Cohennoz can be explored through a variety of highlights: moorland and mountain forest, trails for different activities, and places steeped in local history. The area lies alongside the Massif du Beaufortain and faces the Massif des Aravis. A moorland area in the upper part of the Cohennoz forest is included in the Natura 2000 inventory.
Moorland, forest and seasonal trails
More than 90 kilometres of marked hiking trails of varying difficulty start from Crest-Voland and Cohennoz. They pass through forests and alpine meadows. When choosing a trail, it is therefore worth considering not only the length of the trail network, but also the type of landscape and challenge you are looking for. Conditions on individual trails may vary.
In summer, the moorland area of the Réserve naturelle régionale de la tourbière des Saisies–Beaufortain–Val d’Arly offers two educational trails and guided visits every afternoon. Check current dates for this seasonal offering before your trip. In winter, to protect wildlife, the moorland is accessible only on cross-country skis; check this seasonal access rule before your visit.
Another specific stop in the forest is Le Bois du Croë. This nature trail features games about forest animals and includes a suspension bridge of about 15 metres in length. The combination of playful features and the bridge gives the trail a distinctive character among Cohennoz’s nature activities.
Winter sports and mountain biking
Cohennoz is part of the Crest-Voland Cohennoz ski area, which is connected to Les Saisies and the Espace Diamant. In summer, the Crest-Voland Cohennoz area offers downhill mountain-bike trails of varying difficulty, as well as enduro mountain-bike routes accessible by chairlift. Trail conditions and lift access may change with the seasons; check the latest information in advance.
The Cohennoz FFC Route No. 51 runs mainly through the forest, climbs gradually towards the Croix de Varzeron, then descends towards the village of Cohennoz. The route offers views of the Aravis and Mont-Charvin. Its course combines a gradual climb with a descent, bringing the route and scenery together without assuming a particular riding time.
Church, Écomusée and Ainoz Mill
The church of Cohennoz was built in 1781 in the main village and is dedicated to Saint Peter in Chains. Its white walls feature geometric, symbolic or floral motifs; the vaults are painted red and blue. There are also numerous 19th-century statues. The Écomusée de Cohennoz is a small, welcoming museum in the main village, right next to the town hall. Its miniature objects include precise reproductions of tools and everyday items made by schoolchildren around 1890.
The restored Ainoz Mill is open to visitors. Allow about 1.5 hours for a visit and book through the tourist office; check the visiting arrangements in advance. The mill is located on the Nant du Moulin, the natural boundary between the municipalities of Crest-Voland and Cohennoz. It was not only a mill, but also the home of a thriving wooden-handle workshop.
Practical information
For information and bookings for the Réserve naturelle régionale de la tourbière des Saisies–Beaufortain–Val d’Arly, you can contact the Crest-Voland / Cohennoz tourist office. The Val d’Arly Mont-Blanc intermunicipal tourist office has a branch in Le Cernix, 73590 Cohennoz. Office details can change, so check them before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Jean-De-Chevelu, Saint-Paul, Voglans, La Bâthie, Jarrier, Les Coches, Albens, La Bridoire
For the regional travel overview: Savoie.
