Attractions and Places To See around Marlioz - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Marlioz, a commune in the Haute-Savoie department of France, offers a blend of local historical sites and convenient access to natural beauty. The village features landmarks such as the Château de Marlioz, a medieval fortified house, and the Chapel of Marlioz, located in the Marlioz forest. The surrounding region provides diverse natural landscapes and cultural attractions, including mountains, lakes, and historical towns. Visitors can explore a variety of points of interest within a…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Tête de la Mandallaz
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The word mandallaz comes from the …
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Border Marker No. 1 – Westernmost Point of Switzerland
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Caille Bridge
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Ruins of the Bains de la Caille
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View of the Salève and Mont Blanc
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Beautiful panorama of Lake Annecy, the Aravis and Mont Blanc
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Magnificent panorama of the valley at the foot of the Alps. We hear the cowbells in spring, the breeze is gentle, the shade of a tree welcomes us for a moment to enjoy a short break on the ascent of Salève. This view alone is worth the effort of climbing up there!
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Head of Mandallaz and Sillingy fault mirror
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very gloomy place housing the ancient thermal baths of the pont de la quailles
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Nice view of the Bornes plateau and the mountains in the background. With a little luck, we can see Mont Blanc.
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Ancient thermal baths, a rather dark and gloomy place
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Mandallaz Mountain, also known as Mandallaz Mountain (pronounced Mandalle), or Balme Mountain, is a mountain in the Prealps located in the Haute-Savoie department (France). The word mandallaz comes from the Old French muer, which gave rise to the verbs "remer" and "mouvoir," and more specifically the noun remue. It thus refers to a small chalet located in an alpine pasture, and in Savoyard, muanda, with the diminutive suffix -allaz. The mountain is locally known as Balme Mountain or La Balme-de-Sillingy, from the name of the eponymous commune. In a transcript of a meeting of the Florimontane Academy (1912), a note states that "Mandallaz is wrongly called the mountain of Balme de Sillingy." It can also be called Mandallaz Mountain or simply La Mandallaz. The Mandallaz Mountains are a small pre-Alpine massif, eight kilometers long and three to four kilometers wide, located northwest of the Annecy basin. It extends through the communes of Annecy (formerly Pringy), Choisy, Cuvat, Épagny-Metz-Tessy, La Balme-de-Sillingy, Sillingy, and Allonzier-la-Caille. Its most prominent peak, the Tête de la Mandallaz, at the southern end of the mountain overlooking La Balme-de-Sillingy and Épagny-Metz-Tessy at an altitude of 900 meters, is not its highest point; the highest point is located in the center of the mountain at 923 meters. The Mandallaz offers panoramic views of the Annecy metropolitan area, Lake Annecy, the Alps, the Montagne d'Âge, and the surrounding countryside.
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The Caille baths are former thermal baths, now disused, located in the Usses gorges, in the town of Cruseilles in Haute-Savoie. Probably already known to the Romans1, they are fed by two sulfurous springs which spring at the bottom of the Usses valley, downstream from the Caille bridges. These baths have been used several times at least since the Middle Ages. They were actually developed from the middle of the 19th century but have not been exploited since the 1960s, their location nestled in the gorges, the moderate flow and temperature of the springs not having favored the sustainability of the establishment. The waters are sulphurous, alkaline, gaseous, hot at 24°Re or 30°C1. They are used in drinks, baths, showers and steam baths. They become cloudy as soon as they are exposed to air and then give off a very characteristic odor. They escape in two sources from the limestone bases of the so-called “Châtelard” mountain. Their flow rate of approximately one hundred liters of water per minute corresponds, for example, to the content of a bath per minute1. They are easily digested; also, patients can drink 8 to 12 glasses per day. They are used more particularly against diseases of the skin, joints, gout, rheumatism, scrofula, internal and external engorgement, vapors, migraines, etc. The operation of the baths stopped definitively around the 1960s. The buildings were then partly destroyed, and ruins remained, including the old swimming pool at the entrance to which we can still read the inscription “BENI BE GOD WHO MADE THE SPRINGS BRING OUT. ALONGSIDE THE EVILS, HE PUT THE REMEDY.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit near Marlioz?
Marlioz itself is home to the medieval Château de Marlioz, dating back to the 13th century, and the historic Chapel of Marlioz in the forest, which lies on a route to Santiago de Compostela. Nearby, you can explore the Caille Bridge, an 1839 suspension bridge offering views into a deep gorge, and the Ruins of the Bains de la Caille, former thermal baths nestled in the Usses gorges. Additionally, the Border Marker No. 1 – Westernmost Point of Switzerland is a legendary monument from 1816, marking a significant historical boundary.
Where can I find the best panoramic views around Marlioz?
For breathtaking vistas, head to the View of the Salève and Mont Blanc, which offers a panorama of the Bornes plateau and, on clear days, Mont Blanc. Another excellent spot is Tête de la Mandallaz, providing panoramic views of the Annecy metropolitan area, Lake Annecy, and the Alps. The Caille Bridge also offers dramatic views into the deep gorge below.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities near Marlioz?
Yes, the region offers several family-friendly options. The Caille Bridge is a great spot for a short, scenic walk that can be enjoyed by families. For a unique festive experience, Le Hameau du Père Noël in Saint-Blaise is just a short drive away. The natural beauty of Lake Annecy, approximately 24 km from Marlioz, provides opportunities for various recreational activities suitable for all ages.
What natural features and scenic spots are worth visiting?
Beyond the viewpoints, the area boasts stunning natural beauty. The dramatic Gorges du Fier are approximately 15 km away. Lake Annecy is renowned for its pristine waters and scenic surroundings. Other notable natural sites include Mont Veyrier and Roc de Chere, which features a natural reserve above Lake Annecy. You can also find picturesque waterfalls like Cascade de la queue de cheval and Cascade de la Diomaz.
What outdoor activities, like hiking or biking, can I do near Marlioz?
The region around Marlioz is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for different activities. For hiking, explore trails like the 'Belvedere – Chaumont loop' or the 'Borbannaz Waterfall – Belvedere loop'. Find more options in the Hiking around Marlioz guide. If you prefer cycling, there are gravel biking routes such as the 'Seyssel – Old bridge of Seyssel loop' or 'Mount Sion ridge – The Dream Stone loop'. Discover more in the Gravel biking around Marlioz guide. Mountain biking trails are also available, including the 'Caille Bridge – Crossing loop' and 'Marlioz Castle loop', detailed in the MTB Trails around Marlioz guide.
Are there any unique cultural or artistic sites nearby?
Yes, the nearby city of Annecy, often called the 'Venice of the Alps' (about 18 km away), is a significant 'Town of Art and History' with a charming old town, canals, and historical architecture. The region also features remarkable gardens such as Les jardins du Prieuré and Le Labyrinthe - Jardin des Cinq Sens, both approximately 45 km from Marlioz.
What is the best time of year to visit Marlioz for outdoor activities?
The Haute-Savoie region, including Marlioz, offers diverse experiences throughout the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage or blooming flowers. Summer is ideal for enjoying lakes like Annecy and higher mountain trails. Winter offers opportunities for snow sports in nearby resorts like La Clusaz, approximately 35 km away.
Can I find local markets or charming villages to explore near Marlioz?
Absolutely. The area is dotted with charming villages and towns that host local markets. Talloires, a lovely village on the shores of Lake Annecy, is about 27 km away. You can find markets in towns like Valleiry (Sunday), Saint-Julien-en-Genevois (Friday), Seyssel (Monday), and Annecy (various days). Divonne-les-Bains, a 19th-century spa town, is also within reach.
Are there any specific mountains or passes popular for scenic drives or cycling?
Yes, the region is known for its scenic mountain passes. Col de la Colombière, Col de la Faucille, and Col de Romme are popular choices for both scenic drives and challenging cycling routes, ranging from 37 km to 44 km from Marlioz. These passes offer stunning alpine landscapes.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Marlioz?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical sites, natural viewpoints, and the unique border markers. The View of the Salève and Mont Blanc is highly praised for its 'nice view of the Bornes plateau and the mountains in the background' and 'grandiose panorama'. The Caille Bridge is noted for its 'gigantic view of the gorge'. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient structures to panoramic mountain vistas, making it a diverse destination.
Is there public transport available to reach attractions or trailheads near Marlioz?
While Marlioz itself is a small village, public transport options to specific trailheads or attractions can be limited. It's often recommended to use a car for greater flexibility to explore the diverse historical, cultural, and natural offerings of the Haute-Savoie region, as many key sites are spread out. However, larger towns like Annecy are well-connected and may serve as hubs for local transport to some nearby points of interest.
Can I find accommodation or places to eat near the attractions?
Marlioz offers a tranquil village experience, and while specific accommodation within the village might be limited, you'll find various options in nearby towns and cities like Annecy, which is a major tourist hub. For dining, local markets in surrounding towns provide fresh produce, and you can find cafes and pubs in these areas to enjoy local cuisine after your explorations.
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