Les Contamines-Montjoie

Why Les Contamines?

Les Contamines-Montjoie is a mountain village at 1,164 m, in the Montjoie valley, a small north–south valley through which the Bon Nant flows. The road in goes via Saint-Gervais. About two-thirds of the commune is a designated nature reserve.

Protected since 1979, the reserve covers 5,500 hectares. It starts at the edge of the village, at around 1,100 m, and climbs to 3,892 m at the Aiguille Nord de Tré-la-Tête. Asters, the Haute-Savoie conservation trust that manages it, describes it as the highest nature reserve in France.

The Notre-Dame de la Gorge path

From the village, a gentle walk follows the Bon Nant up to Notre-Dame de la Gorge. It's even suitable for pushchairs. At the end you'll find a Baroque chapel and the start of the old Roman road that climbs towards the Col du Bonhomme. The GR5 passes through here.

Run or ride with a pro

These trails are also great terrain for trail running. Yan Chatellard, a mountain leader, offers a 2 to 3-hour run-hike to suit your level, whether you'd like to try it out, be coached or improve. He also leads an electric mountain bike ride for ages 12 and up.

For more ideas, take a look at the neighbouring villages of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and Megève.