Thônes, Administrative commune in Haute-Savoie, France
Thônes is a commune in the Alps of Haute-Savoie that spreads across green valleys and forested slopes. The settlement combines a rural village center with scattered residential areas and farms at different elevations.
The settlement dates from the Middle Ages when its location in the mountain valley made it a local trading hub. In modern times the area resisted occupation during wartime and is remembered for resistance activity.
The name comes from the high plateau where the town sits. Visitors can see rural traditions reflected in the old wooden houses and their traditional construction methods throughout the area.
The center hosts a weekly Saturday market with local products where visitors can meet regional producers directly. The main areas are easy to explore on foot, while the surrounding region is accessible by car or bicycle.
A preserved 19th-century hydraulic sawmill demonstrates how local people once processed timber using water power. This craft remains central to the region's identity and economy today.
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