PatrickPatrick

I’m Patrick, a mountain enthusiast who has lived in Haute-Savoie for over 20 years. As the creator and manager of this travel site dedicated to the region, I introduce you to places worth visiting in our beautiful department, along with unmissable tips and recommendations. I also share discoveries from further afield—such as Corsica, Italy, and the Arcachon Basin—based on my own travels. Having completed the state-certified mountain leader training course in the Pyrenees (back in 1996), I also aim to provide advice on how to enjoy the mountains safely and responsibly.

Alpage Festival in Grand Bornand

by
reducImage.jpg

August 3, 2008 at Grand Bornand: Fête de l’Alpage Festival day in Chinaillon with this highlight of the summer in Bornand, one of the most beautiful festivals in France! Throughout the day: ancestral crafts, old trades, open-air mass, running race, alpine descent, rustic meal, milking and sheepdog competitions, grand float parade, climbing contest, free dance, … Learn more

Choose your rackets

by
raquette1-2.jpg

Choosing your snowshoes for this winter may seem trivial, but this choice will partly determine the pleasure you will experience while hiking. A snowshoe adapted to your terrain of practice will make things much easier for you. To choose your snowshoe, you need to know the type of terrain on which you will mainly practice. … Learn more

How to properly adjust your ski bindings

by
réglage fixation ski

You don’t necessarily think about it, but it is nonetheless an important safety element in your ski equipment. A good adjustment of your bindings will help avoid many problems… The binding must fulfill 2 main but contradictory roles: It must hold the boot and absorb shocks from the terrain. It must release the boot as … Learn more

The traveling distiller

by

You may have already glimpsed, by the roadside, a strange tent made of tarps, a curious lineup of 4x4s, large drums, and steam that smells pleasantly of fruit… When you discover the still for the first time, you are surprised by the age of the machine mounted on wheels. Some call it “the godmother.” While … Learn more

Visit Yvoire: What to Do in the Most Beautiful Medieval Village of Léman?

by
Yvoire, vue lac

Domain of picturesque alleys and a rich historical past, the fortified medieval village of Yvoire is a true gem of the Savoie Mont Blanc region. Strolling through its streets allows you to dive into the heart of the 14th century while enjoying cultural activities and preserved nature. You’ve understood, visiting Yvoire is a must for … Learn more

White wine Diots and polenta

by

Diots in white wine and polenta: a delicious Savoyard specialty Diots in white wine are a delicious Savoyard specialty that highlights the diots, sausages typical of the region, usually made from pork and sometimes veal. This comforting dish, often served in winter, is ideal for family or friends’ meals, combining simplicity and authentic flavors. The … Learn more

The Reblochon

by

There are 2 types of reblochons: the reblochon fermier, and the fruitier.

The Reblochon Fermier is an artisanal cheese that always comes from the farm with certain particularities: a single milk coming exclusively from the farmer’s herd, and a handmade production. The processing is necessarily done with warm milk, immediately after each milking, so twice a day. This manufacturing method helps preserve the landscapes, the economic fabric, the authenticity of our mountains… and offers us a distinctive flavor and a very creamy texture! It is recognizable thanks to its green casein label and its Fermier mention.

The Reblochon Fruitier or dairy cheese is, for its part, produced in a fruitière or cheese dairy with milk collected from several farms in the production area. It is recognizable thanks to its red casein label.

 

Learn more

The racket – Equipment

by
raquettes à neige

Individual equipment : 1 pair of snowshoes: see here to choose your pair of snowshoes 1 pair of shoes sufficiently waterproof and warm 1 pair of gaiters or a snow stop system Walking or ski poles with a wide basket (to prevent sinking too much in powder snow) Warm and waterproof clothes, even if the … Learn more

Alpine Skiing: Nutrition

by
Alimentation ski

How to eat well for a day of skiing? Alpine skiing requires a lot of vigilance and concentration. During your stay, you will accumulate skiing sessions over several days. In addition to physical activity, altitude increases energy needs. The dry mountain air also causes dehydration. This amplifies the accumulation of waste released during certain efforts, … Learn more

Alpine skiing – Preparation

by

Don’t attack the snow that won’t come! Being in good shape is the prerequisite for skiing well and fully enjoying your winter holidays. This sport requires coordination in movements and solid balance, not to mention vigilance every second. The legs gain strength and endurance, but skiing barely stimulates the cardiovascular or respiratory systems. A demanding … Learn more

Avalanche Risks

by
secours.gif

AVALANCHE: BETTER TO PREVENT… In snowy mountains, as soon as you leave the marked and secured world of ski slopes, you enter a risk zone. To the classic dangers that await the ski or snowshoe hiker, the free rider, or the snowboarder, is added the danger of avalanches. Every year, a few accidents and deaths … Learn more

Prepare for a snowshoe hike

by
randonnée raquettes

Here are some simple and useful tips to properly prepare your next snowshoe outing and thus make the most of the winter mountain. Gather information: Check the mountain weather bulletin 08-92-68-02-74 Check the avalanche risk assessment bulletin 08-92-68-10-20 Ask professionals (guide and accompanying offices, ski schools, pisteurs) about mountain conditions. Listen to their advice, they … Learn more

Physical Preparation Alpine Skiing

by
préparation physique ski alpin

Catch Your Breath Again Weekly Training 2 to 3 times a week, do a jogging session, even a short one. Warm up by doing stretching movements and trotting for a few minutes before setting off. Never stop running abruptly: trot, walk, and finish your session with some stretching. For beginners’ first sessions: 20 minutes alternating … Learn more

Alpine Skiing: ski waxing

by
fartage des skis

Waxing consists of applying a layer of wax on the ski base. Its 3 main advantages are : Nourish the base so that it retains all its qualities Preserve good glide quality (longitudinal glide) Maintain good maneuverability (lateral glide) Advice : before each waxing, clean your base using the wax remover. There are 2 ways … Learn more

Alpine skiing – Equipment

by
matériel ski alpin

Ski equipment has evolved a lot in recent years, especially since the appearance of parabolic skis, thus facilitating access to skiing techniques that were once reserved for very good skiers. Skis can be divided into 5 main categories based on their uses and the required skill level. SPORT You are a beginner to good skier. … Learn more

Savoyard Cheese Croutes

by
croute savoyarde au fromage

Cheese Croutes: A Comforting Dish from Savoie Savoyard cheese croutes are a specialty from Savoie that perfectly embody the generosity and conviviality of Alpine cuisine. This comforting dish is especially appreciated during the winter months, when one looks for warm and hearty meals after a day on the ski slopes. The cheese croutes recipe is … Learn more

Avoriaz: Festival of Sliding

by
740-affiche-fete-de-la-gliss-25.jpg

The weekend of December 15 and 16, 2007, the Avoriaz ski resort offers you its Glisse Festival with numerous activities, equipment test trials, demos, concerts… all in a festive atmosphere to kick off this new season. This Glisse Festival brings together all ski and snowboard brands to test the latest generation ski and snowboard equipment … Learn more

Crozets Gratin

by

Crozets Gratin: a comforting Savoyard dish The crozets gratin is a traditional specialty from Savoy that highlights the famous crozets, small square pasta made from buckwheat or wheat flour. This comforting and hearty dish is particularly appreciated during the winter months, when it’s nice to gather around a warm and tasty meal. The preparation of … Learn more

Potato Beignets

by

Haute-Savoie Potato Fritters: A Delicious Mountain Specialty Potato fritters are a traditional specialty from Haute-Savoie, often prepared in mountain households and appreciated for their simplicity and comforting flavor. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these fritters are perfect to accompany a meal or be enjoyed alone as a snack. The recipe is … Learn more

Beaufort Tart

by

The Beaufort Tart: A Savoyard Delight The Beaufort tart is a Savoyard specialty that highlights the region’s emblematic cheese: Beaufort. This cooked pressed cheese, often nicknamed “the king of Savoy cheeses,” is appreciated for its rich aroma and melting texture. The Beaufort tart is a tasty and comforting way to enjoy this local product. The … Learn more

Survival Guide for Tourists in Haute-Savoie

by

A little humor to end the week, some small tips for your visit to Haute Savoie 😉 Never forget that you are not at home Stop wearing Moon Boots with your jeans or football scarves when skiing Always leave a tip, a few cents are sometimes enough to keep you alive Comparing ski lifts to … Learn more

Tartiflette or Pela

by

Tartiflette: The Comforting Dish of Savoie Tartiflette is a staple of Savoie gastronomy, known for its richness and conviviality. This emblematic dish, often enjoyed in winter after a day on the slopes, is a real treat for cheese lovers and mountain cuisine enthusiasts. Made from potatoes, onions, bacon lardons, and, above all, reblochon, a soft … Learn more

Mont-Blanc Tramway

by
tmb.jpg

An original idea for a walk during your next holidays in Haute Savoie, the ascent to the Col de la Voza or Bellevue by the Mont-Blanc Tramway, one of the last rack railways in the high altitude of France. You will enjoy a panoramic view of the Bionnassaz glacier, the valleys of Chamonix and Les … Learn more

The garden of secrets: a paradise on earth

by

The Haute-Savoie, a department of the Rhône-Alpes region, is full of treasures to discover with family. It is quite naturally that one thinks of winter sports activities when mentioning the mountains. Beyond its numerous ski areas, hiking trails, panoramic views, wildlife, and flora, the Haute-Savoie region has a true gem: « the Secret Garden ». … Learn more

Prepare your winter holidays in Haute Savoie

by

You want to come on vacation this winter to the magnificent department of Haute Savoie and thus go skiing and discover its magnificent snowy landscapes? We will help you here to properly prepare your winter holidays in Haute Savoie. Our guide allows you to discover all the necessary information to properly prepare your holidays in … Learn more

Savoy Cake

by

Gâteau de Savoie: the traditional recipe and its manufacturing secrets A true monument of Savoyard gastronomy, the gâteau de Savoie (or Savoy biscuit) has charmed for centuries with its legendary lightness and incredibly airy texture. Without butter and very digestible, it is the ideal companion for afternoon snacks or gentle meal endings. Discover how to … Learn more

Want to visit the city of Annecy and its region?

by

Want to visit the city of Annecy and its region? The website Annecy Tourisme offers holidaymakers the chance to discover the little Venice of the Alps. A city of history and heritage, Annecy is rich in its past and many monuments (religious buildings, castles, and fortresses) recount the life of the Pays de Savoie. Major … Learn more

The different types of tourist accommodations

by

You will have plenty of choices for your accommodation during your next stay in Haute Savoie. Indeed, many accommodation offers are available to you: good ones, average ones, and some bad surprises, fortunately very rare. But also some exceptional offers, not necessarily affordable for everyone, especially in these times of crisis. We will list in … Learn more

The gorges du Fier: a natural curiosity

by

Feeling like escaping, a complete change of scenery? Don’t hesitate any longer and choose the Haute-Savoie department for your upcoming holidays. The Haute-Savoie tourism site invites you to discover an exceptional site in the region: the Gorges du Fier . Located about 10 km from the city of Annecy, le Fier is one of the … Learn more

Discovery of Annecy and its urban area

by

You only know Annecy by reputation and you want to discover this city with unsuspected riches? The Tourisme Haute-Savoie website offers you some ideas for must-see activities and visits in Annecy. The city of Annecy is located on the edge of a large lake bearing its name in the French Alps about 50 km from … Learn more

Le Semnoz: a resort for the whole family

by
Le Semnoz

The key takeaway: Le Semnoz, the balcony of the Alps located 20 km from Annecy, offers a magical panorama of Mont Blanc and the lakes of Annecy and Bourget. An immediate escape for everyone, between hiking, winter sports, and moments of serenity. At 1699 meters altitude, where Mont Blanc sparkles on clear days. Living in … Learn more

Chamonix Guides Festival

by

As every year, the Chamonix Guides Festival will take place on August 15, 2012. A key moment of the Chamoniard season, this festival brings together the high mountain guides of Chamonix who present their traditional ceremony, followed by many activities and a show created and performed by themselves. In the program for this year 2012 … Learn more

Gourmet Walk with our Swiss friends

by

Epicurean hiking lovers have an appointment with our Swiss neighbors, in Morgins, on Saturday, September 1st, for the Balade Gourmande “Goûts du Terroir au Fil de l’Eau”. Little or Big Foodies, everyone will find their happiness along the two proposed routes (8 or 12 km), each punctuated by gourmet stops. During the hike, you will … Learn more

The Hotels of Haute Savoie

by

Haute Savoie, like any highly touristic department, has a very large number of hotels (nearly 1200 hotels are listed in the Yellow Pages). Whether you are looking for a luxury hotel or a cozier structure resembling a family-run guesthouse, you will definitely find what you are looking for. But be careful, here too, as in … Learn more

Rent a rural cottage for your holidays in Haute Savoie

by

The department of Haute Savoie is particularly well endowed with gîte accommodation. Haute Savoie currently has more than 1200 certified stopover or rural gîtes labeled Gîtes de France, in addition to all the independent gîtes in this network. We can only advise you to choose a gîte that is part of the Gîtes de France … Learn more

Ranking of Rural Cottages

by

Les Gites de France have established a classification of rural cottages based on their level of comfort, service, and environment. They are reviewed and reclassified at least once every 5 years. 1 ear of corn: The rural cottage has a favorable environment with parking nearby, comfortable bedding, a kitchen with refrigerator and cooking appliance with … Learn more

Prepare your ski season

by

Are you planning to ski this winter? Do you want to have a blast in the powder snow in our mountains? No problem, but are you physically ready? Indeed, skiing, especially in powder and off-piste, is a sport that is quite demanding both cardiovascularly and muscularly. Don’t think you can arrive on our slopes without … Learn more

Les Gets, traditional village

by

Located in the heart of the Portes du Soleil (14 Franco-Swiss resorts, 650 km of slopes), the village of Les Gets has managed to preserve its art of living and traditions, despite a significant Anglo-Saxon presence. La station de ski des Gets offers, against the backdrop of Mont Blanc, a ski area accessible to all … Learn more