On vacation in Haute-Savoie

La Haute-Savoie, nestled in the heart of French alps, is a popular destination for mountain holidays. With its breathtaking landscapes, crystal clear lakes and majestic peaks, it offers a multitude of activities for nature lovers and winter sports enthusiasts. Let's explore together the different regions that make up this exceptional department.

The shores of Lake Geneva, between mountain and lake

The region of French shores of Lake Geneva, bordered by the majestic Lake Geneva, is a true invitation to relaxation and discovery.

Thonon-les-Bains, a renowned spa town, seduces with its 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 find what they are looking for here: paddle boarding, sailing, motor catamaran, windsurfing and kayaking are all options for fully enjoying the largest alpine lake in Europe.

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

The Palais Lumière, a former thermal establishment built in 1902, is a jewel of theArt Nouveau, now converted into a cultural center hosting prestigious exhibitions.

The Villa Lumière, the 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 English Garden with its colorful flowerbeds and century-old trees, offer havens of peace in the heart of the city.

The surrounding mountains, including the Dent d'Oche, peaking at 2 metres, are a paradise for hikers.

Well-marked trails lead to breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the Swiss alps.

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

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

Chablais, land of tradition

Le Chablais, a region with centuries-old traditions and diverse landscapes, is a true jewel of Haute-Savoie. The Abondance Valley, in particular, embodies Savoyard authenticity. This region is renowned for its eponymous cheese, Abondance, produced from the milk of local breed cows that graze in the green mountain pastures. Visitors can deepen their knowledge of this culinary heritage by visiting the Maison du fromage d'Abondance, where an interactive exhibition traces the history and manufacturing secrets of this exceptional cheese.

The villages of the valley, such asAbondance et La Chapelle-d'Abondance, seduce with their traditional architecture, with their wooden chalets decorated with flower-filled balconies, and with their baroque churches testifying to a rich historical past. The local markets offer an immersion in Savoyard culture, offering artisanal products and regional specialties.

In winter, Chablais becomes a paradise for snow sports enthusiasts. The resorts of Châtel et Les Gets, integrated into the vast Portes du Soleil area, with around 650 km of slopes, offer an exceptional playground for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Modern infrastructures rub shoulders with breathtaking panoramas, between snow-covered forests and Alpine peaks. Families particularly appreciate the play areas and ski schools, guaranteeing an experience adapted to the youngest.

When the snow melts, the Chablais reveals another, equally attractive side. Hiking trails, such as those leading to mountain lakes like Lake Arvouin or Lake Tavaneuse, allow walkers to discover a rich alpine flora and preserved fauna, with possible encounters with chamois or marmots. The well-marked mountain bike trails offer technical descents and more leisurely walks through mountain pastures and forests. Thrill seekers can try paragliding, offering breathtaking views of the rolling landscapes of Chablais.

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

Le Faucigny, in the heart of the Alps

Le Faucigny, a historic region of Haute-Savoie, seduces with its mountainous landscapes and its rich cultural heritage. Bonneville, Cluses and Sallanches, its main towns, are ideally located between Geneva and Chamonix, along the Arve, offering privileged access to the surrounding mountains.

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

The Brasses massif, peaking at 1 meters, is a popular destination for outdoor activities. In winter, the Brasses ski resort offers cross-country skiing routes and snowshoe trails. When the snow gives way to green meadows, hikers can explore trails offering breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc range and the Arve Valley. Mountain bike enthusiasts will also find what they are looking for with marked trails suitable for all levels.

In the valley of the Upper Giffre, Samoëns, in particular, is a village that embodies the authentic charm of the region. Classified among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France", Samoëns seduces with its cobbled streets, stone houses and its 12th century church. The weekly market, one of the largest in Haute-Savoie, is an unmissable event to discover local products: matured cheeses, artisanal charcuterie, mountain honey and other local delicacies. This market, which is held every Wednesday morning, is also an opportunity to meet local artisans and soak up the friendly atmosphere that reigns in the village.

The surroundings of Samoëns offer a multitude of activities for nature lovers. The Horseshoe Circus, with its majestic cliffs and waterfalls, is an exceptional natural site ideal for hiking. The Jaÿsinia Alpine Gardens, located in the heart of the village, are home to a remarkable botanical collection, offering a peaceful walk amidst the alpine flora.

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

The country of Mont Blanc

Le Mont Blanc country, jewel of Haute-Savoie, embodies the very essence of the French Alps, combining the majesty of the peaks and the charm of the Alpine villages.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, often referred to as the birthplace of mountaineering, is an iconic destination for mountain enthusiasts. The city, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe at 4 metres, is a true international crossroads where mountaineers, skiers and nature lovers meet. The city centre, with its lively streets, specialist shops and cosy cafés, offers a unique atmosphere that blends tradition and modernity.

One of the must-see experiences in Chamonix is ​​the cable car ride up theAiguille du Midi. In just 20 minutes, this cable car, one of the highest in the world, transports visitors from the centre of Chamonix to an altitude of 3 metres, at the gateway to the high mountains. From the terraces, the 842° panorama of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps is breathtaking. On a clear day, it is possible to see iconic peaks such as the Matterhorn or Monte Rosa. For thrill-seekers, the “Step into the Void” attraction offers a dizzying experience: a glass cage suspended above the void, with a precipice beneath your feet.

The ski resorts of Megève and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains are also popular destinations in the Pays du Mont-Blanc. Megève, with its chic and authentic atmosphere, offers a ski area spread over four massifs, totaling 400 kilometers of slopes. Skiers of all levels will find what they are looking for, from gentle slopes for beginners to more technical slopes for experts. The resort is distinguished by its 60 high-altitude restaurants, offering a gourmet break with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, for its part, is the gateway to the Évasion Mont-Blanc ski area, which extends from 850 to 2 meters above sea level. With 353 kilometers of slopes and 450 ski lifts, this area offers a variety of routes facing extraordinary panoramas of Mont-Blanc. After a day on the slopes, the thermal baths of Saint-Gervais invite you to relax, with Mont-Blanc baths renowned for their benefits.

For hiking enthusiasts, the Tour du Mont Blanc is a legendary route. Stretching over approximately 170 kilometres, this circuit 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 route, generally completed in around ten days, is punctuated by refuges and lodges, allowing for total immersion in the heart of the mountain.

The Aravis massif: authenticity and preserved landscapes

Le Aravis massif, nestled 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 Grand Bornand perfectly illustrate this traditional charm, with their wooden chalets, their green mountain pastures and their majestic limestone peaks.

La Clusaz, a renowned ski resort, offers a varied ski area with more than 125 kilometers of slopes suitable for all levels. Ski touring enthusiasts will also find what they are looking for, thanks to marked routes allowing for safe practice. In summer, hiking trails, such as that of the Beauregard plateau, offer exceptional panoramas of the Aravis mountain range and Mont Blanc. There is no shortage of activities, with paragliding opportunities to fly over the Alpine landscapes, or climbing courses on the limestone walls of the massif.

Le grand-bornand, another jewel of the Aravis, seduces with its family atmosphere and traditional architecture. The resort offers a quality ski area, as well as a snowpark renowned for freestyle enthusiasts. In summer, the surrounding mountain pastures become a playground for hikers and mountain bikers, offering courses suitable for all levels. The village is also known for its weekly market, where you can taste local products, including the famous reblochon, the region's emblematic cheese.

Reblochon, produced in the Aravis mountain farms, is a raw cow's milk cheese, with an uncooked pressed paste, recognizable by its thin rind and delicate flavor. It is the main ingredient of tartiflette, a traditional Savoyard dish appreciated by gourmets. Visitors can discover the secrets of its production by visiting local farms and participating in organized tastings.

The unspoiled landscapes of the Aravis massif, with their limestone peaks, offer an idyllic setting for nature lovers. The green mountain pastures, maintained by grazing herds, are dotted with traditional wooden chalets, testifying to ancestral Savoyard architecture. The peaks, such as Pointe Percée, the highest point of the massif at 2 meters, attract mountaineers looking for challenges 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 moments of relaxation in the heart of unspoiled nature. The richness of its cultural and gastronomic heritage, combined with the beauty of its landscapes, makes it an essential destination for a successful mountain holiday.

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, renowned for being 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.

Annecy Castle, a former 12th century fortified castle, remodeled several times, notably by the Dukes of Savoy, stands in the French commune of Annecy.

Perched on a hill overlooking the town, it offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Today, the castle is home to the Musée-Château d'Annecy, featuring exhibitions on regional art, archaeology and natural history, offering visitors a fascinating journey through the centuries.

Le Annecy lake is the ideal playground for water activities, whether recreational or sporting. In water at an average temperature of 24°C in summer, visitors can relax on one of the lake's eleven beaches, some free, others with a charge.

The developed beaches, such as Albigny beach in Annecy-le-Vieux, Marquisats beach or Saint-Jorioz beach, offer an ideal setting for spending a day with the family, between swimming and relaxing.

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

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

What to do on vacation in Haute-Savoie?

La Haute-Savoie is a true paradise for sports and nature lovers. In winter, the ski resorts offer varied areas for all levels, from beginner to expert. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding are also very popular. In summer, hiking, mountain biking, climbing and paragliding allow you to discover the landscapes from a different angle. Lakes, such as Lake Annecy and Lake Geneva, offer beaches suitable for swimming, as well as water activities such as sailing, paddle boarding or kayaking.

In addition to its natural landscapes, Haute-Savoie has 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 Ecomuseum 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 gastronomy rich and tasty. Cheeses occupy a special place, with Reblochon, Tomme de Savoie and Abondance at the top of the list. Traditional dishes such as Savoyard fondue, raclette or tartiflette warm the hearts after a day in the mountains. Local markets are an opportunity to discover these delicacies, as well as artisanal charcuterie, Savoie wines and local pastries such as rissoles or Savoie cake.

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