boulangerie Le Coureur, then Beauregard cable car. 1h panoramic walk on the plateau, Aravis + Mont Blanc view.
  2. Lunch
    Ski-in lunch at L'Orée des Pistes or at the Beauregard restaurant for an altitude view.
  3. Afternoon
    Drive to Col des Aravis (10 min by car), Mont Blanc photo stop, alpine cheese farm.
  4. Late afternoon
    Après-ski at L'Écurie at the snow front or at Le Salto for a calmer vibe.
  5. Evening
    Savoyard dinner at Le Bistrot du Cure or La Crémerie, then drinks at Le Sceau or Le 1949.

Staying 2 days: La Clusaz + Reblochon valley

  1. Day 1
    See « 1 day » itinerary above.
  2. Day 2 — morning
    Visit a Reblochon cooperative: Maison du Reblochon at Le Grand-Bornand (10 min) or GAEC du Soyat in Manigod. Demonstration + tasting.
  3. Lunch
    Lunch at Le Grand-Bornand with a producer, or in the village for a traditional fondue.
  4. Afternoon
    Walk around Lac des Confins (45 min loop) + swimming in summer. In winter: cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
  5. Evening
    Fine-dining dinner at Le Symphonie (Hôtel Beauregard, one Michelin star) — book 1 month ahead.

Staying 3 days: La Clusaz immersion

  1. Days 1 and 2
    See itineraries above.
  2. Day 3 — morning
    Choose: full ski day with the Aravis Pass (La Clusaz + Manigod + Le Grand-Bornand); or tandem paragliding from Manigod; or hike to Tête du Danay.
  3. Lunch
    Alpine lunch at Les Confins (Auberge des Confins) or picnic in the mountains.
  4. Afternoon
    Day trip to Annecy (30 min): old town, lakeside walk, pastry tasting. Or spa at Au Cœur du Village.
  5. Evening
    Exceptional dinner at Le Vieux Chalet in Manigod (one Michelin star in a real alpine chalet) to close the stay in style.

La Clusaz reveals itself at its own pace — that of a village that has kept its soul despite tourism. Take time for a coffee on the Place de l'Église, a walk around Lac des Confins at sunrise, a sunset at Col des Aravis facing Mont Blanc. And if you need advice during your stay — weather, Reblochon farm, last-minute restaurant — our SmartStay team is reachable seven days a week.

Enjoy La Clusaz — and don't forget to taste farmhouse Reblochon at least once a day.

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