Guidebook for La Balme-de-Thuy
Food Scene
We have enjoyed good value, take away pizzas from this restaurant where you can eat in or take out.
6 místní doporučují
Pizza Eclair
20 Av. d'AnnecyWe have enjoyed good value, take away pizzas from this restaurant where you can eat in or take out.
Just a few minutes drive from the house, this is our nearest bakers. Convenient opening hours and great for a wide range of tasty breads and patisserie. You can buy filled rolls, quiche, pizza, croque monsieur and nicely made tarts/cakes.
11 místní doporučují
Boulangerie Des Aravis
2 Rue des VernaiesJust a few minutes drive from the house, this is our nearest bakers. Convenient opening hours and great for a wide range of tasty breads and patisserie. You can buy filled rolls, quiche, pizza, croque monsieur and nicely made tarts/cakes.
Tasty and good value lunch menu which can be taken right by the lake in a quiet spot away from the road. Seasonal opening hours.
20 místní doporučují
Restaurant L'Aquarama
227 Route du PontonTasty and good value lunch menu which can be taken right by the lake in a quiet spot away from the road. Seasonal opening hours.
Pizzeria Chez Laurette
220 Rte d'AnnecyYou can sometimes eat in here. Pizzas are tasty and reasonably priced.
L Imprevu
Yummy pizzas - eat in or take out.
Jenny and Vincent have a very successful and popular cafe selling delicious cakes and handmade chocolates made by the very talented, Vincent. A lunchtime menu is available and handmade ice cream in the summer season. Open Tuesday-Sunday.
12 místní doporučují
Tweedle Tea
439 Rue Saint-BernardJenny and Vincent have a very successful and popular cafe selling delicious cakes and handmade chocolates made by the very talented, Vincent. A lunchtime menu is available and handmade ice cream in the summer season. Open Tuesday-Sunday.
A very cosy, traditional Savoyarde restaurant set on the roadside just outside Thônes heading towards Serreval. Tasty lunch or à la carte menu offered daily.
Chalet d'en Ô
34 Rte du CroptA very cosy, traditional Savoyarde restaurant set on the roadside just outside Thônes heading towards Serreval. Tasty lunch or à la carte menu offered daily.
Tasty meal at not ridiculously high-Talloire prices. You can sit right by the water (weather-permitting). Only downside is that it is right on the main road which goes around the lake.
8 místní doporučují
Le Club
836 Rte de l'ÉgalitéTasty meal at not ridiculously high-Talloire prices. You can sit right by the water (weather-permitting). Only downside is that it is right on the main road which goes around the lake.
Reasonably priced for lakeside meals - good, locals swimming spot from the port or place to stop before or after a boat trip. Great location for people-boat watching. Grab a coffee or hot chocolate outside of lunch/dinner times.
10 místní doporučují
Le Chalet du Port
580 Prom. Philibert d'OrlyeReasonably priced for lakeside meals - good, locals swimming spot from the port or place to stop before or after a boat trip. Great location for people-boat watching. Grab a coffee or hot chocolate outside of lunch/dinner times.
Always tasty, reasonably priced food and drink. Right opposite the ice-rink and summer luge lifts. Seasonal opening.
La Pause Burgers Snacks
81 Pl. du Pré de FoireAlways tasty, reasonably priced food and drink. Right opposite the ice-rink and summer luge lifts. Seasonal opening.
Lovely fine dining with local chef at not-astronomical prices. No views, just a small restaurant in the centre of Menthon Saint Bernard on the shores of Lake Annecy. Advance booking recommended.
35 místní doporučují
Le Confidentiel
24 Rte des MoulinsLovely fine dining with local chef at not-astronomical prices. No views, just a small restaurant in the centre of Menthon Saint Bernard on the shores of Lake Annecy. Advance booking recommended.
On the other side of the lake, accessible from the road or just off the piste cyclable (bike path) you can enjoy a nice enough meal here by the water. Beautiful views. Can get busy in the summer. As with most places, closes over winter.
25 místní doporučují
Le Bistrot du Port
236 Rte du PortOn the other side of the lake, accessible from the road or just off the piste cyclable (bike path) you can enjoy a nice enough meal here by the water. Beautiful views. Can get busy in the summer. As with most places, closes over winter.
Cosy, bistro in the centre of Talloires. Moderate pricing and daily specials. No views of the lake but only a short walk from it.
21 místní doporučují
Le Cafe de la Place
7 Place des VendangeursCosy, bistro in the centre of Talloires. Moderate pricing and daily specials. No views of the lake but only a short walk from it.
Tuesday-Sunday opening bakery/pâtisserie on the D16 en route to the house from Geneva. Has a small boulangerie in Menthon Saint Bernard.
Le Fournil de Mon Père maison NEVEU depuis 1944
111 Rte de ThônesTuesday-Sunday opening bakery/pâtisserie on the D16 en route to the house from Geneva. Has a small boulangerie in Menthon Saint Bernard.
Spectacular views of Lake Annecy from the top of Col de la Forclaz. Traditional Savoyarde menu including raclette.
28 místní doporučují
Chalet La Pricaz
Col de la ForclazSpectacular views of Lake Annecy from the top of Col de la Forclaz. Traditional Savoyarde menu including raclette.
Restaurant/bar newly opened for summer 2017. Offers snack takeaway menu or à la carte. In the pay-for-use beach area by Lake Annecy. Seasonal opening.
25 místní doporučují
Městská pláž v Menthon Saint Bernard
470 Rte de la PlageRestaurant/bar newly opened for summer 2017. Offers snack takeaway menu or à la carte. In the pay-for-use beach area by Lake Annecy. Seasonal opening.
It is a popular Routiere for Truck drivers and walkers.
We haven't eaten here and so we cannot comment on the food, but it is the nearest restaurant within walking distance from the house. Apparently it came under new management from September 2017. The opening hours seem quite varied but it seems to be open for breakfast and lunch.
You can find out more details on the website: http://auberge-de-morette.business.site/
Auberge de Morette
6 Route de la BalmeIt is a popular Routiere for Truck drivers and walkers.
We haven't eaten here and so we cannot comment on the food, but it is the nearest restaurant within walking distance from the house. Apparently it came under new management from September 2017. The opening hours seem quite varied but it seems to be open for breakfast and lunch.
You can find out more details on the website: http://auberge-de-morette.business.site/
A short drive or cycle ride from the house in the pretty village of Dingy St Clair. The menu is traditional and the food was good when we visited. There's a bar too and a small grocery shop which also has a small postal counter.
Check out the website for further details: https://aubergedumarmiton.wordpress.com/bienvenue/
Auberge du Marmiton
1 Route du Chef-LieuA short drive or cycle ride from the house in the pretty village of Dingy St Clair. The menu is traditional and the food was good when we visited. There's a bar too and a small grocery shop which also has a small postal counter.
Check out the website for further details: https://aubergedumarmiton.wordpress.com/bienvenue/
A packed restaurant when we arrived on the off chance one lunchtime and we only just took the last table. We had the formule and it was really good and good value. It's within a 10-15 minute drive from the house.
6 místní doporučují
Sur les Bois
79 Rte de ThônesA packed restaurant when we arrived on the off chance one lunchtime and we only just took the last table. We had the formule and it was really good and good value. It's within a 10-15 minute drive from the house.
Shopping
Located approx 5 mins from the house: Buy tasty, local cheeses made on site including Tomme, Beaufort and Comte. You can sometimes view the cheesemaking process through the windows inside the shop. There is also a fresh-milk dispenser in the car park, dispensing fresh milk for €1 per litre.
18 místní doporučují
The Farto, Cooperative of Reblochon Fermier
40 Av. d'AnnecyLocated approx 5 mins from the house: Buy tasty, local cheeses made on site including Tomme, Beaufort and Comte. You can sometimes view the cheesemaking process through the windows inside the shop. There is also a fresh-milk dispenser in the car park, dispensing fresh milk for €1 per litre.
Tasty, locally roasted/processed coffee beans/granules and tea. Our favourite place to buy coffee and not extortionately priced.
Cafés Métral
33 Rue de la TournetteTasty, locally roasted/processed coffee beans/granules and tea. Our favourite place to buy coffee and not extortionately priced.
Large Carrefour Supermarket on the outskirts of Annecy. Stocks a wide range of produce/goods including stationary, electrical goods etc. 24h petrol station.
43 místní doporučují
Carrefour Annecy
134 Av. de GenèveLarge Carrefour Supermarket on the outskirts of Annecy. Stocks a wide range of produce/goods including stationary, electrical goods etc. 24h petrol station.
Hypermarket selling just about everything with a couple of food outlets. Other shops in the mall include H&M and Mango.
8 místní doporučují
Auchan
Rue de la MandallazHypermarket selling just about everything with a couple of food outlets. Other shops in the mall include H&M and Mango.
Espace Montagne
252 Av. du CentreOutdoor / ski shop. Big brands - hiking, walking, skiing. Hire skis/boots from here.
Like a farmer's market - great for fruit, veg, great cheese and deli counter.
Savoie Volailles Pernoud Epagny
652 Av. du CentreLike a farmer's market - great for fruit, veg, great cheese and deli counter.
This is where you’ll most of Annecy’s large shopping outlets for clothes, furniture, stationary, garden centre, pet store, organic/health food, hypermarket , shoes, food, Toys and sportswear. Limited opening times on Sundays and some smaller stores close for lunch.
Grand Epagny
Avenue du CentreThis is where you’ll most of Annecy’s large shopping outlets for clothes, furniture, stationary, garden centre, pet store, organic/health food, hypermarket , shoes, food, Toys and sportswear. Limited opening times on Sundays and some smaller stores close for lunch.
Entertainment & Activities
The Ecomuseum of Wood and the Forest takes you back in time and shows traditional woodcraft methods - visit an ancient water driven sawmill from the 19th century...
11 místní doporučují
Ecomusee du Bois et de la Foret
Voie Communale N°3 de MontremontThe Ecomuseum of Wood and the Forest takes you back in time and shows traditional woodcraft methods - visit an ancient water driven sawmill from the 19th century...
Our favourite pool. Approx 25 mins drive from the house a large outdoor and small indoor pool with spectacular views of the mountains. Water slides and small paddling pool for younger children and a sun deck for sun worshippers.
11 místní doporučují
Aquatic Area Des Aravis
434 Rte de la PiscineOur favourite pool. Approx 25 mins drive from the house a large outdoor and small indoor pool with spectacular views of the mountains. Water slides and small paddling pool for younger children and a sun deck for sun worshippers.
Take a ride up on a gondola and zoom back down on the summer luge. Great fun for kids and adults. Summer only.
Luge d'été
Take a ride up on a gondola and zoom back down on the summer luge. Great fun for kids and adults. Summer only.
Great family fun 'Go Ape-style' rope/tree-level platforms with different level courses.
48 místní doporučují
ACRO 'AVENTURES TALLOIRES
Chemin Rural dit PlanfaitGreat family fun 'Go Ape-style' rope/tree-level platforms with different level courses.
Small, outdoor-covered ice-rink in the centre of La Clusaz.
11 místní doporučují
Patinoire de La Clusaz
94 Pl. du Pré de FoireSmall, outdoor-covered ice-rink in the centre of La Clusaz.
Outdoor pools in the centre of Thones. Spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Seasonal opening.
7 místní doporučují
Piscine Municipale de Thones
6 Pl. AvetOutdoor pools in the centre of Thones. Spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Seasonal opening.
As beginner skiers we have found this local resort perfect for learning. Just a 30 min drive from the house, the slopes are short and fairly gentle. Forfaits are cheaper than in La Clusaz. Early-bird discounts available for early bookings. We take lessons with ESF.
6 místní doporučují
Manigod Labellemontagne
2435 Rte du Col de MerdassierAs beginner skiers we have found this local resort perfect for learning. Just a 30 min drive from the house, the slopes are short and fairly gentle. Forfaits are cheaper than in La Clusaz. Early-bird discounts available for early bookings. We take lessons with ESF.
Piscine
189 Rte du BorneOutdoor pools open in the summer season.
Our favourite beach - very popular in the summer. Soft, clean sand, swimming area and diving platform, full sun or shady, grassy areas, small playground, paddling pool and basic toilet/changing facilities. Lifeguards during the summer months when you pay a couple of euros for adults and older children. Take a picnic or buy snacks/ice creams from the snack bar or eat at the restaurant. Located a short ride from the Piste Cyclable.
38 místní doporučují
Pláž St Jorioz
Route de la PlageOur favourite beach - very popular in the summer. Soft, clean sand, swimming area and diving platform, full sun or shady, grassy areas, small playground, paddling pool and basic toilet/changing facilities. Lifeguards during the summer months when you pay a couple of euros for adults and older children. Take a picnic or buy snacks/ice creams from the snack bar or eat at the restaurant. Located a short ride from the Piste Cyclable.
Another of our favourite beaches. Free entry, lifeguards during the summer months. Pebbly so wear water shoes if you have sensitive feet. Small diving platform and swimming areas. Paddling pool for little ones and bring a bucket and spade as there's sand. There are limited shaded areas but the shade does start to come over the grassed area from mid-afternoon. Look out for the live jazz event in early August - free entry. There's a restaurant and snack bar in the summer months.
55 místní doporučují
Plage de la Brune
Another of our favourite beaches. Free entry, lifeguards during the summer months. Pebbly so wear water shoes if you have sensitive feet. Small diving platform and swimming areas. Paddling pool for little ones and bring a bucket and spade as there's sand. There are limited shaded areas but the shade does start to come over the grassed area from mid-afternoon. Look out for the live jazz event in early August - free entry. There's a restaurant and snack bar in the summer months.
Pay to enter in the summer. Shaded areas, pebbly beach, good snack bar. Pontoons and swimming areas. Take a ball for volleyball.
47 místní doporučují
Pláž Angon
110 Rte d'AngonPay to enter in the summer. Shaded areas, pebbly beach, good snack bar. Pontoons and swimming areas. Take a ball for volleyball.
We really enjoyed looking around the museum which has interactive displays explaining the history of the local area including cheesemaking (reblochon) and the history of La Clusaz as a ski resort through the ages. Some great artifacts on show.
12 místní doporučují
Le Hameau des Alpes
44 Rte de la PattonWe really enjoyed looking around the museum which has interactive displays explaining the history of the local area including cheesemaking (reblochon) and the history of La Clusaz as a ski resort through the ages. Some great artifacts on show.
Outdoor pools - good for a morning or afternoon out in the summer months. Several pools for different age groups. Not much shade and no sun beds.
7 místní doporučují
Piscine
189 Rte du BorneOutdoor pools - good for a morning or afternoon out in the summer months. Several pools for different age groups. Not much shade and no sun beds.
Sightseeing
A museum set up by the Survivors of Les Glières and dedicated to the history of the Haute-Savoie during the Second World War. The exhibition focuses specifically on the work of the Resistance movement in the area 'Les Glières' and the liberation of the Department. On the same site, the Departmental Memorial of the Deportation was founded by the Association of Deported, Interned and Families of Haute-Savoie (U.N.A.D.I.F). It traces the history of the deportation of the Haut-Savoyards and presents testimonies about the Nazi concentration camp. The national necropolis of Glières, created in April 1944, houses the bodies of 105 resistance fighters, mostly Glières fighters.
Morette
MoretteA museum set up by the Survivors of Les Glières and dedicated to the history of the Haute-Savoie during the Second World War. The exhibition focuses specifically on the work of the Resistance movement in the area 'Les Glières' and the liberation of the Department. On the same site, the Departmental Memorial of the Deportation was founded by the Association of Deported, Interned and Families of Haute-Savoie (U.N.A.D.I.F). It traces the history of the deportation of the Haut-Savoyards and presents testimonies about the Nazi concentration camp. The national necropolis of Glières, created in April 1944, houses the bodies of 105 resistance fighters, mostly Glières fighters.
Beautiful old town on the shores of Lake Annecy. Regular street markets selling local produce. You can take boat trips around the lake, shop, visit the castle and jail and eat and drink in the many restaurants/bars. There are lots of activities year round including: a Venetian Carnival, Fete des Alpages with a street parade of animals and traditional musicians, a spectacular, world-class firework display over the Lake in early August of each year and a Christmas Market. There are also lots of sporting events that take place year round.
182 místní doporučují
Annecy Old Town
Quai de l'ÉvêchéBeautiful old town on the shores of Lake Annecy. Regular street markets selling local produce. You can take boat trips around the lake, shop, visit the castle and jail and eat and drink in the many restaurants/bars. There are lots of activities year round including: a Venetian Carnival, Fete des Alpages with a street parade of animals and traditional musicians, a spectacular, world-class firework display over the Lake in early August of each year and a Christmas Market. There are also lots of sporting events that take place year round.
We love trips to La Clusaz. It's pretty and there are activities in the summer and winter months. It pretty much closes down in early September when the lifts close until early/mid December when the ski season starts. There are some lovely walks in the area.
221 místní doporučují
La Clusaz
We love trips to La Clusaz. It's pretty and there are activities in the summer and winter months. It pretty much closes down in early September when the lifts close until early/mid December when the ski season starts. There are some lovely walks in the area.
Parks & Nature
A truly beautiful azure blue, crystal clear lake set in the mountains. You can take boat trips around the lake to Annecy town (nearest access from Menthon Saint Bernard) or (in the summer) hire pedaloes, canoes, paddle boards or motorboats etc. In the summer, the water can reach temperatures of up to 25C. There are numerous beaches dotted around the lake, suitable for swimming and sunbathing. Some are free to access, others, you pay a small fee to take advantage of facilities. Our favourite beaches include Plage Brune in Veyrier (free) and Saint Jorioz (soft, golden sand and shaded areas - pay beach).
349 místní doporučují
Annecy jezero
A truly beautiful azure blue, crystal clear lake set in the mountains. You can take boat trips around the lake to Annecy town (nearest access from Menthon Saint Bernard) or (in the summer) hire pedaloes, canoes, paddle boards or motorboats etc. In the summer, the water can reach temperatures of up to 25C. There are numerous beaches dotted around the lake, suitable for swimming and sunbathing. Some are free to access, others, you pay a small fee to take advantage of facilities. Our favourite beaches include Plage Brune in Veyrier (free) and Saint Jorioz (soft, golden sand and shaded areas - pay beach).
A challenging ride for cyclists but worth it for the spectacular views of the lake. Can drive to the top and walk and there are a few restaurants/bars serving traditional food.
244 místní doporučují
Col de la Forclaz
A challenging ride for cyclists but worth it for the spectacular views of the lake. Can drive to the top and walk and there are a few restaurants/bars serving traditional food.
There is a small fishing lake a short cycle ride/drive from the house. It's a pleasant spot for a picnic if you are not into fishing and with the Boulanger des Aravis, a cheese and a wine shop, just across the road, its an easy stop off.
6 místní doporučují
Lac de Thuy
There is a small fishing lake a short cycle ride/drive from the house. It's a pleasant spot for a picnic if you are not into fishing and with the Boulanger des Aravis, a cheese and a wine shop, just across the road, its an easy stop off.
Lots of opportunities for walking up here. Resistance museum and memorial worth a look too. A couple of refuges serving food also available.
70 místní doporučují
Glières Plateau
Lots of opportunities for walking up here. Resistance museum and memorial worth a look too. A couple of refuges serving food also available.
Essentials
Saturday morning market selling fruit, vegetables, cheese, cured meat etc - local producers. You can buy most things here. All the boulangeries sell good bread and patisserie, there's a carrefour supermarket with 24h petrol station, restaurants, bars and gift shops. There are also a number of pharmacies, a post office and plenty of banks/ATMs.
32 místní doporučují
Thônes
Saturday morning market selling fruit, vegetables, cheese, cured meat etc - local producers. You can buy most things here. All the boulangeries sell good bread and patisserie, there's a carrefour supermarket with 24h petrol station, restaurants, bars and gift shops. There are also a number of pharmacies, a post office and plenty of banks/ATMs.
Arts & Culture
Has a beautiful old town hosting many events throughout the year. Access the lake, go shopping, visit the cinema, eat out, take boat trips on the Lake and visit the regular markets. Definitely worth a look.
613 místní doporučují
Annecy
Has a beautiful old town hosting many events throughout the year. Access the lake, go shopping, visit the cinema, eat out, take boat trips on the Lake and visit the regular markets. Definitely worth a look.