Discover French Alps
Summer / Winter in the Alps
A unique destination to discover exclusive mountains & ski resorts and to be amazed at first sight, The French Alps are part of the large European chain of mountains known as the Alps.
They are primarily attractive for outdoor activities, such as Alpine Skiing and mountaineering. Less famous but still popular sports, in the region, include mountain bike (cross-country, Downhill), white water rafting and paragliding. The region is also noted for its stunning beauty, including many alpine lakes, the largest being Lake Geneva (Lac Leman), Lac d’Annecy and Lac de Bourget; these lakes are year-round attractions for their beauty and access to numerous water sports.
The French portion of the Alps are also home to famous resorts towns Chamonix, St. Gervais, Albertville (1992 Olympic Winter Games), Grenoble (1968 Olympic Winter Games), and Annecy with its old city and lake. Not to forget the amazing vineyards in Savoie, where to enjoy some good pairing between wine & local food specialties!
One of the major regions : Haute-Savoie
Both in winter and summer, Haute-Savoie will welcomes you to enjoy a family time and revitalize yourself.
Haute-Savoie has an exceptional natural heritage. Roof of Europe, the majestic Mont-Blanc massif is the paradise for all the mountaineering and skiing enthusiasts.
The vast ski areas, the famous ski resorts, the natural reserves, the breathtaking sceneries but also the renowned spas, lakes suitable for water activities, the delicious Savoyard specialties or also the beautiful city of Annecy, nicknamed the Venice of the Alps… So many assets that make the Haute-Savoie a privileged destination!
Whether you choose to stay in a prestigious hotel or a typical chalet, experience the Haute-Savoie art de vivre to share an amazing experience and moments of complicity.
Annecy
Visits and heritage
Annecy is a real tourist jewel. The Thiou, natural spillway of the lake, crosses the whole city. In the city center, the quays and the numerous bridges rub shoulders with churches and narrow streets. Overlooking the city, the castle-museum of Annecy, former court residence, seat of the duchy, then barracks, was transformed into a regional and naturalist museum in 1842.
On the right bank of the lake, the castle of Menthon Saint Bernard houses a library of more than 12,000 volumes dating back to before the French Revolution. On the other side of the lake, in Sevrier, the Bell Museum is dedicated to the Paccard Foundry, the world’s leading manufacturer of church bells and carillons.
Nearby, the Ecomuseum of Lake Annecy presents the history and daily life of the Savoyards in the 19th century.
Art of living
Lake Annecy is home to 20 species of fish, including Arctic char and féra, which can be found on restaurant menus. Four Michelin starred restaurants are located in Annecy or around Lake Annecy: Le Clos des Sens** in Annecy-le-Vieux, L’Esquisse* and La Ciboulette* in Annecy, Yoann Conte** in Veyrier-du-Lac. As for the famous Auberge du Père Bise in Talloires, it is now in the hands of chef Jean Sulpice.
Annecy is also famous for its paintings from the 15th century. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the influence of the Romantics and Realists, and their veneration of the mountains attracted many artists to Annecy.
Most of the representations of Lake Annecy come from landscape painters. The most famous painting is “The Blue Lake” by Paul Cézanne.
Zoom on the most beautiful panoramas
The viewpoint of the Col de la Forclaz, above Talloires, located at 1150 m of altitude, offers a plunging view on the lake. A path leads to a second viewpoint with a view of the surrounding peaks.Shortly after Veyrier du lac, a path leads to Mont Veyrier in 5 hours of walking.
At the top, a plunging view on Annecy and the Grand Lac, framed by the summits of the Bauges, the mountain of Entrevernes, the Semnoz can be admired.On the Semnoz massif, there are many viewpoints. The Crêt de Chatillon, the highest point of the Semnoz at an altitude of 1699 m, offers a panoramic view of the Western Alps: the Haut Faucigny, Mont-Blanc, Vanoise, Ecrins, Aiguilles d’Arves massifs…
Outdoor activities*
Cycling is a must at Lake Annecy. A 33 km long greenway links Annecy to Ugine, running along the western shore of the lake and then climbing towards Ugine. It is also possible to continue on the eastern shore to go around the lake. Still on the lake shore, two 18-hole golf courses offer a breathtaking view: Lake Annecy golf course in Talloires, Giez golf course.
To discover the lake from the sky, two-seater flights, paragliding and hang-gliding initiation or improvement courses are offered. Climbing and via ferrata also offer superb views of the lake. For the youngest or with friends, an adventure course in Talloires offers bridges, lianas and tyrolean traverse.
Chambéry
And a bit further south, you will get the chance to enter the lovely region of Savoie, where to explore the historical city of Chambéry.