Things To Do
in Sallanches
Sallanches is a gateway town in Haute-Savoie, sitting in the Arve valley with sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif. It combines small-town French charm with easy access to world-class alpine recreation—hiking, climbing and skiing are all within minutes. The town has a practical, service-oriented feel with local markets, bakeries and outdoor shops catering to visitors and residents alike.
Sallanches is also a convenient base for day trips to Chamonix, Megève and the scenic Cirque de Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Sallanches' historic center, admiring the beautiful architecture and quaint shops. Stop by a local bakery for fresh pastries and coffee, enjoying the aroma of freshly baked goods. Don't miss the stunning view of Mont Blanc as you wander through the picturesque town square.
After lunch at a cozy bistro, visit the Église Saint-Jacques, a captivating church known for its unique blend of architectural styles. Spend some time at the local market, where you can sample regional delicacies and pick up handmade crafts. As the afternoon unfolds, relax at one of the town's parks, perhaps enjoying a good book or simply soaking in the atmosphere.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant that specializes in Savoyard cuisine, indulging in fondue or tartiflette while enjoying the warm ambiance. Join a guided night walk that highlights Sallanches' history and folklore, providing insights into the town’s rich past. Conclude your day with a drink at a local café, savoring the cool mountain breeze.
Gear up for an exhilarating hike in the nearby Aravis mountain range, where the fresh alpine air invigorates your senses. Early risers will appreciate the stunning sunrise views over the peaks, making for perfect photo opportunities. Pack a hearty breakfast to enjoy amidst the breathtaking scenery before setting off on the trails.
As you trek through the lush landscapes, take breaks to admire the vibrant alpine flowers and perhaps spot some local wildlife. Reach a picturesque mountain lake for a well-deserved picnic lunch, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Alps. The afternoon can be spent ascending to higher altitudes, where panoramic views of the surrounding valleys await.
Return to Sallanches to unwind and share stories of your hiking adventures over dinner at a local tavern. Enjoy a refreshing drink on a terrace, looking out at the majestic mountains that you’ve just explored. As the stars twinkle overhead, take a peaceful evening walk through the town, absorbing the serene atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $45-80 |
| ☕Coffee | $2.50-4.50 |
| 🏨Hotel (mid-range) per night | $80-160 |
| 🎟️Ski lift day pass (regional vary) | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to Mont Blanc and top alpine activities
- Authentic Savoyard food and local markets
- Compact town with services and outdoor outfitters
- Good base for day trips to Chamonix, Megève and natural sites
- Limited late-night entertainment compared with larger towns
- Can get crowded and expensive in peak ski and summer seasons
- Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and affect plans
- Some trailheads and attractions require a car or transfers
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Où sont les toilettes ?" - Where are the toilets?
- "Je voudrais une table pour deux, s'il vous plaît." - I would like a table for two, please.
Places to Visit in Sallanches
Visit one of these nice places.
Multiple vantage points around Sallanches offer classic Mont Blanc panoramic shots—early morning and late afternoon provide the best light and fewer haze issues.
Riverside walkways and bridges capture reflections, rushing water and the contrast between town and mountain backdrops.
A dramatic natural amphitheater with cliffs and waterfalls—great for wide-angle landscape photography and seasonal waterfall shots.
High-altitude pastures near Sallanches offer wildflowers, grazing cows and classic chalet scenes framed by peaks—especially photogenic in summer.
Find a hill or viewpoint for golden-hour photos of Mont Blanc and the surrounding ridges; low-haze mornings in late summer are ideal.
Food in Sallanches
Sallanches Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Melted local cheeses (often Beaufort or Comté) blended with white wine and garlic; best enjoyed in mountain restaurants or alpine-style bistros.
Must-Try!
Half wheels of cheese heated and scraped over potatoes, charcuterie and pickles—available at many traditional restaurants and winter huts.
A gratin of potatoes, lardons and Reblochon cheese; a hearty, local favorite served across Sallanches and nearby resorts.
Savoyard sausages (diots) often served with small buckwheat or durum wheat pasta called crozets, commonly found in homey restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market days (typically mid-week and a main market day on Saturday) with stalls selling bread, cheese, charcuterie, fruit, vegetables and local preserves—perfect for picnic supplies.
Nearby villages run seasonal and farmers’ markets (spring–autumn) featuring wild mushrooms, honey, local cheeses and regional specialties; look for small street-food stalls like crêpes and tartiflette stands during winter festivals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always greet shopkeepers and staff with a Bonjour or Bonsoir when entering—it's polite and expected.
French is the local language; a few words in French go a long way. Many people in tourist and outdoor sectors speak English, but politeness in French is appreciated.
Respect quiet hours and neighborhood peace—especially in residential areas and mountain villages where evenings are calm.
Leave no trace on trails, respect grazing areas and follow local signage to protect meadows and wildlife.
Safety
Tipping in Sallanches
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is typically included (service compris) on restaurant bills, but leaving small change or rounding up 5–10% for exceptional service is appreciated. Taxi drivers and hotel porters can be given small tips for help; cash is convenient for small transactions.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels. Carry some euros in cash for market stalls, small cafés and mountain huts; contactless payment is common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, pleasant days ideal for hiking, mountain biking and climbing; trailheads can be busy on weekends—bring sun protection and layers for cooler high-altitude conditions.
Crisp air and dramatic foliage colors; lower tourist numbers make it a peaceful time to visit, but higher trails begin to close and services reduce as winter approaches.
Cold and snowy with full ski-season activity in the region—expect busy roads to resorts, packed restaurants and lively après-ski scenes; ensure winter tires or chains for driving.
Melting snow and blooming valleys; some higher routes may still be snowbound or muddy—check local conditions for hiking and avalanche risk.
Sallanches at Night
Hiking in Sallanches
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A classic summit offering panoramic views of the Mont Blanc range; routes vary from long day hikes to more technical alpine approaches—best attempted with proper planning.
Trails circling the dramatic cirque with waterfalls and steep cliffs; options for family walks and longer hikes into the cirque and to nearby lakes.
An accessible, scenic lake hike good for families and photographers—reflective waters framed by alpine slopes.
Sallanches is a useful base for nearby sections of the TMB and connecting trails—ideal for multi-day trekking or sampling a slice of the route on day hikes.
Numerous marked trails lead to pastures and ridges for flora, fauna and sweeping mountain vistas; trail difficulty ranges widely so choose according to fitness and conditions.
Airports
How to reach Sallanches by plane.
About 60–80 km (roughly 1–1.5 hours by car depending on traffic); frequent shuttle buses and trains connect Geneva to the Sallanches/Chamonix area—most convenient for international travelers.
Approximately 2–2.5 hours by car; useful for domestic and some international flights, with rental car and train connections available.
Smaller regional airport around 1.5–2 hours away; seasonal flights possible and transfers to the Alps are available.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents with strong regional identity—many work in tourism, agriculture or local services.
Employees in hospitality and winter-sports services who come seasonally for work in ski resorts and summer tourism.
Visitors from France and abroad attracted to mountain sports, hiking and scenic access to Mont Blanc.
People who choose Sallanches for quieter mountain living while still having access to amenities and healthcare.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely practiced in winter across regional resorts with downhill and cross-country options for all levels.
Classic alpine mountaineering is popular for experienced climbers taking on local peaks and glaciers.
The varied terrain and well-marked trails attract trail runners, with events and informal group runs in summer.
Road cycling and mountain biking are popular—mountain passes and valley roads are used by serious road cyclists and touring riders.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sallanches.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but traditional dishes are cheese and meat heavy—ask for galettes, salads, omelettes and cheese-based dishes; most restaurants will adapt some plates.
Vegan choices are more limited outside larger towns; seek out bakeries for fruit and vegetable stalls at markets, and notify restaurants in advance—larger nearby towns (Annecy, Geneva) have more vegan-friendly venues.
Gluten-free options are possible at many places, but cross-contamination can occur in traditional kitchens; bring any specialty items if you have strict intolerance and communicate clearly in French.