Located near France’s border with Switzerland and Italy, La Clusaz is a charming alpine town in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It was originally established as a farming village but became popular as a ski resort after the first cable car was built in 1956. La Clusaz is particularly renowned for its Reblochon and Tomme de Savoie cheeses.
Things to do in La Clusaz
If you’re visiting in the winter months, you can hit the ski runs that descend the slopes of La Clusaz’s five mountains - Beauregard, Manigod, L’Etale, L’Aguille and La Balme. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also available, as are dog sledding and night skiing on select evenings. If you’re just starting out, there are several ski schools catering to all ages.
Once the snow melts, you can explore La Clusaz’s mountainous terrain on the area’s extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails. Challenge yourself on the Via Ferrata Yves Pollet-Villard or take to the skies on a paragliding flight. In addition, there are two downhill toboggan tracks that kids will love. Clustered in the village centre are specialty shops selling local delicacies and handicrafts.
La Clusaz makes an ideal base for visiting Lake Annecy, a magnificent body of water fed by mountain springs. At its northern end is the medieval town of Annecy, which is renowned for its winding canals and cobblestone streets lined with pastel-hued houses. Don’t miss the 13th-century Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, which features opulently decorated rooms that can be explored on guided tours.
Getting around La Clusaz
La Clusaz is around 40 minutes’ drive from Annecy and one hour from Geneva Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to La Clusaz and travel throughout the commune while lifts ascend to the surrounding ski slopes.