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Bonneville

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City
—°399
Bonneville (France)
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Practical info — Bonneville

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Bonneville is a great valley base for exploring the Haute-Savoie region; it's less crowded than Chamonix but very central.
  • The weather can change quickly due to the surrounding mountains; always carry layers even in summer.
  • Visit the Château des Sires de Faucigny; check with local tourist info as interior access can be limited.
  • The town sits on the Arve river; cross the historic bridge for the best views of the prominent Le Môle peak.

🍽 Food

🍽
Tartiflette

The ultimate Savoyard comfort food made with Reblochon cheese, potatoes, and lardons; find it in traditional valley restaurants.

🍽
Diots au vin blanc

Savoyard sausages cooked in white wine, often served with a hearty side of polenta.

🍽
Local Savoy wines

Ask for an Apremont or Mondeuse at a local wine shop (cave à vin) or restaurant.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Tuesday Market

Place de l'Hôtel de Ville hosts a fantastic weekly market with local alpine cheeses, honeys, and cured meats.

🛍
Rue Nationale

The main shopping street in the center featuring independent boutiques, bakeries, and small shops.

🧘
Banks of the Arve River

Landscaped paths along the river well-suited for a peaceful walk with gorgeous mountain views.

🧘
Hiking trails towards Le Môle

Start from the valley for a serene, albeit steep, escape into alpine nature.

Highlights of 2026

3

Strategically positioned in the heart of the wide Arve Valley, Bonneville is framed by the striking peaks of the Savoy Alps and proudly stands as the historic capital of the ancient Faucigny province. Once a significant political stronghold, its medieval importance is still vividly evident in the imposing Château des Sires de Faucigny. Built in the 13th century on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Arve river, this fortress provides visitors a captivating journey back to the Middle Ages. In the cobblestone streets of the town center, traditional Alpine charm blends seamlessly with lively urban energy. This is especially true during the spirited weekly markets held around the Baroque-style Sainte-Catherine church, where local artisans sell mouth-watering Savoyard specialties like creamy Reblochon cheese and cured mountain meats. Thanks to its exceptionally convenient geographic location, situated exactly halfway between cosmopolitan Geneva and the high-alpine resort of Chamonix, Bonneville serves as a prime basecamp for winter sports enthusiasts aiming for the legendary Mont Blanc ski areas. During the summer months, the surrounding mountains, particularly the distinctively pyramid-shaped peak of Le Môle, provide thrilling hiking trails that reward climbers with dramatic 360-degree panoramic views of the entire Alpine region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-104812171918141040
Rain mm987390751111009399769296106

Live webcam – Bonneville

See what it looks like near Bonneville right now.

Brizon › East: Plateau de Solaison · 5.5 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
11,722
Coordinates
46.07890, 6.40080

Facts

  • The municipality covers a total area of 27.15 square kilometers
  • The town was founded in 1262 by Peter II of Savoy
  • The Charles-Felix Column stands 44 meters tall
  • The average elevation of the city center is 450 meters
  • Bonneville serves as the sub-prefecture for its administrative district
  • The historic Faucigny Castle was constructed in the 13th century

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Bonneville (9)

Pont de l'Europe🏺 historical

A historic stone bridge spanning the Arve River, serving as a landmark and a vital link between the town's districts.

Sainte-Catherine Church⛪ religious

A beautiful Baroque church in the town center, known for its ornate interior and spiritual significance to the area.

Gorges du Borne🌿 nature

A dramatic natural gorge located nearby, featuring impressive rock formations and powerful water currents.

Lac du Môle🌿 nature

Lac du Môle is a lake located in Bonneville, offering a peaceful setting for nature walks and scenic views.

Château de Bonneville🏰 castle

The Château de Bonneville is a historic medieval castle located in Bonneville.

Cascade du Dard📍 landmark

The Cascade du Dard is a local natural attraction located in Bonneville.

Grand Château📍 landmark

Grand Château is a mountain peak offering views near Bonneville.

Église Saint-Pierre⛪ religious

Église Saint-Pierre is a religious place of worship in Bonneville.

Église Saint-Martin⛪ religious

Église Saint-Martin is a local church serving the community in Bonneville.

Frequently asked questions

What is the landmark of Bonneville?
The 'Colonne de Charles-Félix' on the banks of the Arve, commemorating protection against floods.
Is Bonneville a good base for skiers?
Yes, it is strategically located between Geneva and the ski resorts of the Mont-Blanc massif.
What historic ruin can be seen here?
The ruins of the Château des Sires de Faucigny tower over the town, offering a great view.
When does the weekly market take place?
A large, lively market takes place every Tuesday morning in the city center.
Which mountains are suitable for hiking nearby?
Mount Le Môle is a classic for hikers, offering a 360-degree panorama of the Alps.
Bonneville: where is it located?
Bonneville is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.
Bonneville: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pont de l'Europe, Sainte-Catherine Church, Gorges du Borne.
Bonneville: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Bonneville: why is it worth visiting?
Strategically positioned in the heart of the wide Arve Valley, Bonneville is framed by the striking peaks of the Savoy Alps and proudly stands as the historic capital of the ancient Faucigny province.
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