Attractions and Places To See around Sales - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Sales is a region in Haute-Savoie, France, known for its diverse natural landscapes and historical sites. The area features prominent geological formations like gorges, alongside mountain peaks that offer panoramic views. Visitors can explore a mix of natural wonders and cultural heritage within this French Prealps setting, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Sales
- The most popular attractions is Fier Gorge, a gorge located about 10 km west of Annecy. A catwalk leads through the gorge in a nature reserve, offering a unique viewing experience.
- Another must-see spot is Tête de la Mandallaz, a mountain in the Prealps. This peak offers panoramic views of the Annecy metropolitan area, Lake Annecy, and the Alps.
- Visitors also love Col du Clergeon, a mountain pass between Chautagne and Rumilly. It is known for its quiet atmosphere and offers a beautiful forest climb.
- Sales is known for its natural gorges, mountain passes, and historical castles. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from geological formations to cultural landmarks.
- The attractions around Sales are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 100 upvotes and over 100 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Fier Gorge
Highlight • Gorge
Open from 15 March to 15 October. Entry. Accessible by train or by car. The PP are free.
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Tête de la Mandallaz
Highlight • Other
The word mandallaz comes from the Old French muer, which gave rise to the verbs "remer" and "mouvoir," and more specifically the noun remue. It thus refers to a small chalet located in an alpine pasture, and in Savoyard, muanda, with the diminutive suffix -allaz.
The mountain is locally known as Balme Mountain or La Balme-de-Sillingy, from the name of the eponymous commune. In a transcript of a meeting of the Florimontane Academy (1912), a note states that "Mandallaz is wrongly called the mountain of Balme de Sillingy."
It can also be called Mandallaz Mountain or simply La Mandallaz. The Mandallaz Mountains are a small pre-Alpine massif, eight kilometers long and three to four kilometers wide, located northwest of the Annecy basin. It extends through the communes of Annecy (formerly Pringy), Choisy, Cuvat, Épagny-Metz-Tessy, La Balme-de-Sillingy, Sillingy, and Allonzier-la-Caille. Its most prominent peak, the Tête de la Mandallaz, at the southern end of the mountain overlooking La Balme-de-Sillingy and Épagny-Metz-Tessy at an altitude of 900 meters, is not its highest point; the highest point is located in the center of the mountain at 923 meters.
The Mandallaz offers panoramic views of the Annecy metropolitan area, Lake Annecy, the Alps, the Montagne d'Âge, and the surrounding countryside.
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Col du Clergeon
Highlight • Mountain Pass
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Montrottier Castle
Highlight • Castle
Detailed information in English and French can be found here:
chateaudemontrottier.com/en
Due to the proximity to the "Gorge du Fier" and the legendary legends between the castle and the gorge, a visit to both places of interest on the same day is a must.
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Sillingy Fault Mirror
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Tips from the Community
Very nice hike to do again
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Unfortunately, the chateau was closed during our visit.
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A very interesting château. Admission is €10. If you also visit the gorge, it's only €8. The owner has collected souvenirs and curiosities from all over the world. Therefore, inside you can admire porcelain, weapons, and works of art from Europe, Africa, China, Japan, and more.
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The Vuache Fault mirror is an easy to access but impressive site that is well worth a little detour!
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Head of Mandallaz and Sillingy fault mirror
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It’s beautiful… but not really passable by bike except mountain bike. It’s a gravel/stone path which, without big suitable tires, will make you skid.
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Located on the heights of Mont Clergeon to the north of Lac du Bourget, the Col du Clergeon – 979 m – has the particularity of belonging to a non-Alpine massif, in this case that of Jura but also to the department of Savoie which is naturally affiliated with the Alps. WEST SIDE This slope starting at Ruffieux, located just opposite the Grand Colombier, has an air copied from that of its illustrious neighbor: certainly shorter with 8.8 km but at 8.5% on average! Around fifteen bends will help you climb the 728 m of positive altitude difference. Still count on a big passage of 1840 m at 10.5% to reach the Col du Clergeon at 979 m above sea level which marks the border with Haute-Savoie. EASTERN SIDE This slope starts at Rumilly in… Haute-Savoie. It offers a positive altitude difference equivalent to the western slope with 772 m but being longer with 15 km, the difficulty is a little less with an average slope of 6.5%. However, the ascent is tricky because it has 2 descents that will have to be climbed back up and a long passage of 3.4 km on a slope of between 8.5 and 9.5%. Small sweetness: the finale won't be too difficult. Sources: Alpes4ever
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Mandallaz Mountain, also known as Mandallaz Mountain (pronounced Mandalle), or Balme Mountain, is a mountain in the Prealps located in the Haute-Savoie department (France). The word mandallaz comes from the Old French muer, which gave rise to the verbs "remer" and "mouvoir," and more specifically the noun remue. It thus refers to a small chalet located in an alpine pasture, and in Savoyard, muanda, with the diminutive suffix -allaz. The mountain is locally known as Balme Mountain or La Balme-de-Sillingy, from the name of the eponymous commune. In a transcript of a meeting of the Florimontane Academy (1912), a note states that "Mandallaz is wrongly called the mountain of Balme de Sillingy." It can also be called Mandallaz Mountain or simply La Mandallaz. The Mandallaz Mountains are a small pre-Alpine massif, eight kilometers long and three to four kilometers wide, located northwest of the Annecy basin. It extends through the communes of Annecy (formerly Pringy), Choisy, Cuvat, Épagny-Metz-Tessy, La Balme-de-Sillingy, Sillingy, and Allonzier-la-Caille. Its most prominent peak, the Tête de la Mandallaz, at the southern end of the mountain overlooking La Balme-de-Sillingy and Épagny-Metz-Tessy at an altitude of 900 meters, is not its highest point; the highest point is located in the center of the mountain at 923 meters. The Mandallaz offers panoramic views of the Annecy metropolitan area, Lake Annecy, the Alps, the Montagne d'Âge, and the surrounding countryside.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique natural attractions to explore around Sales?
The region around Sales, located in Haute-Savoie, France, offers several distinctive natural sites. You can explore the dramatic Fier Gorge, where a catwalk allows you to walk above the river through a nature reserve. Another notable natural feature is Tête de la Mandallaz, a mountain offering panoramic views of the Annecy metropolitan area, Lake Annecy, and the Alps.
Are there any historical sites or castles to visit near Sales?
Yes, the area boasts historical landmarks. You can visit Montrottier Castle, a well-preserved estate housing a museum with medieval weapons, glass crafts, and pottery. Its proximity to Fier Gorge makes visiting both on the same day a popular choice, especially given the legendary connections between the two sites.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Sales?
Sales is an excellent base for outdoor activities in the French Prealps. You can find various routes for gravel biking, hiking, and cycling. For example, there are numerous gravel biking routes, including loops around Crosagny Pond. Hikers can explore trails around Sales like the Le Fier loop from Hauteville-sur-Fier. Cyclists can enjoy cycling tours such as the Col du Clergeon – Chambotte Pass loop.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Sales region?
Absolutely. The Fier Gorge is a highly recommended family-friendly attraction, offering a unique experience walking along a catwalk above the river. The site also provides detailed information about its origins and a story for children, making it engaging for all ages. Montrottier Castle, with its museum and dungeon, can also be an interesting visit for families.
What are the best places for scenic views around Sales?
For breathtaking vistas, head to Tête de la Mandallaz, which provides panoramic views of the Annecy metropolitan area, Lake Annecy, and the majestic Alps. Another spot offering beautiful forest climbs and a quiet atmosphere is Col du Clergeon, a mountain pass between Chautagne and Rumilly.
How can I access Fier Gorge, and what are its opening times?
The Fier Gorge is located approximately 10 km west of Annecy in Haute-Savoie. It is accessible by train or car, with free parking available. The gorge is typically open from March 15th to October 15th. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current opening hours and any potential changes due to weather conditions.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions near Sales?
Visitors frequently praise the unique experience of walking through the Fier Gorge, describing it as 'very very nice' and 'definitely worth seeing' despite potential crowds. The Montrottier Castle is appreciated for its well-preserved state and interesting collections. The quiet atmosphere and beautiful forest climbs of Col du Clergeon are also highly regarded by the komoot community.
Are there any cycling paths suitable for longer tours near Sales?
Yes, the region is home to sections of the ViaRhôna, a long-distance cycle route. A section of this path runs beautifully through groves along the Rhone, offering a refreshing ride, especially on hot days. It's a great option for those looking for scenic and varied cycling experiences.
What is the best time of year to visit the attractions around Sales?
Given that attractions like the Fier Gorge are open from mid-March to mid-October, the spring, summer, and early autumn months are ideal for visiting. During these periods, the weather is generally favorable for outdoor activities and exploring natural sites and historical landmarks.
Can I find easy hiking trails near Sales?
Yes, there are several easy hiking options available. For instance, you can find an easy hiking loop from Vallières, which is just over 6 km. Another easy option is the Pont Coppet – Coppet Bridge loop from Rumilly, also around 6 km, perfect for a relaxed walk.
Are there any less crowded attractions or quiet spots around Sales?
For a quieter experience, consider visiting Col du Clergeon. It's known for its quiet atmosphere and significantly less car traffic compared to other mountain passes in the area, making it ideal for a peaceful forest climb or a digestive walk.
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