This department symbolizes the high alpine peaks and their prestigious resorts. Here culminates France, at Mont Blanc (4,810 metres). From the foot of this mythical massif, Chamonix dominates the world of mountaineering. Aiguille du Midi, Mer de glace: Haute-Savoie is a high mountain, mountaineering and upscale resorts with, neck and neck, Megève and Morzine. More sporty and less festive, there are La Clusaz and Les Contamines-Montjoie. Reflecting the snow-covered peaks, the lakes invite themselves into the landscape, composing enchanting pictures. In their setting of serrated peaks, Lake Annecy and Lake Geneva offer their romantic shores, their reed beds, refuge of a wild bird, and their navigable waters for gourmet and naturalistic cruises. The capital of Haute-Savoie, Annecy, is one of France's tourist gems. All the charm of this chic destination, a city of art and history, operates in the medieval centre, very picturesque with its canals and bridges. Hence the nickname Venice of the Alps given to Annecy. Find on our guide the useful information about Haute-Savoie: accommodation, leisure and outings, events, cultural, natural or historical sights, good restaurants, etc.
When to go to Haute-Savoie? The two tourist seasons in Haute-Savoie are winter with skiing and summer with hiking in the high mountains. This destination therefore welcomes you in both summer and winter. But it is not a cheap destination. If your budget is tight, choose the off-seasons, which offer advantageous rates, especially for all-inclusive stays. This charming region, which attracts trade fairs and seminars, hosts international events throughout the year. There is no off-season in Annecy. The city is alive all year round and every season has its charm. But here too, small budgets will avoid the summer when accommodation and restaurant prices are soaring. It is difficult to find free accommodation during the weekend of the Lake Festival, early August, unless you book well in advance. Also, but to a lesser extent, at the International Animation Film Festival in June. Autumn and spring are the low season at the most affordable rates. Fewer tourists, but still cultural activities and all the tables and shops open. In summer, Annecy is a seaside resort, inviting you to enjoy water sports and hiking along the riverbanks. In winter, the reflection in the lake of a snow-covered mountain setting creates a very special magic. We then visit the city in down jacket and stuffed shoes before sitting down in front of a Savoyard fondue. It is also the season when Annecy is a remote and chic base camp to test several ski resorts in Haute-Savoie.
An alpine climate reigns over the mountain ranges of Haute-Savoie. Cold and snowy in winter, in altitude. The summer heat, which can be scorching in the plains, never reaches the summits. As soon as you are above 1000 meters of altitude, even in the middle of summer, the heat remains very bearable. Between two Alpine massifs, Annecy is subject to a mountain climate softened by the presence of the lake. With this microclimate, winters are cold but not harsh, summers hot but not scorching.
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