Marcellaz-Albanais lies halfway between Annecy to the east and Rumilly to the west. Its hilly landscape and distinctly rural character define the village. Highlights include the Chemin des Euphorbes footpath, mountain biking trails, local history and regional producers. You can plan your stay around outdoor activities, local history or products from the village.
Exploring on foot and by mountain bike
The Chemin des Euphorbes is about 4 km long, takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and starts in the village centre. Check local trail conditions before setting out. For comparison, mountain bike route 4, “Le Bois au loup,” is 14 km long, rated easy and takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. These similar time estimates refer to different ways of getting around and different route lengths.
The “Le Bois au loup” route passes through the Marais de Praille and along rural and forest paths to the Fier; it ends in the centre of Marcellaz-Albanais. Check trail conditions and road crossings before setting off. The Albanais mountain biking area also offers a varied selection of trails for all levels. This general selection complements the specific description of route 4; not all trails necessarily have the same difficulty level or route.
On mountain bike route 5, “Les bois ronds,” a 4 km section heads towards the privately owned Château de Pieuillet; the route then reaches the village centre. The descriptions of the two routes highlight different things: “Le Bois au loup” is listed with its total length, approximate duration and difficulty level, while “Les bois ronds” highlights the section heading towards the château.
Church, legends and protected sites
The present-day Église Saint-Maurice was built between 1842 and 1844. The base of the bell tower of the second church, built in 1625, remains on its grounds. This site thus brings together two building phases: the older church, of which the base has been preserved, and the present-day 19th-century building. The Église Saint-Maurice is also associated with the local legend of the “bell tower skull,” which dates back to an incident in 1712.
The village name also points to a long history: Marcellaz derives from the Gallo-Roman Marcellus and his villa of the same name. Château de Pieuillet is one of the protected châteaux and is privately owned. A necropolis and graves are located at Crêt-Dieu; the site is protected. Together, the church, place name and protected sites offer different clues to the history of Marcellaz-Albanais, though they do not describe the same period or type of place.
Drinks and local produce
Brasserie Distillerie Veyrat makes organic beer, organic cider, organic spirits and organic non-alcoholic drinks in Marcellaz-Albanais. It also runs a beer bar and sells drinks to take away. Gin-making workshops for individuals are held there every month. As business details and workshop dates may change, check what is available before your visit.
The GAEC de l’Alambic farm shop sells goat’s cheese, local cow’s milk cheeses, and beef and pork. The products available in the shop may also change; if you are looking for particular products, check what is currently on offer in advance. The brewery and farm shop add another way to discover the village through its local produce, alongside its hiking and cultural highlights.
Discover more destinations: Seythenex, Chessenaz, Samoens, Yvoire, Chens-sur-Léman, Verchaix, Saint-Jorioz, Habère-Lullin.
See the overview of the wider travel region: Haute-Savoie.
