Alex is a small village in Haute-Savoie, in the Rhône Alpes region, halfway between Annecy and Thônes. The municipality is located about 13 km west of Annecy. The population of Alex is over 1000 inhabitants, referred to as Alexois and Alexoises. They are spread over the 1700 hectares of the municipality.
The village is very pretty and has a very pleasant setting at the foot of the Aravis massif, more precisely in the Bornes Massif, at the foot of the Dents de Lanfon. It is crossed by the Fier and is located about twenty kilometers from the ski resort of La Clusaz and that of Grand Bornand.
Monuments and tourist sites
Château d’Arenthon
The Château d’Arenthon, in Alex, overlooks the Fier valley, opposite the Dents du Cruet and Lanfon. It combines history, nature, art, and architecture. Built in the 17th century, the building was rehabilitated in 1999 with the addition of a glass roof. The park features contemporary art sculptures.
The best-rated hotels
Depending on your budget, we have selected five hotels near Alex that offer excellent value for money and receive very good customer reviews:
Hôtel Beauregard
This hotel in La Clusaz, built in the style of a Savoyard chalet, offers all modern comforts: heated pool, hammam, jacuzzi. Many shops are nearby, as well as restaurants. Parking is available upon prior reservation.
From €110 per night.
Hôtel Les Sapins
You stay at the foot of the Aravis massif, in La Clusaz. The restaurant offers a variety of quality dishes. The slopes are nearby. The decoration of the rooms, in Savoyard chalet style, is warm. An excellent address for a mountain holiday.
From €90 per night.
Hôtel La Montagne
This quality family hotel is ideally located 150 m from the ski slopes of La Clusaz. Culinary specialties are highlighted with excellent raclettes, fondues, and Savoyard gratins.
From €58 per night.
Best Western Chalet les Saytels
A beautiful hotel in Grand-Bornand that offers: outdoor and indoor pools, spa, hot tub, sauna, and solarium. The decor is a clever mix of contemporary and Savoyard styles. The slopes are immediately nearby the establishment.
From €96 per night.
La Pointe Percée
In the city center of the beautiful family resort of Grand-Bornand, this hotel offers great amenities. You can enjoy a magnificent view of the Aravis mountain range while taking advantage of the ski slopes in winter.
From €90 per night.
Services & Administrations
Town Hall
Chief Town
74290 Alex
Tel: 04 50 02 87 05.
School
The school has 5 classes: 2 kindergarten classes and 3 primary classes. The kindergarten teachers are each assisted by a municipal employee (ATSEM: Specialized Agent for Kindergarten Schools), full-time.
Library
It is located at 44 route du Château, 50 meters from the church. Hours: Tuesday from 4:30 PM to 6 PM, Wednesday from 2 PM to 5 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM.
Hiking
We invite you to discover Alex and its surroundings through some hiking circuits:
The Crêt des rats walk
Starting from the village square, lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes, this pleasant loop for the whole family is easy. The elevation gain is 197 m. The steps to follow: Le Crêt du Faux / Villards-Dessous / Villards-Dessus / Sous le Marais / Villards-Dessous / Alex Village.
The Montviard waterfall walk
The departure is from the Villard-Dessus parking lot. Lasting 2 hours, this circuit is suitable for the whole family. The elevation gain is 236 m. You need to follow: Montviard / Sous-Montviard / La Remousse / Les Villards-Dessus.
The Rochette circuit
Starting from the village square, lasting 4 hours, this circuit is intended for experienced hikers. The elevation gain is 762 m. The steps: Les Devins by Chez Longet / La Rochette / Les Devins / Le Grépon / Sous le Bourg / Alex Village. It is possible to picnic at the Rochette alpine pasture.
The hike to the Chalet de l’Aulp-Riant
The departure is from the Villard-Dessus parking lot, for a climb of 3 hours. With a significant elevation gain of 949 m, this circuit is aimed at expert hikers. The ascent is difficult, with a steep slope and many large stones. The steps to follow: under the Marais / L’Aulp de riant Dessus. The return is via the same route. You can continue to the belvedere of the Dents de Lanfon for a magnificent view, but access is difficult.
Official sites
Town Hall: www.alex-village.com
