LE GRAND BORNAND TODAY
- In epicurean, adventurer or bohemian mode
Le Grand-Bornand, a major ski village in winter and a must-see mountain destination in summer, combines the charm of its two-hundred-year-old chalets with the modernity of a resort with an enviable events dynamic and at the forefront of a new arty chic. Both an authentic year-round village and a renowned resort with facilities and services to meet the expectations of an international clientele, Le Grand-Bornand can be discovered in epicurean, adventurous or bohemian mode. With its lively traditions, resolutely sporting spirit and well-tempered character, the "pearl" of the Aravis mountains, at the heart of the Annecy Mountains region, plays a unique and distinctive role, where everything remains to be experienced and shared...
LE GRAND BORNAND AND CYCLING
On 17 July 2018, it was in Le Grand-Bornand that Julian Alaphilippe, out to win the polka-dot jersey, soloed to the first of his five stage victories in the Tour. Marion Rousse's husband repeated the feat in Bagnères-de-Luchon to finish as the Tour de France's best climber.
The Savoy resort was also on the programme for the 100th edition. Rui Costa won the third stage of his career there. He succeeded Fränk Schleck, who won in 2009 ahead of Alberto Contador under the watchful eye of his brother Andy.
In 1995, Alex Zuelle drew on his energy from the start in Le Grand Bornand to win at the end of the day in La Plagne.
In 2007, victory went to the young German Linus Gerdemann, who took the Yellow Jersey for a day at the same time.
The last time the men's Tour passed through the resort, Dylan Teuns won solo, while Tadej Pogacar broke away from the other favourites in the final to consolidate his overall lead.
The day before the stage, the resort's muse, double world giant champion Tessa Worley, cycled the stage with members of the association Donnons des Elles au vélo, who were campaigning for the return of the Tour de France for women. The message was heard!
SIGHTS:
- Heritage house
A restored farmhouse built in 1830, it is run by the Bornand heritage association. With the help of the Pays de Savoie Heritage guides, you can discover the life of a mountain village and its evolution through its space, its past, and the architecture of its houses.
- Au Bonheur des Mômes festival
Europe's biggest live entertainment event for young audiences, Au Bonheur des Mômes (For the Joy of Kids), from 25 to 29 August: almost 100,000 festival-goers expected for the 32nd edition of the largest theatre festival for children in France. The only cow art trail of its kind in the world, with an open-air art gallery celebrating Grand-Bornand's "star" ruminant.
- Col des Annes and its mountain pastures
At an altitude of 1,720 m, at the foot of the Pointe Percée, the highest peak in the Aravis mountain range at 2,750 m, there are a number of mountain restaurants and alpine farms with unique architecture, as well as a breathtaking view of the Aravis mountain range.
- Bouchet valley
This magnificent valley, the birthplace of Reblochon cheese, stretches along the Borne between the gently sloping mountain pastures of Mont Lachat and the steeper forests and rocky bars at the foot of the Aravis mountain range. You'll pass through hamlets with century-old chalets and wooden-tiled roofs, chapels and numerous farms that bear witness to the area's thriving agricultural activity.
- Lake Peyre
An hour’s hike through stunningly beautiful mineral scenery leads from Col de la Colombière to Lake Peyre (2,100 m altitude), where you can admire the many ibex that call the area home.
- The mysterious waterfall
On the Arvelay road, this superb waterfall allows the Chinaillon torrent to flow down towards the Borne. As well as the visual interest of this natural curiosity, legend has it that this site was the meeting point of a young couple who gave birth to the first Grand-Bornand settlers.
TO EAT
- Reblochon cheese
If there's one place in the world where you can eat Reblochon, it's undoubtedly Le Grand-Bornand, the capital of this cheese which has had its own designation of origin since 1858, but which also owes its success to the popularity of winter sports from the 1950s onwards. Made exclusively from whole raw cow's milk, it comes in two varieties. A green casein stamp indicates farmhouse Reblochon de Savoie from a single herd. The red casein stamp indicates a Savoy Reblochon made from the milk of several herds. Its rind should be dry, orange-pink in colour (never red or orange) and covered with a fine white "mousse". It conceals a smooth, supple, ivory-coloured paste that is firm and creamy throughout. Every Wednesday morning in Le Grand-Bornand, there's a reblochon market in front of the church. An institution since 1795. The tourist office organises farm visits all year round, giving visitors an insight into all the stages involved in making Reblochon cheese.