The independent guide to tourism in Haute-Savoie

Welcome to Haute-Savoie

Discover Haute-Savoie, an exceptional region nestled between lakes and mountains, where nature, heritage and gastronomy come together to offer you an unforgettable experience. 

Whether you’re looking for adventure in the Alpine peaks, relaxation on the shores of Lake Annecy, or cultural discoveries in our picturesque villages, Haute-Savoie invites you to enjoy unique experiences. From hiking and winter sports to delicious local specialties and breathtaking scenery, let yourself be charmed by the richness and authenticity of this exceptional region on your next vacation.

Places to visit in Haute-Savoie

What to do in Haute-Savoie? Our guide by theme

Nestled between Lake Geneva, Switzerland and Italy, Haute-Savoie brings together in a single department the highest peak in the Alps, two large lakes, dozens of ski resorts and renowned local cuisine. Here’s where to start based on what you’re looking for, with our detailed guides for each theme.

Lakes: Annecy, Geneva and mountain lakes

Lake Annecy can be explored by bike along the greenway, by boat from Annecy or from its viewpoints, such as Col de la Forclaz or Semnoz. On the French shore of Lake Geneva, Évian-les-Bains, Thonon-les-Bains and the medieval village of Yvoire are easy to visit in a day. At higher elevations, Lac Blanc, facing Mont Blanc, and Lac Vert de Passy reward you for a beautiful hike. All the bodies of water are featured in our guide to the lakes of Haute-Savoie.

Ski resorts and the mountains

In winter, Haute-Savoie is one of France’s best-equipped departments for skiing. The major ski areas are spread across four sectors:

• Portes du Soleil (Chablais): Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets and Châtel, connected to the Swiss ski area.
• Aravis: La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand, village resorts less than an hour from Annecy.
• Mont Blanc region: Megève, Combloux, Saint-Gervais, Les Contamines and Chamonix.
• Grand Massif: Flaine and Samoëns, with the nearby plateau of Praz de Lys-Sommand.

Opening dates, lift-pass prices and 7-day weather forecasts are all in our guide to ski resorts in Haute-Savoie. Before setting off, check the snow forecasts for Haute-Savoie, updated hourly. In summer, the mountains remain the department’s main attraction: Aiguille du Midi, the Mer de Glace and the Mont-Blanc tramway offer access to high altitudes without being a mountaineer. Explore all the mountain ranges on our mountains of Haute-Savoie page.

Towns and villages with character

Annecy, the department’s prefecture, is the most visited town thanks to its old town, canals and castle. Chamonix, Thonon-les-Bains, Évian-les-Bains, Sallanches and La Roche-sur-Foron each have their own guide in our towns of Haute-Savoie section. For quieter stops, our selection of the most beautiful villages in Haute-Savoie takes you from Samoëns to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, via the villages of Chablais.

Hiking, waterfalls and wildlife

From family-friendly walks to major routes such as the Tour du Mont-Blanc, there are countless trails: our hiking section details the routes, their difficulty and recommended practices. The waterfalls of Haute-Savoie make for short, refreshing outings, and the mountains are a great place to spot marmots or ibex, or get close to them at Merlet Animal Park.

Gastronomy and local produce

Reblochon, Abondance, Tomme de Savoie, diots and polenta: Savoyard cuisine can be enjoyed at a mountain restaurant or at home with our Haute-Savoie recipes. To buy cheese directly from producers, check our map of markets in Haute-Savoie and our regional products section.

Haute-Savoie through the seasons

• Winter: downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow-covered villages and Christmas markets.
• Spring: sunny end-of-season skiing at higher elevations, waterfalls at their fullest and the first hikes in the mid-mountains.
• Summer: swimming in the lakes, hiking, paragliding, mountain pastures and village festivals.
• Autumn: colorful forests, the return from mountain pastures and agricultural fairs, and preparations for the winter season with ski swaps.

Every week, we pick out festivals, concerts and markets across the department in our things to do in Haute-Savoie this weekend calendar.

Plan your stay in Haute-Savoie

To plan your trip by train, car or plane via Geneva Airport, follow our guide on how to get to Haute-Savoie. Our accommodation section lists hotels, chalets, holiday rentals and campsites by town, and if you’re not sure where to start, our itinerary for visiting Haute-Savoie in 7 days connects the must-see sights from Lake Annecy to Mont Blanc.