Bonneville offers travellers two distinct perspectives: historic squares and buildings on the one hand, and walks and wildlife watching at the ponds of Les Îles de la Barque on the other. A self-guided cultural route takes you to 17 notable sites with the help of brief historical descriptions. When planning your trip, you can focus on local history, architecture or nature.
Squares, fountains and historic streets
Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville is a large triangular square of medieval origin, fully restored in 2013. At the centre of Bonneville’s square is a fountain that has been listed as a Monument historique since 16 November 1942. The fountain in Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville was built in 1786 and is designed in the Baroque style. Maison des Têtes is also a Baroque house; Chauplannaz rebuilt it in 1738. Rue Brune is one of Bonneville’s oldest streets, running from the arcades of Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville to Rue du Pont. The town’s history can therefore be explored not only through individual buildings, but also through a square and a historic street connection.
Château de Bonneville
Château de Bonneville, also known as Château des Sires de Faucigny, was built around 1260 on a rocky hill at the foot of Môle. Beatrice de Faucigny had it built on the advice of her father, Peter II. Two corner towers have survived; on the east side, a 18-metre-long curtain wall connects them. The château is considered the only surviving example of medieval Savoyard military architecture in the Savoy region and has been listed in the Inventaire des Monuments historiques since 1987. In contrast to the Baroque fountains and Maison des Têtes, the focus here is on medieval military architecture.
Cultural route or walking loop
Bonneville’s cultural route can be explored independently. A free map, available from the tourist office or as a download, guides you to 17 notable sites with the help of brief historical descriptions. The Les Îles de la Barque walking loop offers a different focus: it is easy, 6.2 kilometres long and takes about an hour and 30 minutes. While the cultural route helps you find your way between historic sites, the walking loop gives you a specific distance and approximate duration. Check the current trail conditions before setting out.
Ponds and natural surroundings
The ponds of Les Îles de la Barque mark the entrance to the Arve Valley Natura 2000 site. Visitors are welcome to walk and observe quietly in the open areas. This is a distinct nature-focused option alongside Bonneville’s historic buildings and streets, where the emphasis is on walking and quiet observation. Please stay within the designated open areas.
Travel planning information
Faucigny Glières Tourisme provides information throughout the year and tailored advice on heritage, leisure, events and accommodation in the area and its surroundings. If you would like to add to your travel plans, you can contact the tourist office with questions on these topics.
Discover more destinations: Seytroux, L'etale, Méribel, Bogève, Éloise, Sixt-Fer-À-Cheval, Épagny, Lyaud
For the broader travel overview: Haute-Savoie.
