Mieussy (; frp, Myeûfi) is a
commune in the
Haute-Savoie department
Department may refer to:
* Departmentalization, division of a larger organization into parts with specific responsibility
Government and military
*Department (administrative division), a geographical and administrative division within a country, ...
in the
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (ARA; ; frp, Ôvèrgne-Rôno-Ârpes; oc, Auvèrnhe Ròse Aups; it, Alvernia-Rodano-Alpi) is a region in southeast-central France created by the 2014 territorial reform of French regions; it resulted from the merger of Au ...
region of France. It is a traditional Alpine
farming village in the Vallée du Giffre, around 35 kilometers east of
Geneva. The area is known for its scenic views, skiing, and local foods. It is host to the "Foire d' Automne", a harvest festival which runs for two days in October.
Winter skiing
Mieussy has its own high-altitude
ski resort, Sommand, starting at and with of downhill runs suitable for all levels. This is integrated over and around the surrounding
mountains
A mountain is an elevated portion of the Earth's crust, generally with steep sides that show significant exposed bedrock. Although definitions vary, a mountain may differ from a plateau in having a limited summit area, and is usually higher th ...
to the neighboring ski resort of Praz de Lys.
Sommand is noted for its varied landscape of forests and open panoramic views. It has almost none of the over development and mass tourism infrastructure characterised by many nearby resorts. This is due to the area being a protected nature reserve which allows only low impact sustainable development. Its focus is on providing a family friendly resort while leaving other resorts, like
Les Gets,
Morzine and
Flaine to cater for the Northern European "
package holiday" and "youth" market.
Sommand is the closest major ski resort to
Geneva. It is a 25-minute drive to the end of the
valley and the start of Geneva district. Its high altitude starting point and the Mont Blanc area micro-climate gives it better snow quality and quantity that many other resorts. It is also noted for its
cross country skiing trails, with of tracked runs, including the Col du Ramaz. The U23 World Championship Cross Country Skiing was held here in 2008.
Summer
Mieussy has one of the largest commune areas with many traditional chalet farm
hamlets. These small
rural farms continue the traditions with the passing of
century
A century is a period of 100 years. Centuries are numbered ordinally in English and many other languages. The word ''century'' comes from the Latin ''centum'', meaning ''one hundred''. ''Century'' is sometimes abbreviated as c.
A centennial or ...
, making a range of savoyard products, including reblochon. The Fruitiere in the village sells locally made farm produce, including reblochon.
In the summer, maps of the surrounding hiking trails lead through meadows and forests up into the mountains and are available from the Mieussy tourist office.
Each year the village is host to the traditional farmers harvest market, Mieussy "Foire d' Automne", when thousands spill into its streets to buy sweet chestnuts, fresh pressed apple juice, Savoyard meats and cheeses in a general celebration of the harvest. The festival runs for two days in October and is the largest authentic farmers festival in the region.
Paragliding
Mieussy became known as the birthplace of paragliding when in June 1978 three friends, Jean-Claude Bétemps, André Bohn, and Gérard Bosson, were inspired by an article on ‘slope soaring’ in the ''Parachute Manual'' magazine. They calculated that on a suitable slope, a square parachute could be inflated by running down a slope; Bétemps launched from Pointe du Pertuiset, Mieussy, and flew .
Andre Bohn followed him and glided down to the football pitch in the valley below. ‘Parapente’ was born (pente being French for slope).
A paragliding school and introductory tandem flights are offered by the Mieussy football pitch.
See also
*
Communes of the Haute-Savoie department
*
Praz de Lys-Sommand
Praz de Lys - Sommand is a twinned ski resort starting at a high altitude and composed of Sommand resort and Praz de Lys resort both linked by ski trails and chair lifts over and around their dividing mountains. Sommand sits high above its village ...
References
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Communes of Haute-Savoie