Despite all the activities you can do in Châtel, you may think you’ve done it all? Don’t worry, we thought of you. If you are staying in the valley for a while, we have a region that offers many activities to do in winter and summer. We have therefore prepared a non-exhaustive list of activities that you might like to do in the vicinity of your accommodation.
VIA FERRATA DES SAIX DE MIOLÈNE IN ABONDANCE
La Chapelle d’Abondance has a beautiful via ferrata that you can climb provided you have the specific and approved equipment for this activity. The sporting and aerial itinerary as a whole is located on a south facing rock face.
3 different sections make the difficulty progressive with short overhangs and prolonged slopes. There is the “Cabri” for a duration of an hour, the “Chamois” which will take you about 1 hour and 45 minutes, and finally the “Bouqeutin”, which you may or may not have to use chains.
- Departure altitude: 1030 m
- Maximum altitude: 1325 m (arrival altitude)
- Return time: 30 to 45 minutes (quite slippery)
- More info at the tourist office of La Chapelle d’Abondance or at +33(0)4 50 73 02 90
THE ABONDANCE HOUSE OF CHEESE
If you wish to get to know the village of Abondance, its valley, but also the culture and specialities that make up the richness of the region, the Abondance cheese house is the ideal place. Through this unguided or guided visit, different workshops and tastings await you all along your journey. It is also the perfect place to taste the delicious Abondance cheese. Set off on a sensory discovery in 9 stages through landscapes, gestures and techniques. And who knows, maybe you’ll take home a piece of cheese.
- More information on the website of the Abondance tourist office
- Adresse : Plaine d’Offaz 74360 ABONDANCE
- Tél : 04 50 73 06 34
- E-mail : maisonduvaldabondance@yahoo.fr
VISIT OF THE ABBEY OF ABUNDANCE
Because there are moments for everything, a visit to the Abbey of Abondance will be your cultural moment during your stay. Come and discover the history of the Abbaye d’Abondance, the first Savoyard building to be classified as a Historic Monument. Admire the abbey church and its surprising trickery decorations. Stroll through the cloister and contemplate the Gothic architecture of this magnificent courtyard, where the monks used to walk in the past. You will also see the 15th century murals depicting the life of the Virgin Mary in medieval Savoy.
Several visits are proposed, alone, in duo or with the family. You will find all the necessary information on the Abondance tourist office website
- Address : Place de l’église, 74360 Abondance
- Tel : 04 50 81 60 54
- email : abbaye.abondance@orange.fr
THE TRADITIONAL GOAT VILLAGE AT LINDARETS
What would a holiday in Haute-Savoie be like, without having made a stopover in the most authentic village in the region? The goat village of Les Lindarets is a real hamlet with its typical chalets, its mountain pastures and of course its famous free range goats that live peacefully with visitors.
From Châtel, you can easily reach Goat Village using the ski lifts (free with the Multi Pass) or during a hike. From Pré la Joux, you just have to take the “Pierre Longue” chairlift, then the “Rochassons” chairlift to finally start the descent on foot or by the “Chaux fleurie express” chairlift. Goat Village is just below the chairlift, a 3 minute walk from the bottom of the lift.
And what would a traditional village be without its traditional cuisine. In Les Lindarets, numerous restaurants welcome you to taste local products from the Haut-Savoyard region. Our “péché mignon”: the blueberry tart hmmm. Let yourself be lulled by this charming village on a sunny terrace, and you won’t want to leave.
More info on the valley d’Aulps website
- Address : Les Lindarets 74110 Montriond
THE GORGE OF THE DEVIL’S BRIDGE
Discover the Gorge of the Devil’s Bridge and live a truly immersive experience in the heart of a 10,000-year-old history. These gorges are the result of slow erosion work that began thousands of years ago under a glacier. Today, it is the Dranse de Morzine that rushes down into the limestone gorges, with its turquoise water that makes you want to swim in it, dominated by an imposing arch: the Pont du Diable (Devil’s Bridge). The discovery of this site offers a pleasant and refreshing walk in summer, and a striking picture of the natural forces that are still at work today. During your visit, you will surely hear about the legend surrounding the strange name of these gorges. It should also be noted that since 2012 this site has been part of the UNESCO Chablais Geopark, a territory recognised worldwide for its remarkable geology.
- Schedule: From 1st July to 31st August: 09h to 18h
- Address: 205 route des Grandes Alpes 74200 LA VERNAZ
- Website: https://lepontdudiable.com/en
- Telephone: +33 (0)4 50 72 10 39
RAFTING DOWN THE DRANSE RIVER
The mountains in summer are always a good idea to get away from the crowded beaches. And if you feel like refreshing yourself, the nature around Châtel offers a vast playground where you can refresh yourself and have fun at the same time. You will be able to try out white water rafting courses according to your level.
On board an inflatable and unsinkable boat, you will embark on a descent where you can observe the river and the surrounding landscapes. On board, you will advance perfectly along the river of waves in coordination with your entourage and the guide who will accompany you. Rafting rhymes with nature, emotion, pleasure and team spirit. If this activity takes precedence over all others, it is largely due to its conviviality and safety. Different courses are proposed according to your level, from the discovery course, ideal for a first introduction to the practice, to the rodeo course for the most sporty amongst you.
Do not hesitate to contact Aquarafting directly for more information on the activities on offer.
- Address: 9 Chemin de la Ballastière 74200 Thonon-les-Bains
- Telephone: +33 (0)4 50 81 72 37
THERMAL BATHS IN SWITZERLAND
On the side of our Swiss neighbours, where the border is 5 minutes from Châtel, you can come and relax at the famous Bains de Lavey. This thermal centre is fed by one of the hottest natural springs in Switzerland at 62°C. Composed of an indoor pool and a large outdoor pool of more than 1000m², you will only know how to appreciate the moment in water at a minimum temperature of 32°. Jacuzzi, jets, waterfalls, sauna, hammam, the centre has all the necessary equipment for a guaranteed relaxing time.
The Bains de Lavey are open every day, all summer long and it will cost you around 25€ for a stay of 3 hours.
- Address: 48 Route des Bains, 1892 Lavey-Les-Bains (40 minutes de Châtel)
- Telephone: +41 24 486 15 55
BUBBLE FOOTBALL TO MORGINS (SWITZERLAND)
What could be better than combining physical activity and conviviality? Here’s an activity you’re going to love doing with your family or friends. Only 10 minutes from Châtel, the bubble football of Morgins will welcome you to play a football match inside giant transparent inflatable bubbles which only let the legs of the players protrude. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be Cristiano Ronaldo to go and play, the only quality you’ll need is the desire to have fun.
- Address: Salle de la Jeur Route de la patinoire, 1875 Morgins
- Telephone: +41 79 516 60 79