Cranves-Sales offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: Romanesque architecture at the church and bell tower, trails through woods and fields, Alpage du Loty, and a weekly market. The themes that shape your stay will depend primarily on whether you are looking for cultural heritage, outdoor activities, seasonal pursuits or fresh produce.
Church and cultural events
The church of Cranves-Sales and its bell tower are Romanesque in style. Since 1606, the church has been dedicated to John the Baptist. A dedication refers to the naming of a church after a saint; the date 1606 here refers to this dedication, not to the construction of the church.
The Carnets d’Aventures Festival takes place every year in March. The programme includes adventure film screenings on five evenings, followed by discussions with the people involved. If you would like to plan your stay around the festival, check the specific event dates in advance. The Crazy School in Cranves-Sales offers cultural and sensory activity trails for families, groups, schools and other audiences.
Nature trails and getting around
A biotope protection order regulates traffic, forestry activities, construction and other works, as well as sporting and tourist activities in the Massif des Voirons. If you plan a sporting or tourist activity there, bear in mind that these activities are also regulated by the order.
The Sentiers de Cranves-Sales run through woods and fields and along the Menoge. On foot or by bicycle, they provide access to natural areas and viewpoints. There are three signposted trails within the municipality. Conditions on the Sentiers can vary depending on the season, so check them before setting out.
The Voie verte du Grand Genève runs through Cranves-Sales and is a designated, safe route. It can be used on foot, by bicycle, in a wheelchair, on a skateboard, on roller skates, on a scooter or with a pushchair. The Circuit de la Pierre aux Fées, a signposted cycle route, also passes through Cranves-Sales. As road conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.
Alpage du Loty: walks and sledging
Alpage du Loty is a protected area of just over 30 hectares. It lies partly in Cranves-Sales and partly in Lucinges and is suitable for family walks. In winter, the lower section along Route du Chemenoud is used for sledging; this depends on snow conditions. The two activities have different areas: walks take place across the area, while sledging is limited to the lower section in winter.
Sunday market in Cranves-Sales
The Marché de Cranves-Sales is a weekly food market held year-round on Place du village. It takes place on Sundays from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and offers fresh produce from dedicated vegetable growers. If you are planning a visit to the market, check the current opening hours locally in advance.
Discover more destinations: Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Bernex, Les Praz-De-Chamonix, Morzine, Les Houches, Burdignin, Villy-Le-Pelloux, Lathuile.
For the overview of the wider region: Haute-Savoie.
