Haute-Savoie (French Alps)Le Grand Bornand

Located in the Aravis Mountains the village of Le Grand Bornand is home to a ski station, Reblochon cheese (a distinction it shares with other local villages) and every now and then the Tour de France. Le Grand Bornand is part of Les Aravis ski area and the station is great for families and is now linked to nearby La Clusaz and its skiable domain.

In the higher neighborhoods of Le Grand Bornand is the hamlet of Le Chinaillon that includes most of the ski station and is the route that the Tour de France often takes. The famous Col de la Colombière mountain pass is on the D4 road that runs from Le Grand Bornand to Le Rposoir. Col de la Colombière is normally climbed coming to Le Grand Bornand meaning the village is sometimes the finish for the Tour de France stage that includes Col de la Colombière. During the winter there are ski busses that run between Le Grand Bornand and Le Chinaillon along with La Clusaz.

Reblochon gives Le Grand Bornand some of its culinary delights. Reblochon is a soft cheese found in the local specialty - Tartiflette. Tartiflette is made with potatoes, cream, and lardoons covered in Reblochon.

Le Grand Bornand is on the Route des Grandes Alpes that runs from Lake Geneva to the French Riviera.

Le Grand Bornand is in a valley between the Aravis mountain range and the Massif des Bornes. The Borne River runs through parts of Le Grand Bornand.

Some of the buildings to see in Le Grand Bornand include the village church, site of a church since 1146. The church was completely rebuilt in 1877 as the inscription over the door reads "1877 Domus mea domus orationis" (1877 My house shall be a house of prayer). The tourist office and Town Hall are also near the church. There is also a Calèche (carriage) ride that starts in front of the church.

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