Chanaz, France: A Charming and Little-Known Gem Near Geneva
- Priscila Izidoro
- Jun 14
- 3 min read
Hi there! It’s Priscila from Família na Europa!
Today, I want to share with you one of the most delightful and peaceful places we’ve discovered around here: the village of Chanaz, located in the Savoie region, just near the Swiss border.
If you’re staying with us or planning to explore the area, Chanaz is one of those off-the-beaten-path places that captivates with its simplicity and authenticity.
Where is Chanaz?
Chanaz is about a 1.5-hour drive from Geneva, nestled along the Canal de Savières, which connects the Lac du Bourget to the Rhône River.
It’s a perfect destination for a half-day or full-day trip, especially if you’re staying with us near the France-Switzerland border.
What to do in Chanaz?
1. Discover a honey shop… inside a boat!
One of the first surprises of the day was finding a floating honey shop—yes, a little boutique set up inside a boat anchored on the canal!
The place is small but full of charm. Inside, you’ll find various types of artisanal honey, all produced locally in the Savoie region.
We took some time to chat with the local beekeeper, learn more about the beekeeping process, and of course… we couldn’t leave without bringing home a small jar of honey as a sweet souvenir from this special day.
2. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the Canal de Savières
After visiting the shop, we boarded an electric paddle boat for a leisurely ride.
The journey was incredibly quiet and eco-friendly—perfect for anyone who loves observing local flora and fauna without any rush.
We navigated through the calm waters of the canal until we reached the Lac du Bourget, the largest natural lake in France.
Birds, aquatic flowers, mountains in the background… the scenery was simply enchanting!
It was the kind of outing that makes you take a deep breath and truly live in the moment.
3. A picnic outdoors: simple and scenic
Instead of going to a restaurant, we chose something that felt much more like us: a family picnic outdoors.
We packed some simple snacks, fruits, water, juice, and… of course, our freshly purchased honey!
We found a grassy spot right by the canal, with a few wooden tables and benches—the perfect setting for a meal surrounded by nature.
4. Strolling through the streets of Chanaz
After the picnic, we still had time for a leisurely walk along the cobbled streets, a visit to the old oil mill, and a bit of local artisan shopping.
Chanaz may be small, but it’s full of life.
Every corner exudes authenticity and simplicity, with that special touch of history that only a French village can offer.
My tips for anyone planning to visit Chanaz:
Best time to visit: Spring and summer are perfect, but fall also brings beautiful colors.
How long to spend there: Half a day or a full day, depending on your pace.
Who it’s ideal for: Couples, groups of friends, families, and anyone who loves authentic destinations far from mass tourism.
Do you need to book the boat tour? It’s best to check in advance, especially during sunny weekends and school holidays.
Is Chanaz worth adding to your itinerary?
Absolutely!
And if you’re staying with us, count on me to give you all the practical tips: how to get there, where to park, and how to make the most of your day in this charming little village.
Want to know more? Feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or check out our website! 😊
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