Mountain news / June 10th, 2024

A wonderful summer in the Aravis

A fabulous playground with a truly Alpine identity, the Aravis massif and its villages are a precious place full of treasures to be enjoyed in summer and winter alike. A place where the soul of its people and the pure spirit of the mountains are the hallmark. An unrivalled charm that can be savoured at any time of year, and which reveals its full flavour during the summer season. From mountain pastures to peaks, from lakes to bucolic walks, breathe in the flower-filled air of the pastures, taste the mountain specialities, enjoy the festive and sporting events and soak up this art of living that is authentic by nature.

The soul of centuries-old villages

The villages of the Aravis region all have their own unique identities. Surrounded by their bell towers, most of them bulbous, the village-resorts of Manigod, La Clusaz, Le Grand-Bornand and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt have a lively character, inhabited for centuries, where tourism and pastoralism come together in the heart of a rich natural environment. Mountain architecture, typical chalets and mountain chalets, chapels and churches make up the traditional face of these villages. The lush green pastures, the pearl-like lakes nestling on the peaks, and the many summer and winter activities are the heart and soul of the region.

The Aravis region is a paradise for outdoor sports, a land of champions and a symbol of agricultural activity, with flagship products such as farmhouse PDO Reblochon cheese at the top of the list. The small town of Thônes is the entrance to the Aravis region, combining all its attractions: a wealth of heritage and history, natural assets and cultural activities, commercial dynamism and tourist vitality are all a reflection of this region.

The heart of the flower-filled mountain pastures

The mountain pastures are an essential part of the Aravis identity. Havens of greenery where cows, goats and sheep feed all summer on the fatty grass and flowery hillsides, they give the milk that extra flavour that cheese specialities are naturally bursting with. In the hollows of the mountain pastures, traditional practices of a season spent on a mountainside, in the fresh air and lush flowers, are perpetuated.

Here, Alpine breeds of cows such as Abondance, Montbéliarde and Tarine, which are particularly well adapted to steep terrain, grace the landscape with their quiet strength. But beyond that, this pastoral activity and this ancestral way of life play a key role in the natural upkeep of the mountains, which will be dressed in their new clothes once the first snows have fallen. As they graze on the fat grass, the elegant females keep the meadows open and protect the landscape from the overgrowth of scrub, thus playing an active part in maintaining winter activities.

Homme entrain de montrer des reblochons à deux autres personnes

Characteristic flavours

Closely linked to its APO ("Appellation of Protected Origin") cheeses, the Aravis region's identity is perfectly enticing: Reblochon farmhouse cheese, Abondance and Chevrotin, all with their distinctive character that cannot fail to delight the taste buds are leading figures in local gastronomy.

There are other equally distinctive cheeses with IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) status: raclette, tomme and Emmental of Savoie. In addition, a whole range of speciality cheeses can be enjoyed on this ideal platter: Tomme de Beauregard, Roche of Thônes or Persillé of Aravis for a whole waltz of fruity flavours to be enjoyed on planks or fondues, served on a slice of bread or as an aperitif - there's no limit to the variety of tastings you can enjoy - gourmandise is a story of the land and the region!

The Spirit of Thrilling Sports

The Aravis region is a true reflection of this proud identity, boasting a wealth of outdoor activities and vitamin-packed holidays. Skiing and snow sports have a diverse playground here, and each resort has its own secret, whilst the frosty pleasures come in all sorts of different versions, leaving summer with no reason to be ashamed of its attractions. The Beauregard plateau and its panoramic view of the Aravis range, the Col des Aravis and its plunging view of Mont-Blanc, the Danay head from the Confins chapel and its breathtaking 360° panorama are just some of the must-sees. This is where pleasure and breathtaking views come together.

From spring until autumn, the peaks and valleys of the Aravis region are decked out in shades of green, unveiling the changing face of the mountains. Hiking in all its guises, climbing, mountain biking and white water sports abound, setting the tone for a region with many personalities. From rural strolls to demanding hikes, the Aravis has it all. Mountain lakes: Lake Peyre, Lake Tardevant and Lake Lessy are among the jewels nestling at the summit. The area is dotted with mountain huts, offering the chance to spend several days in total immersion. For mountain bikers, the mountain is criss-crossed with marked trails for breathtaking descents, while touring cyclists have plenty of time to tackle the legendary cols - the Croix-Fry, Colombière and Aravis for the more prestigious climbs.

Randonnée sur le domaine du Grand-Bornand, dans le Massif des Aravis de Haute-Savoie

VTT en famille sur les pistes du Grand-Bornand

Balade à vélo sur les pistes de LA Clusaz-Manigod, en Haute-Savoie

Une foule de spectateurs regarde 2 artistes effectués un spectacle de cirque lors de l'évènement annuel aux Bonheur des Mômes au Grand-Bornand

Des enfants regardent un spectacle lors de l'évènement Au Bonheur des Mômes au Grand-Bornand

The colour of festive events

The villages of the Aravis are dynamic all year round, and are unrivalled when it comes to hosting events. Many of them are renowned far beyond their national borders. Le Bélier, the symbol of La Clusaz, offers three major events: mountain biking in June, trail & hike in August and white trail in January. The Au Bonheur des Mômes festival is one of the highlights of the Aravis summer season, with a whole week of lively shows for all ages in the heart of the village of Le Grand-Bornand.

Local mountain festivals such as the Reblochon and Crafts Festival in La Clusaz, the Fête sous l'Aiguille in Manigod and agricultural fairs like the Foire Saint-Maurice in Thônes all exude local identity. In September, the Guinguette Gourmande in Thônes is a major cultural, gastronomic and festive event that marks the start of the autumn season, which likewise has many hidden delights to reveal once the summer season is over.

MGM's residences are perfectly integrated into this setting, offering you the promise of a summer to breathe in at the top of your lungs. Whether it’s the Hameau de l'Ours perched high above Manigod, the Chalets de Joy in the heart of the village of Le Grand-Bornand or the Roc des Tours nestling high above the village of Chinaillon, they all offer you the perfect chance to immerse yourself in this unspoilt natural environment, a jewel of the mountains on offer.