The Aravis, privileged destination

The Aravis: Saddles, valleys and peaks as far as the eye can see

A rocky barrier rising up against the Mont Blanc massif between Lake Annecy and the Arve Valley, the Aravis mountain range culminates at Pointe Percée, at an altitude of 2,750 m. At an altitude of less than 1,500 m, the Aravis and Croix Fry access roads connect La Clusaz to La Giettaz and Manigod to La Clusaz respectively. Among the highest peaks are the tip of Bella Cha, Mount Charvet, Mount Fleuri, the Tardevant, the head Lawn, La Roualle, the Grande Balmaz, the tip of the glasses, or Parrossaz which all culminate at more than 2500 m altitude. There is also the head of Danay. In summer, once the snow melts, the sweetness of the landscapes is discovered through walks on the plateau of Beauregard, in the valley of the Confins or in the preserved valley of Manigod. Between the valley of the Fier and the valley of the Name, Thônes is considered as the crossroads and the capital of Aravis. It gives its name to Villards Thônes. Halfway between the ski resorts of La Clusaz and Grand-Bornand, note on your map that it is also the original cradle of cheese Reblochon, well known locals as well as all French. Note that the Vallon des Confins is also, as well as the combes des Aravis, a must-see destination for hikers in Haute Savoie near the Mont Blanc massif.

Villages and ski resorts with timeless charm

Among the resorts of Aravis La Clusaz and Grand-Bornand are villages with all the necessary infrastructure to welcome a demanding clientele: spas, cinemas, gourmet restaurants, luxury hotels: everything is planned so that the visitors of passage and owners of second homes enjoy every moment during their stay in the Aravis. The resorts of Manigod and Saint-Jean-de-Sixt are also prized for the soul of a mountain village that they have been able to preserve, notably thanks to their inhabitants, while acquiring the most qualitative leisure facilities. Nearby, Les Villards sur Thônes is also a charming village. We find this taste for refinement and respect for tradition in property for sale in the sector: noble materials and traditional know-how alongside contemporary designs, in chalets and luxury apartments that offer a warm atmosphere and great views, especially after the snowfall.

The timeless charm of the Aravis villages

The Aravis resorts

The 2 largest resorts in the area, La Clusaz and Grand-Bornand, are well-known among snow sports enthusiasts. These two prestigious resorts are the cradle of champions and even more world champions like Edgar Grospiron, a cluse 4 times gold medalist.

In addition, La Clusaz has already organized 18 World Cups and Grand-Bornand hosted the first Biathlon World Cup in France. An entire program and many activities that demonstrate that human-sized resorts can compete today with major international stations. This is the result of the hard work of the administrators of stations listening to its inhabitants and visitors, always looking for authenticity and respect for the traditions of Savoy. The cottages are beautiful, cozy and luxurious with direct access to the slopes snowy.

Smaller, St Jean de Sixt is nestled at more than 900 meters above sea level, this typical village of Haute-Savoie of 1500 inhabitants offers the best of the mountains and nature just 30 minutes from Lake Annecy. Its family atmosphere makes it a little paradise, go for an appointment in the alpine farms to discover the fauna and flora of the Alps and of course the Savoyard gastronomy.

On your marks, ready, with your binoculars! The Aravis reserve and its 3747 hectares has more than 600 chamois, marmots, ibex and other foxes. And if you have eagle eyes, perhaps you will see a golden eagle flying over the summit of Pointe Percée. We are far from concrete stations, to the delight of lovers of Mother Nature.

Its neighbor Manigod, a small charming village preserved from the valley, allows to travel from east to west the chain of Aravis through the areas of Croix Fry, Merdassier and Beauregard which joins La Clusaz. This resort, which is on foot - skiing, shops and the heart of the village - is also at the foot (and yes) of the magnificent summit of the Étale, a parenthesis of nature and calm where the carved wooden chalets are on the side of mountain surrounded by fir trees.

As we know, between La Clusaz, Grand-Bornand, St Jean de Sixt and Manigod, your heart hesitates, but we have a certainty, your expert BARNES will find you the chalet or apartment you've always dreamed of, under the protection from the Aravis massif.

In the surroundings, also discover Megève, Saint Gervais, Annecy lake, Aix les Bains, Chamonix, the province of Genevois and the Villard sur Thônes.

To know everything about the Aravis Massif, its resorts, and its maps of ski areas, visit:

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A playground ideally located in the heart of the Alps

In Haute-Savoie, we like to see things big. Accustomed to live surrounded by a magical panorama in the heart of the Alps: the Aravis massif, it is therefore natural that the Savoyards are attracted by the beautiful, the very beautiful.

This magnificent mountain range of the Prealps is an incredible playground (over 25 km) composed of combes and peaks for the delight of mountain lovers. Located between Lake Annecy and Mont Blanc (yes, yes the one that is so dreamy), 30 minutes, the inhabitants of the region are hyper-lucky who have summer and winter infrastructure of all resorts from the Aravis massif. And for others, the SNCF is very effective (do soil if, the 4 notes sung, you recognize?) And the Geneva International Airport is nearby.

4 stations to practice a multitude of sports activities

The estate includes 4 resorts: La Clusaz, Grand-Bornand, St Jean de Sixt and Manigod. We see you frown, we can not hide anything, other prestigious resorts are part of the Aravis chain: Megève, Combloux, La Giettaz and Cordon.

But back to our sheep (those of the Aravis area), 4 stations where the family is queen, a ski area of 210.25 km with turns and 161.63 km in direct track. We love precision, at BARNES, as you know, as well as the council. So, we recommend you choose the course with turns and bends, it's safer for your knees. But that's not all, 2 snow parks for the adventurous, 150 km of Nordic ski trails (for those who give themselves to "bottom"), 26 snowshoeing routes, 2 ice rinks and a water and fitness area. shape - the fish in the water are happy in the mountains, too -.

And for the fans of speed while seated - in two words, the pilots - three options: the dog sled, the car racing on ice or the paret, the ancestor of sledging.

La Clusaz, Grand-Bornand, St Jean de Sixt and Manigod are united by the mountain, the skiers of the domain have access with the same package to all resorts. Each village has retained its character, its traditional architectural heritage and respect its agricultural origins.

To you, the joy of savoring the delicious products of the pastures, it is verified the taste is different from those of the valley. Moreover, cheeses, dairy products, mountain hams will end up in your suitcase back.

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