Balade des quais

Guidebook with maps/step-by-step

Quays Walk – Step by step
Quai de Warens
As you arrive along Quai de Warens, shaded by majestic lime trees, you’ll find a welcoming terrace, close to a children’s playground and one of several book-sharing boxes where you can pick up a book as you wish. A first bench already invites you to relax and enjoy the moment.
From here, you can also walk down closer to the river to admire it.
Crossing towards Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville
Cross the main road to reach Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville. On your left, Mont-Blanc Bridge (also known as Pont Neuf) offers a stunning view of Mont Blanc, the giant of the Alps rising before you. You will then arrive in front of the town hall, whose colonnade houses the tourist office.
Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville
Numerous benches line this quay, shaded by majestic horse chestnut trees, whose fruits delight children in autumn. Steps lead down to the riverbanks, perfect for a relaxing break by the water. Geocaching enthusiasts will also find a cache nearby!
Views between the bridges
Between the two road bridges, a footbridge allows you to cross to the opposite bank (Quai Alexandre Curral) or simply enjoy the view.
To the east: the Fiz mountain range and the beautiful Aiguilles de Warens.
To the west: the Aravis range with the Quatre Têtes and the famous Pointe Percée (our “little Matterhorn”), rising to 2,753 m, although not visible from this viewpoint.
To the north, in the distance, stands the massive and distinctive Montagne d’Areu.
Quai Saint-Jacques
Cross the road again, with Saint-Éloi Bridge on your left, and continue along Quai Saint-Jacques leading to the collegiate church of the same name.
A commemorative plaque recalls the great fire of Sallanches on 19 April 1840.
Further on, observe the confluence of the Frasse torrent (left) and the Lévaud torrent (right), which together form the Sallanche near the footbridge leading to Place du Pré de Foire.
Gourmet break along the quays
This section is lined with cafés, restaurants and an Italian ice cream parlour, perfect for a sunny terrace break.
Return via Pré de Foire
From the top of the last quay, go down via Saint-Jacques Bridge on your left, then cross the Pré de Foire, a large square hosting the Saturday morning market. On your right, an amphitheatre offers a pleasant viewpoint over the mountains. Then reach Place de la Grenette via the footbridge over the Frasse torrent.
Final section of Quai Curral
Complete the loop by passing Saint-Éloi Bridge again (this time on your left) to reach the final section of Quai Curral. A few terraces still line the river, leading to the ice cream chalet—perfect for a last treat.
Return to Quai de Warens via the underpass footbridge
To complete the walk, cross the main road and head towards Place de l’Ancienne Quincaillerie, where you can also relax facing Mont Blanc. Below this building, a footbridge allows you to return to Quai de Warens, the starting point of the walk.
Atmosphere and seasonal events
Throughout the year, the quays come alive with the seasons:
In summer (June to September), the “On ferme la rue” festival brings Quai de Warens to life on the first Thursday of each month (music, shows, friendly atmosphere).
The other quays host the weekly Saturday market, summer flea markets and the Montagn’Art exhibition—plenty of opportunities to rediscover the walk in a new light.