Activities in Grand-Bornand: What to do in winter and summer?
Published on 22/05/2023 by CAMPASUN
For lovers of the great outdoors and the mountains, we have the destination for your next getaway with family or friends. The village of Le Grand-Bornand, located in Haute-Savoie, is situated right between the Aravis and the Bornes. It is moreover in this municipality that our 3-star campsite Clos du Pin is located. Le Grand-Bornand offers a multitude of activities, whether in winter or summer, which we are certain will delight both adults and children.
Activities in Grand-Bornand in winter
When the town dons its white coat, the question arises as to what to do in Grand-Bornand. So here’s a taste of what’s to come.
As a first activity, we suggest that you go down, on skis or on a snowboard, the 47 slopes offered by the alpine ski area. Whether green, blue, red or black runs, enjoy the 84 kilometers of slopes. For experienced skiers, access Mont Lachat, at 2100 m of altitude, and admire the panoramic view over the Aravis mountain range. Picnic and relaxation areas are available throughout the ski area.
Do you like ski touring? Five routes are offered to you, including one for night ski touring.
For the curious, go to the website of the tourist office of Le Grand-Bornand to access the webcams of the village and the ski area.
© T. Shu & © C. Hudry
After a good day of skiing, what could be better than a moment of relaxation? For this, we recommend the altitude spa Ô des Cimes, in the village of Lessy. Open from December to April, treat yourself to a wellness break.
For our holidaymakers, our campsite Clos du Pin provides a sauna and a Nordic bath during the opening period.
Biathlon fans, the Grand-Bornand is the place to be for international competitions. Every year the IBU Biathlon World Cup takes place in Annecy- Le Grand-Bornand. For a whole week, live to the rhythm of the events. At the same time, enjoy the entertainment and the exhibitors’ village where the atmosphere is just as present.
For history lovers and enthusiasts, we recommend a visit to the heritage house. Recognised as a historical monument since 2007, this beautiful house bears witness to life in a completely different era and offers its visitors total immersion. On your way, don’t miss the Church of Notre-Dame of the Assumption. Dating from 1569, this church that was once made of wood has passed through time and historical events to be today the reflection of the golden age of the Catholic Church.
Finally, do not leave the Grand-Bornand without visiting the hamlet of old Chinaillon. A beautiful guided tour with an exceptional view of the estate.
The activities in Grand-Bornand promise visitors a memorable and lively winter. But what about activities and entertainment in summer?
Things to do in Grand-Bornand in summer
Come and discover the Grand-Bornand in a completely different setting. The green nature, the wide open spaces and mountains as far as the eye can see.
Why not start by taking a stroll through the village of Le Grand-Bornand. Stroll through the streets of the village and wander through the alleys of the weekly market. You will find local producers with stalls overflowing with cheese, charcuterie and other regional products.
To get your taste buds even more excited, we advise you to visit our beautiful farmers’ farms. An opportunity for you to discover all the stages in the making of the famous Reblochon cheese. Of course, you can taste cheese and take some home for your friends and family.
Because Le Grand-Bornand thinks of young and old alike, every year the international festival of shows for young audiences is organised.
Le Grand-Bornand is also a great playground for lovers of thrills and physical activities.
Among the three most popular activities in Grand-Bornand in summer, you will have guessed that mountain biking is the activity par excellence, with over 178 km of marked trails. To make the most of the 16 courses, a ski lift is available, as well as a washing station for your equipment.
For even more thrills, take to the skies and admire the panorama from a paraglider. To do this, take the Rosay gondola or the Lachat chairlift, then head for Mont Lachat in Châtillon. Once up there, all you have to do is jump in and enjoy the flight.
Finally, what would a stay in the mountains be without beautiful hikes? That’s perfect, 160 km of trails are marked for hiking. Once at the top of your route, let yourself be amazed by this view over the Aravis massifs or even the summit of Mont Blanc. After the effort, a well-deserved little break. Take a sunbath on deckchairs.
To fully enjoy your stay in Le Grand-Bornand, we advise you to check the weather via Matriciel. This way, you will be able to organize your days in the best possible way.
© P. GUILBAUD
A summer which promises to be rich in memories with these numerous activities in Grand-Bornand to enjoy with family, friends or lovers. What about the surroundings?
Le Grand-Bornand and its surroundings
The village of Le Grand-Bornand is ideally situated between Annecy, Switzerland and the Aravis massif and the Mont Blanc.
To get to Annecy, a bus line runs from Grand-Bornand to Annecy all year round, in winter as in summer. Possibility to take your skis and bicycles. Allow approximately 1 hour of travel. Once there, you are in the very heart of Annecy.
Head towards the lakeside. For sports enthusiasts, we suggest a pleasant bike ride on a marked route adapted to cyclists and pedestrians. If you are by car, or still by bike, climb up to the Col de la Forclaz to admire the view over the city and Lake Annecy. You will also be able to see paragliding take-offs there. Continue your walk in the old town, stroll through the streets, pass in front of the Palais de l’Île and cross the Pont des Amours.
After this beautiful day in Annecy, head towards Switzerland. Known of course for its excellent chocolates, Switzerland is also renowned for its lakes, its hiking trails and its ski resorts.
We then take you to the Chamonix side to get some height and climb to the Aiguille du Midi, at 3842 m altitude. Accessible all year round by cable car, the view of Mont Blanc will leave you speechless.
© P. GUILBAUD
You have understood, with these many activities in the Grand-Bornand, in winter or summer, this village of Haute-Savoie is the ideal destination for a holiday with friends, family or lovers.
Our campsite le Clos du Pin will be happy to welcome you in a friendly and warm spirit.
For the most greedy among you, we have made a small selection of restaurants in Grand-Bornand. Savoyard specialties will have no secret for you.
To find out about all the activities and events that take place throughout the year, we invite you to visit the website of the Grand-Bornand.
