Bonne brings together historic centres and hiking trails through a varied landscape. In Haute-Bonne, traces of the Lords of Faucigny lead to Saint-Nicolas Church; in Loëx, a chapel and a private château take centre stage. When planning your visit, it is worth choosing between visiting the historic sites and going on different walks: from the Boucle pédestre de Loëx to an 18.1-kilometre section of the Tour du Léman.
Haute-Bonne: History and Architecture
Bonne’s Site patrimonial remarquable was protected by a ministerial decree dated 13 May 2022. Its public interest lies in the historic, architectural and landscape value of a rich, interconnected heritage. Haute-Bonne was fortified in the 13th century as a military stronghold of the Lords of Faucigny. Those interested in the origins of the settlement will find a historical point of reference here, which can be explored alongside the buildings in the historic centre.
The Romanesque Saint-Nicolas Church was restored in 2018. An inscription on the entrance portal dates a restoration to 1581. Historical grain measures are kept in the square by the church. Together, the church and the measures offer insight into different aspects of local history, without requiring a guided visit: the historic centre of Haute-Bonne and the church can be visited independently and without a guide.
A wayside shrine stands at the junction of the roads to Juffly and Limargue. It was built around 1860 as a sign of gratitude and protection for the village, after landslides in the Voirons spared Bonne. The Menoge also shapes the local setting: the stream runs through Bonne. The Rampe Maxime, in turn, is a footpath to Haute-Bonne and offers another way to explore the area’s points of interest on foot.
Loëx: Chapel and Historic Centre
The Bourg de Loëx is home to a 13th-century chapel and a 15th-century private château, which formerly belonged to the Bouvier d’Yvoire family. The château is part of the area’s history, but its private status distinguishes it from the historic centres of Loëx and Haute-Bonne, as well as Saint-Nicolas Church, which can be visited independently and without a guide. The Chapelle de Loëx has a double stained-glass window: one outer pane and one inner pane. After your visit, you can walk to the small chapel.
A visit to Loëx can therefore focus on architectural history and a single architectural detail, while Haute-Bonne offers further links to the history of the Lords of Faucigny and the historical grain measures. These different points of interest can help you tailor your visit to your interests, without combining the two historic centres into a set route.
Hiking: from a circuit to a stage
The Boucle pédestre de Loëx is a family-friendly walking route through fields and forests in the heart of an Espace Naturel Sensible. Starting at the edge of the urban area, the circular route is marked with yellow and green trail markers and connects directly to the long-distance Balcons du Léman trail. It is described as very accessible, without difficulties and suitable for all-terrain pushchairs. This offers an option alongside longer hikes, without requiring you to commit to a particular walking time.
The GR-designated Balcons du Léman trail passes through Loëx and Bonne and reaches the ridge of the Voirons. Along the way, it offers panoramic views of the Lake Geneva basin, the Vallée Verte, the Giffre and Aravis mountains, and Mont Blanc. The GR-5 stage of the Tour du Léman from Bonne to Super-Saxel is a separate route: it is described as an easy 18.1-kilometre hike. The distance gives you a clear idea of the length of this stage; compare it with the Loëx circuit when considering the hiking distance you want during your stay.
The Loëx Plateau and its natural environment
The Espace Naturel Sensible of the Loëx Plateau comprises agricultural and forested areas, wetlands, meadows and dry grasslands. Preserved forest areas are home to nationally protected species. An information and awareness-raising guide for school pupils covers the history of the plateau, the activities on offer and its wildlife and plant life.
In June 2021, four large-format information boards were installed as part of the Espace Naturel Sensible: two in Arthaz and two in Bonne. There are also two interpretive panels about flora and fauna. If you would like to combine your walk with a look at the area’s natural features, you can consider this information alongside the historic sites in Haute-Bonne and Loëx; the details about the panels place them in Bonne and Arthaz, not solely on the plateau.
Discover more destinations: Anthy-Sur-Léman, Cran-Gévrier, Lovagny, La Chapelle-D'abondance, Cruseilles, Les Praz-De-Chamonix, Cluses, Novel.
For the regional travel overview: Haute-Savoie.
