A town with a friendly, small-town feel in the heart of the Albanais, Rumilly is surrounded by lush green countryside. It is a gateway to exploring the Savoyard countryside between Annecy and Aix-les-Bains.
Thônes
Between Lake Annecy and the Aravis massif, Thônes is a small town with a mountain character, at the heart of reblochon country. Explore its Saint-Maurice Church, narrow streets and bridges on foot before heading up towards La Clusaz or Le Grand-Bornand.
Which town in Haute-Savoie should you choose for your stay?
- For a first visit and a town by the water: Annecy, its old town and its lake.
- For Lake Geneva: livelier Thonon-les-Bains or more elegant Évian-les-Bains.
- For high mountain scenery: Chamonix, or Sallanches and Passy, facing Mont Blanc.
- For medieval heritage: La Roche-sur-Foron, and our castles of Haute-Savoie.
- To combine Haute-Savoie and Geneva: Annemasse, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois or Gaillard.
Read more: Castles and heritage of Haute-Savoie: the most beautiful castles to visit
Frequently asked questions about the towns of Haute-Savoie
What is the prefecture of Haute-Savoie?
Annecy is the prefecture of Haute-Savoie and its largest town, with 132,117 residents. The other arrondissement capitals are Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois and Thonon-les-Bains.
How many municipalities are there in Haute-Savoie?
Haute-Savoie has had 279 municipalities since 2019, with 861,158 residents (2023 reference population).
What are the main towns in Haute-Savoie?
The main towns are Annecy, Thonon-les-Bains, Annemasse, Cluses, Sallanches, Rumilly, Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, La Roche-sur-Foron and Évian-les-Bains. Chamonix and Megève are also must-see destinations for visitors.
Which towns in Haute-Savoie are on a lake?
Annecy is on the shores of Lake Annecy; Thonon-les-Bains and Évian-les-Bains are on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Which town should I visit in Haute-Savoie to see Mont Blanc?
Chamonix lies at the foot of Mont Blanc. Sallanches and Passy also offer spectacular views of the massif.
Read more: The most beautiful villages in Haute-Savoie
Right on the Swiss border, Gaillard is a quiet residential town, ideal for exploring both Geneva and Haute-Savoie.
The towns of the Albanais and Aravis
Rumilly
A town with a friendly, small-town feel in the heart of the Albanais, Rumilly is surrounded by lush green countryside. It is a gateway to exploring the Savoyard countryside between Annecy and Aix-les-Bains.
Thônes
Between Lake Annecy and the Aravis massif, Thônes is a small town with a mountain character, at the heart of reblochon country. Explore its Saint-Maurice Church, narrow streets and bridges on foot before heading up towards La Clusaz or Le Grand-Bornand.
Which town in Haute-Savoie should you choose for your stay?
- For a first visit and a town by the water: Annecy, its old town and its lake.
- For Lake Geneva: livelier Thonon-les-Bains or more elegant Évian-les-Bains.
- For high mountain scenery: Chamonix, or Sallanches and Passy, facing Mont Blanc.
- For medieval heritage: La Roche-sur-Foron, and our castles of Haute-Savoie.
- To combine Haute-Savoie and Geneva: Annemasse, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois or Gaillard.
Read more: Castles and heritage of Haute-Savoie: the most beautiful castles to visit
Frequently asked questions about the towns of Haute-Savoie
What is the prefecture of Haute-Savoie?
Annecy is the prefecture of Haute-Savoie and its largest town, with 132,117 residents. The other arrondissement capitals are Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois and Thonon-les-Bains.
How many municipalities are there in Haute-Savoie?
Haute-Savoie has had 279 municipalities since 2019, with 861,158 residents (2023 reference population).
What are the main towns in Haute-Savoie?
The main towns are Annecy, Thonon-les-Bains, Annemasse, Cluses, Sallanches, Rumilly, Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, La Roche-sur-Foron and Évian-les-Bains. Chamonix and Megève are also must-see destinations for visitors.
Which towns in Haute-Savoie are on a lake?
Annecy is on the shores of Lake Annecy; Thonon-les-Bains and Évian-les-Bains are on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Which town should I visit in Haute-Savoie to see Mont Blanc?
Chamonix lies at the foot of Mont Blanc. Sallanches and Passy also offer spectacular views of the massif.
Read more: The most beautiful villages in Haute-Savoie
A sub-prefecture just a few kilometres from Geneva, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois moves to the rhythm of cross-border life, with its markets and cultural scene. It is a good base for exploring the Salève and the Geneva region.
Gaillard
Right on the Swiss border, Gaillard is a quiet residential town, ideal for exploring both Geneva and Haute-Savoie.
The towns of the Albanais and Aravis
Rumilly
A town with a friendly, small-town feel in the heart of the Albanais, Rumilly is surrounded by lush green countryside. It is a gateway to exploring the Savoyard countryside between Annecy and Aix-les-Bains.
Thônes
Between Lake Annecy and the Aravis massif, Thônes is a small town with a mountain character, at the heart of reblochon country. Explore its Saint-Maurice Church, narrow streets and bridges on foot before heading up towards La Clusaz or Le Grand-Bornand.
Which town in Haute-Savoie should you choose for your stay?
- For a first visit and a town by the water: Annecy, its old town and its lake.
- For Lake Geneva: livelier Thonon-les-Bains or more elegant Évian-les-Bains.
- For high mountain scenery: Chamonix, or Sallanches and Passy, facing Mont Blanc.
- For medieval heritage: La Roche-sur-Foron, and our castles of Haute-Savoie.
- To combine Haute-Savoie and Geneva: Annemasse, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois or Gaillard.
Read more: Castles and heritage of Haute-Savoie: the most beautiful castles to visit
Frequently asked questions about the towns of Haute-Savoie
What is the prefecture of Haute-Savoie?
Annecy is the prefecture of Haute-Savoie and its largest town, with 132,117 residents. The other arrondissement capitals are Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois and Thonon-les-Bains.
How many municipalities are there in Haute-Savoie?
Haute-Savoie has had 279 municipalities since 2019, with 861,158 residents (2023 reference population).
What are the main towns in Haute-Savoie?
The main towns are Annecy, Thonon-les-Bains, Annemasse, Cluses, Sallanches, Rumilly, Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, La Roche-sur-Foron and Évian-les-Bains. Chamonix and Megève are also must-see destinations for visitors.
Which towns in Haute-Savoie are on a lake?
Annecy is on the shores of Lake Annecy; Thonon-les-Bains and Évian-les-Bains are on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Which town should I visit in Haute-Savoie to see Mont Blanc?
Chamonix lies at the foot of Mont Blanc. Sallanches and Passy also offer spectacular views of the massif.
Read more: The most beautiful villages in Haute-Savoie
A border town, Annemasse is a crossroads between France and Geneva. Modern and lively, it has numerous parks and is ideally located near the Lake Geneva region.
Saint-Julien-en-Genevois
A sub-prefecture just a few kilometres from Geneva, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois moves to the rhythm of cross-border life, with its markets and cultural scene. It is a good base for exploring the Salève and the Geneva region.
Gaillard
Right on the Swiss border, Gaillard is a quiet residential town, ideal for exploring both Geneva and Haute-Savoie.
The towns of the Albanais and Aravis
Rumilly
A town with a friendly, small-town feel in the heart of the Albanais, Rumilly is surrounded by lush green countryside. It is a gateway to exploring the Savoyard countryside between Annecy and Aix-les-Bains.
Thônes
Between Lake Annecy and the Aravis massif, Thônes is a small town with a mountain character, at the heart of reblochon country. Explore its Saint-Maurice Church, narrow streets and bridges on foot before heading up towards La Clusaz or Le Grand-Bornand.
Which town in Haute-Savoie should you choose for your stay?
- For a first visit and a town by the water: Annecy, its old town and its lake.
- For Lake Geneva: livelier Thonon-les-Bains or more elegant Évian-les-Bains.
- For high mountain scenery: Chamonix, or Sallanches and Passy, facing Mont Blanc.
- For medieval heritage: La Roche-sur-Foron, and our castles of Haute-Savoie.
- To combine Haute-Savoie and Geneva: Annemasse, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois or Gaillard.
Read more: Castles and heritage of Haute-Savoie: the most beautiful castles to visit
Frequently asked questions about the towns of Haute-Savoie
What is the prefecture of Haute-Savoie?
Annecy is the prefecture of Haute-Savoie and its largest town, with 132,117 residents. The other arrondissement capitals are Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois and Thonon-les-Bains.
How many municipalities are there in Haute-Savoie?
Haute-Savoie has had 279 municipalities since 2019, with 861,158 residents (2023 reference population).
What are the main towns in Haute-Savoie?
The main towns are Annecy, Thonon-les-Bains, Annemasse, Cluses, Sallanches, Rumilly, Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, La Roche-sur-Foron and Évian-les-Bains. Chamonix and Megève are also must-see destinations for visitors.
Which towns in Haute-Savoie are on a lake?
Annecy is on the shores of Lake Annecy; Thonon-les-Bains and Évian-les-Bains are on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Which town should I visit in Haute-Savoie to see Mont Blanc?
Chamonix lies at the foot of Mont Blanc. Sallanches and Passy also offer spectacular views of the massif.
Read more: The most beautiful villages in Haute-Savoie
A medieval town with its charm intact, La Roche-sur-Foron is best explored through its old town, dominated by the Tower of the Counts of Geneva. It is also known for its fairs.
The towns of the Genevois, on the doorstep of Geneva
Annemasse
A border town, Annemasse is a crossroads between France and Geneva. Modern and lively, it has numerous parks and is ideally located near the Lake Geneva region.
Saint-Julien-en-Genevois
A sub-prefecture just a few kilometres from Geneva, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois moves to the rhythm of cross-border life, with its markets and cultural scene. It is a good base for exploring the Salève and the Geneva region.
Gaillard
Right on the Swiss border, Gaillard is a quiet residential town, ideal for exploring both Geneva and Haute-Savoie.
The towns of the Albanais and Aravis
Rumilly
A town with a friendly, small-town feel in the heart of the Albanais, Rumilly is surrounded by lush green countryside. It is a gateway to exploring the Savoyard countryside between Annecy and Aix-les-Bains.
Thônes
Between Lake Annecy and the Aravis massif, Thônes is a small town with a mountain character, at the heart of reblochon country. Explore its Saint-Maurice Church, narrow streets and bridges on foot before heading up towards La Clusaz or Le Grand-Bornand.
Which town in Haute-Savoie should you choose for your stay?
- For a first visit and a town by the water: Annecy, its old town and its lake.
- For Lake Geneva: livelier Thonon-les-Bains or more elegant Évian-les-Bains.
- For high mountain scenery: Chamonix, or Sallanches and Passy, facing Mont Blanc.
- For medieval heritage: La Roche-sur-Foron, and our castles of Haute-Savoie.
- To combine Haute-Savoie and Geneva: Annemasse, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois or Gaillard.
Read more: Castles and heritage of Haute-Savoie: the most beautiful castles to visit
Frequently asked questions about the towns of Haute-Savoie
What is the prefecture of Haute-Savoie?
Annecy is the prefecture of Haute-Savoie and its largest town, with 132,117 residents. The other arrondissement capitals are Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois and Thonon-les-Bains.
How many municipalities are there in Haute-Savoie?
Haute-Savoie has had 279 municipalities since 2019, with 861,158 residents (2023 reference population).
What are the main towns in Haute-Savoie?
The main towns are Annecy, Thonon-les-Bains, Annemasse, Cluses, Sallanches, Rumilly, Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, La Roche-sur-Foron and Évian-les-Bains. Chamonix and Megève are also must-see destinations for visitors.
Which towns in Haute-Savoie are on a lake?
Annecy is on the shores of Lake Annecy; Thonon-les-Bains and Évian-les-Bains are on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Which town should I visit in Haute-Savoie to see Mont Blanc?
Chamonix lies at the foot of Mont Blanc. Sallanches and Passy also offer spectacular views of the massif.
Read more: The most beautiful villages in Haute-Savoie
A sub-prefecture in the heart of the Arve Valley, Bonneville has preserved its castle and the riverbanks of the Arve. It is a starting point for the Gorges du Bronze route and hikes in the surrounding mountain ranges.
La Roche-sur-Foron
A medieval town with its charm intact, La Roche-sur-Foron is best explored through its old town, dominated by the Tower of the Counts of Geneva. It is also known for its fairs.
The towns of the Genevois, on the doorstep of Geneva
Annemasse
A border town, Annemasse is a crossroads between France and Geneva. Modern and lively, it has numerous parks and is ideally located near the Lake Geneva region.
Saint-Julien-en-Genevois
A sub-prefecture just a few kilometres from Geneva, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois moves to the rhythm of cross-border life, with its markets and cultural scene. It is a good base for exploring the Salève and the Geneva region.
Gaillard
Right on the Swiss border, Gaillard is a quiet residential town, ideal for exploring both Geneva and Haute-Savoie.
The towns of the Albanais and Aravis
Rumilly
A town with a friendly, small-town feel in the heart of the Albanais, Rumilly is surrounded by lush green countryside. It is a gateway to exploring the Savoyard countryside between Annecy and Aix-les-Bains.
Thônes
Between Lake Annecy and the Aravis massif, Thônes is a small town with a mountain character, at the heart of reblochon country. Explore its Saint-Maurice Church, narrow streets and bridges on foot before heading up towards La Clusaz or Le Grand-Bornand.
Which town in Haute-Savoie should you choose for your stay?
- For a first visit and a town by the water: Annecy, its old town and its lake.
- For Lake Geneva: livelier Thonon-les-Bains or more elegant Évian-les-Bains.
- For high mountain scenery: Chamonix, or Sallanches and Passy, facing Mont Blanc.
- For medieval heritage: La Roche-sur-Foron, and our castles of Haute-Savoie.
- To combine Haute-Savoie and Geneva: Annemasse, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois or Gaillard.
Read more: Castles and heritage of Haute-Savoie: the most beautiful castles to visit
Frequently asked questions about the towns of Haute-Savoie
What is the prefecture of Haute-Savoie?
Annecy is the prefecture of Haute-Savoie and its largest town, with 132,117 residents. The other arrondissement capitals are Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois and Thonon-les-Bains.
How many municipalities are there in Haute-Savoie?
Haute-Savoie has had 279 municipalities since 2019, with 861,158 residents (2023 reference population).
What are the main towns in Haute-Savoie?
The main towns are Annecy, Thonon-les-Bains, Annemasse, Cluses, Sallanches, Rumilly, Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, La Roche-sur-Foron and Évian-les-Bains. Chamonix and Megève are also must-see destinations for visitors.
Which towns in Haute-Savoie are on a lake?
Annecy is on the shores of Lake Annecy; Thonon-les-Bains and Évian-les-Bains are on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Which town should I visit in Haute-Savoie to see Mont Blanc?
Chamonix lies at the foot of Mont Blanc. Sallanches and Passy also offer spectacular views of the massif.
Read more: The most beautiful villages in Haute-Savoie
A gateway to the Alps, Cluses is the capital of precision turning, a craft that grew out of clockmaking. Its Clockmaking and Turning Museum tells the story.
Bonneville
A sub-prefecture in the heart of the Arve Valley, Bonneville has preserved its castle and the riverbanks of the Arve. It is a starting point for the Gorges du Bronze route and hikes in the surrounding mountain ranges.
La Roche-sur-Foron
A medieval town with its charm intact, La Roche-sur-Foron is best explored through its old town, dominated by the Tower of the Counts of Geneva. It is also known for its fairs.
The towns of the Genevois, on the doorstep of Geneva
Annemasse
A border town, Annemasse is a crossroads between France and Geneva. Modern and lively, it has numerous parks and is ideally located near the Lake Geneva region.
Saint-Julien-en-Genevois
A sub-prefecture just a few kilometres from Geneva, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois moves to the rhythm of cross-border life, with its markets and cultural scene. It is a good base for exploring the Salève and the Geneva region.
Gaillard
Right on the Swiss border, Gaillard is a quiet residential town, ideal for exploring both Geneva and Haute-Savoie.
The towns of the Albanais and Aravis
Rumilly
A town with a friendly, small-town feel in the heart of the Albanais, Rumilly is surrounded by lush green countryside. It is a gateway to exploring the Savoyard countryside between Annecy and Aix-les-Bains.
Thônes
Between Lake Annecy and the Aravis massif, Thônes is a small town with a mountain character, at the heart of reblochon country. Explore its Saint-Maurice Church, narrow streets and bridges on foot before heading up towards La Clusaz or Le Grand-Bornand.
Which town in Haute-Savoie should you choose for your stay?
- For a first visit and a town by the water: Annecy, its old town and its lake.
- For Lake Geneva: livelier Thonon-les-Bains or more elegant Évian-les-Bains.
- For high mountain scenery: Chamonix, or Sallanches and Passy, facing Mont Blanc.
- For medieval heritage: La Roche-sur-Foron, and our castles of Haute-Savoie.
- To combine Haute-Savoie and Geneva: Annemasse, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois or Gaillard.
Read more: Castles and heritage of Haute-Savoie: the most beautiful castles to visit
Frequently asked questions about the towns of Haute-Savoie
What is the prefecture of Haute-Savoie?
Annecy is the prefecture of Haute-Savoie and its largest town, with 132,117 residents. The other arrondissement capitals are Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois and Thonon-les-Bains.
How many municipalities are there in Haute-Savoie?
Haute-Savoie has had 279 municipalities since 2019, with 861,158 residents (2023 reference population).
What are the main towns in Haute-Savoie?
The main towns are Annecy, Thonon-les-Bains, Annemasse, Cluses, Sallanches, Rumilly, Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, La Roche-sur-Foron and Évian-les-Bains. Chamonix and Megève are also must-see destinations for visitors.
Which towns in Haute-Savoie are on a lake?
Annecy is on the shores of Lake Annecy; Thonon-les-Bains and Évian-les-Bains are on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Which town should I visit in Haute-Savoie to see Mont Blanc?
Chamonix lies at the foot of Mont Blanc. Sallanches and Passy also offer spectacular views of the massif.
Read more: The most beautiful villages in Haute-Savoie
With its wooden chalets and boutiques, Megève is one of the Alps’ most elegant resorts, popular in both winter and summer. Nearby, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains combines a spa resort with a ski area: see things to do in Saint-Gervais.
The towns of the Arve Valley
Cluses
A gateway to the Alps, Cluses is the capital of precision turning, a craft that grew out of clockmaking. Its Clockmaking and Turning Museum tells the story.
Bonneville
A sub-prefecture in the heart of the Arve Valley, Bonneville has preserved its castle and the riverbanks of the Arve. It is a starting point for the Gorges du Bronze route and hikes in the surrounding mountain ranges.
La Roche-sur-Foron
A medieval town with its charm intact, La Roche-sur-Foron is best explored through its old town, dominated by the Tower of the Counts of Geneva. It is also known for its fairs.
The towns of the Genevois, on the doorstep of Geneva
Annemasse
A border town, Annemasse is a crossroads between France and Geneva. Modern and lively, it has numerous parks and is ideally located near the Lake Geneva region.
Saint-Julien-en-Genevois
A sub-prefecture just a few kilometres from Geneva, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois moves to the rhythm of cross-border life, with its markets and cultural scene. It is a good base for exploring the Salève and the Geneva region.
Gaillard
Right on the Swiss border, Gaillard is a quiet residential town, ideal for exploring both Geneva and Haute-Savoie.
The towns of the Albanais and Aravis
Rumilly
A town with a friendly, small-town feel in the heart of the Albanais, Rumilly is surrounded by lush green countryside. It is a gateway to exploring the Savoyard countryside between Annecy and Aix-les-Bains.
Thônes
Between Lake Annecy and the Aravis massif, Thônes is a small town with a mountain character, at the heart of reblochon country. Explore its Saint-Maurice Church, narrow streets and bridges on foot before heading up towards La Clusaz or Le Grand-Bornand.
Which town in Haute-Savoie should you choose for your stay?
- For a first visit and a town by the water: Annecy, its old town and its lake.
- For Lake Geneva: livelier Thonon-les-Bains or more elegant Évian-les-Bains.
- For high mountain scenery: Chamonix, or Sallanches and Passy, facing Mont Blanc.
- For medieval heritage: La Roche-sur-Foron, and our castles of Haute-Savoie.
- To combine Haute-Savoie and Geneva: Annemasse, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois or Gaillard.
Read more: Castles and heritage of Haute-Savoie: the most beautiful castles to visit
Frequently asked questions about the towns of Haute-Savoie
What is the prefecture of Haute-Savoie?
Annecy is the prefecture of Haute-Savoie and its largest town, with 132,117 residents. The other arrondissement capitals are Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois and Thonon-les-Bains.
How many municipalities are there in Haute-Savoie?
Haute-Savoie has had 279 municipalities since 2019, with 861,158 residents (2023 reference population).
What are the main towns in Haute-Savoie?
The main towns are Annecy, Thonon-les-Bains, Annemasse, Cluses, Sallanches, Rumilly, Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, La Roche-sur-Foron and Évian-les-Bains. Chamonix and Megève are also must-see destinations for visitors.
Which towns in Haute-Savoie are on a lake?
Annecy is on the shores of Lake Annecy; Thonon-les-Bains and Évian-les-Bains are on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Which town should I visit in Haute-Savoie to see Mont Blanc?
Chamonix lies at the foot of Mont Blanc. Sallanches and Passy also offer spectacular views of the massif.
Read more: The most beautiful villages in Haute-Savoie
Passy faces Mont Blanc. Its Lac Vert, with its emerald waters, is a popular, easy walk with views of the massif, and the town is a major paragliding destination.
Megève
With its wooden chalets and boutiques, Megève is one of the Alps’ most elegant resorts, popular in both winter and summer. Nearby, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains combines a spa resort with a ski area: see things to do in Saint-Gervais.
The towns of the Arve Valley
Cluses
A gateway to the Alps, Cluses is the capital of precision turning, a craft that grew out of clockmaking. Its Clockmaking and Turning Museum tells the story.
Bonneville
A sub-prefecture in the heart of the Arve Valley, Bonneville has preserved its castle and the riverbanks of the Arve. It is a starting point for the Gorges du Bronze route and hikes in the surrounding mountain ranges.
La Roche-sur-Foron
A medieval town with its charm intact, La Roche-sur-Foron is best explored through its old town, dominated by the Tower of the Counts of Geneva. It is also known for its fairs.
The towns of the Genevois, on the doorstep of Geneva
Annemasse
A border town, Annemasse is a crossroads between France and Geneva. Modern and lively, it has numerous parks and is ideally located near the Lake Geneva region.
Saint-Julien-en-Genevois
A sub-prefecture just a few kilometres from Geneva, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois moves to the rhythm of cross-border life, with its markets and cultural scene. It is a good base for exploring the Salève and the Geneva region.
Gaillard
Right on the Swiss border, Gaillard is a quiet residential town, ideal for exploring both Geneva and Haute-Savoie.
The towns of the Albanais and Aravis
Rumilly
A town with a friendly, small-town feel in the heart of the Albanais, Rumilly is surrounded by lush green countryside. It is a gateway to exploring the Savoyard countryside between Annecy and Aix-les-Bains.
Thônes
Between Lake Annecy and the Aravis massif, Thônes is a small town with a mountain character, at the heart of reblochon country. Explore its Saint-Maurice Church, narrow streets and bridges on foot before heading up towards La Clusaz or Le Grand-Bornand.
Which town in Haute-Savoie should you choose for your stay?
- For a first visit and a town by the water: Annecy, its old town and its lake.
- For Lake Geneva: livelier Thonon-les-Bains or more elegant Évian-les-Bains.
- For high mountain scenery: Chamonix, or Sallanches and Passy, facing Mont Blanc.
- For medieval heritage: La Roche-sur-Foron, and our castles of Haute-Savoie.
- To combine Haute-Savoie and Geneva: Annemasse, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois or Gaillard.
Read more: Castles and heritage of Haute-Savoie: the most beautiful castles to visit
Frequently asked questions about the towns of Haute-Savoie
What is the prefecture of Haute-Savoie?
Annecy is the prefecture of Haute-Savoie and its largest town, with 132,117 residents. The other arrondissement capitals are Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois and Thonon-les-Bains.
How many municipalities are there in Haute-Savoie?
Haute-Savoie has had 279 municipalities since 2019, with 861,158 residents (2023 reference population).
What are the main towns in Haute-Savoie?
The main towns are Annecy, Thonon-les-Bains, Annemasse, Cluses, Sallanches, Rumilly, Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, La Roche-sur-Foron and Évian-les-Bains. Chamonix and Megève are also must-see destinations for visitors.
Which towns in Haute-Savoie are on a lake?
Annecy is on the shores of Lake Annecy; Thonon-les-Bains and Évian-les-Bains are on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Which town should I visit in Haute-Savoie to see Mont Blanc?
Chamonix lies at the foot of Mont Blanc. Sallanches and Passy also offer spectacular views of the massif.
Read more: The most beautiful villages in Haute-Savoie
Annecy, Thonon-les-Bains, Chamonix, Évian… The towns of Haute-Savoie are spread across three major landscapes: the shores of Lakes Annecy and Geneva, the valleys rising towards Mont Blanc, and the Genevois, on the border with Switzerland. This page introduces the department’s main towns, grouped by area, with what not to miss in each and a link to our full guide. For villages, see our selection of the most beautiful villages in Haute-Savoie.
In brief
- Department: Haute-Savoie (74), 279 municipalities and 861,158 residents (2023 reference population, Insee).
- Prefecture: Annecy, by far the largest town in the department (132,117 residents).
- Arrondissements: Annecy, Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois and Thonon-les-Bains.
- For a first visit: Annecy for the lake and old town, Thonon or Évian for Lake Geneva, Chamonix for Mont Blanc.
Haute-Savoie’s towns at a glance
| Town | Area | What not to miss | Our guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annecy | Lake Annecy | Old town, Palais de l’Isle, castle, lakeside | Annecy guide |
| Thonon-les-Bains | Lake Geneva (Chablais) | Ripaille Castle, Rives harbour, funicular | Thonon guide |
| Évian-les-Bains | Lake Geneva (Chablais) | Palais Lumière, funicular, Pré Curieux water gardens | Évian guide |
| Chamonix-Mont-Blanc | Mont Blanc region | Aiguille du Midi, Mer de Glace, Lac Blanc | Chamonix guide |
| Sallanches | Mont Blanc region | Views of Mont Blanc, hiking trails | Sallanches guide |
| Cluses | Arve Valley | Clockmaking and Turning Museum | Cluses guide |
| Bonneville | Arve Valley | Castle, banks of the Arve | Bonneville guide |
| La Roche-sur-Foron | Arve Valley | Medieval old town, fairs | La Roche guide |
| Annemasse | Genevois | Parks, close to Geneva | Annemasse guide |
| Megève | Mont Blanc region | Chalet village, skiing | Resort guide |
| Passy | Mont Blanc region | Lac Vert, paragliding | Lac Vert de Passy |
| Thônes | Aravis | Reblochon country | Reblochon |
Annecy and Lake Annecy
The department’s prefecture, Annecy is nicknamed “the Venice of the Alps” for the canals that run through its old town. The Palais de l’Isle, set in the middle of the Thiou, and Annecy Castle, overlooking the rooftops, are its best-known landmarks. The town opens onto Lake Annecy, with its beaches and walking paths.
The towns on Lake Geneva
Thonon-les-Bains
A sub-prefecture and the capital of Chablais, Thonon-les-Bains stretches up above Lake Geneva. A funicular connects the upper town to Rives harbour, its beaches and walking paths. Just nearby, Ripaille Castle is one of the must-see sights on Lake Geneva.
Évian-les-Bains
Famous for its mineral water, Évian-les-Bains is an elegant spa town on the shores of Lake Geneva. Visit the Palais Lumière, take a ride on the funicular and stroll through the Pré Curieux water gardens or along the quays.
Chamonix and the towns of the Mont Blanc region
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
At the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is the world capital of mountaineering and a resort renowned around the globe. The major sights can be reached by cable car or train: the Aiguille du Midi and the Mer de Glace via Montenvers.
Sallanches
Facing the Mont Blanc massif, Sallanches is one of the finest vantage points overlooking the roof of Europe. The town is a great starting point for hikes in the Arve Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Passy
Passy faces Mont Blanc. Its Lac Vert, with its emerald waters, is a popular, easy walk with views of the massif, and the town is a major paragliding destination.
Megève
With its wooden chalets and boutiques, Megève is one of the Alps’ most elegant resorts, popular in both winter and summer. Nearby, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains combines a spa resort with a ski area: see things to do in Saint-Gervais.
The towns of the Arve Valley
Cluses
A gateway to the Alps, Cluses is the capital of precision turning, a craft that grew out of clockmaking. Its Clockmaking and Turning Museum tells the story.
Bonneville
A sub-prefecture in the heart of the Arve Valley, Bonneville has preserved its castle and the riverbanks of the Arve. It is a starting point for the Gorges du Bronze route and hikes in the surrounding mountain ranges.
La Roche-sur-Foron
A medieval town with its charm intact, La Roche-sur-Foron is best explored through its old town, dominated by the Tower of the Counts of Geneva. It is also known for its fairs.
The towns of the Genevois, on the doorstep of Geneva
Annemasse
A border town, Annemasse is a crossroads between France and Geneva. Modern and lively, it has numerous parks and is ideally located near the Lake Geneva region.
Saint-Julien-en-Genevois
A sub-prefecture just a few kilometres from Geneva, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois moves to the rhythm of cross-border life, with its markets and cultural scene. It is a good base for exploring the Salève and the Geneva region.
Gaillard
Right on the Swiss border, Gaillard is a quiet residential town, ideal for exploring both Geneva and Haute-Savoie.
The towns of the Albanais and Aravis
Rumilly
A town with a friendly, small-town feel in the heart of the Albanais, Rumilly is surrounded by lush green countryside. It is a gateway to exploring the Savoyard countryside between Annecy and Aix-les-Bains.
Thônes
Between Lake Annecy and the Aravis massif, Thônes is a small town with a mountain character, at the heart of reblochon country. Explore its Saint-Maurice Church, narrow streets and bridges on foot before heading up towards La Clusaz or Le Grand-Bornand.
Which town in Haute-Savoie should you choose for your stay?
- For a first visit and a town by the water: Annecy, its old town and its lake.
- For Lake Geneva: livelier Thonon-les-Bains or more elegant Évian-les-Bains.
- For high mountain scenery: Chamonix, or Sallanches and Passy, facing Mont Blanc.
- For medieval heritage: La Roche-sur-Foron, and our castles of Haute-Savoie.
- To combine Haute-Savoie and Geneva: Annemasse, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois or Gaillard.
Read more: Castles and heritage of Haute-Savoie: the most beautiful castles to visit
Frequently asked questions about the towns of Haute-Savoie
What is the prefecture of Haute-Savoie?
Annecy is the prefecture of Haute-Savoie and its largest town, with 132,117 residents. The other arrondissement capitals are Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois and Thonon-les-Bains.
How many municipalities are there in Haute-Savoie?
Haute-Savoie has had 279 municipalities since 2019, with 861,158 residents (2023 reference population).
What are the main towns in Haute-Savoie?
The main towns are Annecy, Thonon-les-Bains, Annemasse, Cluses, Sallanches, Rumilly, Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, La Roche-sur-Foron and Évian-les-Bains. Chamonix and Megève are also must-see destinations for visitors.
Which towns in Haute-Savoie are on a lake?
Annecy is on the shores of Lake Annecy; Thonon-les-Bains and Évian-les-Bains are on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Which town should I visit in Haute-Savoie to see Mont Blanc?
Chamonix lies at the foot of Mont Blanc. Sallanches and Passy also offer spectacular views of the massif.
Read more: The most beautiful villages in Haute-Savoie
