Margencel connects access to Lake Geneva via the Port of Séchex with the Redon River, Planbois Forest and two Natura 2000 sites. When planning your stay, it is worth keeping these different features distinct: the Redon is home to a specific beach area, the “Boucle des deux moulins” is a separate walking trail, and the Moulin de Pinget represents the historic use of hydropower. Bowling, billiards and products from the Chablais round out the picture.

Lake Geneva and Plage du Redon

The municipality of Margencel has access to Lake Geneva via the Port of Séchex. One specific beach area is Plage du Redon, at the mouth of the Redon River. It is a natural, green space, with trees providing shade. Swimming is unsupervised. If you are considering a beach stay, take this limitation into account when planning. The port is the stated access point to the lake, while Plage du Redon offers a separate waterside setting on the river.

Forest and protected areas

Margencel includes two Natura 2000 sites. A large part of Planbois Forest lies in the southwest of the municipality. Together with access to Lake Geneva, these offer different landscape features: water, designated protected areas and a forest whose location within the municipality is specified more precisely.

The “Boucle des deux moulins”

The “Boucle des deux moulins” walking trail passes through fields and forests and takes you past remarkable mills and their hydraulic systems. The starting point is the cemetery car park. Check local access conditions before setting off. For planning purposes, both the starting point and the character of the trail are specified: the route connects fields and forests with mills and their water-powered technology.

Moulin de Pinget

The power of the Redon River was harnessed at the Moulin de Pinget. A channel directed the water straight onto the mill wheel, increasing its hydraulic force. Together, the river, channel and wheel explain how water was used to power the mill. Visits to the Moulin de Pinget are organised by the Association Patrimoine et Traditions during the European Heritage Days. Check dates and access for your intended travel period; the stated visiting arrangement is tied to this event.

Bowling, billiards and products from the Chablais

Bowling de Margencel has 20 computerised bowling lanes and 12 billiard tables; various package deals are also available. Bowling and billiards are therefore offered as separate activities. As operating details can change, check the latest information before making specific plans.

La Ferme de P'tit Foué offers fresh farm products such as raw milk, yoghurt, faisselle, fromage blanc, Tomme blanche and cream cheese. Local products from the Chablais are also available: Tomme, Abondance, Reblochon, Chevrotin, goat’s-milk Tomme, honey, coulis, jams, flour and pasta. Some of these products are organic. The selection combines fresh produce with other regional specialities. As product availability can change, check the current selection before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Reignier-Esery, Mûres, Domancy, Les Praz-De-Chamonix, Saint-Blaise, Bonne, Machilly, Plateau Dʼassy

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Savoie.