Argonay, a small village in Haute-Savoie created around the XIᵉ Century, was originally called Argonnex. The commune was renamed around 1970.
Geographical location
This small village is situated on the banks of the Fier (the largest river in the Annecy area), just next to the communes of Pringy and Saint-Martin-Bellevue. It is located 5 km north of Annecy, near the national road to La Roche-sur-Foron, Annemasse and Geneva. Argonay, whose current mayor is Mr. Gilles FRANÇOIS, now has more than 3,800 inhabitants. The latter are called the Argonautes. The commune has a surface area of 560 hectares. It is twinned with Château-l’Évêque, which is in the Dordogne department, in the Aquitaine region.
History and Heritage
History
In the Middle Ages, Argonay was owned by the lords of Monthoux, then by the counts and dukes of Savoy. The parish was founded in the 11th century, allowing the expression of social and religious life. During the Revolution, the commune was established. Its activity is essentially agricultural, with 35 farms in 1960.
But in 1963, the Dassault Aviation company created 500 industrial jobs. SNR, Figel and Maped set up in turn, creating hundreds of jobs in the secondary and tertiary sectors. This was a source of great prosperity for the village, which saw its population grow.
Heritage
The Barioz house
This historic site, which is located outside the village, is a witness to the fortified houses of the 13th century. They were built by the lords of Monthoux in the region.
The church of Saint-Christophe
The church of Saint-Christophe is located in the centre of the village. Its construction dates back to the 11th century. It is one of the few remaining churches from the late Middle Ages. The building is richly decorated with a sundial and interesting religious murals that are worth a visit.
Top rated hotels
Depending on your budget, we have selected five hotels near Argonay that offer excellent value for money and have very good customer reviews:
Logis hotel Annecy nord – Argonay
This hotel was renovated in 2014 and awarded for its ecological approach. It is 6 km from Annecy and 30 minutes from the ski resorts of Grand Bornand and La Clusaz. Its large south-facing terrace offers views of the Parmelan mountain. The restaurant serves excellent Savoyard specialities.From €70 per night.
B&B Hotel Annecy
This budget hotel offers comfortable air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. Breakfast is served as an all-you-can-eat buffet with fruit juices, hot drinks, breads, pastries and jam. You can easily visit Annecy which is 7 km away.From € 60 per night.
Hotel F1 Annecy Argonay
A budget hotel for an overnight stay near Annecy. Breakfast is served in the breakfast room, in the form of a buffet. The hotel is located in an industrial area. A car is essential to visit the Annecy area and the neighbouring resorts.From 35 € per night.
La Grange des Pères
This beautiful Appart’hotel is located in Pringy, near Argonay. You can enjoy a neat contemporary decoration and an irreproachable cleanliness. The proximity to Lake Annecy and the resorts is a positive point. Guests highly recommend this establishment,from 104 € per night.
Hotel de Novel
A beautiful hotel located in Annecy, with a restaurant serving local and Italian specialities. Ideally located a few kilometres from the city centre and the motorway exit. There is free underground parking. The 68 rooms are spacious andstart at €95 per night.
Facilities
- The Pitchounes nursery has a capacity of 48 children. It is located at 10 route de Sous Convers. Tel: 04 50 27 23 79.
- A school and a nursery school located at 90, route de l’avenir.
- The Louis Lachenal high school: 335 Route de Champ Farcon.
- A library located in the town hall.
- Two discotheques: Le Maracaïbo 335 Route de Champ Farcon and Le Blitz Z.A de Dessus Le Fier Impasse Des Prés D’en Bas.
- Two clinics: La clinique d’Argonay 685 Route des Menthonnex and the Korian clinic Le mont Veyrier 475 Route des Menthonnex.
- A cultural space “La ferme” which has an auditorium of 120 places which proposes a spectacle per month. The room can be rented to organise your own shows. You can also take music, dance, painting and choir classes.
- Two football pitches and five tennis courts.
- A medical centre located at 50 route du Barioz houses three general practitioners.
The Argonay pumptrack
This facility is dedicated to sliding for all wheeled vehicles: bikes, skates, scooters. Completed in 2019, it allows skaters to try out a quality course. Nevertheless, beginners and young children are welcome to ride on the two good-sized rings. The small platform in the centre allows both sides to be served.Address: route de l’Avenir, 74 370 Argonay (next to the tennis courts).
The Argonay deer park
This 7000 m² natural area located at the exit of Argonay in the municipal forest has European fallow deer. 3 capped males and 3 females live in this enclosed area. The site belongs to the commune. It is managed by a heritage officer from the Office National des Forêts.Address: 490 route de la Vouettaz, 74 370 Argonay.
Companies
The commune is home to world-renowned industries that employ hundreds of people in the Annecy basin:
- Dassault aviation : famous French manufacturer of fighter and business aircraft.
- Maped : World leader in school and office supplies.
- SNR : Industrial company specialising in the production of ball bearings.
- Brake France : frozen food for professionals.
If you are looking for a job, our Annecy job file will give you precise advice.
We propose a superb walk in the commune of Argonay, almost 10 km long with a difference in altitude of 262 m. It allows you to discover the most beautiful paths of the commune. Without any major difficulty, starting from the Arthur Lavy square, you will walk around the village passing by the top of the village of Saint-Martin-Bellevue.
Several discoveries await you: the church, the deer park, the Fillière. It takes about three hours to complete this loop, most of which is done on paths and tracks.
Market in Argonay
All year round, this charming village near Annecy has a weekly market. It takes place every Friday from 3.30 pm to 7 pm in the car park of the Salle Polyvalente. The food market favours local products and those from organic farming.
The Town Hall
The Argonay town hall is located at 1 place Arthur Lavy, 74 370 Argonay.Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 12 noon and from 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm. The official website of the town hall.
