Chinaillon Holidays - Chinaillon Holiday Accommodation for Summer or Winter

In the summer Chinaillon is transformed from a winter wonderland into a summer paradise. The village is surrounded by verdant alpine pastures, with beautiful cows and their enchanting bells adorning the landscape. Rustic Savoyard barns are decked with stunning floral displays and mountain restaurants offer delicious ice creams and refreshing cold drinks on sun decked terraces.

Whether you are active or passive the Haute Savoie is a great place to enjoy a summer holiday. The walking potential is endless, paths tend to be well maintained and have clear sign posting. There are plenty of good quality maps and local guidebooks. The tourist information centres will be happy to make suggestions and also offer guided walks. Chinaillon is a walkers paradise with so many options, literally from the door. A popular choice in summer is to use the cable cars or chair lifts for ascents and then enjoy the pleasure of mountain top walks and leisurely descents.

Cycling in Chinaillon		Walking in Chinaillon

Similarly cyclists will be delighted by the endless choice of routes. Tourist information centres provide guidebooks and maps for mountain biking and road cycling. Some of the chair lifts are adapted to take mountain bikes up - leaving you with the exhilaration of a breathtaking descent. Annecy has a superb new cycle track that runs along the side of the lake, a gentle ride with no climbs but great views and free from traffic - you can even stop and cool off with a swim or ice cream! Both our apartments have garages for the safe storage of bicycles and you are able to hire mountain bikes in Chinaillon or bicycles in Annecy.

Chinaillon offers tennis courts, crazy golf, table tennis and a small play ground. Le Grand Bornand offers a wider range of activities with a swimming pool, trampolining, archery and golf. Through the tourist information you can book such activities as white water rafting and rock climbing. There are courses for children, teenagers and adults in a wide range of subjects. The bravest can even enjoy paragliding off the summit of Lachat, above Chinaillon.

Paragliding in Chinaillon		Rafting on the River Giffre

There is so much history to discover in the area. Nearby is le Plateau des Glieres where the Resistance valiantly held out during World War 2. There is a historic walk where you can explore the how these gallant people fought to "Vivre libre ou mourir" (live free or die), supported by the R.A.F. who flew in supplies to this alpine meadow. Near Thones there is a small cemetery and museum, honouring those in the Resistance who gave their lives.

The summer is an ideal time to explore the Haute Savoie and Chinaillon is a superb base. Annecy is a popular destination with its historic buidings, canals and majestic lake. You can take a boat ride, hire your own craft, or go for a swim from one of its beaches. Chamonix is a short drive away, the most dramatic route being from Chinaillon via the Col de Colombiere. Chamonix is the centre of mountaineering and any visitor can easily see why as giant Alpine peaks tower above the town. You can take a train ride to the Mer de Glace and walk inside a glacier, or why not choose one of the cable cars such as the ride up to the Aiguille du Midi (3,842m)? If you want to go further a field both Italy, via the Mount Blanc Tunnel, and Switzerland are within easy reach.

Annecy Canal		Tour dé France at Le Grand Bornand

There are numerous events and festivals in le Grand Bornand / Chinaillon during the summer and the tourist information will always be happy to keep you informed so that you can make the most of your holiday. If you are lucky to coincide with the Tour de France passing through the region, maybe even climbing the Col de Colombiere, it is an event not to be missed. There are weekly markets in le Grand Bornand, la Clusaz, Thones and Annecy - providing a great source of local produce and a chance to practice your French. The stall holders are only to happy to chat and let you sample their tasty products.

There is something for everyone in a summer holiday in Chinaillon and we are sure that you will enjoy your holiday!