On vacation in Savoie

Savoie, nestled in the heart of the French Alps, is a popular destination for mountain vacations. This département offers a diversity of landscapes, from snow-capped peaks to verdant valleys and exceptionally pure lakes. Winter sports enthusiasts will be delighted by the region's world-renowned resorts, while hiking and nature lovers can explore unspoilt nature parks. The cultural and historical richness of Savoie is reflected in its picturesque villages, medieval castles and delicious gastronomy, making this region an ideal destination for vacations with family and friends.

Among the must-see sites, the Vanoise National Park offers breathtaking Alpine scenery and remarkable biodiversity. Ski resorts such as La Plagne and Les Arcs offer ski areas suitable for all levels, while the Lac du Bourget invites you to relax and enjoy water sports. Traditional villages, such as Bonneval-sur-Arc and Beaufort, seduce with their authenticity and preserved heritage. Savoie is also renowned for its gastronomy, with specialities such as Savoyard fondue, tartiflette and the famous Beaufort cheese.

In summer and winter alike, Savoie offers a multitude of outdoor activities, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking, mountain biking, paragliding and canyoning. Lovers of culture and history can visit sites such as the Château des Ducs de Savoie in Chambéry or stroll through the medieval streets of Aix-les-Bains. With its varied landscapes, activities for all ages and rich heritage, Savoie is the destination of choice for a successful mountain vacation.

The Beaufortain

Nicknamed the "Little French Tyrol", the Beaufortain is an unspoilt mountain range, renowned for its pastoral landscapes and agricultural heritage. The villages of Beaufort andArêches, with their traditional wooden chalets and picturesque lanes, immerse visitors in Savoyard authenticity. Beaufort is also the birthplace of the famous Beaufort cheese, often referred to as the "prince of Gruyères". The verdant mountain pastures, dominated by peaks such as the Pierra Menta, provide the ideal backdrop for hiking in summer, with itineraries such as the Tour du Beaufortain offering breathtaking panoramas. In winter, the resorts of Arêches-Beaufort and Les Saisies offer ski areas suitable for all levels, in a friendly, family atmosphere.

The Beaufortain is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. In summer, hikers can explore a multitude of marked trails, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Alpine lakes. The Tour du Beaufortain, a multi-day circuit, allows you to discover the richness and diversity of the region's landscapes. Mountain bikers will also find routes suitable for all levels, while the Roselend and Saint-Guérin lakes offer opportunities for fishing and canoeing.

In winter, the Beaufortain transforms itself into a first-class ski area. The resort of Arêches-Beaufort is particularly appreciated for its quality snow cover and varied slopes, suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike. Ski touring enthusiasts will also find choice itineraries here, particularly for the famous Pierra Menta race, which each year brings together the world's best ski mountaineers. Les Saisies, another of the massif's flagship resorts, offers a family-friendly ski area and renowned Nordic ski trails.

Beaufortain's cultural heritage is equally rich and varied. Baroque churches, chapels and local museums bear witness to the region's history and traditions. A visit to the Beaufort dairy cooperative will reveal the secrets behind the making of this famous cheese, and allow you to taste this exceptional product. Local markets, meanwhile, offer a wealth of local produce, reflecting the gastronomic richness of Savoie.

AlpAddict in the Northern Alps — In the Beaufortain

The Tarentaise

La Tarentaisenestled in the heart of the French Alps, is an emblematic valley of the Savoie region, renowned for its world-renowned ski resorts and breathtaking Alpine scenery.

Among the valley's resorts, Les Arcs stands out for its modern architecture and interconnected villages, offering a diversified skiing experience. The resort offers a variety of slopes, suitable for families and experienced skiers alike, with exceptional panoramic views of Mont Blanc.

La Plagne, meanwhile, is famous for its extensive ski area and its hamlets of innovative architecture. Skiers can enjoy vast expanses of snow, while non-skiers will appreciate activities such as snowshoeing or bobsleighing down the Olympic slope.

Tignes and Val d'Isère, in the Haute-Tarentaisetogether form a prestigious ski area culminating at an altitude of 3,456 meters. These resorts offer exceptional snow conditions and state-of-the-art infrastructures, attracting winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world.

Finally, the central Tarentaise region is occupied by the 3 Vallées ski area. 600 kilometers of slopes for a five-month ski season. The highest resort in Europe, Val Thorensenjoys exceptional snow conditions. The resorts of Courchevel and Méribel offer ski vacations that combine scenery and luxury.

In summer, the Tarentaise transforms into a paradise for hikers and bikers. Trails wind through flower-filled alpine meadows, dense forests and high-altitude lakes, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Itineraries such as the Grand Tour de Tarentaise allow you to discover the valley in depth, with stages adapted to all levels.

Traditional villages, such as Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise, captivate with their well-preserved architecture and authentic atmosphere. Stone and wooden chalets, narrow streets and centuries-old churches immerse visitors in Savoyard history and culture. Sainte-Foy is also prized for its intimate ski area, offering forest trails and top-quality off-piste itineraries.

Tarentaise gastronomy is a real treat for the taste buds. Local specialties such as Savoyard fondue, tartiflette and raclette can be enjoyed in the many high-altitude restaurants, offering a well-deserved gourmet break after a day of outdoor activities.

All in all, the Tarentaise is a prime destination for mountain lovers, offering a multitude of activities in all seasons, breathtaking scenery and a deep immersion in Savoyard culture and traditions.

La Maurienne

The Maurienne Mauriennestretching 120 km along the border with Italy and the Hautes-Alpes, is the most southerly of Savoie's valleys.

Crossed by the Arc river, it offers a wild and authentic setting, ideal for nature and peace lovers.

The ski resorts of Valloire and Valmeinier, at altitudes of 1,400 m and 1,800 m respectively, offer top-quality skiing, while retaining a warm village atmosphere. The Galibier-Thabor ski area, which includes these two resorts, offers 160 km of runs on 5 slopes, with 89 trails for all levels.

Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a wide variety of descents, while beginners' areas and ski touring and cross-country ski trails will delight fans of all forms of winter sports.

In summer, the Maurienne becomes a favorite playground for hikers and bikers. Hiking trails lead into the Vanoise National Park, offering unspoilt Alpine landscapes and a rich fauna, with emblematic species such as the ibex and chamois. The region's legendary passes, such as the Col du Galibier and the Col de la Croix-de-Fer, regularly used by the Tour de France, attract cyclists in search of challenges and exceptional panoramas.

The Maurienne valley is also known for its unspoilt villages, varied landscapes and impressive hydroelectric sites. Visitors can discover a rich cultural heritage, with artistic treasures at every turn, while enjoying a friendly, authentic atmosphere. The small villages of the Haute-Maurienne such as Bonneval sur Arc and Bessans give your photos a postcard feel.

In short, the Maurienne is the destination of choice for those seeking an authentic mountain experience, far from the crowds of the big resorts, with a multitude of outdoor activities and a cultural heritage to discover.

Ski and Sun with AlpAddict — Aussois, in the Maurienne

Vanoise National Park

The Vanoise National ParkFrance's first national park, created in 1963, covers an area of 535 km² between the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys. This unspoilt territory is a veritable sanctuary of biodiversity, home to exceptional flora and fauna.

The park's flora is particularly rich, with some 1,700 species recorded, representing almost a third of the French flora in less than 0.5% of the national territory. This diversity is due to the variety of environments present, linked to differences in altitude, exposure and soil composition.

Hikers can explore a network of almost 400 kilometers of marked trails, starting from the villages and resorts of the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys.

Pralognan-la Vanoise, a charming little village in the heart of the Vanoise region, is the starting point for several beautiful itineraries. Among the iconic itineraries, the Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise offers an immersive experience in the heart of the high mountains, with breathtaking panoramas of the glaciers and surrounding peaks.

Depending on the itinerary chosen, this tour can be booked for between 4 and 7 days and takes in contrasting landscapes, from green valleys to lunar landscapes, emerald lakes and eternal snows.

The Vanoise National Park is also a great place for wildlife observation. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to see animals in their natural habitat. Ibexes, the park's emblems, can often be seen on ridges and steep slopes, while marmots can be spotted in flowery alpine meadows. Birdwatchers can also admire the majestic flight of golden eagles and, with a little luck, catch a glimpse of the bearded vulture, a rare and protected vulture.

Les Bauges

The Massif des Bauges, classified as a regional nature park since 1995, is a mid-mountain region located between the departments of Savoie and Haute-Savoie. This limestone massif, designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2011, is distinguished by its exceptional geological and natural wealth.

The landscapes of the Bauges are remarkably diverse, alternating between dense forests, verdant mountain pastures, steep cliffs and traditional villages. Forests cover more than 60% of the territory, making the Bauges a veritable green lung.

There's plenty to do all year round. In summer, hikers can explore a multitude of marked trails, suitable for all levels, offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding Alps and lakes. Mountain bikers can choose from a wide range of routes, while caving enthusiasts can venture into the massif's many caves. Rivers and torrents also offer opportunities for canyoning and fishing.

In winter, the Bauges transforms into a paradise for Nordic activities. Family resorts such as La Féclaz and Le Revard offer cross-country ski trails, snowshoe itineraries and tobogganing areas. Alpine skiers can also enjoy the small, friendly resorts on the edge of the Margeriaz massif.

The gastronomic heritage of the Bauges is rich and authentic. Cheeses take pride of place, notably Tome des Bauges, with its PDO status, and locally produced goat's cheeses. The vineyards of the foothills produce renowned Savoy wines such as Roussette and Chignin-Bergeron. Local markets are the perfect opportunity to discover these local products and meet passionate producers.

The villages of the Bauges, such as Le Châtelard and Lescheraines, captivate visitors with their authenticity and unspoilt natural surroundings. Le Châtelard, the canton's capital, is an ideal starting point for exploring the massif, with its picturesque lanes and Baroque church. Lescheraines is renowned for its landscaped lakes, offering water sports activities in summer and a leisure center popular with families.

The Bauges are also home to some remarkable natural sites. The Chéran gorges, canyons carved out by the river, offer spectacular scenery and hiking trails along the cliffs. Mont Revard, culminating at 1,562 meters, is an exceptional vantage point overlooking Lac du Bourget, France's largest natural lake, and the surrounding Alpine massifs. In winter, Revard is a popular destination for Nordic skiing, with a vast range of pistes.

On vacation in Savoie — Chignin vineyards

The plain between Chambéry and Aix-les-Bains with Lac du Bourget

Between Chambéry, the historic capital of Savoie, and Aix-les-Bains, the famous spa town, lies a fertile plain dominated by Lac du Bourget, France's largest natural lake. This area offers a multitude of activities and discoveries for visitors in search of nature, culture and relaxation.

The shores of Lac du Bourget are laid out for everyone to enjoy. Several beaches, such as those at Le Bourget-du-Lac, offer idyllic bathing. Marinas, such as the Port de Châtillon, offer modern facilities for sailing, rowing and wake surfing. Boat trips, pedal-boat rides and fishing sessions are also on offer, promising busy days at the water's edge.

The lake's surroundings are criss-crossed by hiking trails suitable for all levels. The Belvédères trail, for example, offers breathtaking views of the lake's turquoise waters and the surrounding mountains. The Mont du Chat, with its signposted trails, is a popular playground for walking enthusiasts, offering breathtaking panoramas of Lac du Bourget and the Alps.

Aix-les-Bains captivates visitors with its Belle Époque architecture, a legacy of its prestigious past as a spa town. The old thermal baths, built in 1786 and enlarged over the centuries, bear witness to this splendid era. The Casino Grand Cercle, built in 1847, is emblematic of Belle Époque society life, with its sumptuous decor and listed theater.

Chambéry charms visitors with its well-preserved historic center. The Château des Ducs de Savoie, dominating the old town, bears witness to the history of the House of Savoy. The Sainte-Chapelle, once home to the Holy Shroud, boasts magnificent 16th-century stained-glass windows and trompe-l'oeil paintings. Medieval alleyways such as Rue Basse du Château, the town's oldest, invite you to stroll, revealing architectural treasures around every corner.

Further south is the Savoyard vineyard region, on either side of the Chambéry cluse. Chignin to the east and Apremont to the west

This region, between lake and mountains, offers a perfect harmony of outdoor activities, cultural discoveries and moments of relaxation, making every visit an unforgettable experience.

The Savoyard Foreland

TheSavoyard foreland, located in the extreme west of the Savoie department, is a natural region offering a harmonious transition between the Alps and the Jura. Bounded by the Chaîne de l'Épine, Mont du Chat, the Guiers and the Rhône, the region's diverse landscapes and rich heritage are a delight to behold.

The lac d'Aiguebelettethe jewel of the foreland, is the third largest natural lake in France. Renowned for the purity of its turquoise waters, it is an ideal place for swimming and water sports. The lake's untouched shores offer well-maintained beaches, ideal for family relaxation. As motorized boats are prohibited, the calm and serenity of the area are preserved, making the lake a true haven of peace.

The picturesque villages of the Savoyard foreland, such as Yenne and Novalaise, reflect the authenticity of the region. Their narrow streets, traditional houses and local markets invite you to discover Savoyard cultural heritage. The vineyards of Jongieux, producing renowned Savoy wines, add an oenological dimension to the visit.

Outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted by the many hiking trails that criss-cross the region. Routes such as those leading to Mont Tournier or the Chaîne de l'Épine offer exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding massifs and Lac du Bourget. Cyclists will also appreciate the varied routes, suitable for all levels, that allow them to discover the natural wealth of the foreland.

The Savoyard foreland is also rich in historical and cultural sites. Castles, Romanesque churches and medieval remains bear witness to a rich and eventful past. Local festivals and events, celebrating Savoyard traditions, punctuate life in the region throughout the year, offering visitors an authentic immersion in local culture.

It's obvious to mountain lovers that Savoie, with its emblematic massifs such as the Beaufortain, Tarentaise, Maurienne, Vanoise and Bauges national parks, as well as its plains and lakes, offers a diversity of landscapes and activities conducive to unforgettable mountain vacations.