Patrick 
There are hikes that leave a mark far beyond the mere physical effort. Trails that awaken all the senses, where every step seems to bring us closer to a place still kept secret by the mountains. This one is part of those rare routes that offer, at every turn, a new surprise. A hike where … Learn more
Why choose Lake Orta for a getaway in Italy? “The forgotten pearl of northern Italy” What if the most enchanting of Italian lakes was not the largest, but the most secret?In northern Piedmont, nestled between woods, hills, and ancient villas, Lake Orta welcomes you with open arms. Less known than Lago Maggiore or Lake Como, this small … Learn more
Renowned for its peaks and crystal-clear lakes, Haute-Savoie also holds hidden treasures underground. For enthusiasts of exploration, nature, and caving, here is a selection of the most beautiful caves to visit in Haute-Savoie. Between mysterious galleries, underground waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes, these cavities offer a fascinating immersion into the underground world. 1. Orjobet Cave – … Learn more
What if your new life started where the water reflects the mountains, where every street seems to come straight out of a postcard?Imagine a place where the seasons peacefully set the pace of the days, where culture pulses through festivals, and where markets overflow with local products… This place exists. And for many, it now … Learn more
Summer 2025: the new rules to know for motorhome travel in Europe Driving license B extended up to 4.25 tonnesGood news for motorhome enthusiasts: the European Parliament has approved the extension of the B driving license for driving vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes. This measure, aimed at facilitating the use of heavier motorhomes, especially those … Learn more
Congested roads, summer and winter alike Haute-Savoie is undoubtedly a land of contrasts: the visual escape offered by its mountains sharply contrasts with the nervous tension of a daily life often marked by traffic jams. Especially around Annecy, Cluses, Annemasse, or the Mont-Blanc tunnel, the routes are regularly saturated. Even to go shopping or drop … Learn more
Majestically perched on the heights, the château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard attracts the gaze and admiration of all those who stroll along Lake Annecy. Nestled in a setting of greenery, it inevitably evokes the fantastic castles of fairy tales. This imposing building, with its towers seeming to defy time, is much more than a mere stone construction: … Learn more
There are places in France that people only speak of in hushed tones, as if they should remain secret. A village you won’t find in a tourist brochure, but rather along an unexpected journey, or on the recommendation of a local who, in a half-whisper, tells you: “if you’re looking for beauty without the crowds, … Learn more
A few nautical miles from the worldly hustle and bustle of Megève, a natural treasure quietly awaits discovery: the Belle au Bois waterfall. Nestled in the heart of a dense forest, flanked by bucolic trails, this waterfall about thirty meters high is a haven of peace and a breathtaking spectacle. Still unknown to the crowds, … Learn more
A hidden gem between sea and maquis Imagine a village suspended between azure sky and wild maquis, where the beaches seem whispered rather than indicated, and where every alley seems to keep a secret. Here, time slows down, the light softens, and the scent of the maquis blends with the iodized breath coming from the … Learn more
What if this summer, the rare gem wasn’t the one everyone expected? Imagine a body of water bordered by steep cliffs, nestled in a preserved natural setting, far from the hustle and bustle of major tourist resorts. A place where the deep green of the forests meets the shimmering reflections of a glacial lake, where … Learn more
What if a castle perched in the French Alps had inspired the imagination of the greatest storyteller of the 20th century? What if one of the most enchanting places in Haute-Savoie had discreetly slipped its profile into the world of sleeping princesses, dragons, and legends? There is a castle, overlooking an emerald-colored lake, that seems … Learn more
What if your next trip started here, on the shores of the largest lake in the Western Alps of Europe? The Lake Geneva (beware, locals say Le Léman), a magnificent mirror between France and Switzerland, unfolds a unique world, between picturesque villages, dynamic cities like Lausanne, Geneva or Evian, and a multitude of places as … Learn more
What if the true wealth of the Alps was not where everyone is looking? If true luxury today was to escape the crowds to rediscover the silence of the mountains, the smell of dry wood, the freshness of a mountain stream, or the simplicity of a plate of local cheese shared on a terrace? Some … Learn more
Craving grandiose landscapes, charming villages, and a good dose of Alpine air? Head to Haute-Savoie! Between crystalline lakes, legendary glaciers, and flower-filled medieval streets, here are three favorite destinations that each in their own way capture the magic of this mountainous department. 1. Annecy: lakeside elegance in its purest form A lake of exceptional clarity … Learn more
A scent of fresh herbs, the gentle lapping of waves, cobbled streets winding between flower-adorned houses: as soon as you pass through the fortified gate of Yvoire, you understand why this tiny Savoyard village is listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France.” On the French shore of Lake Geneva, halfway between Geneva and Évian, … Learn more
When the most popular hiking trails are swarming with visitors, there are still preserved places where nature reigns supreme. Just a few kilometers from Cluses, a small alpine lake nestled at the foot of an impressive cliff attracts lovers of raw landscapes and quiet adventures. Its name? The lac Bénit, a wild treasure, perched at … Learn more
Halfway between the villages of Samoëns and Morzine, two jewels of Haute-Savoie cherished by mountain lovers, lies a pass still largely unknown to the general public. Its name may mean nothing to those who do not frequent the summits… and yet, the col de Joux Plane hides one of the most beautiful panoramas of the … Learn more
What if the true luxury of summer was to gain altitude, to escape the traffic jams on the beaches and the stifling crowds to reach a place that few guides still mention? A suspended spot, somewhere between lake and mountain, where you can finally breathe, where time slows down, and where nature seems to have … Learn more
Article updated on: 07/13/2026 Are you spending your holidays in Haute Savoie? Take the opportunity to go see the unmissable 14th of July fireworks in Haute Savoie. As every year, Haute-Savoie lights up with a thousand lights every July 14th to celebrate the National Day: small mountain villages and lakeside towns compete in ingenuity to … Learn more
Nestled in the heart of a lush valley, between alpine meadows and deep forests, Abondance is one of those villages you sometimes pass through without stopping… mistakenly. Far from the crowds of major resorts, this discreet gem of Haute-Savoie cultivates the art of mountain living, blending centuries-old heritage, untouched nature, and living traditions. A well-kept … Learn more
By constantly searching for the most beautiful panoramas of the Alps in the most famous places, we sometimes forget the villages that have managed to remain themselves. Sheltered from the hustle and bustle of large resorts, some hamlets jealously preserve their authenticity. No noisy ski lifts, nor flashy shop windows: here, nature still dictates the … Learn more
In the height of summer, when the heat becomes overwhelming, the Angon waterfall proves to be a true haven of freshness. Perched on the foothills of Talloires-Montmin, this 60-meter waterfall offers a refreshing mist and a shaded setting, perfect for escaping the heatwave. A natural gem above Lake Annecy Located at the place called Angon, … Learn more
Ah, the hidden treasures of the mountains! Perched at 1,691 meters altitude in the Chablais massif, the col de Joux Plane offers a true natural balcony over the nearby peaks and valleys, while remaining surprisingly discreet compared to its illustrious Alpine “cousins.” A jewel of beauty on the Franco-Swiss border Imagine a winding road climbed … Learn more
In the heart of summer, the City of Annecy officially inaugurated on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 its very first inclusive beach, located on the shores of the Marquisats district. This project, made possible thanks to the participatory budget initiated by a citizen, was led by Jean-Louis Toé and supported by the municipality. Free access and … Learn more
I will never forget the first time I crossed this peaceful pass, lulled by the distant sound of a cowbell. Before me, wooden chalets stood as if asleep under the morning mist, and the smell of fresh hay floated in the air. I felt like the only visitor to a place out of time, where … Learn more
Neither too hidden, nor too frequented, the valley of the Brevon stretches from the village of Bellevaux to the alpine pastures of Roc d’Enfer. Between deep fir forests and secret pastures, few walkers dare to venture into the heart of this territory with a utopian feel, preserved from the hustle of the main roads. A … Learn more
A must-have tradition in Haute-Savoie, as everywhere in France, and for the great happiness of both little and big ones, many fireworks will be set off for August 15th on the occasion of the Assumption feast. But where to admire them in our department? Here is an overview of the locations and schedules for the … Learn more
Haute-Savoie offers a refreshing alternative to the sea, ideal for a nature-filled summer: alpine lakes, crystal-clear streams, and family-friendly leisure centers abound, all accessible from the campsites. Here is our selection of essential and secluded spots for swimming in this beautiful region. The large supervised lakes Lac d’AnnecyRenowned for the clarity of its waters, Lake … Learn more
Sunday, August 23, 2026, will host the 48th edition of the Belle Dimanche in the Châtel resort, at Plaine Dranse. La Belle Dimanche is among the oldest and most deeply rooted festivals in the traditional Savoyard heritage.For the great pleasure of everyone, it honors the shepherds and their flocks as well as traditional craftsmanship. The … Learn more
Nestled between Annecy and Chamonix, the Gorges du Fier represent a striking natural curiosity, sculpted by the wild waters of the Fier stream over millennia. This extraordinary place fills the senses and invites a dive into the heart of Alpine geology. Sculpted by water: a geological work of art With its Urgonian limestone walls, dating … Learn more
Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, in the Arve valley, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is an ideal summer destination: nature, wellness, thrills, and gastronomy come together for an unforgettable stay. Whether you are passing through the Mont Blanc massif or staying a few days in a hotel in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, discover some of the activities that await you. … Learn more
The Haute-Savoie is not limited to Annecy or Chamonix. By venturing off the usual routes, you discover villages where time seems to have stopped, between pastoral life, spectacular landscapes, and preserved heritage. Here are six distinctive destinations to explore, both summer and winter. 1. Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval – A magnificent natural amphitheater Ranked among the « Most Beautiful … Learn more
Dive into the Chamonix Guides Festival, an iconic moment in Haute‑Savoie that combines tradition, solidarity, and immersion in the mountains. The Guides Festival: a tradition to celebrate since 1924 Since 1924, every August 15, the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix, the oldest and largest of its kind in the world, organizes its Guides Festival. The … Learn more
When the thermometer spikes and the air becomes unbearable, Haute-Savoie hides true secret refuges… Places where you can breathe deeply, where the sound of water and the shade of cliffs replace the overwhelming heat of the valleys. Some are hidden deep in the mountains, others nestled at altitude or carved into the rock, like this … Learn more
When we talk about high mountains and breathtaking panoramas, one name keeps coming up as obvious. It’s the dream destination for mountaineering enthusiasts, ski lovers, and admirers of magnificent landscapes. But beneath this general enthusiasm lies a more nuanced reality, less often shared… and sometimes deliberately kept silent. A praised destination, but at what cost? … Learn more
Set against the wooded slopes of Mont Veyrier, this village of Haute-Savoie seems suspended between sky and water. Just a few minutes from Annecy, Veyrier-du-Lac enchants travelers seeking authenticity, tranquility, and exceptional views over one of Europe’s most beautiful lakes. Here, everything invites you to slow down. A village with discreet elegance With its stately … Learn more
Many visitors and residents of Haute-Savoie take advantage of a getaway to neighboring Italy thanks to the Mont Blanc tunnel. In less than an hour from Chamonix, you are already in Courmayeur, the gateway to the Aosta Valley, then Aosta, Turin, Milan, or the Ligurian Riviera. Traveling by car offers unparalleled freedom to explore Italian … Learn more
In search of an unforgettable adventure and breathtaking landscapes in the heart of Haute-Savoie? Lac de Lessy is a destination that promises to exceed all your expectations. Nestled in the heart of the mountains, this enchanting place is a true hidden treasure that will charm nature lovers and adventurers seeking serenity. Get ready to discover … Learn more
Nestled in the heart of the Alps, the commune of Abondance reveals itself as a true hidden gem unknown to the general public. This small mountain pasture village, with its intact charm, is especially renowned for its exceptional cheese and for housing an ancient abbey that proudly overlooks the surrounding mountains. A terroir, a cheese, … Learn more