On vacation in Haute-Savoie

Haute-Savoie, nestled in the heart of the French Alpsis a popular destination for mountain vacations. With its breathtaking scenery, crystal-clear lakes and majestic peaks, it offers a multitude of activities for nature lovers and winter sports enthusiasts alike. Let's explore the different regions that make up this exceptional département.

The shores of Lake Geneva, between mountain and lake

The French French shores of Lake Genevabordered by majestic Lake Geneva, is an invitation to relax and discover.

Thonon-les-Bains is a renowned spa town with picturesque walks along the shores of the lake.

The landscaped quays offer breathtaking views of the sparkling waters, ideal for strolling and contemplation.

Water sports enthusiasts will be delighted: paddle, sail, motor catamaran, windsurf and kayak are just some of the options for making the most of Europe's largest Alpine lake.

Évian-les-Bains, world-famous for its mineral water, charms visitors with its Belle Époque architecture.

The Palais Lumière, a former spa built in 1902, is a jewel ofArt Nouveau, now converted into a cultural center hosting prestigious exhibitions.

The Villa Lumière, former summer residence of the Lumière family, inventors of the cinematograph, bears witness to the opulence of this era and now houses the town hall.

Flower gardens such as the Jardin Anglais, with its colorful flowerbeds and century-old trees, offer a haven of peace in the heart of the city.

The surrounding mountains, notably the Dent d'Oche, culminating at 2,221 meters, are a hiker's paradise.

The well-marked trails lead to breathtaking panoramas of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps.

The diversity of alpine flora and the possibility of encountering chamois add to the charm of these nature escapades.

The Lake Geneva region harmoniously combines well-being, architectural heritage and natural riches, making every stay in Haute-Savoie an unforgettable experience.

Chablais, a land of tradition

The Chablais region, with its centuries-old traditions and diverse landscapes, is one of the jewels in the crown of Haute-Savoie. The Abondance valley, in particular, embodies Savoyard authenticity. The area is renowned for its eponymous Abondance cheese, made from the milk of local cows grazing on the verdant mountain pastures. Visitors can deepen their knowledge of this culinary heritage at the Maison du fromage d'Abondance, where an interactive exhibition traces the history and manufacturing secrets of this exceptional cheese.

The valley's villages, such asAbondance and La Chapelle-d'Abondance, boast traditional architecture, with wooden chalets adorned with flower-filled balconies, and Baroque churches bearing witness to a rich historical past. Local markets offer an immersion in Savoyard culture, with artisanal products and regional specialties.

In winter, the Chablais region is transformed into a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. The resorts of Châtel and Les Gets, part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area with some 650 km of pistes, offer an exceptional playground for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Modern infrastructure sits side by side with breathtaking panoramas of snow-covered forests and Alpine peaks. Families particularly appreciate the fun zones and ski schools, guaranteeing an experience adapted to the youngest skiers.

When the snow melts, the Chablais reveals another, equally attractive facet. Hiking trails, such as those leading to mountain lakes like Lac d'Arvouin or Lac de Tavaneuse, allow walkers to discover rich alpine flora and unspoilt fauna, with possible encounters with chamois or marmots. Well-marked mountain bike trails offer both technical descents and more leisurely rides through alpine meadows and forests. Thrill-seekers can try their hand at paragliding, offering a breathtaking view of the rolling Chablais landscape.

The natural heritage of the Chablais region is also highlighted by the UNESCO Chablais Geopark, which offers educational itineraries to help visitors understand the formation of the Alps and the region's geological history. Remarkable sites such as the Pont du Diable gorges offer unique experiences for visitors in search of nature.

Faucigny, in the heart of the Alps

Faucigny, the historic region of Haute-Savoie, is renowned for its mountainous landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Bonneville, Cluses and Sallanches, its main towns, are ideally located between Geneva and Chamonixalong the Arve River, offering privileged access to the surrounding massifs.

The Arve Valley, the backbone of the Faucigny region, is a major axis leading to Mont Blanc. This valley, through which the Arve flows, is surrounded by imposing peaks, including Mont Blanc, which dominates the Sallanches plain.

The Brasses massif, culminating at 1,504 meters, is a popular destination for outdoor activities. In winter, the ski resort of Les Brasses offers cross-country ski itineraries and snowshoe trails. When the snow gives way to lush green meadows, hikers can explore trails offering breathtaking panoramas of the Mont-Blanc chain and the Arve valley. Mountain bikers are also well catered for, with marked trails to suit all levels.

In the Haut-Giffre valleySamoëns, in particular, is a village that embodies the region's authentic charm. Classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", Samoëns seduces visitors with its cobbled streets, stone houses and XIIᵉ century church. The weekly market, one of the largest in Haute-Savoie, is a must for discovering local produce: mature cheeses, artisanal charcuterie, mountain honey and other local delights. Held every Wednesday morning, the market is also an opportunity to meet local artisans and soak up the village's friendly atmosphere.

The area around Samoëns offers a multitude of activities for nature lovers. The cirque du Fer-à-Chevalcirque, with its majestic cliffs and waterfalls, is an exceptional natural site for hiking. The Jaÿsinia alpine gardens, located in the heart of the village, are home to a remarkable botanical collection, offering a peaceful stroll through alpine flora.

That's why Faucigny is a region that harmoniously combines unspoilt nature, outdoor activities and cultural heritage, offering visitors an authentic experience in the heart of the French Alps.

Mont Blanc country

The Mont-Blanc regionthe jewel in the crown of Haute-Savoie, embodies the very essence of the French Alps, combining the majesty of its peaks with the charm of its Alpine villages.

Chamonix-Mont-Blancoften referred to as the cradle of mountaineering, is an emblematic destination for mountain enthusiasts. Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, Western Europe's highest peak at 4,807 metres, the town is an international crossroads for mountaineers, skiers and nature lovers. The town center, with its lively streets, specialist stores and friendly cafés, offers a unique atmosphere blending tradition and modernity.

One of the must-do experiences in Chamonix is a cable car ride up theAiguille du Midi. In just 20 minutes, this cable car, one of the highest in the world, takes visitors from the center of Chamonix to an altitude of 3,842 meters, at the gateway to the high mountains. From the terraces, the 360° panorama of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps is breathtaking. On a clear day, it's possible to catch a glimpse of iconic peaks such as the Matterhorn and Mont Rose. For thrill-seekers, the "Step into the Void" attraction offers a vertiginous experience: a glass cage suspended above the void, with a precipice underfoot.

The ski resorts of Megève and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains are also popular destinations in the Mont Blanc region. Megève, with its chic, authentic ambience, offers a ski area spread over four massifs, with a total of 400 kilometers of pistes. There's something for every level of skier, from gentle slopes for beginners to more technical runs for experts. The resort also boasts 60 high-altitude restaurants, offering gourmet breaks with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is the gateway to the Évasion Mont-Blanc ski area, which stretches from 850 to 2,353 meters above sea level. With 450 kilometers of slopes and 108 lifts, this ski area offers a diversity of itineraries with extraordinary views of Mont-Blanc. After a day on the slopes, the Saint-Gervais thermal baths invite you to relax, with the Mont-Blanc baths renowned for their beneficial effects.

For hiking enthusiasts, the Tour du Mont-Blanc is a legendary route. Spanning some 170 kilometers, the route crosses three countries - France, Italy and Switzerland - and offers spectacular views of the Mont-Blanc massif. Hikers cross verdant valleys, high passes and picturesque villages, discovering the diversity of Alpine landscapes and the richness of local cultures. The itinerary, generally completed in around ten days, is punctuated by refuges and gîtes, allowing total immersion in the heart of the mountains.

The Aravis mountains: authenticity and unspoilt landscapes

The Aravis massifnestled between Lake Annecy and Mont Blanc, is an emblematic region of Haute-Savoie, renowned for its authenticity and the preservation of its Alpine landscapes. The villages of La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand perfectly illustrate this traditional charm, with their wooden chalets, verdant mountain pastures and majestic limestone peaks.

La Clusaz, a renowned ski resort, offers a varied ski area with over 125 kilometers of pistes to suit all levels. Ski touring enthusiasts will also find plenty to do here, thanks to marked itineraries for safe practice. In summer, hiking trails such as the Plateau de Beauregard offer exceptional panoramic views of the Aravis mountain range and Mont Blanc. And there's no shortage of activities, from paragliding over Alpine landscapes to rock-climbing on the massif's limestone walls.

Le Grand-Bornand, another jewel of the Aravis region, has a charming family atmosphere and traditional architecture. The resort boasts a top-quality ski area, as well as a renowned snowpark for freestyle enthusiasts. In summer, the surrounding alpine meadows become a playground for hikers and mountain bikers, offering routes to suit all levels. The village is also famous for its weekly market, where you can sample local produce, including the famous Reblochon, the region's emblematic cheese.

Reblochon, produced on alpine farms in the Aravis region, is a pressed, uncooked cheese made from raw cow's milk, with a fine rind and delicate flavor. It is the main ingredient in tartiflette, a traditional Savoyard dish appreciated by gourmets. Visitors can discover the secrets of its manufacture by visiting local farms and taking part in organized tastings.

The unspoilt landscapes of the Aravis massif, with their limestone peaks, offer an idyllic setting for nature lovers. The verdant mountain pastures, tended by grazing herds, are dotted with traditional wooden chalets that bear witness to ancestral Savoyard architecture. Peaks such as Pointe Percée, the massif's highest point at 2,750 metres, attract mountaineers in search of a challenge and hikers eager for breathtaking panoramas.

In all seasons, the Aravis massif offers a multitude of activities to satisfy everyone's desires, whether it's snow sports in winter, hiking and climbing in summer, or simply relaxing in the heart of unspoilt nature. The region's rich cultural and gastronomic heritage, combined with the beauty of its landscapes, make it an essential destination for a successful mountain vacation.

Annecy: The Venice of the Alps

Annecy, nicknamed the "Venice of the Alps", is a city of art and history located on the shores of Lake Annecy, reputed to be one of the purest in Europe. The old town, with its winding canals, cobbled streets and colorful houses, offers an idyllic setting that seems straight out of a fairy tale.

Château d'Annecy, an ancient fortified castle dating back to the XIIᵉ century, altered several times, notably by the Dukes of Savoy, stands in the French commune of Annecy.

Perched on a hill overlooking the town, it offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Today, the château houses the Musée-Château d'Annecy, with exhibitions on regional art, archaeology and natural history, offering visitors a fascinating journey through the centuries.

The Lake Annecy is the ideal playground for water sports and leisure activities. With water temperatures averaging 24°C in summer, visitors can relax on one of the lake's eleven beaches, some of which are free, others for which admission is charged.

Beaches such as Plage d'Albigny in Annecy-le-Vieux, Plage des Marquisats and Plage de Saint-Jorioz offer the ideal setting for a family day of swimming and lounging.

Cycling enthusiasts will appreciate the Lake Annecy Greenway, which offers cyclists, rollerbladers and people with reduced mobility a dedicated 33 km route between Annecy and Val de Chaise (Marlens). It is also accessible to pedestrians, runners and dogs on a leash on the shoulders.

This cycle path, one of the most beautiful in France, lets you discover the enchanting landscapes of the lake and surrounding mountains, while enjoying an outdoor sporting activity.

What to do on vacation in Haute-Savoie

Haute-Savoie is a true paradise for sports and nature lovers. In winter, the ski resorts offer a wide range of activities for all levels, from beginner to expert. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tobogganing are also very popular. In summer, hiking, mountain biking, climbing and paragliding offer a whole new way to discover the landscape. Lakes such as Lac d'Annecy and Lac Léman offer bathing beaches, as well as water sports such as sailing, paddling and kayaking.

In addition to its natural landscapes, Haute-Savoie boasts a rich cultural heritage. Baroque churches, medieval castles and museums bear witness to a rich and eventful history. The Alpine Museum in Chamonix traces the history of mountaineering, while the Clos Parchet eco-museum in Samoëns offers a glimpse into rural life of yesteryear. Festivals, such as the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, bring the region to life throughout the year.

Haute-Savoie is also renowned for its rich and tasty gastronomy. Cheeses take pride of place, with Reblochon, Tomme de Savoie and Abondance topping the bill. Traditional dishes such as Savoyard fondue, raclette or tartiflette warm hearts after a day in the mountains. Local markets offer the chance to discover these delicacies, as well as artisanal charcuterie, Savoie wines and local pastries such as rissoles and gâteau de Savoie.

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