Lyaud offers a range of ways to explore, from glacial ponds and mountain panoramas to village history. At the Vouas du Lyaud, the focus is on how they formed and on observing plants and animals; at Mont d’Hermones, expansive views take centre stage. In the village, a walking route reveals its heritage. You can choose what interests you most: geological history, panoramas or visible traces of the village’s past.
The Vouas du Lyaud: ponds and nature observation
The Vouas du Lyaud are a series of ponds formed about 30,000 years ago as the Rhône Glacier melted. Information panels along the interpretation trail explain how they formed and give the route a clear thematic focus. The Vouas are designated as a geosite and as an Espace Naturel Sensible (ENS) by the Haute-Savoie Department. They are also classified as a Type 1 Natural Area of Ecological, Faunal and Floral Interest (ZNIEFF) and are included in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes geological heritage inventory. On the paths around the Vouas, you can spot carnivorous plants, dragonflies and grey herons. Parking is available at the start of the interpretation trail.
Panoramas at Mont d’Hermones
At Mont d’Hermones, the focus is on panoramas and the points of the compass. To the north, the view stretches across the Lake Geneva basin and the Jura; to the east, towards the Dent d’Oche; and to the south and west, towards the Chablais mountain ranges. The hikes there are considered to present no particular difficulties. This makes them different from the Vouas: rather than ponds and opportunities to observe nature, it is the expansive views that shape an outing here. When choosing, it may help to consider whether you are mainly looking for a viewpoint or a trail with a nature interpretation theme.
Village history on the walking route
The village also offers several ways to explore its heritage. Along Lyaud’s streets, you can see numerous small wooden grain stores with chalet-style forms. The Church of Saint Nicholas reflects a further sequence of historical events: the parish of Lyaud separated from the parish of Armoy in 1844, and the church was built between 1859 and 1861. It stands on the foundations of an earlier chapel dedicated to Saint Blaise. Inside, you can see remnants of the former chapel and a trefoil window. At the church, traces of the older place of worship sit alongside the later-built Church of Saint Nicholas.
The “À la découverte du village” walking route explores Lyaud’s heritage and also leads to the site of the former mill. As part of the route, a viewpoint can be reached from the church; from there, you can enjoy a panorama of Lake Geneva and the Jura range. The village walk thus brings together the history of its buildings, their former uses and a viewpoint as distinct facets of the village.
A culinary tradition
The traditions of the Feast of Saint Blaise in Lyaud include puff-pastry rissoles filled with pears or maspin, the traditional Tarte à la bouillie and pork specialities. These dishes add a culinary dimension to the village’s history, complementing its nature and heritage themes with a distinctive touch.
Discover more destinations: Sciez, La Roche-Sur-Foron, Thorens-Glières, Habère-Lullin, Bonne, Onnion, Cusy, Bonneville.
View the broader travel guide: Haute-Savoie.
