Quintal is a small commune located 6 km south west of Annecy, close to villages such as Viuz-la-Chiesaz, Balmont or the town of Seynod. The population is just over 1200. These inhabitants are called quintalis.
Geographical location
Quintal is a village at an altitude of about 700 metres, right at the foot of the mountain and the Semnoz forest, and is one of the most popular villages in the Annecy area. The highest point, at the top of the Semnoz, is over 1500 metres. The village is located 8 minutes from the gates of Annecy and 15 minutes from the summit of the Semnoz where the favourite winter and summer sports resort of Annecy is located. Quintal is also an attractive village because of its many events throughout the year: concerts, fairs, flea markets, car rallies, bicycle or foot races, etc.
School facilities
- Primary school located in the heart of the village. The canteen is on the first floor.
- A micro-crèche “Les petits flocons” is located in the early childhood centre for children aged 4 months to 3 years.
Monuments and tourist sites
11th century Romanesque church
Quintal is the commune in the whole of the Haute-Savoie department that has the oldest church. It was built in the 11th century and has retained most of its architecture. It has been listed as a historical monument since 1986. You can see it at the top of the village, opposite the school. This church is dedicated to the visitation of the Virgin.
The caves of Quintal
Behind the church, more precisely by taking the road between the school and the church, there are two caves dug in the Semnoz mountain. To reach them, you must first take the Grosse Pierre path, then the Sainte-Catherine path before climbing a little over a kilometre to reach the path leading to these caves. Beware, it is imperative to be equipped, the access path is not the easiest and it is unthinkable to go there with heels or flip-flops.
The path of Sainte-Catherine
The departure is at the level of the church of Quintal. Passing through shady undergrowth, you reach the site of theformer abbey of Sainte-Catherine which was home to a famous earthenware factory. The combe offers a view of Annecy. The return journey is via the hamlet of Vovray to Annecy. All the paths are signposted and have no particular difficulties. The walk takes two hours and you can have a picnic in the fields or in the forest in case of hot weather.
Chapel of Vernettes
In addition to the church, Quintal also has another place dedicated to religion with the small chapel of Vernettes. This chapel was blessed on 2 July 1851 by the missionary Lavorel. The bell tower received a 20 kg bell made by a founder of the village, Nicolas Beauquis. You can find this chapel by taking the Vernettes path which links Vieugy to Quintal (you can take this path opposite the Croix Ronde).
The Round Cross
The Round Cross is a building found on the main road of the village. This crowned cross is a hosannary cross. For a long time, this cross was used as a procession place where people went until the end of the 16th century for the blessing of the box tree on Palm Sunday (the Sunday before Easter). For some years now, the cross has been surrounded by the “Du château” housing estate.
The best rated hotels
Depending on your budget, we have selected five hotels near Quintal that offer excellent value for money and have very good customer reviews:
Les Trésoms Lake and Spa Resort
Located opposite the Marquisats beach, nestled in the slopes of the Semnoz, this beautiful resort offers two restaurants, a spa and an indoor swimming pool. It is the ideal starting point to discover the city of Annecy or to go hiking in the mountains. A very nice address.
From 233 € per night.
Le Pélican
Opened in 2021, this new luxury hotel is located in front of Lake Annecy. It features an oyster bar, brunch, an evening DJ set, a dining cellar and a bakery. The 101 rooms are air-conditioned and contemporary in design.
From €152 per room.
La Grange des Pères
The Appart’hotel concept offers large rooms with fully equipped kitchens. This recent establishment allows you to enjoy a contemporary decoration. The lake and the winter sports resorts are nearby to visit this beautiful region of Annecy.
From 104 € per night.
Le Pré Carré
This 4-star hotel is located in the centre of Annecy. An ideal location to discover the city on foot. It offers 27 air-conditioned rooms and two flats, with safe, internet and spa. The reviews are very positive about this address.
From €239 per night.
Hotel du Palais de l’Isle
Very well located in the historic centre of Annecy, with some rooms overlooking the Thiou canal and the Vieilles Prisons. You can enjoy the many restaurants nearby to taste the local culinary specialties.
From €141 per night.
Shops and boutiques
- Bar restaurant “Auberge de Quintal” : 175, route de Viuz | Tel : 04.50.57.17.13 ou 06.10.89.83.70
- Bakery: 175, route de Viuz | Tel : 04.50.57.31.25
Useful equipment and services
- QuintalDay Care Centre
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Retirement home
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QuintalTennis Club with 2 outdoor hard courts, a children’s playground and a multi-sports court.
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Judo Club in the school gymnasium which practices chanbara, a discipline based on the weapons used by the samurai.
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The sports park in the centre of the village allows you to play football on the grass pitch, to play handball and basketball on dedicated areas, to train on the skatepark. A playground is available for young children.
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The village is served by the SIBRA buses with 12 shuttles per day and transport for pupils to schools in the agglomeration.
Quintal market
Since 22 July 2020, the village of Quintal has been holding a farmers’ market every Wednesday from 4pm to 7.30pm. This market offers local quality products from short circuits. You can find: organic market gardeners, seasonal fruit, honey, medicinal plants, flowers and jam from the Bauges.
Town Hall
120 Route du Semnoz – 74600 Quintal.Opening hours:
- Monday: 8.30am – 12.30pm
- Tuesday: 1.30 pm – 4.30 pm
- Wednesday: 9 am – 12 pm
- Thursday: 8.30am – 12.30pm
- Friday: 13.30 – 16.30
Telephone: 04.58.63.00.05 Official website of the Quintal Town Hall
