Situated at the foot of the Col de la Colombière and is known as one of the most picturesque regions of the Savoyard Pre-Alps.

The history of the village is often confused with the foundation of the Chartreuse monastery, founded in 1151 at the behest of Aymon I de Faucigny.

Founded in 1151 by Jean d'Espagne at the behest of Aymon I de Faucigny, the monastery survived many trials and tribulations, including the French Revolution, various levels of destruction and pillaging over the ages and finally expulsion of the monks in 1901, after which it was transformed into a hotel.

Rock climbing surrounds the village, with a number of popular cliff faces within easy driving distance.

Setting of an episode of Pierre Bonte's celebrated "Bonjour Monsieur le Maire" in 1967.