Le Grand Bornand
This town is a popular summer destination with the French and no wonder, it’s really buzzing. There are delicious gourmet food shops, ravishing restaurants like Restaurant Confins des Sens which has a chic chalet ambience, sports activities galore and the air is fresh and sweet.
It’s also where you’ll find the shop of Didier Perrillat, one of the last leather artisans left in Haute-Savoie. In his tiny shop he makes all manner of things from purses to bags and key fobs but he’s famous for the leather necklaces he makes for cows! Did you know every cow has a unique bell and a good farmer can recognise an individual cow by its ring? Well those bells have to hang on something and Didier makes beautiful straps for special cows! I'm told that cows here wear day time bells but in their closets they may have a special “dress” bell which is much bigger and heavier and worn for shows and special occasions! You can watch Didier creating in his pretty shop Chez Le Bourrelier
with its mountain views. located in the main road of Le Grand Bornand.
Head up into the mountains for more glorious scenery and fabulous restaurants. A short drive from Le Grand Bornand you’ll find the Col des Aravis, and at 1498m it has magnificent views that take your breath away. Those ski lifts that make skiers life easy, also work in the summer and make for a fun ride.
Enjoy a meal high up in the fresh air, there’s nothing quite like it to whet your appetite and there’s lots of great choice. For views, ambiance and scrumptious dishes, Restaurant les Rhodos ticks all the boxes.
Find out more about the history of the area, life in the past and Reblochon cheese at the new Le Hameau des Alpes museum near La Clusaz. Interactive exhibitions and great photos make this a fascinating visit.