Alex is a small village in Haute-Savoie, in the Rhône Alpes region, halfway between Annecy and Thônes. The commune is located about 13 km west of Annecy. The population of Alex is more than 1000 inhabitants, known as the Alexois and Alexoises. They are spread over the 1700 hectares of the commune.
Monuments and tourist sites
Castle of Arenthon
The castle of Arenthon, in Alex, dominates 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 renovated in 1999 with the addition of a glass roof. The park offers the discovery of contemporary art sculptures.
Top rated hotels
Depending on your budget, we have selected five hotels near Alex that offer excellent value for money and have very good customer reviews:
Hotel Beauregard
This hotel in La Clusaz is built in the style of a Savoyard chalet and offers all modern comforts: heated swimming pool, hammam, jacuzzi. Many shops are nearby, as well as restaurants. Parking is available upon prior reservation.
From 110 € per night.
Hotel Les Sapins
Stay at the foot of the Aravis mountains in La Clusaz. The restaurant offers a variety of quality dishes. The slopes are nearby. The rooms are decorated in a warm Savoyard chalet style. An excellent address for a holiday in the mountains.
From € 90 per night.
Hotel La Montagne
This quality family hotel is ideally located 150 m from the ski slopes of La Clusaz. The hotel’s culinary specialities include excellent raclettes, fondues and Savoyard gratins.From € 58 per night.
Best Western Chalet les Saytels
A beautiful hotel in Grand-Bornand, with an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, spa, whirlpool, sauna and solarium. The decoration is a clever mix between contemporary and Savoyard style. The slopes are in the immediate vicinity of the hotel.
From 96 € per night.
La Pointe Percée
In the centre of the beautiful family resort of Le Grand-Bornand, this hotel offers great facilities. 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 & Administration
Town hall
Chef Lieu 74290 Alex Tel : 04 50 02 87 05.
School
The school has 5 classes: 2 nursery classes and 3 primary classes. The kindergarten teachers are each assisted by a full-time local employee (ATSEM: Agent Spécialisé des écoles Maternelles).
Library
The library is located at 44 route du Château, 50 metres from the church. Opening hours: Tuesdays from 4.30pm to 6pm, Wednesdays from 2pm to 5pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm.
Hiking
We suggest that you discover Alex and its surroundings through a number of walking routes:
The Crêt des rats walk
Starting from the village square, this 1.5 hour loop is pleasant for the whole family and has no difficulty. The difference in altitude is 197 m. The stages to follow: Le Crêt du Faux / Villards-Dessous / Villards-Dessus / Sous le Marais / Villards-Dessous / Alex Village.
The Montviard waterfall walk
The walk starts from the car park in Villard-Dessus. This 2-hour walk is suitable for the whole family. The difference in altitude is 236 m. You have to follow: Montviard / Sous-Montviard / La Remousse / Les Villards-Dessus.
The Rochette circuit
Starting from the village square, this 4-hour circuit is intended for experienced hikers. The difference in altitude is 762 m. The stages: Les Devins by Chez Longet / La Rochette / Les Devins / Le Grépon / Sous le Bourg / Alex Village. It is possible to have a picnic at the La Rochette mountain pasture.
The hike from the Chalet de l’Aulp-Riant
The hike starts from the Villard-Dessus car park and takes 3 hours. With a significant difference in altitude of 949 m, this circuit is aimed at expert hikers. The climb is difficult, with a steep slope and many large stones. The stages to be followed: sous le Marais / L’Aulp de riant Dessus. The return is by the same route. You can continue to the belvedere of the Dents de Lanfon for a magnificent view, but access is difficult.
Official websites
Town Hall : www.alex-village.com
