Tournon combines the medieval history of La Tourmotte with a landscape stretching from the Bauges Massif to the Isère plain. It is also home to an airfield with offerings from the Aéro-Club d’Albertville, a cycle route, and several local attractions. These distinctions are particularly useful when planning a trip: history and landscape give the town a clear character, while cycling, aviation, and karting are separate activities in their own right.
Landscapes between the Bauges and Isère
The municipal area has a clear geographical division. One third in the northwest lies on the Bauges Massif and consists of plateaus and slopes. The remaining two thirds form the Isère alluvial plain. This means two distinct types of landscape sit side by side: the northwest is defined by elevation and slopes, while the larger part of the area lies on the plain. This division provides a concrete geographical setting for a stay in Tournon.
La Tourmotte and the town’s history
La Tourmotte is a feudal motte dating from the 11th century. In the 13th century, it was incorporated into a much larger castle belonging to the Count of Savoy. The entrance and part of the enclosure are visible; the original motte has been preserved beside the church. Tournon’s church was rebuilt between 1681 and 1701. The buildings and remains mentioned here therefore reveal several distinct periods: the early motte, its incorporation into the larger castle complex, and the later rebuilding of the church. At the foot of the church tower is also Notre Dame de Lourdes, a faithful replica of the Grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes.
Airfield, cycle route, and activities
At Aérodrome de Tournon, the Aéro-Club d’Albertville offers pilot training, discovery flights and introductory flights, as well as recreational flying, year-round, seven days a week. It is best to check arrangements directly with the club before your trip. A cycle route starts at Tournon airfield, passes through Albertville and Ugine, and then follows the voie verte towards Annecy. The route thus connects several named places before continuing towards Annecy.
Karting du Grand Arc offers a different activity: introductory rides and sessions in a two-seater kart are available for children aged five and over, as well as for people with disabilities. The play equipment at Parc de la Tourmotte was completely replaced in 2023. It includes two Quids and one piece of equipment each for children aged 6 to 12 and 2 to 6. The age ranges are therefore specified.
Products and planning your visit
La Ferme du Coteau welcomes visitors to its sales stand at 553 rue du bois de l’île in Tournon. The stated opening hours are Mondays from 10 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 5 pm, Wednesdays from 1 pm to 5 pm, and Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm. Check the opening hours directly with the business before visiting.
The range includes organic apples, pears, fruit juices, cider, and compote. Depending on the season, weather, and available quantities, there are also plums, table grapes, quinces, strawberries, fruit purées, sweet cider, and sparkling apple juice. These additional products are therefore not equally available at all times or in all quantities. Together with its clearly defined activities and historic sites, Tournon offers a variety of options for planning a stay around your own interests.
Discover more destinations: Ayse, Cruseilles, Sixt-Fer-Ă€-Cheval, Vacheresse, Servoz, MĂ©ribel, Scionzier, Argentiere.
For the broader travel overview: Haute-Savoie.
