Situated in the heart of the Alps, the departement of Haute-Savoie is a must-see for anyone who likes their winter sports. Home to many of France's best skiing resorts, the area is also popular in the summer months, thanks to the spectacular scenery in the mountains and along the shore of Lake Geneva, as well as the pretty town of Annecy. Many of those same skiing resorts host sports of a different kind when the weather is warmer, swapping skis for hiking boots and mountain bikes. The highest point in Europe, Mont Blanc, is more suited to experienced mountain climbers rather than casual hikers, but its presence dominates the region and you should make sure you take a trip to its lower reaches to see this famous mountain.
Not many visitors have the experience or the time to climb Mont Blanc, which at 4,800 metres is the highest point in Europe. However, there are several points on the lower hills and mountains around this famous peak that are a must for anyone staying in the area. The cable car from the ski resort of Chamonix will take you to the Aiguille du Midi at 3,800 metres, where you get an amazing panoramic view of Mont Blanc, while the Montenvers train, departing from the town of the same name, takes you as far as the 7 kilometre-long glacier called the “Sea of Ice”. One of the most popular day trips in this part of Haute-Savoie is the tram that takes you to the Nid d'Aigle or Eagle's Nest, at a height of 2,300 metres, from the town of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, with great views all the way through the journey over the valleys below and the mountain peaks above.
The picturesque town of Annecy is a maze of narrow, historic streets and canals with a fine collection of medieval buildings and an interesting archaeology museum should you be unlucky enough to visit on a wet day. The town's main attraction is the lake that shares its name, a glacial lake that boasts of being the cleanest in Europe. Water sports are a common activity, including sailing, fishing and canoeing, and you can also walk or drive round the shore to one of the many beaches that are always popular, with locals too, in the warm summer months. Undoubtedly the best way to see the lake, and far beyond, is to go paragliding, an activity that is available during the peak season.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Haute Savoie? Then below is a selection of gites in Haute Savoie and villas in Haute Savoie that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
