We are located in the quiet hamlet of Le Chinaillon which is on a high, sunny plateau surrounded by spectacular views and flaura and forna. It is quiet and has a pleasant rural feel to it. There is a Tourist Office  opposite the supermarket which also has English-speaking assistants, and  next door is the cinema. 
Outside the villages the small farms are scattered over the mountainside, many of them selling dairy products at the door. As you go up the mountains you will come across the herds of cattle grazing on the high summer meadows, their bells ringing across the valleys. 
In August there is the annual International Children's festival, Au Bonheur des Mômes; a week long festival of puppet shows, theatre, circus acts, mime, juggling etc. There are also lots of workshops and events that children of all ages can participate in. It finishes with a huge firework display and street party on the last Friday night. 
 
 
There are village fêtes all through the summer in some of the smaller hamlets, including Le Chinaillon's Fête d'Alpage, which celebrate traditional mountain activities. There are sheep dog trials, cattle competitions, wood sawing and chopping demonstrations and local food and drink in abundance. 
Hiking: 
There are numerous mountain paths and routes throughout and across the mountains. Some of the lifts continue to run for those who prefer to only walk down hill and many mountain restaurants remain open throughout the summer. Many routes can be accessed directly from the front door- the beauty, flora and fauna are amazing. As is the peace, tranquilty and fresh clean air. 
We provide details on recommended walks together with maps within the apartment. 
Swimming: 
There is a large outdoor pool complex in Le Grand Bornand. There is a water slide, a paddling pool with a water fountain and a proper swimming pool.  
Cycling: 
The Tour De France passes through in 2007 with an overnight stop on Bastille day. There are Grimpee’s and other cycling events throughout the season not forgetting the mountain biking trails! 
Pony Trekking: 
Pony trekking can be organised from just a one-hour ramble or a two-day trek to a mountain refuge.  
Paragliding: 
Paragliding is one of the most popular summer sports in the area. Le Grand Bornand is well known in the paragliding world as one of the best places to fly in the mountains. The World Championships were held here a few years ago. You can learn to fly solo in a week-long course or take a tandem flight with an instructor just to get a feel for it.  
Via Ferrata: 
This is a route up the side of a mountain with a continuous safety wire attached from top to bottom. There are three Via Ferrata in the area including one in Chinaillon. A guide can be hired at the Tourist Office.  
Golf: 
There are several championship standard Golf courses within 1-2 hours drive as well as a challenging 9-hole course in Grand Bornand where tuition is available.  
Other: 
In the village, near the swimming pool complex, there are areas dedicated to trampolines and acrobatics, archery, tennis, volleyball and yoga amongst others. All the activities are supervised and tuition is available.  
 
Day trips: 
Annecy and it’s beautiful lake with swimming and water sports is about 30 mins drive away. Further details of what is available canbe found  within this site. La Clusaz is only 15 mins drive and is worth a visit. Chamonix, Megeve, Lyon (the second city and Gastronomy capital of France) are all accessible for an interesting day trip. 
 
 
It is possible to place an order for provisions to help minimize the daily chore of shopping. The local Supermarket offers free delivery to your door at the beginning of your holiday if you place significant business with them. This can be a god send if you ski from dawn to dusk as we like to! 
 
On the other hand the restaurants and hotels in Chinaillon and on the Mountain are numerous and very good offering authentic Savoyard fare right through to Pasta, Pizza and Crepes. There are no fast-food outlets for some distance! 
A great rendezvous on Les Outalays Piste is the Creperie- a short walk/ski away and the views are amazing. 
 
Full-on Gastronomy can be found at Restaurants between 5 min and 20 min walk away- Le Bournerie is worth a special mention for authenticity, quality and atmosphere. Advance booking is advisable in peak season.

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