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Walking
You can step out of chalet Rosa and join a huge network of walking paths which can take you far into the mountains, away from "civilisation".
Pack a picnic and eat lunch on the top of a mountain with nothing but the sound of the wind in the grass and the cowbells.
There are walks which can be tackled by anyone fit enough to walk for a couple of hours on gravel paths, or all day expeditions which require a degree of fitness.
Good walking boots are a good idea in any case.
There are detailed maps (like OS maps) available in the shops.
You can also book a walk led by a qualified mountain guide via the tourist office
You can get around on mountain bikes too on many of the same paths, though some are reserved for walkers due to their steepness.
Mountain bikes can be rented in many of the shops in the area. They come in all sizes, including small ones for children, and can be rented by the day or the week.
Swimming
There is a large outdoor pool complex in Le Grand Bornand.
There is a water slide, a paddling pool with a water fountain and a proper swimming pool.
There is plenty of space around the pool for lying about and soaking up the sun.
Pony Trekking
Pony trekking can be organised from just a one-hour ramble or a two-day trek to a mountain refuge.
Paragliding
Paragliding is one of the most popular summer sports in the area.
Le Grand Bornand is well known in the paragliding world as one of the best places to fly in the mountains. The World Championships were held here a few years ago.
You can learn to fly solo in a week-long course or take a tandem flight with an instructor just to get a feel for it. We have links with Ali and Alan who are based in St Jean de Sixt they offer Paragliding courses for the experienced.
Via Ferrata
This is a route up the side of a mountain with a continuous safety wire attached from top to bottom.
You attach yourself to the safety wire with a harness and walk/climb to the top.
You get all the sensations of mountain climbing without the years of learning.
There are three Via Ferrata in the area including one in Chinaillon. Harnesses and other equipment can be rented from the local shops.
A guide can be hired at the Tourist Office.
Golf
There are several championship standard Golf courses within 1-2 hours drive as well as a challenging 9-hole course in Grand Bornand where tuition is available.
Others
In the village, near the swimming pool complex, there are areas dedicated to trampolines and acrobatics, archery, tennis, volleyball and yoga amongst others.
All the activities are supervised and tuition is available.
Lake Annecy
Annecy is one of the loveliest Alpine cities in Europe situated by a gorgeous lake. It has been called the Venice of the Alps because of its well-preserved Medieval centre and its canal system.
Inside the old city, which is nearly all car-free, there are lots of interesting shops and restaurants under the covered walkways and along the canals.
The castle has a comprehensive museum and there are others monuments to visit as well. By the lake are a big open park and a botanical garden.
There are good car parks near the centre of the city.
You could also visit the numerous beaches all around Lake Annecy and swim in the cleanest lake in Europe.
There are many water-based sports on offer all around the lake including sailing, windsurfing, wakeboarding as well as pedalos and rowing boats for hire.
There are also boat tours around the lake as well as a series of water-buses that leave from right by the old city and take you to the villages around the lake .
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