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Mieussy (French pronunciation: [mjøsi]; Arpitan: Myeûfi) is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 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.
Mieussy | |
|---|---|
 A view of the bridge of Mieussy | |
 Coat of arms | |
Location of Mieussy  | |
  Mieussy  Mieussy | |
| Coordinates: 46°08′05″N 6°31′24″E / 46.1347°N 6.5233°E | |
| Country | France |
| Region | Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes |
| Department | Haute-Savoie |
| Arrondissement | Bonneville |
| Canton | Cluses |
| Government | |
| • Mayor (2020–2026) | Régis Forestier[1] |
| Area 1 | 44.45 km2 (17.16 sq mi) |
| Population (2021)[2] | 2,486 |
| • Density | 56/km2 (140/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) |
| INSEE/Postal code | 74183 /74440 |
| Elevation | 571–2,011 m (1,873–6,598 ft) |
| Website | Mieussy.eu |
| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | |
Population
edit| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 | 1,141 | — |
| 1975 | 1,167 | +0.32% |
| 1982 | 1,169 | +0.02% |
| 1990 | 1,346 | +1.78% |
| 1999 | 1,739 | +2.89% |
| 2007 | 2,052 | +2.09% |
| 2012 | 2,118 | +0.64% |
| 2017 | 2,340 | +2.01% |
| Source: INSEE[3] | ||
Winter skiing
editMieussy has its own high-altitude ski resort, Sommand,[4] starting at 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) and with 60 kilometres (37 mi) of downhill runs suitable for all levels. This is integrated over and around the surrounding mountains to the neighboring ski resort of Praz de Lys.[5]
Sommand is noted for its varied landscape of forests and open panoramic views.[citation needed] It has almost none of the over development and mass tourism infrastructure characterised by many nearby resorts.[original research?] 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.[tone]
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.[citation needed] It is also noted for its cross country skiing trails, with 50 kilometres (31 mi) of tracked runs, including the Col du Ramaz.[citation needed] The U23 World Championship Cross Country Skiing was held here in 2008.
Summer
editMieussy 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, making a range of savoyard products, including reblochon.[citation needed] 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
editMieussy 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 100 metres (330 ft).[6] Andre Bohn followed him and glided down to the football pitch in the valley 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) 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
edit
References
edit- ^ "Répertoire national des élus: les maires" (in French). data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises. 13 September 2022.
- ^ "Populations légales 2021" (in French). The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 28 December 2023.
- ^ Population en historique depuis 1968, INSEE
- ^ "Accueil - ESF Sommand". www.esf-sommand-mieussy.com. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
- ^ "Praz de Lys Sommand Tourisme - The resort with great deals". Praz de Lys Sommand Tourisme. 2018-11-26. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
- ^ Murillo, Xavier. "David Barish, The Forgotten Father of Paragliding". Flyaboveall.com. Archived from the original on 2010-10-29. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
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