Thorens-Glières combines a clearly defined remembrance of the Resistance in the village centre with architectural and industrial history, as well as cross-country skiing in winter on the Plateau des Glières. The free “Fillière, un village dans la Résistance” walking tour takes you through the village centre, lasts about an hour and is suitable for families. Its duration makes it easy to plan as an activity and offers a thematic introduction to the history of the area.
Remembrance of the Resistance in the village centre
A dedicated monument gives this remembrance a symbolic form: the V-shaped Monument national à la Résistance symbolises victory with a V. Its broken section represents the pain and sacrifice caused by the war. The form and the break thus carry different meanings that come together when viewing the monument.
The monument and the church
The church of Saint-François-de-Sales also reflects several historical layers. It was rebuilt in the Gothic style between 1898 and 1909, while its 16th-century choir was preserved. It was designated a historic monument in 1926. The rebuilt structure and the older choir thus point to different periods within the same church.
Two chapels, different stories
The Chapelle de Pierre Taillée was built in 1668 by the residents of the hamlet of Usillon to house a protective statue of the Virgin Mary. It is also called Notre Dame de la Pierre Taillée; the name refers to a nearby quarry. Its founding, dedication and name each give the chapel a distinct historical connection.
The Chapelle de Sales was built in 1672 on the site of the room where Saint Francis de Sales was born. The chapel contains a well-preserved Baroque altarpiece dating from 1677. It can be viewed from outside through its glazed door all year round; it is not open to individual visitors for security reasons. Check these visiting conditions locally before travelling.
Glassmaking history in the Usillon Valley
The Verrerie royale d’Usillon was established in the Usillon Valley in 1750. Between 1750 and 1789, it expanded its production to include crystal and luxury glass. Its products included black glass for bottles, white glass for crystalware and window glass. These different uses demonstrate the range of its production; the Verrerie closed in 1859.
The Château de Thorens and its eras
The Château de Thorens brings together architectural elements from the Middle Ages, the Baroque period and the 19th century. It was built on the site of the former fort dating from 1060, which Count Gérold of Geneva had constructed. A visit takes you through 950 years of history. The château’s architectural history is thus connected to an earlier fortification and several later architectural periods.
Plateau des Glières: history and cross-country skiing
The Plateau des Glières lies at an altitude of 1,435 metres. During the Second World War, it was chosen by the Allies as a supply drop zone. Its altitude and historical role give the plateau a different focus from the architectural and local histories of Thorens-Glières.
For winter sports, the Plateau des Glières Nordic ski area offers 29 kilometres of cross-country ski trails across open plateau and forest. Operations depend on snow conditions. The plateau can be reached via Thorens-Glières or via Le Petit-Bornand or Glières-Val-de-Borne; seasonal road conditions may vary. Access to the plateau and trail operations are separate planning considerations: road conditions matter for the journey, while snow conditions determine whether you can ski.
Discover more destinations: Essert-Romand, Archamps, Alex, Nernier, Sciez, Saint-Eusèbe, Thyez, Saint-Jorioz
For the regional travel overview: Haute-Savoie.
