Saint-André-de-Boëge offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: religious buildings, the history of millstone quarrying, a wooded landscape and farm produce. For planning, it is worth considering the different kinds of activities available. The Circuit des Meulières starts in the village and is a short circular trail; the Descente de la Menoge mountain biking route follows the Menoge from the Plateau des Moises to Saint-André-de-Boëge. Other attractions include Chapelle de Planet, a natural area with a pond and marsh, and a self-guided farm visit.
Church and Chapel
The Église de Saint-André was completely renovated in 1987. Its central dome is decorated with a fresco based on the Holy Scriptures. The church also has a restored plaster Stations of the Cross, with figures in relief. The fresco and Stations of the Cross show two different forms of religious decoration: the painted dome and the sculpted figures.
Chapelle de Planet was built in 1878 on a plateau above Saint-André-de-Boëge in the Voirons massif. It is a place of contemplation for walkers. Every summer in July, a pilgrimage takes place at the chapel. If you plan to include the pilgrimage in your trip, check the specific dates and arrangements in advance.
Millstone history on a short circular trail
The Circuit des Meulières de la Corbière is an easy 0.6-kilometre circular trail starting in Saint-André-de-Boëge. It passes through woodland with quarries cut into the foot of a rock outcrop consisting mostly of sandstone. This outcrop is more than 200 metres long. The trail thus combines woodland with a tangible trace of past stoneworking.
The circular trail tells the story of the stonemasons who made millstones for the region’s flour mills. The quarries and long rock outcrop give this history a clear connection to the landscape. Its easy rating and short length make the trail a manageable option; conditions can vary by season, so it is advisable to check current trail conditions before setting out.
The natural area of Mont de Vouan
The ZNIEFF Mont de Vouan includes Saint-André-de-Boëge and describes a wooded sandstone massif with rock outcrops and a deep cave. The natural area also includes wetter habitats: the “Gouille au Mort” pond borders a peat bog, and there is a second, smaller body of water. These waters are home to distinctive flora and fauna, including some protected species.
The natural area described here therefore extends beyond the massif’s rocky character. Its profile also includes the bodies of water, the adjoining bog and the species found there. Those interested in landscapes and habitats will find a range of natural features here, without having to limit their visit to a single viewpoint or activity.
A different kind of route along the Menoge
The Descente de la Menoge mountain biking route follows the Menoge from the Plateau des Moises to Saint-André-de-Boëge. It differs from the Circuit des Meulières in both activity and route: this is a mountain biking route with named start and end points, while that is an easy, 0.6-kilometre circular trail starting in the village. Conditions on both routes can vary by season, so check them before your outing.
Cheese and a glimpse of farm life
GAEC Le Plâne makes Reblochon fermier, Fromage d’Abondance fermier and Tomme fermière, and sells these cheeses at the farm. For your plans, this combines local shopping with three specifically named products.
GAEC Le Plane also offers a self-guided farm visit, with information panels explaining the history and production of Fromages de Savoie. The visit focuses on the products and how they are made; the panels provide another way to explore the subject. Together with the churches, trails and natural area, the farm visit adds to the range of things to discover in Saint-André-de-Boëge, without creating a set itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Dingy-Saint-Clair, Plateau Dʼassy, Méribel, Alex, Vallières, Bonne, Thorens-Glières, Viuz-La-Chiésaz.
View the regional travel guide: Haute-Savoie.
