Bonneville

Bonneville, between History and Nature

Nestled between mountains and rivers, Bonneville, in Haute-Savoie, is a charming small town that invites discovery. Its historical heritage, preserved natural setting, and numerous cultural facilities make it an attractive destination for those looking to recharge and explore the region. Located in the heart of the Arve valley, this dynamic town combines tranquility and rich heritage.

bonneville

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Geographical and demographic situation

Bonneville is located in the Haute-Savoie department, about 30 km from Annecy and 25 km from Geneva. It stretches along the Arve river, at the foot of the majestic Alps. Its population of approximately 13,000 inhabitants makes Bonneville a human-sized town, offering a peaceful quality of life while being well connected to the major urban areas of the region.

History and heritage of Bonneville

Founded in the 13th century, Bonneville has always occupied a strategic position as a crossroads of trade routes. The Château des Sires de Faucigny, which overlooks the town, testifies to its medieval past and defensive role. Today, it is possible to visit this castle and enjoy breathtaking views over the Arve valley.

Cultural facilities

Le Parc Cinema

Located in the town center, this cinema offers a varied program ranging from major blockbusters to art films, with themed events throughout the year.

La Turbine Media Library

The media library offers a modern space where visitors can consult a wide range of books, magazines, and multimedia, as well as participate in various cultural workshops.

Bonneville Theatre

This theatre hosts dance, music, and theatre performances throughout the year, highlighting the local and national scene.

Cultural events

  • Music Festival in June
  • Christmas Market in December
  • Street Arts Festival in Summer
  • Book Fair in Autumn
  • Temporary exhibitions at the Château des Sires de Faucigny

Must-see places to visit in the town or nearby

Château des Sires de Faucigny

This medieval castle overlooks Bonneville and offers an immersion into the region’s history with magnificent panoramic views of the Alps.

Sainte-Catherine Church

A Gothic building dating from the 16th century, remarkable for its architecture and richly decorated interior.

The Banks of the Arve

A peaceful walk along the river, ideal for walkers and cyclists wishing to enjoy a restful natural setting.

Pont du Diable Gorges

A few kilometers from Bonneville, these spectacular gorges offer an unforgettable hiking experience in the heart of nature.

Highest rated hotels

For a stay in Bonneville, here are five hotels where comfort and welcome go hand in hand:

Find a hotel in Bonneville

Hôtel de la Gare

Located near the train station, this hotel offers modern and comfortable rooms.
Address : 75 Avenue de la Gare, 74130 Bonneville
Phone : +33 4 50 03 30 60

Hôtel Faucigny

A 3-star hotel with excellent service, located right in the town center.
Address : 18 Rue du Pont, 74130 Bonneville
Phone : +33 4 50 97 01 61

Le Soleil d’Or

This family establishment combines charm and comfort for a pleasant stay.
Address : 15 Rue du Soleil, 74130 Bonneville
Phone : +33 4 50 03 91 10

Hôtel Bellevue

With breathtaking views of the mountains, this hotel is ideal for a relaxing getaway.
Address : 5 Rue Bellevue, 74130 Bonneville
Phone : +33 4 50 97 15 21

Hôtel du Lac

A quiet setting by the lake, perfect for nature lovers.
Address : 12 Rue du Lac, 74130 Bonneville
Phone : +33 4 50 34 12 31

Some must-visit restaurants

Bonneville hosts a varied gastronomic scene, ranging from friendly tables to refined establishments.

La Table Savoyarde

A restaurant offering typically Savoyard dishes in a warm setting.
Price range : €€
Address : 22 Rue de la République, 74130 Bonneville
Phone : +33 4 50 97 03 21

Le Bistro du Parc

A modern bistro offering inventive cuisine with local products.
Price range : €€€
Address : 5 Place du Parc, 74130 Bonneville
Phone : +33 4 50 96 12 05

Le Chalet Gourmand

Mountain cuisine with specialties like fondue or raclette.
Price range : €€€
Address : 16 Rue des Alpes, 74130 Bonneville
Phone : +33 4 50 95 01 02

L’Olivier

Mediterranean cuisine with a modern touch, a must for lovers of sunny flavors.
Price range : €€€
Address : 14 Rue de la Gare, 74130 Bonneville
Phone : +33 4 50 92 07 40

Pizzeria Napoli

For a tasty pizza in a relaxed setting.
Price range : €
Address : 9 Rue du Mont Blanc, 74130 Bonneville
Phone : +33 4 50 98 75 60

Playing sports in Bonneville

Bonneville and its surroundings are perfect for sports enthusiasts. Whether outdoors or in local sports facilities, there are many activities to enjoy.

  • Mountain hiking: Enjoy the many hiking trails starting around Bonneville to discover the Alps.
  • Cycling: The Arve valley is a favorite playground for cyclists, with panoramic roads and varied routes.
  • Climbing: The rock faces around Bonneville offer many spots for climbers of all levels.
  • Skiing: Nearby, several ski resorts are easily accessible in winter for glide sports lovers.

Unusual activities around Bonneville

For those looking for unique experiences, here are some unusual activities near Bonneville:

  • Paragliding initiation: Fly over the mountains for a spectacular view of the region.
  • Canyoning in the gorges: Discover adventurous routes in the surrounding rivers.
  • Cave visits: Explore the Balme caves and their incredible underground network.

Natural heritage

Bonneville is surrounded by an exceptional natural environment, both mountainous and green. The town benefits from the proximity of the mountains, offering breathtaking landscapes and many opportunities for nature lovers. The Arve valley, with its eponymous river, is a major asset, providing bucolic walks along its banks. A few kilometers away, nature reserves and alpine forests offer moments of relaxation and escape in the heart of nature. The Glières plateau, famous for its hikes and its history related to the Resistance, is an unmissable excursion just minutes from the town.

School groups

Bonneville offers a wide range of schools for children of all ages. Here are the main ones:

  • Les Champeys Nursery and Primary School
  • Centre Primary School
  • Jacques Prévert Middle School
  • Guillaume Fichet High School

These schools provide quality education and are equipped to meet students’ needs in adapted and modern environments.

Bonneville markets

Bonneville is known for its markets that enliven the town throughout the week, allowing visitors and locals to enjoy fresh and local products.

  • Tuesday market: Downtown, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. This traditional market offers food products, clothing, and crafts.
  • Friday market: Town Hall Square, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Specializing in local products such as Savoy cheeses, charcuterie, and seasonal vegetables.
  • Saturday market: Banks Esplanade, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. An organic market where regional producers offer fruits, vegetables, and organic processed products.

See all Haute-Savoie markets

Public transport

Bonneville has a practical and efficient public transport network connecting the town to its surroundings:

  • Proxim’iTi bus lines: This network serves the main towns of the Arve valley and allows easy access to Geneva or Cluses.
  • Train: Bonneville station is connected to TER lines, offering direct access to Annecy, Geneva, and the Arve valley.
  • Local shuttles: Regular shuttles operate to serve outlying neighborhoods and commercial areas.

Bonneville Town Hall

For all your administrative procedures or information about the town, you can go to Bonneville’s town hall. Here are its contact details:

Address : Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, 74130 Bonneville
Phone : +33 4 50 97 01 30
Email : mairie@ville-bonneville.fr
Opening hours : Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Skiing nearby

Bonneville is ideally located near several renowned ski resorts, reachable in less than an hour. Here are some of the most popular:

  • Le Grand Massif (Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon): 35 km from Bonneville, this ski area offers more than 265 km of pistes suited for all levels.
  • La Clusaz: 40 km away, a traditional resort offering pistes for everyone and a charming setting in the heart of the Alps.
  • Les Gets: approximately 45 km from Bonneville, this area is part of the Portes du Soleil, a vast network of French-Swiss resorts.
  • Le Plateau des Glières: 30 km away, an ideal place for cross-country skiing and snowshoe hikes in a unique historical and natural setting.

Bonneville, with its cultural, natural, and historical riches, is a top destination for holidaymakers looking to discover Haute-Savoie. Between relaxation, outdoor activities, and exploring local heritage, this town offers a multitude of unforgettable experiences to share with family or friends.