Les Gets Travel Guide

Les Gets is a quaint village located in the Haute-Savoie region of France, offering visitors a complete holiday experience. This travel guide will take you through a comprehensive tour of Les Gets, including places to visit, things to do, and where to stay.


Les Gets Travel Guide - A Comprehensive Tourist Handbook

Introduction to Les Gets

Les Gets is a picturesque village located in the Haute-Savoie region of France. It is part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and is situated in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area. Les Gets is a popular ski destination, attracting visitors from all around the world. However, it is not just a winter destination; it is equally beautiful in summer. Les Gets is a perfect holiday destination for families, couples, and solo travelers.

List of Places to Visit in Les Gets

Les Gets is replete with places to visit. From museums to natural attractions, the village has everything that a holidaymaker craves.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museum of Mechanical Music: This museum exhibits antique musical instruments, and visitors are allowed to play them.
  • La Maison de la Musique: It is a workshop where visitors can experiment with different musical instruments.
  • Cultural Space: A newly opened museum dedicated to the history and traditions of Les Gets.

Natural Attractions of Les Gets: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • La Croix: The highest point of Les Gets offers an unparalleled view of the village and its surrounding areas.
  • Lac des Ecoles: A scenic mountain lake where visitors can go kayaking or paddleboarding.
  • Alpage de Graydon: A lush green pastureland with farm animals and a beautiful mountain backdrop.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Les Gets

Les Gets has excellent hiking and biking routes. Some of the notable routes are:

  • Grand Tour du Ruan: A 3-day hiking trail, which takes you around the border of France and Switzerland.
  • Tour des Portes du Soleil: This cycling trail takes you through the 12 ski resorts of Portes du Soleil.
  • Mont Chery: A challenging hiking trail with breathtaking views of the valley.

Best Things to Do in Les Gets: Activities and Tours

  • Skiing: Les Gets ski area is part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, with over 600km of ski slopes.
  • Mountain Biking: Les Gets is a famous mountain biking destination, with over 80 km of marked trails.
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: A hot air balloon ride offers an unrivaled view of the breathtaking alpine scenery.

Week-Long Itinerary for Les Gets

Les Gets has so much to offer, and a week-long itinerary is perfect to fully explore Les Gets. Below is a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Skiing/Snowboarding in Les Gets
2 Hiking in Mont Chery
3 Day Trip to Geneva
4 Visit the Museum of Mechanical Music and La Maison de la Musique
5 Go mountain biking in the Portes du Soleil area
6 Go whitewater rafting or paragliding
7 Relax and enjoy the scenery at the Alpage de Graydon

Food and Drink Scene of Les Gets

Les Gets has an excellent food and drink scene, with plenty of options for visitors to enjoy during their stay.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fondue Savoyarde: A classic Savoy dish made with melted cheese and served with bread.
  • Tartiflette: A hearty dish prepared with potatoes, cheese, and lardons.
  • Crozet: A pasta dish made with buckwheat flour and served with melted cheese.

Local Beverages

  • Genepi: A herbal liqueur made with genepi plants found in the alpine meadows.
  • Vin de Savoie: A variety of wines produced in the Savoy region.
  • Chartreuse: A traditional French liqueur made by Carthusian monks in the Chartreuse Mountains.

Where to Stay in Les Gets: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Les Gets provides plenty of accommodation options for visitors, ranging from luxury hotels to affordable guesthouses.

  • Hotel Le Nagano: A 4-star hotel located just a few meters from the ski lifts in Les Gets.
  • Chalet Chardon: A luxury eight-room chalet close to the center of the village.
  • Le Boomerang Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel, located in the heart of Les Gets, providing dormitory-style accommodation.

What to Buy in Les Gets: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Les Gets provides a variety of local products that visitors can bring back as souvenirs.

  • Alpine Honey: Local honey produced by Les Gets beekeepers.
  • Wool Products: Les Gets has a rich tradition of wool production, and visitors can purchase hand-knitted wool products.
  • Cheese: Savoy cheese, such as Reblochon and Tomme de Savoie, are produced in the region and are a must-try for cheese lovers.

Local Culture and Customs of Les Gets

The local culture of Les Gets reflects its history and traditions. The traditional costumes, wool production, and local delicacies are an essential part of the village’s culture.

Best Time to Visit Les Gets

Les Gets is a beautiful destination all year round. However, the optimal time to visit depends on your interests. Winter is great for skiing, while summer is perfect for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. The fall is a great time to enjoy the beautiful autumn colors.

Do’s and Don’ts of Les Gets

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Carry warm clothing and waterproof gear when going skiing or hiking.

Don’t:

  • Litter in the mountains or the village.
  • Ignore the safety rules when engaging in outdoor activities.
  • Park your vehicle in no-parking zones.

Safety and Health

Les Gets is a safe destination, but visitors should take precautions when engaging in outdoor activities.

Safety in Les Gets

  • Follow the safety rules when skiing or snowboarding.
  • Use appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy boots and rain jackets, for hiking trails.
  • Stay informed about weather and avalanche warnings.

Health in Les Gets

  • Carry an adequate supply of medications when visiting Les Gets.
  • Stay hygienic and ensure you carry hand-sanitizer amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Getting to Les Gets: Transportation Options and Logistics

Les Gets is well-connected via multiple modes of transportation.

Airports Near Les Gets

  • Geneva International Airport: The closest international airport, located about an hour’s drive from Les Gets.

Bus Stations Near Les Gets

  • Annemasse Bus Station: A major bus station located close to the Swiss border.
  • Cluses Bus Station: A regional bus station, located in the town of Cluses, around 25 km from Les Gets.

Other Options

  • Hire a taxi or rental car from the airport or the nearby towns.
  • Take a helicopter transfer from Geneva.

How to Get Around in Les Gets

Les Gets is a compact village, and it is easy to get around on foot. However, visitors interested in exploring the surrounding areas can rent bicycles, scooters, or cars.

Where to Go Next from Les Gets: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Annecy: A beautiful town with a Lake Annecy is around an hour’s drive from Les Gets.
  • Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: An alpine town with a picturesque view of the Mont-Blanc range, located around 70 km from Les Gets.
  • Morzine: A ski resort town close to Les Gets, with plenty of ski slopes and hiking trails.

Conclusion

Les Gets is an ideal holiday destination for visitors who want to experience the beauty of alpine settings through skiing, hiking, or mountain biking. This guide provides a comprehensive tour of Les Gets for visitors, including places to visit, things to do, and where to stay. Enjoy your trip to Les Gets and explore the alluring beauty of this magical village.