Grésy-sur-Aix is a common Savoie region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, northeast of Aix-les-Bains which it borders.
Its territory of 12 square kilometers bordering the Bauges on the foothills of the Alps, ranging from 250 to 620 m.
Dominant Aix and Lake Bourget, that can be observed from different points of the resort, Grésy remains largely green, with more than 50% of agricultural land (meadows, crops) and almost 20% of forests.
Occupied since ancient times, on the route of a Roman road linking Aix-les-Bains Annecy Grésy develops in the Middle Ages with the construction of mills, sawmills or quarrying. Lordship prosperous, the village also hosts markets and cattle fairs until the twentieth century. The town then experiencing a population boom (or now 4600 inhabitants) related to its proximity to Aix-les-Bains. However, it has preserved a heritage and a quality environment, and it has a leisure offer that particularly appeal to lovers of green tourism.
The town has many buildings bearing witness to its prosperous past, which will mark a pleasant discovery heritage-like walk.
This tour can start with the remains of the castle of Grésy, namely a tower dating from the twelfth century. Built on an ancient Roman, it was the seat of a fief dependent Faucigny family then passed to a named branch Greysier which gave its name to the city.
The Loche Castle was for his part in the heart of another manor, built in the county in the seventeenth century, and still belongs to the same family (Loche). Protected as historic monuments, the building dates from the fifteenth century for its oldest parts and it now consists of two pavilions that connects a gallery. In 1630, the north pavilion was indeed with an additional floor and enlarged together (second house) and embellished for the owner, while attending the court of Turin, to arrange noble receptions. Note that the field elements were reused, inherited the remains of a large Gallo-Roman villa. The Louis XIII style roof was restored. Always private, the castle is not open.
See again the castle Fontany (even with mullioned windows of the fifteenth), one of Mouxy (XV XVIII), and newest, Brachet castle, built in the nineteenth by a doctor of Aix-les-Bains who Hydrotherapy was one of the developers in this city. The area surrounded by a 5 hectare park was recently bought and restored to house a hotel establishment with prestige sports facilities (swimming pool, training golf course). Information at +33 4 58 62 01 01.
Finally, to conclude this heritage discovery, mention home Pillet (XV restored eighteenth) and the parish church of St. John the Baptist, rebuilt in 1856 in neo-Gothic style.
In terms of cultural activities, noted that the Grésy-sur-Aix library regularly offers exhibitions and events (lectures, meetings, workshops). Information +33 4 79 34 05 21.
As for sports, it is possible to book at short to the local tennis club (Contact +33 6 19 20 42 44) or experience the thrill of climbing to the room Roc (contact +33 4 79 34 80 50).
For hikers, finally, note that the loops are arranged in the same territory of the town. One is thus dedicated to the heritage elements, another toured the villages, a third provides insight into the undergrowth.
These trails but also larger scale of routes including raids on neighboring towns allow appropriate to observe protected areas to their ecosystem as gorges Sierroz (rare flora) or the marsh of Chevilly. Maps and information +33 4 79 34 80 50 or +33 4 79 88 68 00.
The first Saturday of July, summer party with fun activities, meals, concerts, fireworks.
The last Sunday in September, "The Grésylienne" offers hiking shopping and walking path over distances ranging from 3 to 21 km.
