Messery, Haute-Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France

Messery is a French commune located in the department of Haute-Savoie, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Located in the historic region of Chablais and more precisely of the Savoyard (or French) Chablais, on the shores of Lake Geneva, the town is also part of the cross-border urban agglomeration of Greater Geneva.

Framed by Nernier to the east and west Chens, Messery develops a facade of 3.25 km on Lake Geneva which 0.4 km of public domain in two different sites “La Pointe” and “Under Pres. Its altitude varies from 372 to 456 m between the lake and hinterland. The water activities are very dynamic, especially windsurfing. Forests cover over one third of the Commune and is crisscrossed by many roads and trails for family hiking.

The installation of the first human communities Messery dates back to Neolithic times, as evidenced by the remains of two coastal cities. The Roman occupation left few traces of many “houses” arranged in rows parallel to the lake and church (St Peter’s goddaughter of Geneva), built in 1841, contains in its structure, elements of a monument dating from this period. The etymology of Messery also explained by the dominant economic activity practiced by the Romans Missiriacum; Messery mean “the country’s wheat.” From medieval times, has kept a house Messery strong Frize, the Count property of the family then Lugrin Costa de Beauregard until the 18th century.

History
The area around Messery was inhabited very early. The history of Messery dates back to the Neolithic era, the era of pile dwellings, of which there are still a few weak landmarks at the Pointe. We can thus discover two megaliths and two stones with cupules on the side of the Point and the Wood of Parteyi.

Between II century and the III century the presence of the Gallo-Roman civilization is attested by the presence of small traces of buildings arranged in parallel lines facing the shore of Lake Geneva. The current place name is derived from the Gallo-Roman personal name Masirius and means something like Masirius’s estate. In the Middle Ages, Messery was located in an area disputed between the Counts of Faucigny, the Counts of Geneva, and the Dukes of Savoy.

Under the Sardinian regime, major works took place in Messery: the construction of the cemetery, the presbytery and the new church under the leadership of Curé Forax. The new church was completed in 1841 in a neoclassical Sardinian style and the onion bell tower erected three years later. The church has two small bells, one dates from the 17th century, the other will be delivered later by the prestigious Maison Paccard.

Until the 20th century, Messery was a predominantly agricultural village. Today there are numerous workers who work in the surrounding larger towns and sometimes also commute to Geneva.

The place has a small port. The lakefront at La Pointe and Sous les Prés with bathing beaches and picnic areas is open to the public. Messery is off the major thoroughfares but is easy to get to from Douvaine. Further connections exist with Yvoire and Hermance.

Culture and Heritage

St. Peter’s Church
Originally, the church of Messery came under the chapter of Saint-Pierre-de-Genève. The current church was built between 1839 and 1841 in the neoclassical Sardinian style.

Events and Festivities
In July: Round of the Presqu’île du Léman.
July 13th: Restoration and ball in the village center, fireworks on the beach.
In August: Summer Academy: International Meeting Music / Fine Arts (internships).

Green spaces
In 2014, the town obtained the “one flower” level in the competition for towns and villages in bloom.

Camping Relais du Léman
Camping Relais du Léman has taken up residence in the heart of nature. It extends over a magnificent 3.5 ha estate in a beautiful park of oaks where calm and fullness reign in Haute Savoie on the shores of Lake Geneva. Lovers of nature and wide open spaces, you are at home here. At the gates of the beautiful medieval village of Yvoire and the pretty water towns of Thonon les Bains and Evian.

3-star campsite with swimming pool with removable shelter, family friendly and friendly with 141 comfortable pitches. Rental of pretty, typical and welcoming chalets. Above all, the campsite takes care of the well-being of its guests and makes it one of its priorities. Located 4 km from the campsite, the pretty village of Yvoire is one of the essential jewels of Bas-Chablais and welcomes you in its narrow streets with medieval character.

A campsite with large, delimited pitches in an exceptional landscaped, calm and green environment: a hilly and fully wooded site, 2 steps from the beach and close to access to the most famous tourist spots. Haute-Savoie and neighboring Switzerland will enchant you with their landscapes, their historical heritage and their colorful traditions. Mont-Blanc and the highest peaks in the Alps will give you a breath of fresh air. Lake Geneva, a real small inland sea, will offer you its many equipped, sunny and free beaches.

Camping tourism
Desires of nature and the great outdoors in the heart of a forest in a tent, caravan or motorhome. You will appreciate our spacious pitches, all delimited and shaded for more comfort.

Mountain hikes
Whether you are athletic or contemplative, our mountains, so beautiful and so close, offer many possibilities for hiking.At 372 m above sea level, the largest of the Savoy Mont Blanc lakes offers landscapes with a Riviera atmosphere. A link between France and Switzerland, it has a temperate climate favorable to southern vegetation. Its 53 km of French shore follow the valleys of the lower Chablais and host two spa towns, Thonon-les-Bains and Evian-les-Bains.

Lake and swimming
Lake Geneva surrounded by its mountains is a vast playground: cruises, water sports, swimming. Lake Geneva is well known in France for its enormous pike which are regularly caught, and very fortunately, released. The lake is also full of pikeperch, trout, catfish, arctic char, crayfish, feras and perch: These last 2 are the specialties of restaurants around Lake Geneva.

Surroundings

Nernier
Nice fishing village, located 1 km from Yvoire. Its port, famous, welcomes, for over two centuries, fishermen and boaters, contributing to the seductive reputation of a town where life is good. Mixing nationalities and languages in a true melting pot of nearly 500 inhabitants, Nernier preserves however its architectural character. Museum, potter, gallery, old rigging, restaurants and bistros animate throughout the summer season. Possibility to go to the village of Nernier on foot, from Yvoire, through the Vaudois path (about 35 minutes).

Excenevex beach
Surrounded by a beautiful alpine landscape, discover the unique natural sandy beach of Lake Geneva, a paradise for children. Enjoy the pleasures of swimming in water of controlled quality around 25 ° C. We have foot on 200 m! At the municipal beach Excenevex, classified Blue Flag since May 2018, enjoy a wide range of water and leisure activities in spring and summer: pedal boats, fishing, boat trips without a license, sailing, stand up paddles, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, flyboarding, large children’s playground, volleyball court, mini-golf, barbecue area and picnic tables, rental of sun beds and umbrellas…

The Eagles of Léman
Large area of 9 hectares, discover the largest aviary of raptors in the world (18 000 m²): 200 birds of 65 species in a natural setting. Visitors can go directly to the territory of the birds of prey and attend 5 shows per day with live commentary and music, including a large show of birds of prey where birds move just above your heads. Breathtaking !

Adventure trail
In the heart of the Domaine de Coudrée, the adventure trail of Sciez invites you to multiple sensations from the top of its hundred-year-old oaks. This unique experience will allow you to discover the forest from a new angle. From tree to tree, you will enjoy the pleasure of more than 40 activities.

Museum of Prehistory and Geology J. Hallemans
Through a remarkable collection of objects, the Museum of Prehistory and Geology traces the evolution of man, tells the acquisition of his knowledge, his first tools to the end of the Bronze Age. A nice outing to do with family!

Departmental Museum of Firemen of Haute-Savoie
The Museum of the Pump Arm, dedicated to the history of the equipment of the Fire-fighters and that of the rescuers of all the region of Haute-Savoie. He invites you to discover his hand pumps, his vehicles, his outfits that have marked the history of firefighters from 1900 to the present day.

Domaine du Guidou
This peri-urban natural site classified Natura 2000 covers more than 80 hectares in the municipality of Sciez and includes a mosaic of diverse environments (wooded areas, agricultural plots, wet meadows…) and a wealth at the level of flora and fauna.

Geopark Chablais UNESCO sites: You will discover a selection of emblematic sites: mountain lakes, exceptional panoramas, natural curiosities… This network of sites has been developed to reveal the specificities of the Chablais territory, which has earned it the UNESCO Global Geopark label.

Les Granges de Servette
This former barn, re-converted into a museum, houses a permanent collection of contemporary paintings and sculptures, enriching each season with temporary exhibitions designed to introduce young artists.

Bowling de Margencel
Multi-leisure complex with 20 computerized bowling alleys with a drink service and pizzas on tracks from 14h, 12 billiard tables with various packages. On site, pub-restaurant and playground Les Petits Trappeurs.

Thonon-les-Bains
Located in the heart of the south shore of Lake Geneva, Thonon-les-Bains is pleased to share with holidaymakers an art of living, which has its source in an exceptional living environment, between lake and mountains. The city breathes on the edge of the largest lake in Western Europe and at the foot of the Prealps. As the seasons go by, his heart swings between nautical pleasures and mountain-related leisure activities. Born under the sign of water, Thonon benefits from the magical presence of Lake Geneva, but also the benefits of the mineral water of the Verso. Its thermal baths and mineral water contribute to its fame.

Evian-les-Bains
A well-being destination in Haute-Savoie to enjoy an ideal setting and rejuvenate between lake and mountains all year round! Many activities are proposed as the discovery of the center through a historical circuit, the garden of Pré Curieux, the Palais Lumière and its exhibitions.