The Avise family settled here in the 12th century. The village grew up around the castle Blonay, residence of the feudal family. The church, dedicated to San Brizio, and its bell-tower, dated to the 15th century, are still standing right near the castle. In the same century, in order to accentuate the control of the village, the family built the Avise castle, of which you can admire the façade decorated with twin windows.
The village origin goes back to the roman era as it was a strategic point on the road to Gaul. Here the Romans made their way through the rocks in order to reach the Mont Blanc, in the hamlet Runaz they carved the trail named Pierre Taillée still evident today.
In Runaz is also located the Fortress of Mosse with its beautiful windows in gothic style and the interesting main door. The fortress belongs today to the regional administration and is the seat of the regional association of sonorous archives. Several expositions take place in summer and throughout the year (booking is required in low season). In the village centre take a look to the wash-house, where ladies still meet for a chat, observe the meridian and the frescos of the town hall and the medieval bridge in Le Pont.
When all secrets are discovered let's plunge into the peace of the pick nick area named Lo Crou on the road to Cerellaz, take an easy walk to the falls of Frenay (30 minutes) or get to the village to see signs of our traditions: mills, ovens and dairies.
Further up is the green Vertosan valley, surrounded by the peaks of Château Blanc, here every summer takes place the traditional cows fight.
Are you found of gastronomic events? Do not miss, at the end of June, the Fiha de la Fiocca, a traditional whipped cream made in an icy cave at 1800 meters a.s.l.. The event takes place in Baulin; you need to drive till Planaval, in Valgrisenche, and follow for La Clusaz.
Plenty of chapels are located all over Avise.