Holiday rentals and lettings in Haute-Savoie

This department of the Auvergne Rhône Alpes region is bordered by the Ain and Savoie rivers and, above all, by the border with Switzerland. If the department is immediately associated with the Mont-Blanc massif and the splendour of the Alpine mountains, it also has many renowned lakes such as Lake Annecy and the famous Lake Geneva, separating France from Switzerland. The largest city in Haute-Savoie is Annecy, its prefecture, followed by Thonon-les-Bains and Annemasse.

The department has two main stations, in Annecy and Annemasse, both served by the TGV, as well as stations for regional trains such as those in Chamonix, Thonon-les-Bains, Cluses and Bonneville. The main ski resorts offer a high season shuttle system to transport passengers by train to the bottom of the slopes. If you plan to spend most of your time visiting Annecy or skiing in Chamonix, you will certainly not need a car once you get there. On the other hand, if you have come to explore this part of Savoy as much as possible, you will appreciate having your own vehicle. For example, it takes about two and a half hours to reach the Mont-Blanc massif from Lyon by taking the A43 and a little over seven hours via the A6 from Paris. Snow tires will be needed in winter on small mountain roads.

From the beginning of the 20th century, Haute-Savoie began to equip itself with modern resorts. Today, Chamonix, Megève and Avoriaz attract an international clientele while others such as Saint Gervais cultivate a more family atmosphere. With more than 50 resorts in the department, Haute-Savoie allows everyone to find the spot that suits them, whatever their level and tastes. One of the most popular places in the Alpine massif is Le Grand Bornand, thanks to its authentic village and quality estate. With 90 km of slopes dedicated to alpine skiing, 43 km for Nordic skiing and a vast snowpark, it attracts both experienced skiers and beginners. Another must-see is La Clusaz, with nearly 100 km of cross-country skiing trails.

Most Haute-Savoie resorts highlight alpine and nordic skiing but also offer a number of additional options. While the more experienced will certainly want to try snowboarding, freestyle skiing or snowkiting, others will prefer snowshoeing or tobogganing. All the major resorts also have everything you need for entertainment and pampering, from the spa to the local restaurant and the casino.

From the beginning of the nineteenth century, celebrities from all over Europe rushed to admire this gigantic glacier, from Empress Josephine to Victor Hugo and George Sand. Today, access to the Mer de Glace and its Grotte de Glace is provided by the Montenvers rack railway.

In the small town of Yvoire, a vegetable labyrinth has been created, planted with trees, flowers and aromatic and medicinal herbs. Open from April to October, it revives the tradition of medieval gardens.

Crossed by the canals of Vassé, Annecy is often called the Venice of the Alps. Its picturesque atmosphere and magnificently restored old town centre make it one of the most pleasant cities in France. Its castle and Palais de l'Isle are particularly worth a visit.

Taking the cable car to an altitude of more than 3800 metres is a unique experience. Once at the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire Aosta Valley and the Italian Piedmont.

Local restaurants highlight the dishes that have made Savoy famous. On the crozets menu, you will find small square pastas often served in broth, mountain pan-fried in white wine and, of course, the essential fondues and raclette.