Savoie, nestled in the heart of the French Alps, is an enchanting destination for nature lovers, history buffs and epicureans alike. With its breathtaking mountain scenery, picturesque villages and renowned gastronomy, this département of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region has something for every type of traveler. So what can you visit in Savoie? In this article, we'll take you on a tour of the 15 most beautiful places to make your stay in this exceptional region unforgettable!
1. Visit Chambéry, Savoie's must-see city
With a historic heritage dating back to the Neolithic era, the town of the Dukes of Savoy, Chambéry, is an Alpine gem. Strolling through its vast pedestrian center is a real pleasure, with its traboules, colorful Italian-style squares and remarkable monuments. Among the city's must-sees are the "Quatre sans cul ", a fountain adorned with four imposing pachyderms erected in 1838. With its colorful facades and cobbled streets, Chambéry is an ideal mountain destination for a cool, invigorating summer in a natural setting.
2. Albertville
Albertville lies at the junction of four distinct regions - Combe de Savoie, Tarentaise, Beaufortain and Val d'Arly - and close to the Bauges and Vanoise nature parks. The town's varied historical and architectural heritage has earned it the label of Ville et Pays d'art et d'histoire. The Place de l' Europe is home to the Cultural Dome, with its panoramic view over the historic town of Conflans. The latter is dominated by the Saracen tower and Manuel de Locatel castle. The 1992 Winter Olympics left their mark on the history of Albertville, whose Olympic Park is now dedicated to sports and leisure, allowing visitors to follow in the footsteps of champions. Finally, the Tremplin 92 offers a glimpse of this Olympic adventure in Savoie.
3. Visiting Aix-les-Bains in Savoie
Aix-les-Bains, a spa town renowned for its quality of life, is the ideal destination for a relaxing vacation on the Alpine Riviera. Indeed, Aix-les-Bains is considered France's leading spa town. Bordered by Lac du Bourget, the town has been famous since antiquity for the therapeutic virtues of its sulfide-rich underground waters, which relieve rheumatism and respiratory problems. On the cultural front, Aix-les-Bains offers remarkable events and monuments, such as the Aquarium, the Musée Faure, the thermal baths, the racecourse, the Château de la Roche du Roi and the golf course. Ranked amongEurope's most romantic destinations , Aix-les-Bains was sublimated by the writings of 19th-century Romantic poet and playwright Alphonse de Lamartine.
Discover our article What to do in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes? The 19 must-sees
4. Tignes
Tignes is an atypical mountain resort, at once cosmopolitan, sporty and avant-garde, offering a unique experience to discover the mountains from a different angle. Whether you're an avid skier, on vacation with children, looking for authenticity or a nightlife enthusiast, Tignes is the perfect place for a mountain vacation! In the 1970s, it was transformed into the legendary international resort we know today, set at an altitude of 2,100 metres in the heart of a spectacular 360° cirque. Inaugurated in December 2013, the new village of Tignes 1800, located at the heart of the Tignes - Val d'Isère ski area, combines the advantages of a large resort with the peaceful atmosphere of a traditional village, with its church, a replica of the one in the sunken village.
Did you know? Tignes is one of the 17 trendiest destinations in France.
5. Lac du Bourget, one of Savoie's most beautiful spots
Lac du Bourget, the natural jewel of the Alps, is the largest natural glacial lake in France and one of the most beautiful lakes in France . Surrounded by the majestic massifs of L'Epine, Mont du Chat, La Chambotte, Mont Revard and Les Bauges, it offers breathtaking panoramas and exceptional hiking trails.
The lake's waters are popular with water sports enthusiasts and tourists alike. Sailing, rowing, canoeing, paddling, waterskiing, wakeboarding, diving and fishing are just some of the activities on offer. The lake is also ideal for swimming, with 14 harbours and over 2,600 moorings for yachtsmen. Cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts can circumnavigate the lake thanks to the many paths and passes, as well as the 180 km of mountain bike trails on the Revard plateau, with a greenway linking Le Bourget-du-Lac to Chambéry.
6. Massif des Bauges
The Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park is a natural area to explore with the whole family, surrounded by mountains with exceptional geological features. You can hike to peaks over 2,000 m in altitude such as Trélod and Arcalod, or opt for a summit with a view of the lake, such as the Pointe de Banc Plat. Take the family-friendly routes to the Pissieu waterfall or the Trou de l'Enfer footbridge. Finally, take in the 360° panorama from the Revard belvedere, and don't forget to sample its emblematic PDO cheese, Tome des Bauges .
7. The Chartreuse Regional Nature Park, a must-see in Savoie
France is home to many unique places where time seems to stand still and you feel in perfect communion with nature. The Chartreuse massif, with its lush green landscapes in summer and snow-covered mountains in winter, is undeniably one of these exceptional places. It therefore richly deserves its place in our ranking of the best destinations for hiking. Situated in the heart of the Isère region and partly in Savoie, this massif offers a multitude of outdoor and even underground activities, amid forests, cliffs, waterfalls, lakes and rivers.
8. Vanoise National Park
The Vanoise National Park is a true haven of peace and an ideal mountain destination for spending the summer outdoors. The park offers breathtaking panoramas that transport us to another world, far removed from everyday life. You can watch marmots playing close to you or chamois just a few meters away. Ibex and other species are also present, though more difficult to observe. There are hikes to suit all levels (le Morion, la Grande Casse or les Fontanettes), with accessible refuges. You can also snowshoe or ski-tour from the resort. We recommend that you spend at least one night in a chalet to admire the sun rise, for unforgettable memories.
Discover our article dedicated to Tour de la Vanoise: how to equip yourself and which stages to choose?
9. Hiking in Savoie's Beaufortain Massif
In the heart of the Beaufortain Massif, one of Savoie's one of Savoie's most beautiful hikes awaits you this is the route to Lac des Fées via the Saint-Guérin dam. With a significant difference in altitude over a relatively short distance, this hike is rated intermediate. The starting point is the Barrage de Saint-Guérin, an impressive mountain structure at over 1,500 m altitude. You then climb the slopes to Lac des Fées, a magnificent mountain lake at an altitude of almost 1,896 m. Note that many hikers want to take advantage of this breathtaking scenery, and that the trail can be quite busy in summer. If you can, do it out of season!
- Distance: 8 km
- Elevation gain: 400 m
- Duration: 3 hrs
- Itinerary
10. Musilac music festival
Musilac is one of the best music festivals in France. Every summer, on the shores of Lac du Bourget, music resonates for 4 days at one of the world's biggest rock festivals. Created over 20 years ago, in 2002, the Musilac festival attracts hundreds of thousands of rock-hungry festival-goers to the beaches of Lac du Bourget. Now one of the most important pop-rock festivals in France and Europe, every year it welcomes both eagerly-awaited big names and emerging artists waiting to be discovered. A not-to-be-missed event, especially as it also has a "little brother" in April: Musilac Mont-Blanc.
11. Visit La Plagne, Savoie's legendary ski resort
La Plagne Tarentaise is a vast region located in the Tarentaise valley, on the sunny side of the Beaufortain mountains. As you explore the area, you'll marvel at the breathtaking views of Mont Pourri , and discover remarkable historical and religious buildings, such as the Saint-Laurent church, old buildings, a traditional fruitière dairy and a period school. Plagne Tarentaise is a true paradise for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts, with its many activities including skiing, hiking, climbing, via ferrata, rafting and paragliding. If you'd like to discover Plagne in summer, don't miss our article dedicated to La Plagne: 10 activities for your summer vacation in the mountains.
Did you know? La Plagne is home to one of France's most unusual accommodations: you can sleep in an atypical hotel made of ice and snow!
12. What to visit in Savoie? Courchevel, of course!
Courchevel, familiarly nicknamed "Courch" by its faithful followers, is a ski resort located in the heart of the Trois Vallées, and is one of France's most popular ski resorts. It offers an exceptionally vast ski area and even the possibility of night skiing thanks to the Verdons gondola. It is made up of six distinct villages, each offering a unique experience with traditional stone chalets. There's no shortage of activities in Courchevel, from fat biking and ice climbing to snowmobiling, helicopter rides and spas. There are a thousand and one ways to enjoy this resort. With its boutiques selling the finest brands, Courchevel is a destination best discovered in January, when tourist numbers are lower
13. Walibi Rhône-Alpes
This theme park is one of France's finest, and a must-see for all amusement park enthusiasts. With its successful theming and a wide range of attractions, including Gerstlauer's exceptional Infinity Coaster (Mystic) and the much-loved Wooden Coaster "Timber" designed by Gravitykraft Corporation, this park has everything to please. For its 45th anniversary in 2024, Walibi has launched a new attraction unique in Europe: Mahüka ! Get ready to be propelled into an abandoned temple with this custom-built coaster. Don't miss out on other attractions and adventures to enjoy with friends and family, as well as highlights such as the Merry Christwaaas.
14. Attend the Grande Odyssée
La Grande Odyssée is a French sled dog race held in the Savoie-Mont-Blanc region. Organized since 2005 on the initiative of renowned adventurer Nicolas Vanier, who took part in the Yukon Quest, the race covers 800 kilometers and passes through 22 winter sports resorts. It starts in Les Carroz on the first Saturday in January and finishes 10 days later in Bessans-Bonneval-sur-Arc. This highly publicized race comprises 10 stages, and is reputed to be one of the most difficult due to its steep gradients.
15. Accro'Lac
Located in the heart of the Sougey leisure park, Accro' Lac is ideal for families on vacation in the area! Your children will enjoya 1.6 km acrobatic course with a breathtaking view of Lake Aiguebelette. They can launch themselves into the void, climb a wall or try out one of the 17 zip lines! In all, there are 90 fun workshops accessible from age 3 upwards: V-nets, monkey bridges, walking ropes... Safety is guaranteed by a continuous lifeline. The park is open to families, groups and companies for activities such as canyoning, via ferrata and climbing.
What to do and see in Savoie with children?
Savoie is an ideal destination for family vacations. Here are a few ideas for things to do with children:
- Visit wildlife parks: Savoie is home to several wildlife parks, including Parc de la Vanoise, Parc animalier de Merlet and Parc animalier de Bessans. These parks offer the chance to observe wild animals in their natural environment, and to raise children's awareness of environmental protection.
- Hiking:Savoie is packed with family-friendly hiking trails. Children can discover magnificent landscapes while getting their exercise. Hikes with children include the Marmot Trail in Val Cenis, the Lac du Lou in Valmeinier and the Waterfall Trail in Pralognan-la-Vanoise.
- Swimming in the lakes:Savoie boasts a number of lakes, including Lac du Bourget, Lac d'Annecy and Lac d'Aiguebelette. These lakes offer bathing beaches and water sports activities suitable for children, such as paddling, canoeing and sailing.
- Discover winter sports: in winter, Savoie is a popular destination for winter sports. Children can learn to ski or snowboard at the region's many ski resorts.
- Cycling: Savoie has many family-friendly cycle paths. Children can explore the region's landscapes by bike in complete safety. Take a look at our Top 11 family cycling routes in France.
What unusual places to visit in Savoie?
Savoie is full of unusual places to visit for a unique and memorable experience. Here are just a few suggestions:
- La Maison Penchée: this atypical house in Modane was built in 1993 to compensate for the slope of the land. Today, it has become a must-see tourist attraction.
- Les Grottes de Saint-Christophe: these prehistoric caves, located in Saint-Christophe-la-Grotte, offer a breathtaking view of the Guiers Vif gorges.
- Jardin des Cimes: this botanical garden in Passy features a collection of mountain plants from around the world, as well as a panoramic view of the Mont-Blanc massif.
- Musée des Traditions et des Barques du Léman: located in Nernier, this museum traces the history of navigation on Lake Geneva, as well as local traditions.
What to do and see in Savoie in summer?
Savoie is one of our Top 5 mountain resorts to visit this summer. It offers a multitude of activities and sites to discover in summer:
- Hiking: with its many hiking trails, Savoie is a paradise for nature lovers. The Vanoise and Écrins national parks offer breathtaking scenery, while the Beaufortain and Massif des Bauges trails are suitable for hikers of all levels.
- Water sports: Lac du Bourget, France's largest natural lake, offers numerous opportunities for water sports, including sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding and scuba diving.
- Cycling: Savoie is also renowned for its legendary mountain passes, such as the Col de la Madeleine, the Col du Galibier and the Col de l'Iseran. Cyclists can also take advantage of the region's many cycle paths.
- Cultural heritage: Savoie has a wealth of historical and cultural sites to discover, including the medieval town of Conflans in Albertville, the Château de Miolans in Saint-Pierre-d'Albigny and Hautecombe Abbey on the shores of Lac du Bourget.
- Gastronomy: Savoie is also renowned for its mountain gastronomy, with specialities such as Savoy fondue, raclette, tartiflette and diots. Cheese lovers can also visit the region's many cheese dairies.
- Amusement parks: for families, Savoie offers a number of theme parks, including Walibi Rhône-Alpes and the Acro'Bath adventure park.
- White-water sports: Savoie is also a popular destination for white-water sports such as rafting, canyoning and hydrospeed. The region's rivers, such as the Isère and Dranse, offer courses to suit all levels.
What to do and see in Savoie in winter?
Savoie is a top destination for winter sports and mountain enthusiasts. Here are a few ideas for activities and places to visit in Savoie in winter:
- Skiing: Savoie is renowned for its many ski resorts, including Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Tignes and Val d'Isère. You can enjoy downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ski touring and more. See our articles Where to ski for less? 15 resort ideas and Where to ski with the family for less? 15 resort ideas.
- Snowshoeing: hiking enthusiasts can discover the snow-covered landscapes of Savoie on snowshoes, an activity accessible to all.
- Dog sledding: for an unforgettable experience, try a sleigh ride pulled by huskies or malamutes.
- Thermal baths: to relax after a day on the slopes, why not take advantage of the thermal waters at Brides-les-Bains, Aix-les-Bains or La Léchère?
- Savoyard gastronomy: in winter, enjoy Savoyard culinary specialities such as fondue, raclette, tartiflette, diots and more.
- Christmas markets: in December, Savoie's villages and ski resorts come alive with Christmas markets featuring handicrafts, decorations and culinary specialities. Discover our article dedicated to Where to go to see the most beautiful Christmas markets?
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