The Sentier des Gorges du Fier runs through a large part of Chavanod and connects the town with Lovagny. The route provides access to the Gorges du Fier and Château de Montrottier; the starting point is at the Salle de l’Étang car park. A trip along the trail is therefore also an opportunity to discover the landscape and historic buildings.
Exploring the landscape on foot
The Sentier des Gorges du Fier is 6.7 kilometres long and takes approximately two and a half hours. On an open hillside, views stretch from Mont Veyrier to La Tournette, as well as across parts of the Aravis range to the summit of Mont Blanc. How far you can see depends on the weather and vegetation. The trail also passes examples of rural Savoyard architecture: farmhouses, former fortified houses such as the town hall in Montagny, and a bread oven.
Another route through Chavanod is the Paysages des Lanches circular trail, which is 9 kilometres in total. The two routes therefore differ in their stated lengths: the Sentier des Gorges du Fier is 6.7 kilometres long, while the circular trail is 9 kilometres long. There are also walking paths through forests and fields and along the Fier River. One route leads from Chavanod to the Gorges du Fier in Lovagny.
Cycling route and recreation in Corbier
A cycling route is also named: the Boucle du Fier passes through Chavanod via the D16, known as the Route des Creuses. The cycling and walking routes thus offer different ways to explore the area and should not be confused with one another.
In Corbier, a recreational area for sport and relaxation is located around the municipal stadium and is open to children, young people, and adults. Facilities include a skatepark, a multisport court, a children’s playground, and a fitness area. These various amenities give the neighbourhood its own focus alongside the walking and hiking routes.
Archaeological traces and local history
Archaeological excavations at Crêt d’Esty uncovered rock-cut pits and circular structures that probably date from the 1st or 2nd century BC. A stone dedicated to Jupiter and Roman graves attest to the Gallo-Roman presence in Chavanod. The finds and their cautiously estimated dating give the town’s history a long time frame.
Later periods can also be traced through various buildings. Château de Chavaroche was besieged in 1344 and is now partially in ruins. The church in Chavanod was built in 1882. Maclamod, in turn, consists of medieval fortified houses that have since been converted into homes. These examples differ in function and date, and complement the archaeological sites with architectural evidence.
Cultural events and auditorium
Chavire is a free, family-friendly cultural and music event held every year in late August. The programme combines rock and electronic music; the specific dates and programme change. If you are planning a visit around the event, check the dates for that year.
The L’Esty Auditorium is intended for cultural events. It has 156 seats, sound and lighting control facilities, and a 6 × 8 metre screen. Visitors travelling to the auditorium by car can use the free car park near the Salle polyvalente.
Discover more destinations: Duingt, Metz-Tessy, Les Houches, Montmin, Viry, Seyssel, Leschaux, Marin.
Return to the main travel overview: Haute-Savoie.
