Novel brings together a protected landscape of forests, alpine pastures and hiking trails, with sweeping views of Lake Geneva and the peaks of Dent d’Oche. It also offers hiking trails with different route connections, a high-altitude mountain lake and places that tell the story of village and alpine-pasture life. When choosing accommodation for your stay, first decide what you want to focus on: should your trip be shaped mainly by hiking, the natural environment, cultural heritage or alpine traditions?
Landscape and hiking trails
The GR® Balcon du Léman is one of the many hiking trails that pass through Novel. The long-distance GR®5 also passes through the village. Together, the routes present Novel both as a place with several hiking trails and as a way point on a long-distance route. On the GR®5, access in the mountains depends on conditions; plan your hike accordingly.
Church and architectural history
Novel’s rustic church has a bell tower that has retained its traditional style. A small oratory dates from the 19th century; the Chapelle des bergers in the hamlet of Revers was built in 1880. Architecture enthusiasts can focus on different aspects: the tower’s style at the church, the century of origin for the oratory, and the location and construction date of the chapel.
Mountain lake and natural heritage
Lac de Neuteu is a mountain lake at an elevation of 1,780 m, near the Chalets de Neuteu in the commune of Novel; access is weather-dependent. Plan your visit with the prevailing weather conditions in mind. The sweeping views of Lake Geneva and the peaks of Dent d’Oche draw the eye into the distance; Lac de Neuteu, as a named mountain lake, represents a different connection with nature within the commune.
Novel’s natural heritage also includes the classified area of the Cornettes de Bise and Dent d’Oche massif. Before setting out, check the boundaries of this area and the applicable visitor regulations. The planning considerations therefore differ: access to the lake depends on the weather, while activities in the classified area are governed by its boundaries and regulations.
Alpine traditions in Neuvaz
At the Alpage de Neuvaz restaurant, you can taste locally made regional products, including cheese and cured meats. This culinary offering depends on the season and weather. Visitors can also learn about the practices, traditions and daily life of the alpine pastures, provided they book in advance. Also available only with advance booking and subject to the weather, visitors can observe the animals and watch them being milked at around 5 p.m. The Alpage thus offers both a culinary experience and insights into alpine life that require a reservation.
Getting there and an annual event
Novel can be reached from Saint-Gingolph via the D30. As mountain conditions can change seasonally, check the conditions for your planned travel date. A hunting-horn festival takes place in Novel every year on 15 August. Confirm the latest event details locally before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Plateau Dʼassy, La Forclaz, Tournon, Vacheresse, Andilly, La Rivière-Enverse, Verchaix, Seyssel
For the broader travel overview: Haute-Savoie.
