Are you looking for a peaceful haven in the mountains, far from the hustle and bustle of the resorts? I invite you to discover a little discreet gem, just a few minutes from La Clusaz, where life seems to have slowed down…
A moment of serenity in the heart of the Alps
Imagine: you’re driving along a winding little road, the silhouette of the peaks glimpsed through the trees, and suddenly, the village appears, as if frozen in time. No need to rub shoulders with crowded ski lifts, here, only the bells of the herds or the breath of the wind mark the daily rhythm.
It’s precisely this contrast that I love: a large resort just a stone’s throw away, and this bubble of calm where wooden chalets tell more stories than any guidebook. One morning, I went for a walk at dawn… almost all alone. A rarity during peak season, isn’t it?
An unfiltered view of the mountain
Once up there, I watched how the summits gradually lit up. From soft pink to evening gold, each moment offers a different picture. In summer, the green alpine pastures exhale their scent. In autumn, the forests put on a fireworks display of colors. And in winter, the snow settles in an almost sacred quietness.
I even chatted with a shepherd, speaking Savoyard to the letter. He showed me how farm Reblochon is made, from the udder to the rind, in a little chalet. You know, it’s those totally unplanned moments that stay etched forever.
Hiking and local life, off the beaten paths
Paths start directly from the hamlet, which is pretty nice if you don’t want to cross fifty people on snowshoes. Once, I set off at dawn and met only two hikers in four hours. Long live the luxury of open space.
And then, you come across simple everyday scenes: an old man tinkering; a child helping to feed the goats. These snapshots fill the album whether you want them to or not.
- quiet paths where you can walk while listening to your thoughts (or nothing at all)
- local professionals ready to share their passion over a cheese or a local story
The universal rhythm of the seasons
The place lives with nature. In winter, the landscape is pristine. Spring heralds awakening: gentians, crocuses, anemones appear everywhere. In summer, the herds move up and make the bells ring. I remember the day I saw a blacksmith, in the sun, shaping tools as his ancestors did.
This little hamlet has a name that seems straight out of a fairy tale: Le Petit-Bornand-les-Glières. It evokes the past, the bond with the mountain, and a certain simplicity inspired by nature.
Practical information
Access: The hamlet can be reached by car from La Clusaz in about twenty minutes. From Annecy, count roughly 45 minutes via Thônes. In winter, plan for snow tires or chains, roads can get snowy very quickly.
Altitude: The village is located at around 950 meters. The neighboring alpine pastures easily rise above 1,400 meters, providing access to beautiful viewpoints without extreme effort.
Possible hikes:
- walk to the Glières plateau (historic landmark and magnificent panorama)
- forest trails to alpine chalets, accessible on foot or snowshoes depending on the season
- more challenging hikes to the Aravis ridges for experienced walkers
- hiking to the Lessy lake
To remember
- mountain authenticity and peaceful atmosphere
- beautiful panoramas all year round
- easy access from La Clusaz in a few minutes
- local life and memorable encounters
And you? Do you already have a secret spot that makes you vibrate, far from crowds? A small farm, a forgotten village, a discreet path? Tell me. I’m always curious to discover those gems that make the heart of our mountains beat.
