The Local Area

Le Grand Bornand is a long established alpine village which has preserved its character and traditions well. It has a genuine year-round life based on dairy farming and its ancient wooden chalets are still used as farms and give an authentic feel to the area.

Le Grand Bornand has a weekly market on Wednesday mornings where fresh fruit and vegetables are sold alongside other local products. The area is famous for its Reblochon, one of Frances' best known Appellation Contrôlée cheeses. The region also produces large amounts of Tomme de Savoie as well as sheep cheeses (Brebis) and goats cheese(Chèvre). Pork is another important local product and you can buy a large variety of dried hams, saucisson, pates, terrines and sausages. There is honey from different parts of the mountains as well as jams made from the local fruits. Wines from the Savoie can also be bought from the market and in some of the village shops. They are mostly light white wines (Apremont, Chignin, Roussette) with a flowery nose and a fresh lemony taste. The red wines are either Gamay, which is light and fruity or Mondeuse which is fruity, peppery and tannic. There are similar markets in La Clusaz on Mondays and Thônes on Saturdays.

Annecy

Annecy is one of the loveliest Alpine cities in Europe situated by a gorgeous lake which is about 30 minutes drive. It has been called the Venice of the Alps because of its well-preserved Medieval centre and its canal system. Inside the old city, which is nearly all car-free, there are lots of interesting shops and restaurants under the covered walkways and along the canals. The castle has a comprehensive museum and there are others monuments to visit as well. By the lake is a big open park and a botanical garden. You could also visit the numerous beaches all around Lake Annecy and swim in the cleanest lake in Europe. There are many water-based sports on offer all around the lake including sailing, windsurfing, wakeboarding as well as pedalos and rowing boats for hire.