In Arbin, winegrowing, hiking trails and local history come together. The southeast-facing Cru vineyard, the Sentier des Buis and the Church of Saint Nicholas each offer a different perspective. The cycling route over the Col de Marocaz also provides its own view of the surrounding area. Details on distance, elevation gain and duration can help you choose an activity to fit your schedule.
Vineyards and wine culture
The Cru vineyard of Arbin faces southeast and lies on calcareous scree from the Massif des Bauges. Domaine du Château de Mérande links winegrowing with the history of the village: the estate's wine cellars and winery are located in the former château of the Lords of Mérande, on the Gallo-Roman site of Arbin.
The estate offers guided tours of the vineyard, grape varieties, terroir and winemaking techniques. These are complemented by a tour of the winery and a wine tasting. This gives you several ways to learn about winegrowing: the Cru vineyard provides the landscape setting, while the tours focus on the vines, terroir and work at the estate.
Comparing the hike and cycling route
The Sentier des Buis is a 9.5-kilometre hike with 780 metres of elevation gain, taking about four and a half hours. The trail passes through vineyards, black locust and golden chain tree stands, and a pine forest in the direction of Arbin. It also crosses La Générale, a protected dry grassland. The same route therefore takes in both vineyard landscapes and a range of vegetation.
The Sentier des Buis leads to a viewpoint with an orientation table near the Manettaz rock. This makes for a specific stop along the hike where you can get your bearings. Comparing it with the cycling route over the Col de Marocaz can help with planning, although the two involve different ways of getting around: the cycling route connects the Combe de Savoie with the Massif des Bauges, covers 11 kilometres and 700 metres of elevation gain, and takes about an hour. Both durations are approximate; route conditions may vary. Check them before setting out when planning your activities.
Church, fortified house and artwork
The Church of Saint Nicholas in Arbin was restored in 1973. Inside is a 16th-century PietĂ . The Maison forte de MĂ©rande is described as a noble residence in the Combe de Savoie and adds another building to these historical points of interest.
A contemporary touch is “Christ-Roi”: the nine-metre-high stainless steel statue was installed on the heights of Arbin in May 2017. It was created by sculptor Livio Benedetti. Together with the Pietà , which dates back several centuries, it represents two different artistic connections in Arbin. Wine, landscapes, buildings and art offer you a variety of themes to consider when choosing what to do.
Discover more destinations: Villarodin-Bourget, Montaimont, Sainte-Hélène-Du-Lac, Montricher-Albanne, Champagny-En-Vanoise, Les Marches, Le Pontet, Val-D'isère.
Go to the regional travel overview: Savoie.
