| The Haute-Savoie is full of a thousand treasures and places to visit. Here you will find a few that we have selected just for you. |
| -L’Escale campsite is nestled amongst two well-known mountain passes: Le Col de La Colombière and Le Col des Aravis. |
| These mythical passes, well known to the world of cycling and motorcycling, are great for hiking and offer breathtaking views. After Le Col de La Colombière, in the village of Reposoir, you will come across a Monastery nestled amongst lush green countryside. From this calm and relaxing spot, you can visit the chapel and watch a short film about the daily life of the Carmelites. There is also a souvenir shop. You can also enjoy the large lake for a picnic. It is a place of sanctuary and a classified historical monument. |
| -Not far from the L’Escale campsite (6km) is the village of Clusaz, where you will find a fun-filled cultural place to visit: Le Hameau des Alpes. Traditional mountain activities will all be revealed! Here are three very good reasons to visit! To find out all there is to know about our local Reblochon cheese with fun and educational visits to local cheese makers, to become unbeatable in winter sports, and to enjoy a relaxing walk along one of educational trails. |
| -You can also have a leisurely stroll around the weekly Monday morning market which is open all year round. |
| Also from here you can discover the mountain bike trails winding through the heart of the mountain forests, known locally as “Le Domaine”. Over 110 km of marked trails and a Bike Park await you, with 18 tracks for all different abilities, ranging from the discovery circuit to the endurance trail. Trails are served by 3 lifts. |
| In La Clusaz, you can ride the slopes in summer too with our summer toboggan! In the heart of La Clusaz, and easily accessible by the skating rink cable car, come and experience some unforgettable moments! There are two toboggan runs available, one for beginners and the other for the more experienced amongst you. Don’t waste another minute! Suitable for children and adults alike, come and spend a lovely day out as a family. Are you sitting comfortably? Keep your hands on the brake and remember to go at your own pace. On your marks, get set, go! An 800 m descent awaits you! |
| -Just a few kilometres away, overlooking the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy, the Menthon Saint Bernard castle welcomes visitors. Over the centuries it has slowly developed a beautiful romantic charm, so much so that legend says that when Walt Disney was on holiday in the area, it served as his inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty castle. Beautifully preserved secular architecture and exceptional furnishings in a beautiful setting. |
| Staying in Annecy? Make sure you take the time to visit the lake and its beautiful beaches, and even take a cruise on its waters. Fancy a stroll? Then why not take a walk to the Place du Pâquier or to les Jardins de l’Europe: the view of the mountains will take your breath away. For the sporty amongst you, why not cycle around the lake’s cycle paths. You can also enjoy a lovely ice cream or crepe in the old town where there is plenty of shopping to keep you busy! Children can play on the grassy areas while you take a quick photo on the ‘Pont des Amours’ bridge. |
| -Make the most of your time in the Annecy Basin and visit the Gorges du Fier: an enchanting spot right in the heart of nature. An outing everyone can safely enjoy without getting tired! And if you plan on staying a few more hours, we highly recommend the Chateau de Montrottier (next to the Gorges du Fier). Here you will rediscover your childhood fairy tales. |
| If the weather isn’t so good: make a stop at the Forêt Enchantée (enchanted forest): a 1,200 m² covered and air-conditioned play area for children aged 0 to 12. |
| For those who love history, don’t miss the Glières Plateau, an important site of the French Resistance. At an altitude of 1,435 m, the plateau was used by the allies as a parachute drop site during the Second World War. From January to March 1944, 465 resistance fighters gathered on the Plateau to collect weapons for the Haute-Savoie resistance movement. |
| -You can’t visit L'Escale campsite in Le Grand-Bornand without visiting Chamonix! Chamonix Mont-Blanc is one of the most unique resorts in the French Alps, as it offers year-round outdoor sporting activities in a spectacular setting. Chamonix is at the foot of the highest summit in Europe, Mont Blanc (4,809 m), which is nestled between Switzerland and Italy. Its glacier and summit attract visitors from all over the world, as much as for general tourism purposes (the 3rd most visited natural site in the world) as for its mountaineering and mountain sports. Go on a glacier (Mer de Glace) adventure aboard the Montenvers train! A 20-minute journey aboard this famous little red rack train and you’ll reach the most mythical giant glacier in Europe: La Mer de Glace. As well as the breathtaking views, you can visit the Grotte de Glace (Ice Cave) and the Glaciorium. |
| -Are you ready for the big thrill? Travel by cable-car to the Aiguille du Midi, situated at an altitude of 3,842 m. Here you will have a 360° view thanks to the panoramic terraces and the “Step Into the Void” glass box, a world first and certainly a technological feat. |
| L’Escale campsite can offer you reductions for all these activities. |
| -On your way back to L’Escale, drop in to the Parc Animalier des Houches: The Parc du Merlet. So much more than just an animal park, a truly exceptional place to visit! 80 mountain animals roaming free across 20 hectares of high mountain pasture around a small traditional hamlet, with an outstanding view of Mont Blanc. |