Marnaz is a town in Haute-Savoie, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 11 km south-east of Bonneville.
Bordered to the north by the course of the Arve, a tributary of the Rhône which descends from the Mont-Blanc massif, its territory of 9 km² in the form of a north-south strip ranges from 464 to 2098 m altitude. Outside the village to the north, via woods and alpine meadows, it gradually rises to the south where the Bargy chain dominates, which belongs to the Bornes massif.
For a long time forming a simple hamlet, Marnaz developed on the banks of the Arve after containment work initiated in 1824, even becoming the capital of the parish of Scionzier in 1842. Quarrels ensued that lead to the official creation of the town, as a detachment from Scionzier, in 1866.
At the same time, a glazed pottery industry developed (the last factory closed in 2010), then units dedicated to bar turning (machining of screws, nuts, etc.) have been implemented.
Now counting nearly 5,500 inhabitants, the town is proving to be a stage of interest because of its unspoiled mountain environment and its leisure offer.
A chapel built from 1648 and the Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens church, built from 1848 to 1851, with large dimensions, are the major heritage elements of the locality. The church is classically built, but with a bell tower with a lantern and baroque notes inside: it was the source of quarrels with the parishioners of Scionzier.
However, other sites are worth the detour (farms, traditional dwellings, viewpoints, etc.) and have justified the design of an interactive game to discover the local heritage via a family walk. This treasure hunt is performed using a booklet and maps and information to download. Information at the town hall on +33 4 50 98 35 05 or at the tourist office on +33 4 50 96 69 69.
On the cultural side, the Pyramid center set up on the site of a former bar turning factory that was rehabilitated includes rooms that can accommodate shows. A media library is also housed there where events are regularly scheduled (writing workshops, storytelling sessions, literary meetings, exhibitions): contact +33 4 50 91 71 46.
In terms of "nature" leisure activities, the path theme of the Vardafe links the center of the village to the Biolle mountain pasture, where a traditional log chalet offers information on the natural heritage (fauna and flora) of the region. An arboretum, an oratory, a picnic area and many viewpoints also await walkers on the site. The course is accessible to all audiences. Information on +33 4 50 96 69 69.
Other hiking trails, sometimes more demanding, take the heights of the territory. The opportunity to discover the Yeux du Bargy site (two cavities which, separated by a spur, make one think of a face), or the surroundings of Lake Bénit. Vast of 4 hectares and located at 1450 m of altitude, it borders the southwestern limit of Marnaz. This haven of peace in a bucolic environment (fir trees) is a pleasant stopover for seasoned walkers as well as families (a refreshment bar is open from June to September). Some trails allow you to reach other peaks or natural curiosities in neighboring towns. Maps and information on +33 4 50 96 97 27 or +33 4 50 96 69 69.
