La Balme de Sillingy is a town in Haute-Savoie, in the Rhône Alpes region, located about 10 km northwest of Annecy. It is nestled at the foot of the Mandallaz mountain and borders the communes of Sillingy, Pringy, Cuvat, Épagny and Choisy. The population of La Balme de Sillingy now numbers more than 5,000 inhabitants, known as the Balméens, and covers an area of 1,651 hectares.
Cultural facilities
Library and multimedia space
The library is a place for meetings and exchanges. Activities are frequently organised: readings, storytelling, exhibitions, etc. You will find more than 10,000 books. It is located on the 1ᵉʳ floor of the Espace 2000, rue Colle Umberto. Opening hours:
- Tuesday: 15:30 – 18:30.
- Wednesday: 9.30am – 12 noon and 3pm – 6pm.
- Friday: 3pm – 6pm.
- Saturday: 9.30 a.m. – 12 noon.
Youth and Leisure Centre
The leisure centre opens its doors at the Espace 2000 during the winter, spring, July and All Saints’ holidays for children aged 6 to 12. It is also open to children every Wednesday throughout the year. It is located in the same building as the library.
Major cultural events
Throughout the year, La Balme-de-Sillingy organises festive and cultural events.
The Performing Arts Festival
This popular event is organised for a week at the end of March. Different styles of theatre, comedies, one-man shows, improvisation and puppets are performed. The Espace 2000 is located in Via Colle Umberto.
The Mandallaz Festi-Nature
This festival is organised in mid-April by the association Nature & Terroirs around the Balme lake. It is an opportunity to discover exhibitors’ stands related to nature and local producers.
The Balme Lake Festival
To close this festive day, a fireworks display is held every year on 14 July near the lake with a musical evening. You can also see the 14th July fireworks around Lake Annecy.
The Bathie Fair
This is a popular and traditional festival which has existed in this commune since the 14th century. It is an opportunity to discover the agricultural dynamism of the place with meals, a fair and a garage sale.
The Christmas Market
This traditional end-of-year event is held on the first weekend in December and features around thirty stalls. Visitors have the opportunity to buy handicrafts and gastronomic specialities for the end of the year.
Top rated hotels
Depending on your budget, we have selected five hotels near La Balme-de-Sillingy that offer excellent value for money and have very good customer reviews:
Domaine de la Caille
This large estate offers room service, a restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool. There is a large playground for children to enjoy. You can visit Annecy which is 15 km away and discover its Old Town and its castle, which dates back to the Middle Ages. Private parking is free of charge.
From 74 € per night.
Les Rochers Blancs
A beautiful establishment consisting of two buildings. The rooms are spacious and well decorated. You can enjoy a large swimming pool in the summer. The cuisine served is traditional French. The chef will make you taste excellent and refined dishes.
Prices start at € 74 per night.
Première Classe Annecy nord – Épagny
An economical hotel located near the A41 motorway and the expressway which allows you to visit the town of Annecy and its lake. The proximity of the Épagny shopping centre allows you to do some shopping. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom.
From 52 € per night.
The Originals City, Hotel Annecy Aéroport
A beautiful establishment located 5 km from La Balme-de-Sillingy and close to the city of Annecy. Rooms include a desk, hospitality tray and hot drinks to prepare. The Annecy castle-museum is a 15-minute drive away.
From €66 per night.
Hotel F1 Annecy Argonay
A budget hotel with an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. The rooms are designed to accommodate families. You can reach the city of Annecy in 10 minutes to visit the monuments and walk along the lake.
From 35 € per night.
Monuments and places of interest
La Mandallaz
La Mandallaz, respectfully nicknamed ” LA MONTAGNE “. It culminates at 929 meters, and curiously this point is not located at the level of the head of the Mountain, above the village of Épagny, but at the level of Cuvat. Covered with woods, it is a real green lung for the neighbouring communes and also for the Annecy agglomeration.
Lake of La Balme
The lake of La Bal me de Sillingy is located at the exit of the city in direction of Paris. Swimming is forbidden all year round. However, there are many activities: fishing, games, visits to a garden and restaurants. The tour of the lake is lit up at night, for night-time walks.
Lesvaux cave
With its 700 metres of galleries, the Lesvaux cave is the largest underground cave in the Salève. The exploration of the cave, in 1979, allowed the discovery of 4 skeletons dating from the Neolithic period.
Cave of the Curés
This small cave, whose entrance can be seen from the path, was used during the Savoy revolution to house the rebellious priests.
Grotto of the Maquis
This cave, accessible by a footpath, was used as a shelter by the Resistance during the years 1940 – 1945.
Dalmaz Castle
Located to the north of La Balme de Sillingy, it was built in the 14th century and served for a long time as a fortified house under the reign of the Counts of Geneva. It supplemented the defence of La Bathie.
Services & Administration
Town Hall
It is located at 13, Route de Chois – BP 44 – 74331 La Balme de Sillingy. Official website: www.labalmedesillingy.fr
Tourist office
Alter’Alpa Tourisme, Point I – 165 route de Paris – 74330 La Balme de Sillingy – Tel : 04.50.64.16.55
Municipal canteens and nurseries
The schools of Avully, Le Marais and Vincy have a canteen and a nursery which have recently been renovated.
La Balme-de-Sillingy market
The market is held every week on Sundays from 8am to 1pm in the town centre. Food and clothing products are offered, including local fruit and vegetables.
