Only 8km from lakeside Menthon-Saint-Bernard and its fairytale château, Vue Des Pentes benefits from being close to Lake Annecy and the Aravis mountains in the beautiful Haute-Savoie region of France.
There is an auberge in the small local village (1.5km) within walking distance following a country road (no pavement) or a wider choice of shops, restaurants, supermarkets and a delightful Saturday morning market in the mountain town of Thônes (8km). The gateway to the Aravis mountain resorts, Thônes is a great place for hiking and cycling as well as snowshoeing/cross-country skiing as the snow arrives. Try the delicious Reblochon cheese in local farms dotted across the countryside alongside other regional gastronomic delights.
In the other direction, the charming Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Talloires are gorgeous places to explore with lakeside beaches, summer watersports, boat taxis and pretty restaurants overlooking Lake Annecy. Play golf in wonderful surroundings at the 18-hole Golf du Lac d'Annecy (10km) and follow sign-posted trails through the natural landscapes of Réserve Naturelle du Roc de Chère.
The magnificent lakeside town of Annecy (12km) is a must-visit during your stay, a joy to explore with its medieval architecture, canals, photogenic bridges and rich heritage. Not to mention so many shops, restaurants and museums including the fascinating 13th century Le Palais de I'Île in the heart of the old town. Stroll around Les Jardins de L’Europe for magnificent views of Lake Annecy.
Back to mountain activities, La Clusaz (20km) is a superb spot for winter skiing and remains an Alpine playground in the summer months with tobogganing, hiking, mountain biking and more. Le Grand-Bornand (20km) is another fantastic skiing resort with a wealth of other outdoor activities once the snow clears from canyoning, paragliding, horse-riding, rafting and more.
The Region
With stunning Alpine scenery and serene turquoise waters, Lake Annecy is a fine destination throughout the year whether you are visiting for winter skiing in the mountains or summer watersports on the glistening water.
Known as the “Venice of the Alps”, Annecy town is located at the northern tip of the lake. Wander by its charming canals in the medieval town, stroll across the famous Pont Perrière before reaching the lakeside promenade with the most magnificent vistas throughout the year.
Wintertime brings enchanting Christmas markets and the town’s ice-rink, then there’s the vibrant Venetian carnival and spring marathon before the weather allows you to make the most of Annecy’s summer café terraces and gorgeous parks.
In the summer months enjoy a range of lakeside activities such as swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding and boat rides, all in spectacular surroundings.
Cyclists of all abilities will love the voie verte that loops around the lake again passing breathtaking scenery.
Wherever you stay around the lake, explore pretty villages and lakeside beaches.
Pick up regional specialities at Saint-Jorioz’s Thursday morning market, cycle through the old railway tunnel to medieval Duingt, dine in one of Talloires’s highly regarded restaurants and admire the majestic Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard.
Head into the mountains for authentic market towns, farms, incredible hikes and a great range of wintersports. Thônes is the gateway to the Aravis mountain resorts such as La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand, both a superb place for skiing in the winter and home to a wealth of alpine activities in the summer. On the other side of the lake, appreciate the beauty of the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park and admire the magnificence of the Semnoz mountain.
Whether relaxing by the lake or venturing into the mountains, experience hearty Savoyard cuisine. The region enjoys a rich culinary heritage – try fondue, raclette and tartiflette in authentic hôtels or fish from the lake accompanied by fine regional wine in high-end restaurants overlooking the idyllic shores.
