Roc de Chère, Abbaye de Talloires and Cascade d’Angon offer different reasons to visit Talloires: protected nature, historic buildings and canyoning at the waterfall. The Cercle Nautique de Talloires adds sailing lessons and equipment rental to the mix. When planning, you can first choose your focus: nature and views, local history or activities on the water.

Roc de Chère and the landscape

The Roc de Chère National Nature Reserve in Talloires-Montmin was established in 1977 and covers 69 hectares. Limestone slopes and marshy hollows shape the landscape, which is home to a wide variety of natural habitats. The Roc de Chère – Circuit pédestre des Belvédères is a themed discovery trail that passes through the protected forest of the Réserve naturelle du Roc de Chère. It offers panoramic views of Lake Annecy and the surrounding peaks. The reserve therefore puts specific landscape features, a nature trail and views centre stage. Access to the trail is weather-dependent; take conditions into account when planning your visit.

Waterfall and water sports

Cascade d’Angon offers a different experience. It is accessible from the village of Talloires; the waterfall is 60 metres high, and canyoning descents by abseil are available there. Compared with the Circuit pédestre des Belvédères, the focus here is on the waterfall and abseiling rather than a themed walking trail and panoramic views.

The Cercle Nautique de Talloires offers sailing lessons and rents out Optimist dinghies, catamarans, windsurfing boards and kayaks. Its offerings include both sailing instruction and a range of rental equipment. If you plan to take part in any of these activities, check the current operating periods beforehand; they may change.

History and buildings

Talloires has been documented in historical records since the 11th century. Abbaye de Talloires developed from a chapel and then a monastery; the present-day abbey was built by Benedictine monks in the 17th century. The sequence of chapel, monastery and abbey means that the building’s history developed over several phases.

The abbey hosts numerous exhibitions that are open to the public; the programme may change. If a particular exhibition is part of your plans, check the current programme beforehand.

Another historical landmark is the Church of Saint Maurice de Talloires. Dedicated to Saint Maurice, it dates from the 18th century and contains polychrome wooden sculptures. Polychrome means decorated in several colours, describing a specific feature of the sculptures. If you are choosing a cultural visit, the sites differ in their themes: the abbey combines several building phases with a public exhibition programme, while the church is defined by its dedication, its 18th-century origins and its wooden sculptures. These offer different ways to explore local history.

Discover more destinations: Magland, Seythenex, Saint-Jorioz, Saxel, Chessenaz, Poisy, Annecy-Le-Vieux, Publier

For the main travel overview: Haute-Savoie.