In Chens-sur-Léman, different aspects of a stay come together in close proximity: architectural and local history, trails along Lake Geneva and water sports at Plage de Tougues. The Château de Beauregard, Les Granges de Servette and the prehistoric remains at Port de Tougues offer different ways to explore the area’s heritage. Walks and hiking trails add to these discoveries, each with its own focus.
Château, church and traces of history
The Château de Beauregard is partially protected as a Monument historique; the protection covers its façades and roofs. Its main construction phases date back to the 12th, 14th, 15th and 18th centuries. The château is set within a 25-hectare English-style landscaped park on the shores of Lake Geneva.
The Église Sainte Anne also tells its own story: the Sardinian Neoclassical church was destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt in 1827. At Port de Tougues, the landing pier recalls another era; it dates from 1864. Nearby are the archaeological remains of a prehistoric pile-dwelling settlement. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they bear witness to a lakeside settlement dating from between the 12th and 10th centuries BC. The church, landing pier and prehistoric site each offer a distinct historical perspective.
Art and crafts along the way
Les Granges de Servette are part of Chens-sur-Léman’s historic heritage. The themes brought together there range from contemporary art and folk crafts to collections of tools and traditional objects from the Chablais region. This mix offers a different perspective on local culture than the château’s architectural history or the archaeological evidence by the lake.
The Boucle de Beauregard links the lakeside area with this cultural stop: the walking trail runs from the shores of Lake Geneva through the landscape of Chens-sur-Léman to the Musée des Granges de Servette. The starting point is the Tougues car park. This gives the walk a named destination and makes it easy to combine with a visit. The route is accessible every day throughout the year and is free of charge; check local access before setting out.
Lakeside, landscape and views
Chens-sur-Léman has about five kilometres of shoreline. At Port de Tougues, there is an exceptional panorama over Lake Geneva and Switzerland. Plage de Tougues also has a designated picnic area right on the lakeshore. Those who want to explore the landscape beyond the water will also find part of the Lac Léman Natura 2000 site within the commune: it includes both aquatic and terrestrial areas.
Another lakeside option is Plage de Beauregard. It can be reached via a footpath along the shoreline, which runs towards the Château de Beauregard and below the château.
Walks, hiking and water sports
The Boucle de Beauregard is an option for a walk with a cultural destination. For a hike, the GRP® Littoral du Léman ends in Chens-sur-Léman. The GRP® Littoral du Léman is a separate hiking option alongside the Boucle de Beauregard. As route conditions can change, it is a good idea to check them before setting out.
At Plage de Tougues, the nautical base offers a range of water sports for children and adults. Check availability before your trip. Alongside walks and cultural and historical sites, you can also choose activities on the water. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether to focus on architectural history, art and crafts, hiking trails or water sports. These different themes provide a concrete starting point for your search for a hotel in Chens-sur-Léman, without assuming any particular accommodation features.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Argonay, Leschaux, Thyez, Rumilly, Cervens, Lugrin, Lullin, Vacheresse
For the broader travel overview: Haute-Savoie.
