Beaumont is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 14 km south of Geneva (Switzerland).
Its territory of 9.7 km² is located at the foot and on the “west” face of Mont Salève, sometimes referred to as “the balcony over Geneva”.
Historically composed of three merged localities (Beaumont, Jussy and Le Châble), ranging from 596 to 1380 m above sea level, the commune is now made up of a main town (Le Châble) and villages and hamlets marking out the hills and slopes up to the site of the Grands Pitons, its highest point.
Although now having just over 3,000 inhabitants, Beaumont has retained a green environment and landscapes. There are forests (37% of its surface area), meadows dedicated to summer pastures (26%) and other agricultural land (16%).
Lordship belonging to the Menthon family which is subservient to the Count of Geneva (12th century), the locality saw the establishment of cheese factories in the 19th century then an industrial site specializing in the production of packaging.
Nowadays, close to Switzerland and Lake Geneva, Beaumont seduces with its “nature” leisure offering linked to Mont Salève.
Several heritage sites are worth mentioning in the locality. An overview can begin with the Saint-Etienne church, of Romanesque origin, which succeeded a primitive place of worship (5th century) in the 13th century. A chapel would have been added by Lord François de Menthon in 1415, and the building was rebuilt in 1847. Restored at the end of the 20th century, the church is renowned for its neo-baroque style organ installed in 1996 at from the left transept. It was made by the Saby workshops (from Saint-Uze in Drôme). Thanks to a very active association, a number of concerts highlight the instrument and the site from April to October.
Only very rare remains remain of the feudal castle held by the lords of the Menthon family. Featuring a polygonal-shaped fortified enclosure, it was built in the 12th century. It was destroyed in 1590 during the war between the Duchy of Savoy and the County of Geneva supported by the King of France and the Bernese...
The town hall, for its part, is today located in a building from 1859 which housed a time a hosiery factory then customs officers' apartments. The building was obviously subsequently rehabilitated.
Then head to the summits of the commune to observe the Pitons tower, also known as the Bastian tower, named after its sponsor, the notary Claude-François Bastian, who is said to have had this circular tower built in the 1820s to observe its… 99 properties located in the plain below!
This being a lookout post would have already existed at this highest point of Beaumont since the Middle Ages. Neighboring a limestone block whose shape evokes an old woman, the Pitons tower was renovated in 1984. The site is both heritage and a formidable belvedere which rewards hikers.
Back in the town, Meyer Park which neighbors the town hall is ideal for walking. In addition to shaded paths (it is planted with centuries-old trees), there are play areas, a pétanque court but also the war memorial and a contemporary sculpture, "Chadra", the work of Marjolaine Briquet.
On the cultural side, activities (readings of stories, philosophical and literary meetings) are regularly offered at the library (information on +33 9 67 21 38 22) and at the village hall, shows and association events are hosted throughout the the year (inquire at the town hall on +33 4 50 04 40 58).
For sports enthusiasts, a football field, tennis courts, a skate park and a pump track (with raised tracks for two-wheelers) are accessible to visitors and vacationers.
A number of hiking trails are traced in the territory which allow you to reach the Grands Pitons site and the pass which crosses the eastern limit of the territory. Dotted with fruit farms (for the production of cheese), old farms, mountain pastures and wooded areas, the routes which climb from the hamlets or the village lead to fantastic views of Geneva, Lake Geneva and also, further afield., Lake Annecy (to the south) and the Jura peaks (to the west and north)... Loops more specifically dedicated to mountain bikers are available to enthusiasts.
Please also note that in winter, paths are suitable for snowshoe hikes.
We will also not forget to mention routes linking Beaumont to the banks of Lake Geneva, the Rhône valley or even neighboring Chablais. Maps and information on +33 4 50 95 07 10. Furthermore, the mountain and the landscapes of Salève can be the subject of exotic hikes with donkeys from Beaumont: contact +33 6 20 85 08 24.
On July 13 in the evening, “pyromelodic” fires and popular ball.
The first Saturday in September, association festival.
The first Sunday in September, garage sale.
The second or third Saturday in October, apple festival.
The first Saturday of the month, market with local producers.
