Natural monuments around Contamine-Sur-Arve offer opportunities to explore the natural environment of the Haute-Savoie region in France. The area features serene riverbanks, educational nature trails, and elevated viewpoints. These sites provide a connection to the local landscape and its biodiversity.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
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Intersection Point: La Gouille aux Morts (Pond of the Dead) Altitude 650m Gouille aux Morts: What an ugly name for this charming little pond. Beavers, mallards, herons, and especially frogs take shelter in its tall grass and breed there. The place is calm and peaceful, far from the road to the Vallée Verte (Green Valley), although you can still hear the sounds of traffic. Above it, the Molière à Vachat stream is mirrored in its waters. Its reflection blends with the water lilies scattered there, creating perfect harmony. A delight for the eye of the walker. It's impossible not to think of Monet's "Water Lilies." It is said that, long ago, two stonemasons working at the "Molière," located about fifty meters above, fell to their deaths there on a Sunday (yes, a Sunday...the Lord's Day). See: H. Savoie: Les Molières du Mont Vouan. Or perhaps the pond got its name because a peasant was swallowed up there with his cart...
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Very nice hike. It was quite crowded today. Contrary to what’s written in the description, I didn’t see any particularly risky passages
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To be done on snowshoes or in sneakers, from the solaison plateau for walkers or from Bonneville for hikers; )
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It can blow hard up there! I recommend the path that goes down to La Tour from the east
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Nice place to take a break but not worth a hike on its own. Nice view of the Rocafort castle less than 10 minutes away on foot. This stone is also located about thirty minutes from the Penaz waterfall which is worth the detour.
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The cross means summit of the Brasse mountain
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Pointe des Brasses is a summit of Haute-Savoie located in the Chablais massif, straddling the municipalities of Saint-Jeoire and Viuz-en-Sallaz, and culminating at 1,503 meters above sea level. Les Brasses is a toponym from a mountain pasture located above Viuz-en-Sallaz2. It could derive from the German Brache, which designates fallow or fallow land2,3, or from the Old German braka meaning “clearing”3. It is possible that it also derives from the Latin bracchium3 (“arm”), referring to the arms of the river, three of which have their source in Brasses: the Menoge, the Entreverges and Airets streams. In June 2013, a cross made by students from the Viuz-en-Sallaz Catholic Automobile School was erected on its summit. Six meters high, it is made up of 33 metal cubes measuring 30 centimeters on each side, assembled on site and arranged in a spiral by the students themselves. She was blessed on July 7, 2013 by Mgr Boivineau, Bishop of Annecy.
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The region offers a variety of natural features, including serene riverbanks along the Arve, educational nature trails like Le Sentier de Découverte des Espaces Naturels, and landscaped green areas such as Parc du Château de Villy. You can also find impressive summits like Le Môle summit cross and tranquil lakes such as La Gouille aux Morts.
Yes, Contamine-Sur-Arve features natural monuments with historical connections. The Copacou Stone is considered a sacrificial and chalice stone, offering a magnificent view of the valley. Additionally, the Fairies' Stone is a listed dolmen, estimated to have been built between 3200 and 2800 BC.
For families, La Gouille aux Morts offers a calm and peaceful environment where children can observe beavers, mallards, herons, and frogs. The Fairies' Stone, a historic dolmen, is also listed as family-friendly. The Le Sentier de Découverte des Espaces Naturels is an educational trail with informative panels, ideal for families interested in local ecology.
For exceptional panoramic views, head to Le Môle summit cross, where you can see Mont Blanc among almost 700 visible peaks. Another excellent viewpoint is Pointe d'Andey, which offers expansive vistas and can be reached via an easy family walk.
The area around Contamine-Sur-Arve is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, running, and mountain biking. For example, there are gravel biking routes like the 'Footbridge over the Arve – Arve Path loop' and running trails such as the 'Green Valley loop'. Explore more options on the Gravel biking around Contamine-Sur-Arve, Running Trails around Contamine-Sur-Arve, and MTB Trails around Contamine-Sur-Arve guide pages.
Yes, there are many hiking opportunities. While specific hiking trails directly to each natural monument vary, the region offers a wide network of paths. For instance, Pointe d'Andey is accessible via an easy family walk. The banks of the Arve River also feature walking paths. You can find various routes, including those for running and mountain biking, which often share sections with hiking trails, on the Running Trails around Contamine-Sur-Arve and MTB Trails around Contamine-Sur-Arve guide pages.
The warmer months are generally ideal for visiting, as they allow for leisurely strolls along the Arve River and water sports like kayaking. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the trails. While some sites may be accessible in winter, conditions can vary, especially at higher elevations like Le Môle summit cross, where snowshoes might be needed.
Yes, several natural sites are accessible for various fitness levels. The walking paths along Les Rives de l'Arve offer leisurely strolls. The Le Sentier de Découverte des Espaces Naturels is designed for an immersive, educational experience suitable for many. The walk to Pointe d'Andey is described as an easy family walk, though it includes a climb.
At La Gouille aux Morts, you can observe beavers, mallards, herons, and frogs. The Le Sentier de Découverte des Espaces Naturels is specifically designed to highlight the region's diverse flora and fauna, providing an opportunity to learn about local plant and animal species.
Yes, La Gouille aux Morts is noted for its calm and peaceful environment, making it a tranquil spot for reflection. The banks of the Arve River also provide a serene natural setting, perfect for those seeking quiet relaxation.
Visitors frequently appreciate the exceptional views from summits like Le Môle summit cross and Pointe d'Andey. The calm and peaceful atmosphere of places like La Gouille aux Morts, with its wildlife, is also highly valued. The historical significance of sites such as the Copacou Stone and Fairies' Stone also draws interest.
Yes, some natural monuments offer suitable spots for a picnic. The Copacou Stone is described as a nice place for a picnic, offering views of the valley. The general natural settings along Les Rives de l'Arve and within Parc du Château de Villy also provide pleasant areas for outdoor meals.


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