Abondance

Situated at an altitude of 1000 metres, on a shelf backing onto Mont Jorat (1830m), Abondance lies in a valley dominated by Mont de Grange (2432 m) and du Pic de la Corne (2084m).

In winter, when the snow covers the summits, and the meadows disappear under the snow, the slopes appear more inviting and an immaculate countryside stretches out as far as the eye can see. Warm and snug inside your chalet, in the heart of the village or in one of its hamlets, you’ll have the holiday that you always dream about.

Abondance is also the name of a breed of cows. They are a ‘beautiful brown’ (actually brown and white) with glasses (the brown marks that look like make-up around their eyes). In winter, they stay in the stables, munching on hay and thinking of better days when the snow melts and they can once more head up to the summer pastures.

The good-quality of these diary cows has allowed farmers to affirm their savoir faire as cheese makers: Abondance cheese was awarded the AOC label (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) in 1990. In the Abondance valley, 40 farms make this mouth-watering cheese. And what a delight it is to buy it directly from the farmer!

The Abondance valley offers a sumptuous natural mountain setting with a well-preserved patrimony.

In this exceptional environment, propitious for feeling good, the villages in the valley organise a multitude of activities. Discover Chevenoz, Vacheresse, Bonnevaux, Abondance, La Chapelle and Châtel.

In 2003 the Abondance valley was awarded the ‘Land of art and history’ badge by the Minsiter for Culture, in recognition of its remarkable patrimony and treasures.

Whilst participating in guided tours, discovery workshops, or when out hiking, you’ll appreciate this traditional setting with its hamlets set into the mountain side, the religious patrimony (the Abondance abbey and the Maison du Val, two places symbolic of the region’s cultural treasures) and the mysterious beauty of this wooded landscape with its vast white spaces.

An emblematic site in the Abondance valley, itself a land of art and history, and a unique monument in many respects, the Abondance abbey is a jewel in France’s patrimony, and should not be missed. The abbey dominates the village centre and consists of three main parts:

• The abbey’s cloisters

Built in the XIVth century in a gothic style, the cloisters are decorated by murals from the Xvth century which are part of the jewels of Savoyard religious medievil art.

Retelling the life of the Virgin Mary, these murals are teeming with details about Savoyard daily life in the middle ages.

• The abbey’s church

A Gothic church built in the XIIIth century where the optical illusion decorations in the choir, transept and side aisles have recently been restored.

There’s also antique furniture still present in the abbey (benches, stalls, prayer chairs…) Free entrance every day from 9h to 12h and from 14h to 18h. Guide tour following that of the cloisters.

• Museum of religious art

Part of the abbey shelters a collection of liturgical objects and clothing dating from the XVth to the XXth century.

To unravel the secrets of the cultural heritage and pastoral life of the Abondance valley, cross the threshold of the Maison du Val. The exhibitions will reveal all about the richness of this mountainous land, and you’ll be fascinated by the Abondance cheese exhibits.

This summer, there will be Abondance cheese making demonstrations on Friday mornings and guided tours will take place on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in July and August. For further information, check out the events programme for the forthcoming holidays.

The Maison du Val is situated in Plaine d’Auffaz on the right as you come into Abondance from the Thonon direction.

It is open from Monday to Friday from 10h to 12h and from 14h to 18h.

In winter, mountain lakes and rivers are gradually covered by a thick layer of white, and the fish below change their behaviour, becoming less keen on taking the bait.

Despite this, Ludovic Briet, professional fishing guide, manages to continue his favourite sport not far away from here. From October to March you can set off with him to fish in lake Geneva and surrounding ‘reservoirs’, for fresh pike and perch.

Welcome to Abondance, a village-resort, lying at the gateway of the Franco-Swiss Portes du Soleil ski-slopes. Share all the fun of snowsports on the Essert ski-fields, or skii off to discover the 650km of ski-slopes in the Portes du Soleil.

• ABONDANCE SKI-SLOPES

The Esert ski-slopes

After two years in which the ski-slopes were shut, Essert will be finally be opening again on the 26th December 2009! Ski-slopes accessible by the bubble-lift in the village centre, that are perfect for beginners and families : from green pistes to black runs, you're guaranteed skiing in fabulous surroundings!

Ludoffaz play slopes

Right in the village centre, Ludoffaz is a perfect place for children to learn to ski in total ssafety, or just have fun sledging and messing around in the snow!

• THE PORTES DU SOLEIL SKI-SLOPES

Head off on a wild "Ski Safari", somewhere between France and Switzerland, with just one ski-pass that gives you access to 650km of ski-runs in 12 resorts.

For a foretaste of the deep-powder nature reserve, click here.

Starting from Abondance, catch the ColomBus shuttle bus, free with your Portes du Soleil ski-pass, and have a taste of unlimited ski freedom