In Saint-Jean-D'aulps, the hamlets lie on both sides of the Dranse. This gives the area the character of an inhabited mountain landscape, where heritage and trails offer different ways to shape a stay.
Abbey History and Culture
The ruins of the Abbaye d'Aulps were classified as a historic monument by decree on 6 October 1902. At the Domaine de Découverte de la Vallée d'Aulps, you can see the remains of an 11th-century abbey church. The restored former monks’ farm is also part of the visitor experience: it houses a 650 m² interpretation centre. This means you can encounter the abbey and its history both in its surviving structures and in a centre dedicated to them.
ABBAYE D’AULPS 3D lets you discover the abbey as it appeared between the 16th and 18th centuries. The digital experience is available with a virtual reality headset or on a tablet; device availability may vary. Also check seasonal availability before your trip. Another way to explore monastic life is the participatory guided tour: using props, it recreates the gestures and activities of a typical day in a monastic community. Guided tours may be offered seasonally.
The Chapelle de Graydon offers a different historical perspective. It was founded in 1859 and fully restored in 2009. During the summer season, a pastoral Mass is held there every Wednesday; the exact programme may vary. If you would like to include this seasonal offering in your visit, it is worth checking the day of the week and the latest programme details in advance.
Hiking and Alpine Landscapes
The hike to Lac du Fouyet crosses an alpine pasture at the foot of Pic de la Corne. It is rated moderate, with a distance of 5.7 km and an estimated duration of about 2 hours and 55 minutes. The time estimate and trail conditions may vary by season. This gives you practical information for planning your day, while the route also takes you through an Alpine landscape.
Another hike leads to Pointe de Nantaux. The very steep trail first passes through the forest, then climbs to the alpine pasture and finishes with a long ridge to the summit. Check for alpine hazards and seasonal conditions before setting out. The two hikes therefore have different profiles: the Lac du Fouyet route is rated moderate, with its distance and approximate duration provided, while the route to Pointe de Nantaux is characterised by a steep forest trail and a long summit ridge.
Alpage de Graydon also reflects the Alpine character of the area: cows and goats graze at the foot of Roc d’Enfer. Roc d’Enfer is connected by shuttle to the other areas of the Portes du Soleil ski resort; the shuttle operates seasonally. Take this seasonal connection into account if it is important for your plans.
Seasonal Experiences and Planning Your Stay
During the summer holidays, Le Clos aux chèvres offers families shepherd-led culinary hikes. The shared experience ends with a cheese tasting, including AOP Chevrotin. This seasonal offering requires a reservation. If you would like to combine culture, hikes and experiences like these, you can start by matching your travel dates with the activities you have in mind.
Discover more destinations: Chevenoz, Habère-Lullin, Magland, Pringy, Cluses, Plateau Dʼassy, Cuvat, Mont-Saxonnex.
For the overview of the wider area: Haute-Savoie.
