Le Grand-Bornand is a ski resort in the Aravis Mountains in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps. The village attracts many visitors in winter who come for the skiing and winter sports, and in the summer too it is a popular destination for holiday breaks.
Surrounded by mountains and forests, and not too far from Lake Annecy, the countryside and pure alpine air of Le Grand-Bornand are among the resort’s many attractions. Incidentally, the village takes its name from the River Borne that flows through it but it is regarded as a Lake Annecy Ski Resort.
What to see and do in Le Grand-Bornand
Besides relaxing in the sunshine and listening to birdsong and the sounds of cowbells, perhaps you fancy going down to the river and paddling your feet in the sparkling clear waters of the Borne? The countryside is so beautiful here, high in the French Alps, that it is a tempting thing to do. As well as enjoying the simple pleasures of the natural world, why not visit the Tourist Information Centre to find out about what is going on in and around Le Grand-Bornand.
There is plenty to see and do in Le Grand-Bornand and in the surrounding villages and other nearby ski resorts. For example, you could visit the Fete de l’Alpage which takes place in August in the nearby hamlet of Le Chinaillon which is further up into the mountains at an elevation of 1300 metres. Here you will be able to see an ox-drawn wagon parade, find out about Reblochon cheese-making, enjoy a traditional alpine lunch, watch a milking contest, look at the stalls selling local arts and crafts, enjoy the music and dancing and finish off your day out by marvelling at the firework display.
Other alpine ski resorts near Annecy
Besides the villages of Le Grand-Bornand and Le Chinaillon there are other ski resorts that are in the area of Lake Annecy that are popular in winter and as summer hideaways in the Alps. Collectively the resorts are known as the Lake Annecy Ski Resorts. La Clusaz, Manigod and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt are the other locations in this group. So let us take a look at these resorts as well.
La Clusaz is near the Swiss border and is a very old ski resort. It has been playing host to winter sports since 1907. Popular for skiing and for holidays, la Clusaz has also been part of the route for the Tour de France cycling race.
The Manigod area offers good skiing locations but the actual village is very small with few shops. Nevertheless, it is well worth visiting.
Saint-Jean-de-Sixt’s name is a lot longer than the original name for the village, which long ago was simply called Villaret. It is popular today as a location for skiing holidays and offers some picturesque rural locations.
Le Grand-Bornand and the other Lake Annecy ski resorts are all in France, which makes them ideal for practising and learning how to speak French. In the town of Annecy we have our own French Language School where you can take courses in the language, while you enjoy the delights of the towns, villages and countryside of the French Alps.
