Seven millstone quarries, traces of stoneworking and a long history of use give Fillinges an unusual historical character. Alongside them are river walks, a neo-Gothic church and a weekly market featuring local produce. When planning your trip, it is worth choosing among these themes according to your interests and their different time frames.
Millstone Quarries on Mont Vouan
The quarry complex on Mont Vouan comprises seven millstone quarries. Some of these sites extend for several hundred metres and reach deep into the mountain; numerous tool marks attest to the working of the stone. The millstone quarries were used from the High Middle Ages until the end of the 19th century. A decree of 11 March 2009 designated them as historic monuments.
This long period of use makes the site particularly interesting if you are interested in the connection between craftsmanship and history. The sites on Mont Vouan are a focus in their own right. These should be distinguished from the Vachat millstone quarries, which are named as a destination on another route.
Routes Between Quarries and Riverbanks
The Les Meulières à Vachat hiking trail starts in Fillinges and is an 11.6-kilometre round trip. It leads to the Marais de la Pierre au Mort and the Vachat millstone quarries. When planning, you can count the stated distance as the total round-trip distance. Since route conditions can change, it is advisable to check the latest information about the trail before setting out.
The Ponts et moulins route has a different focus: in Fillinges, it follows the MĂ©noge and the Foron alongside landscaped riverbanks. This lets you choose between a route featuring a wetland and millstone quarries as destinations, and a trail focused on river landscapes. An educational fishing trail has also been established on a river in Fillinges. It helps visitors learn about and discover aquatic habitats.
For groups, PAYSALP offers tours of the Meulières à Vachat and Grand'Gueule throughout the year. If you would like to include this option in your travel plans, check availability in advance and whether a reservation is required. This makes it possible to plan a group tour alongside the route options without treating the two as the same kind of visit.
Saint-Laurent Church and Architectural History
Saint-Laurent Church also adds its own architectural character. Built in the 19th century in the neo-Gothic style, its spire rises to almost 40 metres. The church thus complements the historical perspective on the quarries with an example of religious architecture. Visitors interested in the town's architectural development will find a different perspective here than in the traces of stoneworking.
Weekly Market and Local Produce
The Fillinges weekly market takes place every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the car park of the Salle du MĂ´le. Local craftspeople and producers offer, among other things, fruit, vegetables and poultry; short supply chains are favoured. If you want to include the market in your stay, Saturday morning is the specific time to set aside. The combination of local produce and short supply chains gives the market a distinct local focus, setting it apart from the historical and landscape themes.
Different Anchors for Planning Your Trip
In Fillinges, three different points give you a clear basis for planning your time: the weekly market, with its fixed Saturday schedule; the 11.6-kilometre round trip to Vachat; and the availability of group tours, which you need to check in advance. First, consider which of these options you would like to shape your stay.
Discover more destinations: Chens-sur-Léman, Cluses, Nâves-Parmelan, Bellevaux, Armoy, Doussard, Alex, Saint-Eustache
For the broader travel overview: Haute-Savoie.
