Leschaux at Semnoz: Mountain Pastures, Trails and History

Leschaux lies on the slopes of the Semnoz massif and offers panoramic views as well as a distinctly rural character. When selecting a holiday apartment in Leschaux, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on the offer pages.

Nature

The mountain pastures on Semnoz cover just under 500 hectares and are spread across five municipalities. The pastures near the Chalets des Villards and Vernettes cover 77 hectares within the municipality of Leschaux. The mountain pastures on Semnoz are managed by the Association Foncière Pastorale du Semnoz. During the summer grazing season, Tarine, Abondance and Montbéliarde cattle feed on the Semnoz pastures; this pastoral farming produces cheese and butter. GAEC des Noisetiers offers farm-produced Abondance cheese.

Getting Around

The GRP Tour du Semnoz passes through Leschaux and several other municipalities in the Massif des Bauges, reaching Crêt de Châtillon at 1,699 metres, the highest point on Semnoz. The signposted municipal discovery trail “Si j’étais un Arbre” runs for 3 kilometres from the church in the centre of Leschaux to the present-day road near Gîte nature La Biolette. Bois Brulé lies in the vicinity of Leschaux, on the southern edge of Semnoz; it can be reached via the road from Leschaux to Semnoz and offers opportunities for climbing and picnicking. The Col de Leschaux is at an elevation of 897 metres and has been crossed three times by the Tour de France. The Canyon du Pont du Diable in the Massif des Bauges is a spectacular canyoning location, with a small stone bridge spanning a gorge cut into the massive limestone of the Semnoz mountains.

Culture

The history of Leschaux dates back to 1236: the first parish priest was appointed at that time, and monks from the Priory of Saint-Jorioz founded the parish. On 4 July 1944, Leschaux and the Semnoz massif were the scene of a German offensive against the Maquis des Bauges. The hamlet of La Croix in Leschaux was hit by a major fire on 19 May 1861; three people lost their lives, and almost the entire hamlet was destroyed. The inhabitants rebuilt La Croix in less than two years after the 1861 fire.

The Hôtel Belvédère at the Col de Leschaux was built in the 1920s on the site of the former Hôtel-Restaurant de la Poste. It later served as a holiday colony and was eventually converted into a residential building. Marius Vallin, an architect and tourism pioneer, opened the Hôtel du Semnoz in 1872.

Other Places

Saint-Jorioz, Arthaz-Pont-Notre-Dame, Machilly, Taninges, Saint-Eusèbe, Abondance, Argonay and Saxel

Getting There

Leschaux is served by Sibra à la Demande, an on-demand service that connects the municipalities of Grand Annecy and provides access to the regular bus network.

For the higher-level travel overview: Haute-Savoie.