Sallanches

A town rebuilt after 1840

Sallanches sits on a wide plain crossed by the Arve, between the Aravis and the Mont-Blanc massif. Its centre has a story all of its own. On 19 April 1840, a fire destroyed 268 of the town's 273 houses. King Charles-Albert paid for the rebuilding, which followed a grid plan. The town hall, in Sardinian neoclassical style, was completed in 1844.

What to do in Sallanches

Start with the Arpenaz waterfall, 270 m high, above the hamlet of Luzier. The site has been protected since 1991. It is most impressive in spring, when the snow melts. In summer, the Lacs des Ilettes make another easy outing, with their leisure area.

If it rains, head up to the Château des Rubins. This fortified 14th-century manor house is home to the Observatoire des Alpes, an interactive exhibition on the mountains: geology, glaciers, wildlife, plants and climate. Allow around 2 hrs for your visit, and check the opening times before you set off.

Learning to look after yourself in the mountains

In Sallanches, Valérie Dubois Delplanque, a mountain leader based in the Arve valley, runs Survivre en montagne (mountain survival). Over 3 hrs, through hands-on scenarios, you learn how to build a shelter, read your surroundings and make use of what you find around you. The challenges vary with the season and the conditions on the day.

She also runs other outings in the area, around Cordon and Magland. For more ideas for time in nature, take a look at our Découverte nature section.

Your questions about Sallanches

What is there to do in Sallanches with children? Survivre en montagne is open to everyone from age 8, at all levels. The Château des Rubins is also a good choice for families.

Where do we meet for Survivre en montagne? The activity page gives a meeting point in Sallanches. Valérie will confirm the exact location with you.

How do you organise your outing? Send Valérie a message from the activity page to find out when she is available.