Fier & Usses: an all-new gateway to Lake Annecy

Tornet Park & Haute-Savoie’s Parc des Jardins, the many faces of this amazing location

Located around the lake in La Balme de Sillingy, the park combines grassy areas and trees for relaxing, as well as a pedestrian trail along the water, perfect for fishing, picnicking, or staying in shape using the fitness trail. With a playground for kids and a restaurant, too, Tornet Park is clearly designed to be accessible for everyone, whoever they are. Fitness and fishing aficionados, families and groups of friends will all enjoy themselves.

Located at the entrance to the park is Haute-Savoie’s Parc des Jardins, a garden to stroll through with colorful flowers, blossoming trees, and other spectacular vegetation. Savor the myriad of scents and smells from garden plants and bushes, to cherry trees and peonies, as well as an entire world of sculpted miniatures showcasing the area’s heritage sites. Volunteers and gardening enthusiasts maintain this unique slice of nature, seeding, trimming, planting, and watering every centimeter of the flowerbeds so their colors to bloom in abundance, while also nurturing the ecosystem of plants and small animals that thrive in secret.

Do not miss the truly exceptional national collection of Asian cherry blossom flowers, with more than 145 varieties among the 350 cherry trees, including several rare specimens. This unique collection attracts an international clientele. Next spring come and enjoy the incredible phenomenon when the trees are in full bloom.

Mandallaz Hill, nature’s great escape

This bulbous limestone mountain, culminating at nearly 923 meters elevation, features a whole host of shaded hiking trails crisscrossing Mandallaz Hill, perfect for a leisurely stroll or even a strenuous hike as a family. The summit offers panoramic views of Lake Annecy, a vast swath of the Northern French Alps, and nearby Montagne d’Âge Hill.

Given its geologic makeup, spelunkers (cavers) also flock to the area to explore the many caves and subterranean cavities, reliving some of history’s most significant moments. Maquis Cave hid the local resistance during World War II, and Lesvaux Cave is home to several bones discovered in 1977 that date back to the Neolithic period. Hire a professional guide to take you on one of these spectacular adventures.

Rock climbers will enjoy a wide variety of routes among the cliffs right above the cemetery in La Balme de Sillingy. Difficulty levels range from 3b to 8b+, offering climbers of all abilities to put their skills to the test.

Fier River Gorge, vertical by nature

Among the true gems that Fier & Usses has to offer is the Fier River Gorge. In Lovagny, just 10 short kilometers from Annecy, this natural wonder ranks among the local sights that you just have to see. On a catwalk fixed to the side of the steep rock walls and suspended 25 meters above the river, marvel at the narrow gorge’s spectacular beauty, as the atmosphere and colors change depending on the water level and sunlight.

Open from March through mid-October, it takes approximately one hour to tour the gorge and walk out and back along the 252-meter-long catwalk. “Mer des Rochers” (Sea of Rock) offers a mineral landscape sculpted meticulously over eons by erosion, and “Ilot des Légendes” (Legend Island) tells the amazing stories and popular fairytales inspired by the location’s incredible natural formations. As you exit the gorge, a few steps lead to “Clarière des Curieux” (Curiosity Clearing), an educational area where visitors can learn more about the local geology.

The catwalk may prove somewhat daunting for those who have vertigo or are afraid of heights; some prefer to cling to the rock walls rather than look over the railing and into the void!

Montrottier Castle: a fabulous trip through time

Right next door to the Fier River Gorge, Montrottier Castle is a truly majestic place. With its tallest tower rising to a lofty 35 meters and its vast medieval domain, it simply feels as if this castle inspired most (if not all) of our childhood fairytales. The incredibly diverse events program revolves around juggling shows, plays, medieval stories, light shows, exploring the gardens, and so many other ways to take full advantage of an immersive experience within this incredible historic location.

Open from March through October, events just for kids, treasure hunts, and an escape game are organized throughout the season as an additional experience to the regularly-scheduled guided tours of the castle and grounds. Wander through the rooms, explore the cabinet of curiosities housed in “Tour des Religieuses” (Religious Tower), the hall of the guards, and the hall of knights, and then embark on an interactive stroll through the gardens. The tour takes you deep into so many different historic periods, from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and all the way to modern times, from its role as a defensive structure to one used for more formal ceremonial occasions.

Compagnie des Ballons, a unique experience

Based in La Balme de Sillingy, Compagnie des Ballons, created in 2011, offers the unique opportunity to embark on a hot-air balloon ride above the area’s stunning natural landscapes. Take to the heights, enjoying the silence as you marvel from above at the true majesty of Lake Annecy, Lake Geneva, the surrounding summits, the Northern French Alps, and even the hills near Lyon for an unforgettable experience.

Whether savoring the sound of silence at dawn or marveling at the wild display of colors at sunset, every second transforms into long-lasting memories. Depending on the makeup of your group, as a couple or a family, step into a basket that holds up to eight people for a first-time flight that offers the incredible benefit of clear, unobstructed views of our destination, always following where the wind decides to take you: this indescribable journey is a true escape in itself.