Cluses, in the heart of Haute-Savoie
Located between mountains and rivers, Cluses is a dynamic town nestled in the Arve valley, in Haute-Savoie. Known for its rich industrial past linked to watchmaking and mechanics, it attracts many curious visitors eager to discover its heritage and breathtaking landscapes. With its 17,000 inhabitants, Cluses stands out for its pleasant living environment, modern facilities, and its proximity to the most beautiful ski resorts in the Alps.
Summary
– Geographical and demographic situation
– History and heritage of the town
– Cultural facilities
– Cultural events
– Must-see places to visit in or near the town
– Top-rated hotels
– Some essential restaurants
– Sports in Cluses
– Sports facilities
– Unusual activities
– School groups
– Town markets
– Public transport
– Town Hall
– Skiing nearby
Geographical and demographic situation
Cluses is located in the Arve valley, about 40 km from Geneva and 60 km from Chamonix. The town lies at the crossroads of several major communication routes, making it a strategic point for exploring the region. Surrounded by majestic mountains, and despite a very present industrial character, Cluses benefits from an exceptional natural environment, conducive to outdoor activities. With a population of around 17,000 inhabitants, the town shows a growing dynamic while preserving a friendly atmosphere.
History and heritage of the town
Cluses is a town with a rich industrial past, known for being a major center of watchmaking in the 18th century. It was at that time that the National Watchmaking School of Cluses was founded, thus affirming the town’s leading role in this field. Today, Cluses perpetuates this know-how through its industrial heritage, notably with its Museum of Watchmaking and Screw-cutting.
Cultural facilities
Museum of Watchmaking and Screw-cutting
This museum traces the history of watchmaking and screw-cutting in the region, two activities that marked Cluses’ industrial history. Visitors can discover exceptional pieces as well as historic machine tools.
Le Royal Cinema
A modern cinema room offering a varied program, ranging from mainstream films to auteur works, with regular screenings in original version.
Cluses Media Library
A space dedicated to culture and reading, where visitors can borrow books, but also attend exhibitions and conferences throughout the year.
Cultural events
Musiques en Stock Festival :
The Musiques en Stock Festival is an iconic musical event in Cluses that takes place every summer, bringing together internationally renowned artists and emerging talents for free concerts. Founded in 2001, this festival has built a solid reputation thanks to its eclectic and quality programming, ranging from rock to pop, through electro and indie music. For a few years now, the festival has moved from Cluses to Scionzier, a neighboring town. The friendly and relaxed atmosphere of the festival attracts a varied audience, from music lovers to families enjoying a cultural event accessible to all.
Images & Snow Festival :
The Images & Snow Festival of Cluses is a unique event in France dedicated to mountain photography and the winter world. Held every year in the heart of winter, this festival highlights the beauty of snowy landscapes, wildlife, flora, as well as human activities related to the mountains. For several days, professional and amateur photographers exhibit their works, offering visitors a visual journey into the heart of wild and majestic nature.
The festival stands out for the diversity of its exhibitions and the quality of the photos presented, ranging from grandiose panoramas of the Alps to intimate portraits of animals living in extreme conditions. Beyond the exhibitions, Images & Snow also offers screenings, conferences, and meetings with photographers, allowing the public to immerse themselves in the art of photography and better understand the challenges of capturing these fleeting moments.
A true celebration of the mountains and photography, the Images & Snow Festival attracts each year a large audience of nature lovers and art enthusiasts, making Cluses a meeting point for lovers of wide open spaces.
The Miam Street Food Festival :
The Miam Food Festival in Cluses is a must-attend culinary event held every year in September, on the picturesque Place des Allobroges. This festival, which attracts both locals and visitors, offers a true gourmet escape around the world.
With dozens of food trucks from all over the globe, the Miam Food Festival offers a gastronomic journey where international flavors mingle in a festive and friendly atmosphere.
For several days, participants have the opportunity to discover a wide variety of emblematic dishes, from traditional specialties to more modern creations. Culinary demonstrations, musical animations, and gourmet stalls animate the event, making the Miam Food Festival a meeting place for lovers of cuisine, cultures, and good vibes. It is the perfect event to awaken the taste buds and share unforgettable moments with family or friends.
Must-see places to visit in or near the town
The Old Bridge
A historic bridge spanning the Arve river, offering a beautiful view of the town and the surrounding mountains.
The Chartreuse of Mélan
A few kilometers from Cluses, near Taninges in the Giffre valley, this 13th-century former monastery is a haven of peace where contemporary art exhibitions can be admired and visitors can stroll in a magnificent park.
The Diosaz Gorges
A spectacular natural site nearby (30 km from Cluses), with a developed trail allowing visitors to discover impressive waterfalls and enchanting landscapes.
See other must-see places to visit in Haute-Savoie
Top-rated hotels
Cluses offers several comfortable and well-rated accommodations for visitors seeking relaxation after a day of exploration.
National Hotel
A warm and family-run hotel located in the heart of the town, perfect for a comfortable stay.
Address: 6 Place des Allobroges, 74300 Cluses
Phone: +33 4 50 98 01 23
Website: https://hotel-national74.com/
Le Faucigny Hotel
This three-star hotel offers modern rooms with mountain views. Ideal for a peaceful stay.
Address: 23 Avenue de la Sardagne, 74300 Cluses
Phone: +33 4 50 96 10 00
Website: https://www.hotel-faucigny.com/
Hotel Le 4 C
The 4C hotel and its 23 rooms have welcomed guests for 3 generations in a family spirit, in a quiet setting, 2 minutes from the center of Cluses.
Address: 301 boulevard du Chevran, 74300 Clusesr
Phone: +33 4 50 98 01 00
Website: http://www.hotel-4c.fr/
Some essential restaurants
Cluses has a rich gastronomic offer for all tastes, from local bistros to refined restaurants.
Le Chalet Gourmand
A friendly restaurant offering traditional Savoyard cuisine, with specialties such as fondue and tartiflette.
Price range: €€
Address: 460 avenue des Glières, 74300 Cluses
Phone: +33 4 50 89 33 01
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063472333661
Sports in Cluses
Cluses offers many sports activities, whether in nature or in modern facilities. You can hike in the surrounding mountains, cycle on the winding valley roads, or enjoy winter sports in nearby ski resorts.
Sports facilities
Cluses Sports Complex
A large space dedicated to several sports disciplines, including a stadium, tennis courts, and a municipal swimming pool.
Unusual activities
Paragliding in Mieussy
Discover the Haute-Savoie mountains from above with a paragliding flight from Mieussy, the birthplace of this extreme sport.
Canyoning in Balme
The Balme canyon, in Magland (3 km from Cluses), is an ideal spot for a fun introduction to canyoning for families and children. The program of this accessible canyon includes sliding down natural water slides, jumps, abseiling… To be done with a guide for a safe activity.
Dog sledding
An experienced musher will introduce you to dog sled driving on the Agy plateau. Whether a driving initiation or a simple sled ride, you can discover this practice in immersion with the dogs.
Guided tour of the former watchmaking workshops
Dive into the industrial history of Cluses by visiting the old workshops where watches and precision mechanisms were made.
Cluses is an ideal destination for nature, history, and sports lovers, offering a wide range of activities and discoveries.
School groups
Cluses offers a vast educational network for families, ranging from kindergartens to secondary schools. Here are the main school groups in the town:
- Les Ewües Kindergarten: Located in the town center, this school welcomes the youngest pupils in a modern and secure environment.
- Cordeliers Primary School: This primary school offers quality teaching and many extracurricular activities.
- Geneviève Anthonioz-De Gaulle Middle School: This middle school offers a learning environment conducive to study and has many sports and cultural facilities.
- Charles Poncet High School: The high school offers general and technological streams, as well as vocational training linked to the local industry.
Town markets
The markets of Cluses are must-visit spots to discover local products, meet producers, and experience the town’s friendly atmosphere. Here are the main markets:
- Monday morning market: Place des Allobroges, from 8 am to 1 pm, fresh products, seasonal fruits and vegetables, cheeses, local charcuterie.
- Friday afternoon market: Place des Allobroges, from 3 pm to 7 pm, farmers’ market with local producers, organic and artisanal products.
See all the markets of Haute-Savoie
Public transport
Cluses is well served by public transport, facilitating travel within the town and its surroundings:
- Bus network: The urban buses of the Proxim’iTi network serve the main districts of Cluses as well as neighboring municipalities. Regular lines provide quick access to shopping centers, sports facilities, and schools.
- Cluses train station: Located on the Léman Express line, Cluses station offers direct connections to Geneva, Annecy, and Chamonix, allowing travelers to easily reach the major cities in the region.
- Carpooling service: Cluses encourages carpooling with several designated areas and local initiatives to facilitate shared journeys.
Town Hall
The Cluses town hall is the administrative and civic center of the town. Here is its full contact information:
Address: 1 Place Charles de Gaulle, 74300 Cluses
Phone: +33 4 50 96 69 00
Website: https://cluses.fr
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 12 pm and from 1:30 pm to 5 pm. Saturday morning, only for civil status.
Skiing nearby
Cluses is ideally located near the major ski resorts of the Alps, allowing winter sports enthusiasts to enjoy the slopes in less than 30 minutes:
- Flaine: 30 km (about 30 minutes by car) – Known for its vast ski area, Flaine is a modern resort offering a wide variety of slopes suitable for all levels.
- Les Carroz d’Arâches: 20 km (about 20 minutes by car) – A family resort par excellence, Les Carroz offers varied slopes and areas dedicated to beginners, as well as a warm atmosphere.
- Le Grand Massif: 25 km (about 25 minutes by car) – One of the largest ski areas in the region, with over 265 km of slopes connected between Flaine, Samoëns, Morillon, and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
- Samoëns: 25 km (about 25 minutes by car) – This charming and authentic resort is ideal for those looking for a quieter setting, with slopes offering exceptional panoramas.
With these internationally renowned resorts just a stone’s throw away, Cluses is the perfect starting point for a successful winter holiday in the Alps.