HAUTE SAVOIE & MONT BLANC
Haute-Savoie is the majestic heart of the French Alps, a land of towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and a deep, adventurous spirit. It seamlessly blends the cosmopolitan buzz of Annecy with the rugged, alpine grandeur of the Mont Blanc massif.
This region is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering world-class skiing, summer hiking, and a rich cultural heritage. It is a stunning territory that ranges from the tranquil shores of Lac d’Annecy to the roof of Western Europe.
Most Popular Attractions
Alpine Capital & Lake Towns:
Annecy Old Town (Vieille Ville): The “Venice of the Alps,” a picturesque maze of canals, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture.
Château d’Annecy: A beautifully restored former residence of the Counts of Geneva, now a museum with stunning views.
Palais de l’Isle: An iconic, wedge-shaped former prison and courthouse situated in the middle of the Thiou canal in Annecy.
Lake Annecy (Lac d’Annecy): One of Europe’s cleanest lakes, famous for its emerald-blue water and surrounding mountain activities (swimming, cycling, sailing).
Pont des Amours (Bridge of Love): A famous iron bridge over the Vassé canal connecting the Jardins de l’Europe to the Pâquier esplanade in Annecy.
Évian-les-Bains: A sophisticated spa town on the shores of Lake Geneva, globally famous for its mineral water.
Yvoire: A magnificent medieval village on Lake Geneva, officially classified as one of “The Most Beautiful Villages in France.”
Thonon-les-Bains: A town on the French shore of Lake Geneva with a charming port and the Château de Ripaille.
Geneva (as a gateway/day trip): The nearby Swiss city often visited from Haute-Savoie, known for its Jet d’Eau and international organizations.
Mont Blanc Massif & Adventure Hubs:
Aiguille du Midi: A spectacular cable car ride from Chamonix to a peak at 3,842 meters, offering unparalleled views of Mont Blanc and a “Step into the Void” glass box.
Mer de Glace & Montenvers Train: France’s largest glacier, accessible by a historic rack railway from Chamonix.
Mont Blanc: The highest mountain in Western Europe, dominating the skyline and offering mountaineering challenges.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: A world-famous resort town and the historical capital of mountaineering and extreme sports.
Tramway du Mont Blanc (TMB): The highest cogwheel train in France, departing from Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, offering stunning views and access to high-altitude hiking trails.
Les Houches: A village near Chamonix known for its stunning views, family skiing, and the starting point for the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) trek.
Tête de Balme Cable Car (Le Tour): Offers incredible panoramic views of the entire Chamonix valley and the Mont Blanc massif.
Brévent-Flégère Ski Area: Accessible from Chamonix, renowned for its challenging runs and unbeatable views facing Mont Blanc.
Regional Nature & Heritage:
Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval: A spectacular natural amphitheater in the Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval Nature Reserve, featuring hundreds of waterfalls in the spring.
Col des Aravis: A stunning mountain pass known for its panoramic views of the Aravis mountain range and as a famous stage in the Tour de France.
Gorges du Fier: A deep, spectacular canyon near Annecy, traversable via a suspended footbridge.
Réserve Naturelle des Aiguilles Rouges: A protected area opposite the Mont Blanc massif, famous for its alpine flora, fauna, and the Lac Blanc hike.
Le Grand Bornand: A traditional, charming alpine village known for its wooden chalets and the Reblochon cheese.
Megève: An upscale, historic ski resort with a medieval-style village center, famous for its chic atmosphere.
Samoëns: A village with a rich history of stone masonry (the “Frahans”), classified as a historical monument.
La Clusaz: A popular, authentic ski resort with a vibrant village life and access to extensive skiing and hiking terrain.
Activities & Experiences
Hike to a Mountain Refuge (Chalet-Refuge): Spend a day or multiple days trekking to one of the numerous high-altitude refuges, such as the Refuge du Goûter (for experienced mountaineers heading to Mont Blanc) or the easier Refuge de la Balme, to experience an authentic alpine overnight stay.
Ride the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car: Take the breathtaking cable car ride from Chamonix to the Aiguille du Midi (), offering stunning, up-close views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding French, Swiss, and Italian Alps.
Ski or Snowboard the World’s Best Slopes: Experience the diverse ski areas of the region, from the steep freeride slopes of Les Grands Montets (Argentière) to the family-friendly pistes of Les Houches or Megève.
Descend the Vallée Blanche: For experienced skiers/boarders (with a guide), take the legendary 20 km off-piste glacial run from the Aiguille du Midi, traversing the spectacular Mer de Glace glacier.
Explore the Mer de Glace and Ice Cave: Take the Montenvers rack railway from Chamonix to see the massive Mer de Glace glacier and descend into the carved-out Grotte de Glace (Ice Cave) to walk through its blue ice tunnels.
Go Paragliding or Speedriding: Take a tandem flight from sites like Planpraz (Brévent) or Le Prarion (Les Houches) for an unparalleled bird’s-eye view of the entire Mont Blanc massif.
White Water Rafting or Hydrospeeding: Experience the thrill of navigating the rapids of the Arve River, which runs through the Chamonix Valley, or the Giffre River near Samoëns, perfect for a summer adrenaline rush.
Cycle an Epic Col: Challenge yourself by cycling famous Tour de France mountain passes like the Col des Aravis, the Col de la Colombière, or the demanding Col des Montets.
Relax by Lac d’Annecy: Spend a day in the city of Annecy and the surrounding lake, known as ‘the Venice of the Alps.’ Rent a paddleboat, swim in its famously clean waters, or cycle the lakeside path.
Take a Local Cheese Making Class: Learn about and prepare local Savoyard specialties like Fondue or Raclette, focusing on the regional cheeses like Reblochon, Tome des Bauges, and Beaufort.
Visit a Traditional Alpine Farm (Chalet d’Alpage): Hike to a high-altitude farm during the summer months to see the traditional making of cheese and sample fresh local produce.
Via Ferrata or Rock Climbing: The region offers spectacular Via Ferrata routes (climbing paths with fixed cables, ladders, and bridges) and world-class sport climbing cliffs near Les Gaillands (Chamonix).
Local Tips & Transport
The Mont Blanc Express Train: This is the most scenic and efficient way to travel the main Chamonix Valley. The train runs from Saint-Gervais/Le Fayet up to Martigny in Switzerland, stopping in key towns like Les Houches, Chamonix, Les Praz, Argentière, and Vallorcine. Your host or hotel will often provide a “Carte d’Hôte” (Guest Card), granting you free, unlimited access to this train and local buses between Servoz and Vallorcine.
Local Bus (Bus Proxi): A comprehensive local bus network connects all the villages and ski lifts within the Chamonix Valley. This is essential for getting to various trailheads or different ski areas. The Carte d’Hôte also provides free access to this service.
Car Rental (Recommended for Wider Region): While the Chamonix Valley is well-served by public transport, a car is recommended for exploring wider Haute-Savoie, such as accessing Lake Annecy, the city of Annecy, or the ski domains of Megève and Les Aravis. Be prepared for snow driving in winter; snow tires or chains are often mandatory.
Access from Geneva Airport (GVA): The easiest and most common way to get to Chamonix is via a direct shared shuttle bus or a private transfer from Geneva (GVA). The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. A dedicated train journey is possible but involves more changes and takes significantly longer.
Safety and Guides in the High Mountains: The Mont Blanc massif is a serious alpine environment. For any high-altitude activity (glacier trekking, skiing the Vallée Blanche, climbing Mont Blanc), hiring a professional High Mountain Guide ( certified) from the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix is not just recommended, but essential for safety. Never venture onto glaciers or off-piste areas without proper training and equipment.
Alpine Architecture and Chalet Culture: The region is famous for its traditional wooden Chalet architecture. Look for the typical dark wood, carved balconies, and stone foundations. Many restaurants and hotels are built in this style, creating a cozy, authentic atmosphere often referred to as cosy.
Embrace Après-Ski: After a long day on the slopes, the Après-Ski tradition is strong. Expect lively bars (especially in Chamonix, such as Chambre Neuf or Le Moö) where skiers gather for celebratory drinks in ski boots, often accompanied by live music. It typically kicks off around 4 PM.
Dining: Hearty Mountain Cuisine: Haute-Savoie cuisine is rich, warming, and perfect for cold weather. Don’t leave without trying:
Tartiflette: Potatoes, Reblochon cheese, lardons (bacon), and onions, baked until gooey.
Raclette: Scraped melted cheese served with potatoes, charcuterie (cured meats), and cornichons.
Fondue Savoyarde: A communal pot of melted local cheese (typically Beaufort and Gruyère) mixed with white wine, eaten with bread cubes dipped on long forks.
Crozets: Small, square pasta, often served in a gratin with cheese.
The Weather is Highly Variable: The weather in the mountains can change dramatically within hours. Always check the official Météo France or local mountain weather forecasts before setting out, even for a short hike, and pack layers (the three-layer system is standard: base, mid, and shell).
Hidden Gems:
Lac Blanc Hike: A challenging but rewarding hike (or chairlift/walk combo) above Argentière that offers one of the most famous and perfect reflective views of the entire Mont Blanc chain.
Gorges du Fier: Near Annecy, these are spectacular, narrow canyons with a suspended walkway that allows you to explore the natural geological formations.
Thermes de Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc: After a tough day of hiking or skiing, relax and recover in the thermal baths, which use naturally heated spring water from the mountain.
The Village of Yvoire: A charming, medieval village on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), designated as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France).
Top Restaurants
La Maison Carrier [€40-€70] – Situated in the Hameau Albert 1er in Chamonix, this rustic farmhouse setting offers traditional Savoyard cuisine with an emphasis on local, seasonal products and a charming, bucolic atmosphere.
La Calèche [€30-€50] – A quintessential Alpine restaurant in Chamonix, decorated with skiing memorabilia, specializing in classic Savoyard cheese dishes like fondue, raclette, and tartiflette.
Café Brunet [€25-€45] – Located in Annecy-le-Vieux, this historic 14th-century lodge turned village bistro serves traditional, hearty “rascal” cuisine like pot-au-feu and pain perdu.
La Ferme de la Charbonnière [€25-€45] – A popular spot known for providing an excellent, generous, and authentic experience of classic Savoyard dishes, particularly the Tartiflette.
Les Cornettes [€30-€55] – A highly-rated traditional restaurant, possibly located outside of the Mont Blanc area in Haute-Savoie, known for classic French and regional specialties like Escargot and Tête de veau.
Flocons Village [€30-€50] – Located in Megève, this more accessible extension of the Flocons de Sel culinary world offers traditional mountain cuisine in a refined, yet rustic, chalet atmosphere, famous for its Fondue Savoyarde.
Atmosphère [€35-€60] – A Chamonix classic situated by the river with mountain views, offering traditional French and regional cuisine with high-quality set menus.
Le Panier des 4 Saisons [€35-€55] – Tucked away on a quiet lane in Chamonix, this cozy, wood-panelled French restaurant is a local favorite for its traditional cuisine prepared with fresh, local products.
La Crèmerie du Glacier [€25-€45] – Located in the forest of Argentière, this traditional wooden chalet, founded in 1926, is an authentic gem famous for its abundant Savoyard cheese dishes like raclette and fondue.
Le 3842 [€40-€70] – Located at the very top of the Aiguille du Midi (3,842 meters), this is one of Europe’s highest restaurants, offering simple, locally sourced fare and spectacular panoramic views.
Chez Constant [€25-€45] – A French brasserie in Chamonix with charming Alpine decor, offering hearty bistro food and regional specialties, including various types of excellent fondue.
Le Sérac [€35-€60] – A traditional restaurant in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains offering regional cuisine with a focus on local ingredients in a welcoming mountain setting.
Auberge des Gorges [€45-€75] – A high-end traditional restaurant, often highlighted for modern cuisine with a focus on local ingredients, located outside Chamonix valley in Servoz.
Le Capucin Gourmand [€30-€50] – A well-regarded traditional establishment known for classic French dishes, including regional specialties, showcasing quality ingredients.
La Télécabine [€25-€45] – A unique restaurant in Chamonix modeled after a cable car station, serving traditional Savoyard cuisine like fondue and tartiflette with a great atmosphere.
Le Comptoir des Alpes [€35-€60] – A neo-bistro in Chamonix, near L’Aiguille-du-Midi, offering a modern dining experience with a creative menu focused on fresh ingredients and modern presentation.
Mumma [€35-€60] – A trendy neo-bistro in Chamonix, known for its “borderless, crazy-tasty cuisine” served tapas-style for sharing, with a lively, non-pretentious atmosphere.
Choral [€40-€70] – A creative “cuisine d’auteur” spot, offering inventive dishes that blend technique and local flavors, often focusing on a chef’s original menu.
Saba [€40-€70] – Another “cuisine d’auteur” establishment, promising an original chef’s menu with a focus on culinary invention and high-quality preparation.
Le Bistrot de Madeleine [€40-€70] – An original chef’s menu restaurant, likely emphasizing modern techniques and seasonal products in a creative format.
La Cabane des Praz [€40-€70] – A contemporary log cabin setting in Les Praz (Chamonix), serving innovative and regional dishes with a clear focus on seasonality and a great view of the mountains.
Le Café de la Poste [€25-€45] – A popular, non-pretentious bistro in Annecy offering modern French cuisine and a relaxed, local feel.
Bloomer [€25-€45] – A modern bistro in Annecy, known for its creative dishes and contemporary take on French cooking.
Bistrot des Cristalliers [€20-€40] – A wine bar/bistro offering small plates and modern French cuisine, perfect for a casual yet quality dining experience.
La Buvette du Chapeau [€30-€50] – A modern spot focusing on “market cuisine,” meaning the menu is driven by the freshest seasonal and local products available.
Le Grizzly [€30-€55] – A bistro, likely in a ski resort area like La Clusaz, offering a modern approach to mountain food with fresh flavors.
Restaurant Cozna [€35-€60] – Located in Annecy, this spot (whose name means “kitchen” in Savoie dialect) serves exciting contemporary French dishes that prioritize local, seasonal produce.
L’Esquisse [€50-€90] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Annecy known for imaginative, exquisitely presented dishes, sourcing many ingredients from local markets.
Le Bistrot [€35-€55] – Located in Chamonix, this gourmet bistro offers innovative modern cuisine mixed with traditional flavors in an elegant environment.
Akashon [€30-€55] – A Chamonix restaurant highlighted for its modern cuisine, often focusing on high-quality, seasonal dishes in a refined setting.
Le Clos des Sens [€150-€300+] – A prestigious three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Annecy-le-Vieux, focusing on exquisite vegetal and lakeside cuisine, known for its sophisticated and unique culinary experience.
Flocons de Sel [€150-€300+] – A three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Megève by Chef Emmanuel Renaut, offering high-end, contemporary mountain cuisine that is deeply rooted in the Alpine terroir.
Auberge du Père Bise Jean Sulpice [€100-€200+] – A prestigious two-Michelin-starred restaurant on the shores of Lake Annecy in Talloires, offering refined, creative cuisine inspired by nature and the local region.
Restaurant Albert 1er [€100-€200+] – A high-end dining institution in Chamonix, holding one Michelin star, offering modern haute cuisine influenced by local traditions and seasonal produce, with a spectacular wine cellar.
Yoann Conte (formerly Auberge de Montmin) [€100-€200+] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant on Lake Annecy’s shores, where the chef reinterprets local cuisine, particularly focusing on lake fish and seasonal ingredients.
Le Refuge des Gourmets [€80-€150] – A one-Michelin-starred restaurant in Machilly (Haute-Savoie), known for its plant-based signature style, focusing on local products and a refined, luxurious dining experience.
L’Auberge du Bois Prin [€80-€140] – A gourmet restaurant in Chamonix with spectacular views, known for its high-quality, modern French cuisine in a tranquil setting.
Le Matafan [€80-€150] – The gastronomic restaurant inside the 5-star Hotel Mont-Blanc in Chamonix, offering a chic, relaxed atmosphere and excellent modern cuisine under a Michelin-starred chef.
La Table d’Armante [€80-€140] – The gourmet restaurant of the Hotel Armancette in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, known for elevating local flavors through modern, sophisticated techniques.
La Ciboulette [€60-€110] – A former Michelin-starred restaurant in a pretty courtyard setting in Annecy, offering elegant French classics with a contemporary twist.
Le Cap Horn [€35-€60] – An elegant and vibrant restaurant in Chamonix known for its varied menu, including seafood classics, a sushi bar, and modern French cuisine with an Asian influence.
Micro Brasserie de Chamonix (MBC) [€15-€30] – A popular, fun microbrewery in Chamonix run by Canadians, offering a casual menu of classic Canadian poutine, burgers, and slow-cooked ribs, perfect for après-ski.
Le Café Comptoir [€20-€40] – Located in Vallorcine, this “bistro” style restaurant in a traditional chalet offers a bistronomic twist on classic Swiss and Italian cuisine.
La Piazza [€20-€40] – A warm and welcoming Italian restaurant in the La Folie Douce Hotel in Chamonix, offering a taste of Italy with pizzas, salads, and other Italian classics.
Le T Quatre [€30-€50] – A highly-rated restaurant in Annecy known for homemade French cuisine and excellent quality, often with a menu that changes daily.
Little Vietnam [€15-€30] – A highly-rated Vietnamese spot in Annecy, offering an alternative to traditional Savoyard food for a diverse culinary experience.
La Taqueria by Los Primos [€15-€30] – A popular Mexican restaurant in Annecy, serving quality Mexican food in a lively atmosphere.
Le Bistrot du Lion d’Or [€30-€50] – A highly-rated, friendly bistro in an area outside Annecy (possibly in the wider region) known for its attentive staff and delicious, quality Western-style food.
L’Ô à la Bouche [€30-€50] – A modern cuisine restaurant in Les Contamines-Montjoie (Mont Blanc area), offering a fresh, contemporary approach to local ingredients.
Les Caves [€30-€60] – A chic bar on the historic Rue des Moulins in Chamonix, known for champagne, cocktails, and a luxury snack/sushi menu, often with a lively late-night atmosphere.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Le Janssen Cocktail Club (Chamonix-Mont-Blanc): Situated within La Folie Douce Hotel, this sophisticated spot offers an incredible setting with views of Mont Blanc, serving haute-couture cocktails and fine wine in an elegant atmosphere.
La Queue Du Coq (Annecy): Located in the charming Cour du Pré Carré, this popular cocktail bar is renowned for its excellent and regularly updated selection of creative cocktails, set within a chic, industrial-style décor.
Le Shelter Bar (Annecy): Nestled near Bonlieu in the heart of Annecy, this convivial and festive bar offers a wide selection of cocktails, perfect for a pleasant evening with friends.
Quartz Bar (Chamonix-Mont-Blanc): A chic lounge bar in Chamonix with décor inspired by rock crystals, offering a refined space to unwind and enjoy a sophisticated drink.
The Lodge Bar (Megève): Located in the Lodge Park hotel, this bar offers a cozy, natural ambiance reminiscent of a New England lodge, with a fireplace and intimate setting for enjoying creative cocktails.
Bar Les Enfants Terribles (Megève): Found in the Hotel Mont Blanc, this intimate Champagne Bar is the place to taste the best vintage Champagne and a new menu of cocktails with Champagne and Alpine liqueurs.
Bighorn Bistro Bar (Chamonix-Mont-Blanc): Located in Chamonix Sud, this laid-back spot is known for its American-style comfort food and offers a selection of creative cocktails and craft beers.
Le Bar du M (Megève): Located in the M de Megève hotel, this is a stylish spot to embark on a journey around a selection of original, refreshing, or warming cocktails at any time of day.
Barberousse (Annecy): An unmissable spot in Annecy that plunges visitors into the captivating world of pirates, specializing in Rhum Arrange and house punch in a dim-lit setting with sand on the floor.
Le Salon de l’Impérial (Annecy): Replacing the former Hip Bar at the Impérial Palace Hotel by the lake, this hybrid bistro bar lounge offers a refined setting for cocktails, champagne, and whisky.
Le Vert Bar (Chamonix-Mont-Blanc): Situated near Les Gaillands, this stylish and contemporary hotel lounge bar is a short walk from the town center and is dedicated to good music and good people.
Stories & Beer (Chamonix-Mont-Blanc): A local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix, offering a taste of Mexico in France alongside a selection of local and international brews.
Le Bistrot des Sports (Chamonix-Mont-Blanc): A sophisticated spot in Chamonix with a friendly French atmosphere, perfect for a civilized drink in a relaxed setting.
Le 1945 (Thonon-les-Bains): A popular and welcoming meeting place to relax, offering an impressive selection of drinks, excellent beers, fine wines, and cocktails in a chill ambiance.
WhyNot Bar (Évian-les-Bains): A night bar offering numerous cocktails and prestigious spirits, with a lounge and relaxed atmosphere that evolves into a dancefloor as the evening progresses.
L’Amnesia Nightclub (Chamonix-Mont-Blanc): A legendary nightclub located in Cham’Sud, it is a melting pot for late-night party-goers, known for its international DJs, themed nights, and energetic atmosphere.
Palo Alto (Megève): A chic and trendy nightclub with a festive atmosphere in Megève, featuring cutting-edge technology and hosting events with French and international DJs.
POP NIGHT CLUB (Annecy): Located at POP Plage near Lake Annecy, this renowned nightclub is known for its vibrant electro nights with famous DJs, operating on weekends.
Cocoon Club (Megève): A lively night bar and club in Megève with a festive and friendly atmosphere, featuring live concerts and DJs, themed parties, and a small dance floor.
Le Garage (Annecy): A well-established nightclub and discotheque in the heart of Annecy, popular with a slightly older crowd, playing mainstream music that transitions to electro later in the night.
La Folie Douce Bar (Chamonix-Mont-Blanc): Located in the La Folie Douce Hotel, this venue is famous for its lively après-ski parties combining live music, DJs, dancers, and performers.
Rendez-vous Club (Megève): An elegant club offering a festive atmosphere where renowned DJs liven up the evenings, ideal for dancing and enjoying the resort’s nightlife.
The Sauvageonne (Megève): A vibrant spot that starts with cocktails and musical entertainment from an in-house DJ, which transforms into a real disco as the evening continues.
Le Bowl (Annecy): A versatile entertainment venue that combines a bowling alley, restaurant, and nightclub in the evening, known for its quality electro music and themed parties.
Le Téléphone Rose (Annecy): An animated nightclub in the old town featuring electro music with a resident DJ and two guest DJs each week, offering two rooms and two bars.
Le Must (Thonon-les-Bains): A disco in Thonon-les-Bains, a local option for dancing the night away.
POPINE (Annecy): A festive bar that operates on weekends at POP Plage near the lake, providing a lively atmosphere that acts as a pre-clubbing or standalone party spot.