What to do in summer around the Gentianettes in Evian - Abondance Valley region?

Need to relax and breathe the fresh alpine air of the Haute-Savoie, to enjoy nature and the many summer activities that the local mountains offer? Head for the picturesque Abondance Valley on the summits of the Evian - Abondance Valley region. Here, in La Chapelle d'Abondance, our four-star hotel restaurant Les Gentianettes is waiting for you to come and put down your bags and discover the region. This holiday destination that leaves no one indifferent is waiting for you.

Summer activities around the Gentianettes in La Chapelle d'Abondance

Yum yum, taste the local cheeses at the Chapelle d'Abondance cheese dairy, Evian - Abondance Valley region

If for you, a holiday in Haute-Savoie and the surrounding area of the abondance valley is synonymous with tasting local cheeses such as abondance cheese, the renowned reblochon, but also other cheeses such as goat's cheese, raclette cheese, ewe's cheese... you are at the right address!

At the cheese factory based in La Chapelle d'Abondance, located near the hotel in the heart of the abondance valley, immerse yourself in local folklore and succumb to many other local products. Mountain honey, local sausages such as the Magland sausage or even farm meat directly from the producer. 

With family or friends, during your stay in Evian, in one of our spacious rooms, succumb to the pleasure of local specialities in our alpine brewery La BARATTE! An unmissable gustatory activity!

Discover the Abondance Valley differently with the trails along the Dranse

In the summer, taking a cool break at altitude during the hot weather is a good idea! Why not do this summer activity: a walk along the Dranse, the river of the Abondance Valley, a tributary of the Rhone which flows into Lake Geneva? 

An easy trail, accessible for a family walk or mountain bike ride, runs through all the villages of the Abondance Valley: Bonneveau, Abondance, la Chapelle d'Abondance, and ends at the hamlet of Très-les-Pierres in Châtel. No need to hike for several hours, you can very well, after a night at Les Gentianettes and a hearty meal at the restaurant Les Gentianettes, take a leisurely stroll along the river and retrace your steps. A refreshing hike that will do the whole family good!

Fallow deer are waiting for you in their park at La Chapelle d'Abondance

Located 400 metres from the alpine village of La Chapelle d'Abondance, the fallow deer park is an activity that will appeal to young and old alike! This park welcomes you in summer to discover the fallow deer, a mammal introduced in the 1970s in the valley of Abondance.

Sports activities: what are the best walks in summer around the Gentianettes - Évian and Abondance Valley region

Head for the Cornettes de Bise massif, for a breathtaking Alpine panorama

Looking for a sporting holiday? No problem, the Abundance Valley is full of hiking trails. From our chalet hotel **** les Gentianettes, take the “la Batelle road” and enjoy the Chevenne viewpoint on the way. From here, you will have a magnificent view of the village of La Chapelle d'Abondance and the Mont de Grange. This is the perfect starting point for a hike in the Cornettes de Bise reserve, a Natura 2000 reserve in the Abundance Valley areas, Evian area.

Discover the Massif du Chablais: towards the Mont de Grange

From the “Plan des feux car park”, located south of La Chapelle d'Abondance, halfway up the Cret-Béni chairlift, set off to discover the Chablais Massif and its emblematic Mont de Grange, the second-highest summit in the Chablais Massif. Before setting off on the trail, which is more suitable for experienced hikers, take a minute to admire the scenery from the viewpoint of “the Plan des feux".

Watering places to cool off in Abundance Valley, Evian Area during the summer heat

From the Sevan car park, head for Lake Arvouin.

This easy hike can be done with the whole family. Do you have small children? No problem, as the path can be walked with a pushchair. Let your children discover the Chablais geopark: fir trees, mountain chalets and breathtaking views. Ibexes can join your walk, to the delight of the youngest.

The Bayard waterfall: a refreshing rest in the Abundance Valley.

The Abondance Valley has few waterfalls, but this one is worth a visit! Abundant from spring onwards after the melting of the glaciers, the waterfall remains a source of escape in summer, when the heat becomes too unbearable. Here's an idea: why not prepare a picnic with local products and admire the landscape while enjoying your snack. A change of scenery is guaranteed!

Which typical towns to visit around La Chapelle d'Abondance, from the Hotel les Gentianettes?

  • Destination Abondance, only 7 km from the Chapelle d'Abondance and the Gentianettes. A small ski resort village in winter, Abondance is part of the Evian and Abundance Valley Country community of municipalities. Its large market organized on Sunday mornings in all seasons is worth a visit.
     
  • South of Abondance, only 10 minutes away by car, the Lac des Plagnes is the ideal destination for taking time out, hiking around this mountain lake or for fishing enthusiasts. An ideal setting for many activities, just a few steps from Les Gentianettes.
     
  • Destination Thonon-les-Bains for a stroll along the banks of Lake Geneva. During your trip, come and discover the restaurant Le Jolla, located at the port of Sechex on the banks of Lake Geneva. A gastronomic escapade guaranteed for all lovers of fish (but also of meat, of course). This restaurant is run by our family and you will find the touch of chef Claude Trincaz on a more lakeside cuisine.
     
  • Take the departmental road 22 for many landscapes: towards the town of Châtel, or the Swiss border, or the Dranse plain and its typical alpine pastures of the Abondance Valley. Breathtaking panoramas await you. In summer, discover the festival of the Belle Dimanche, otherwise known as the festival of the mountain pastures. An event not to be missed in the Abondance Valley!