Le Grand Bornand - village

Few resorts mix old and new as successfully as Le Grand Bornand – it reeks of tradition, in more ways than one. Inhabitants are outnumbered by cows, a fact of which the village is very proud.  

It is also the home of the famous Reblochon, an AOC cheese (appellation d'origine contrôlée) produced daily in the village farms during the winter and up in the pastures in the summer. A Reblochon market is held on Wednesday mornings, a tradition which is more than 200 years old.

It has another local claim to fame – Aravis Boissons has made Forclaz lemonade here since 1870, and still uses the same recipe.

There is even a unique building style – the Bornandine method with its distinctive “pointe d'ane”, the master beam, a light and airy loft and the “credence”, a kitchen cupboard built into the wall.  Even new-build chalets follow this design.

Accommodation

Hotels are mainly 2- or 3-star, such as the comfortable Les Saytels in the heart of the old village, which has a spa, indoor and outdoor pools and great food.

Also popular are the 2-star La Croix Saint-Maurice, Le Delta and Les Écureuils, at the foot of the slopes.

At Chinaillon, the small 3-star Hôtel Les Cimes is very close to the slopes. Some of the best apartments, which can be booked through Erna Low and Peak Retreats, are at the new Village de Lessy, at Chinaillon.

Ski/snowboard equipment hire

Le Grand Bornand has several shops where you can pre-book online – Paret Sports, Sport 2000, Intersport, Sport Alp and Centor Skis.

Chinnaillon has Skiset, Netski, Hudry, and several Intersport stores.

Non-ski activities

There's no shortage of things to do – from ice skating, sleigh rides, tobogganing and parapente to horse riding and hot air ballooning. There's also a cinema.

Childcare

Le Grand Bornand is an excellent family choice and has the Famille Plus endorsement for quality of childcare.