Servoz is a charming rural commune in Haute-Savoie, nestled in the upper Arve Valley between Chamonix and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. It lies under the Mont-Blanc Massif, stretching from valley floor (~758?m) up to Alpine heights (2,324?m), with many scattered hamlets like Vieux-Servoz?
History
Ancient to Medieval: Settled since Roman times, first mentioned in 1153. Became part of the House of Faucigny in the 14th century, then integrated into Savoy in 1355?
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Mining Era: From medieval times to ~19th?century, Servoz had active mining of copper, lead, silver—evidenced by ruins near the Diosaz gorges?
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Modern: It maintained its agrarian roots until more recent tourism growth. A 1860 Savoie plebiscite joined the region to France, with some local support even considering Switzerland?.
Heritage & Cultural Sites
Église Saint-Loup: Built after a 1471 landslide; baroque style, expansion in 1537 and 1697, with distinctive lantern-topped belfry?
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Gorges de la Diosaz: Dramatic rocky gorge with suspended walkways (~600 steps), created by Achille Cazin in the 1870s. Open June–mid-September?
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Maison du Lieutenant: A historic 15th-century farmhouse/museum showcasing traditional mountain life?
Oratory, chapels, and mining remains near Vieux-Servoz add to the local heritage?
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Food & Local Cuisine
Savoyard cuisine shines in Servoz and nearby areas. Must-trys include?
Raclette – melted cheese over potatoes, pickles & charcuterie
Fondue Savoyarde – mix of local cheeses (Comté, Beaufort…) melted with garlic and wine
Tartiflette – gratinated Reblochon with potatoes, bacon & onions
Diots – Savoyard pork sausages in wine sauce
Farçon – potato cake with bacon, cream, prunes/raisins
Tarte aux Myrtilles – Alpine blueberry tart, often with génépy ice cream
At restaurants like La Sauvageonne, you can find refined local dishes (e.g., truffle risotto, fondue), offering great value and real Savoyard flair?
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Typical Activities
Outdoor & nature: Hike scenic trails to the Gorges de la Diosaz, or up to alpine pastures and lakes?
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Sheep Festival (October): Annual sheep fair with competitions, cider-making, bougnettes (potato fritters), music, tractors—a celebration of pastoral life?
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Guided tours: Explore “Under the Bridges of Servoz” to learn about river history, local industry, floods & hydroelectric heritage?
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Cultural visits: Tour the Saint-Loup church, Maison du Lieutenant, local museum, and view pastoral and industrial traditions.
Winter offers peaceful village strolls, but most seasonal activities are
Servoz is ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful, authentic Alpine village. With deep roots in farming and mining, it offers a perfect blend of history, scenic walks, traditional food, and local culture—especially vibrant during the sheep festival in October.