Sallanches is situated on the Sallanche river near Mont Blanc, west of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and north of Megeve. The imposing form of Mont Blanc ensures that there are impressive views from many places in and around the town.
Explore Sallanches
Sallanches is a pleasant small town that features two notable historic monuments: the bridge of Saint-Martin, and the collegiale Church of Saint-Jacques.
The collegiale church was constructed in the baroque style in the 17th century (on the site of an older church) and has a decorative interior with wall and ceiling paintings added in the 19th century by Italian artists, and a medieval tabernacle. The sundial on the church was added in the middle of the 19th century.
The bridge is very ancient in origins (certainly pre-1300) although the river has several times damaged the bridge causing it to be rebuilt at various times over the centuries. Now pedestrian only there are lovely views from the middle of the bridge along the wood lined banks of the river and to the mountains beyond.
There is also the smaller Church of Saint-Martin and several small chapels in Sallanches to see, and you can follow a walk along the river banks.
An interesting and extensive nature centre in Sallanches is found in a 14th century manor house, and provides a good introduction to the landscapes and wildlife of the region, while the waterfall at Arpenaz is a 270 metre high series of waterfalls above a nicely maintained picnic area.
Photo by Ville de Sallanches is copyright CC BY-SA 4.0
Activities in the region
Given the location of the town, not surprisingly the focus is on outdoor activities - hiking, mountain-biking, horseriding and others - in the surrounding mountains and valleys. Rest assured there are almost unlimted opportunities for both summer and winter visitors!
Among the unmissable highlights within the region is the cablecar ride to the Aiguille de Midi (near Chamonix) - if the sky is clear there are exceptional views in all directions from the peak at an altitude of 3842 metres.
To the south of Sallanches, you can visit the ski resort at Megeve and the town of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains.
You can find more travel ideas in the Haute-Savoie guide and the Rhone-Alpes guide.
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Hotels in Sallanches
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Map of Sallanches and places nearby
Visit near Sallanches with France This Way reviews
Saint Gervais Les Bains
It is the views of, and access to, Mont-Blanc which is the principal attraction of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Saint Gervais Les Bains guide
Megeve
Megeve is among the most prestigious of the French ski resorts and also an active town
Megeve guide
La Clusaz
La Clusaz is one of the smaller ski resorts and very popular with French families
La Clusaz guide
Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is one of the 'most beautiful villages in France' and most visited for the easy access to several very scenic natural highlights
Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval guide
Chamonix
One of the most famous Alpine ski resorts, Chamonix is very close to Mont Blanc
Chamonix guide
Beaufort
Beaufort is one of the smallest Alpine ski resorts, which attracts skiers looking for a more 'personal' experience
Beaufort guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Haute-Savoie
Tourist classifications for Sallanches
Sallanches is classified as a recommended detour town (plus beau detour)
Address: Sallanches, Bonneville, Rhone-Alpes, 74700, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.9372, longitude 6.63278
Plan your visit to Sallanches, Haute-Savoie
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Megeve: ville fleurie 4* (9 km)
- Col de Romme: site of natural beauty (11 km)
- Col de la Colombière: site of natural beauty (14 km)
- Lac d'Anterne: site of natural beauty (14 km)
- Le Brévent: site of natural beauty (16 km)
- Lac Cornu: site of natural beauty (17 km)
- Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval: most beautiful village (17 km)
- Cascade du Rouget: site of natural beauty (17 km)
- Jardin botanique alpin La Jaÿsinia: remarkable garden (18 km)
- Glacier des Bossons: site of natural beauty (19 km)
- Aiguille du Midi: site of natural beauty (21 km)
- Mont Blanc: site of natural beauty (21 km)
Market days in Sallanches, France
Regular market(s) are held in Sallanches each Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Sallanches (Francais)