What if the most beautiful adventure of the year awaited you in the heart of the French Alps? Imagine a land where every valley, every lake, every summit tells a millennial story. Welcome to Haute-Savoie, between flowered villages, medieval castles, natural parks and breathtaking panoramas. Here, the aiguille du Midi touches the sky, the cirque du Fer-à-Cheval transports hikers to the foot of the snow-capped peaks, and the town of Yvoire, perched on the shores of Léman, offers a timeless journey.
Do you dream of cultural walks, high-altitude hikes, Savoyard gastronomy, beaches by the water or lively alpine resorts buzzing in winter and summer? This guide takes you to discover the most beautiful sites in the region: Annecy, Chamonix, la Clusaz, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval or even the castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard… so many jewels that would be a shame to miss.
Follow us through the stone alleys, the turquoise canals, the baroque chapels and the eternal glaciers… Haute-Savoie is waiting for you.
Among the jewels of this department, if there is one place that captures the very essence of Savoyard romanticism, it is undoubtedly the medieval town of Yvoire. Before exploring our full selection, if your heart leans toward an escape between lake and old stones, discover our complete guide to visiting Yvoire and miss none of its hidden treasures. It is the essential stop for any successful stay on the shores of Lake Léman.
We offer you our selection of the 10 must-visit sites in Haute-Savoie, as well as a few “bonus” must-visit sites, a little less known but equally interesting.
Lake Annecy :
This is truly one of the most unmissable places in Haute-Savoie. This natural site is the second glacial lake in France after Lake Bourget in Savoie. It is located at 445m altitude and covers an area of about 27 km². For cycling enthusiasts, a 33 km-long bike path called “the Greenway of Lake Annecy”, located on the west bank of the lake, allows you to have a pleasant time near the lake, then to discover the city of Annecy.
Annecy and its old town :
Of course, a visit to Haute-Savoie involves a visit to the old town of Annecy. Stroll through the alleys of the old town, perhaps with a visit to the Annecy Castle. Annecy offers several aspects to discover: a medieval aspect for its old town and castle, its alleys and bridges. And a romantic side with its famous Lovers’ Bridge linking the Jardins de l’Europe to the esplanade du Pâquier, favorite walking spots for locals and visitors alike.
Be aware, driving and parking in the old town have become extremely complicated. Plan to come early if you want to find a parking spot nearby (city hall parking or Place de la Tournette, for example).
Best season to visit Annecy and Lake Annecy
- Spring: the best time to pedal around the lake without the crowds. Cherry trees and flowering trees beautify the shores and gardens.
- Summer: swimming, paddleboarding, family beaches and cruises aboard green boats. It’s the high season but also the busiest.
- Autumn: a calmer atmosphere, blazing colors on the mountains and golden light perfect for photographers.
- Winter: ideal for a walk by the lake in the morning mist, or to combine a visit to Annecy with skiing in nearby resorts like Le Semnoz.
Chamonix :
Capital of mountaineering, Chamonix Mont Blanc is a must-visit place. This town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc includes sixteen villages or hamlets: le Tour, Montroc, le Planet, Argentière, les Chosalets, le Lavancher, les Tines, les Bois, les Praz de Chamonix, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, les Pècles, les Mouilles, les Barrats, les Pélerins, les Gaillands, les Bossons. Nestled between the mountain massifs of the Aiguilles Rouges and the Mont Blanc, Chamonix shares with Saint-Gervais-les-Bains the record for the municipality with the highest altitude in France and Western Europe, thanks to the presence of Mont Blanc’s summit at 4810m. Chamonix is very (too) popular with mountaineering enthusiasts and mountain sports lovers in general, which is starting to cause overcrowding issues, especially on the normal route up Mont Blanc.
Best season to visit Chamonix and Mont Blanc
- Winter: world capital of skiing and winter mountaineering, Chamonix buzzes between legendary descents and chic resort atmosphere.
- Summer: access to the Aiguille du Midi, hike to Lac Blanc, paragliding from the Plan de l’Aiguille. Spectacular views over clear glaciers.
- Autumn: intense colors in the forests, more capricious weather but far fewer people.
- Spring: ideal for ski touring enthusiasts or to observe the lingering snows on Mont Blanc’s summit without summer crowds.
Aiguille du Midi :
Still within the municipality of Chamonix, the ascent to the Aiguille du Midi is an activity not to be missed. The viewpoint at the summit of the Aiguille is absolutely magnificent. From the center of the village of Chamonix, the Aiguille du Midi cable car transports you in 20 minutes to the gates of the High Mountains at 3842 m. From the top of its 3777m (cable car arrival station), the Aiguille du Midi and its terraces offer a 360° view over all the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps. Thanks to an elevator, you can access the summit terrace at 3842m to discover an unbeatable view of Mont Blanc.
But thrill seekers will appreciate the site’s new attraction, the step into the void. Step into this glass box vitrified on five sides and find yourself with over a thousand meters of void beneath your feet. Breathtaking!
However, be aware that the Aiguille du Midi site is extremely busy and we strongly advise you to book in advance: https://www.montblancnaturalresort.com/fr/billetterie. One downside is the price, which is quite high and not within everyone’s reach (round trip adult: €81 / round trip child: €68.90 / family rate: €251.20 for 2 adults + 2 youths & 3rd, 4th, and 5th youth of the same family free).
We also suggest planning warm clothes, even if the weather is fine. It is very common to have negative temperatures at the summit of the Aiguille du Midi, even in the middle of summer. See the plan of the Aiguille du Midi.
Best season to visit the Aiguille du Midi
- Winter (December to March): the cable car ascent turns into a polar journey. The views over the glaciers, Mont Blanc and the Vallée Blanche are breathtaking. In clear weather, the atmosphere is magical, but beware of the icy wind at 3,842 m altitude. Unforgettable for thrill seekers, off-piste skiing, or simply lovers of extreme beauty.
- Spring (April to June): an excellent period to avoid the summer crowds while enjoying good visibility. The lingering snows still provide a wintery setting, but the air becomes milder. Ideal for combining the Aiguille with a walk in Chamonix or an ascent to Montenvers.
- Summer (July to September): very busy, but the conditions are the most stable to fully enjoy the panoramic terraces, the Step into the Void, and connections to Italy via Pointe Helbronner. Prefer early morning or late in the day to avoid the crowds.
- Autumn (October to early November): the most contemplative season. Fewer tourists, long shadows, and sometimes the first snows. A spectacular interlude before the annual technical closure (usually in November for maintenance).
The Mer de Glace :
Despite current climate warming, set out to discover the Mer de Glace in the Chamonix Valley. With its 7 km length, 200 m thickness, and width varying between 700 and 1950 m, the Mer de Glace is the largest glacier in France. To explore the heart of the glacier, you can visit the ice cave, which is carved anew every year (the glacier moves forward about 90 m per year on average). This cave is accessible on foot or by cable car. The Mer de Glace itself is accessible either by foot (allow 2 hours uphill), or by the Montenvers train (a little red cog railway from another era that takes you to the Montenvers refuge in 20 minutes through an exceptional walk, climbing through the forest, brushing the surrounding peaks before opening onto the ice giant).
Best season to visit the Mer de Glace
- Winter (December to March): a striking, almost lunar atmosphere. The Montenvers cog railway traverses snowy forests to reach a frozen, monumental setting where silence reigns. The ice cave is accessible, as well as the crystal gallery and mountaineering museum. Beware: some activities temporarily close in case of heavy snowfalls.
- Spring (April to June): transition period, ideal for those wanting to avoid crowds. The glacier remains clearly visible, conditions are generally stable, and the light is exceptional. Access to the Montenvers refuge becomes possible for those who want to extend their experience.
- Summer (July to September): high season. All tourist facilities are open, including ladders and stairs to descend to the cave. The glacier has retreated significantly, but the views of crevasses, seracs, and needles remain impressive. Prefer early morning or late afternoon to avoid the rush.
- Autumn (late September to November): the atmosphere becomes more austere but also more intimate. Fewer visitors, golden hues on surrounding peaks, and a strong contrast between rock, ice, and forests. Before the annual train closure for maintenance, the place offers a rawer, less developed beauty.
Yvoire :
Dominating Lake Léman, the fortified medieval village of Yvoire, once a fishing village on the shores of Lake Léman, is now a must-see tourist site. It is, in fact, classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Along its alleys, stroll with your loved one or family, and enjoy the shores of Léman.
Best season to visit Yvoire
- Late April to June: ideal period to enjoy the Garden of Five Senses in full bloom and the flowered alleys.
- Summer: very touristy but also very lively: open terraces, outdoor events, boat rides on Lake Léman.
- September: the light on the lake and the returning calm give Yvoire a more romantic atmosphere.
- Winter: many shops close, but it’s the perfect time for a timeless contemplative visit, between mist and silence.
The Garden of Five Senses :
Still in the municipality of Yvoire, the Garden of Five Senses is a living work, carefully crafted over more than 30 years, inviting discovery of the plant world. The Garden of Five Senses is divided into 2 parts: the first half hosts green rooms with various themes: a alpine meadow echoing the surrounding Alps, a shady undergrowth adorned with shade plants, a weaving inspired by the Renaissance, and a hornbeam cloister, a true place for meditation. The lower part forms a maze of four charming small gardens, separated by hedges of hornbeams and espalier apple trees, dedicated to sight, touch, taste, and smell. The 5th sense, hearing, is represented by the murmur of water and birdsong. The Garden is open for visits every day from mid-April to early October, from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm.
The Rouget Waterfall :
The Rouget Waterfall, nicknamed the “Queen of the Alps,” is a waterfall in the Giffre Valley that flows year-round from the upstream torrent of Salles and joins the Giffre des Fonds downstream to form the Petit Giffre in the municipality of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. It consists of 2 drops and shoots from over eighty meters high.
You can very easily access the Rouget Waterfall by car (it is located 6 km from the village of Sixt, beyond the hamlet of Salvagny). You can also reach it on foot via a 1h30 round-trip hiking trail. Altitude: 1000 m. Be careful around the waterfall, slipping is easy and leaves no chance.
Best season to visit the Rouget Waterfall
- Spring (May to early July): the most spectacular period to admire what is nicknamed the Queen of the Alps. Thanks to the snowmelt, the waterfall shows its full power. The roar of the water, the mist in the air, the dripping walls… the experience is raw, intense, wild.
- Summer (July – August): accessible by car, the waterfall attracts many visitors, especially on nice weather days. Prefer a visit during weekdays or early morning to enjoy the freshness and calm. The site is also an excellent starting point for hikes to the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval.
- Autumn (September – October): the atmosphere changes: the waterfall remains active but calmer. The fiery foliage of the surrounding forests adds a magical touch. A perfect moment for photographers or those seeking serenity.
- Winter: the road is often closed, but the more adventurous can reach the waterfall by snowshoes or ski touring. The fall can be partially frozen, creating a fantastic natural sculpture… provided you are well equipped!
The Fier Gorges :
The Fier Gorges are a remarkable natural curiosity in Haute-Savoie: a very narrow and deep gorge that can be visited thanks to a footbridge fixed to the rock face, suspended 25m above the river, built in 1869 by the Annecy architect Marius Vallin and classified since 1943. This footbridge allows visitors to enter a gigantic defile inside where the Fier river flows, admiring piles of rock blocks in the most varied shapes, as well as countless Giant’s Cauldrons carved by the river over millennia. The gorges are open from March 15 to October 15.
The Diosaz Gorges :
A curiosity of the Chamonix valley, the suspended path of the Diosaz gorges offers, in a wild and natural site, a grandiose and unusual spectacle. This developed gorge is one of the must-see visits of the Mont-Blanc area and is considered one of the most beautiful in France! A moderately difficult, shaded, well-equipped trail, firmly anchored, sometimes clinging to steep walls or crossing the torrent on pleasant footbridges, allows admiration of the erosion work of the Diosaz, contemplation of the majesty of untouched nature, and shivering before boiling waterfalls.
Best season to visit the Diosaz Gorges
- June to September: the gorge is only accessible in the summer season. The developed path allows walking up the waterfalls in a fresh and spectacular environment.
- July-August: maximum waterfall flow, ideal after a storm or thaw period. Plan to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Late September: last chance to visit before annual closure, with a wilder and quieter atmosphere.
- Closed in winter and spring: inaccessible for safety reasons.
The Merlet Animal Park :
In the Chamonix Mont-Blanc valley, the Merlet Animal Park allows observing mountain animals living in their natural environment. Ibex, chamois, marmots, deer… live in this 21-hectare space of meadows, rocks, and spruce forests. Two trails are offered to visitors, an easy one (about 1 hour), and one for more fit people (expect 2 to 3 hours minimum). Be aware that the Merlet park car parks are located 300 to 1000m below the park, so you will need to walk to reach the park entrance. Avoid periods of very high attendance (especially August).
To these unmissable places, we can also add other visits that are equally interesting:
The Cirque du Fer à Cheval at Sixt :
A few kilometers from the village of Sixt, this cirque will allow you to stroll in a magnificent setting, surrounded by steep mountains and waterfalls. On the way back, a stop in the village of Samoëns is a must, for a little refreshment on the lime tree square.
Best season to visit the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval
- May to July: the waterfalls are at their peak thanks to the snowmelt. The contrast between cliffs, greenery, and residual snow is striking.
- August: ideal conditions for hiking to the refuges, but more visitors.
- Late September: explosion of colors on the limestone cliffs, peaceful ambiance and still accessible.
- Winter: site closed to hiking, but accessible by snowshoes from Sixt, for a grandiose and silent atmosphere. Beware of significant avalanche risks in winter in this area.
Lake Léman :
It is the largest lake in Europe! Along its shores, between France and Switzerland, typical towns and villages and beautiful beaches follow one another. Yvoire of course, but also Thonon les Bains or Evian are to be discovered. You can also make a short trip to our Swiss neighbors, visiting Geneva, but especially, from Yvoire, take the boat on Lake Léman to Nyon. Or visit Lausanne or Montreux from Thonon and Evian. Preferably on a sunny day to have a magnificent view of the Alps.
Best season to visit Lake Léman and its spa towns
- Summer: swimming, cruises, water activities in Thonon, Évian or Sciez. The cultural calendar is very rich.
- Spring: the spas of Évian and Thonon are less crowded, nature comes alive around the lake.
- Autumn: soft atmosphere, calm lakes, romantic landscapes. Ideal for a spa stay or a cozy weekend.
- Winter: perfect for a wellness break, Christmas markets and classical concerts in Belle Époque settings.
The Abondance Valley :
Nested in the heart of Haute-Savoie, the Abondance Valley, with its bucolic and authentic atmosphere, is an alpine jewel, famous for its grand landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and mountain traditions. Located just steps from the Swiss border, this valley offers a unique experience to lovers of nature, sports and cultural discovery. A bit less frequented than other valleys in the department, it is well worth a detour for a visit lasting from a few hours to several days.
Best season to visit the Abondance Valley
- Spring: the meadows awaken, the herds descend to the valley, pastoral and peaceful atmosphere.
- Summer: alpine festivals, hikes to high-altitude lakes, tasting farmhouse cheeses in the heart of the mountains.
- Autumn: beautiful light on villages and forests, ideal period for photography and contemplation.
- Winter: family ski resorts open, Christmas traditions and markets in the villages.
The Aravis Range :
From the La Clusaz ski resort. At the foot of the magnificent Aravis mountain range, the village of Clusaz delights all its visitors, whether in summer with many possible hikes, or in winter thanks to a varied ski area. And above all an undeniable asset, it is the land of Reblochon cheese!
Best season to visit the Aravis Massif
- December to March: snow-covered resorts, chalet atmosphere, alpine and cross-country skiing, sledding, Savoyard specialties by the fire.
- June to September: walks among alpine chalets, paragliding, cows in the meadows… the massif turns into a living postcard.
- Autumn: tranquility and orange colors on the reliefs. Ideal for those seeking calm and authenticity.
- Spring: not recommended for high-altitude hiking due to unstable snow, but perfect for the valleys.
The village of Combloux :
This village probably offers one of the most beautiful panoramas on the Mont Blanc massif. Not to be missed in good weather!
Practical information
Places to visit according to the season
Each season transforms Haute-Savoie into a completely different setting. Shimmering lakes in summer, fiery forests in autumn, frost-covered peaks in winter, or flowered meadows in spring… To fully enjoy your stay, here are the best times to discover each place according to its natural features, attendance, and available activities.
| Place | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Annecy | Bike ride, blooming shores | Swimming, cruises, summer activities | Autumn colors around the lake | Misty walk, combine with skiing |
| Chamonix & Aiguille du Midi | Clear views, few people | Ascent, hiking, Mont Blanc panorama | Fewer people, beautiful light | Skiing, frosted panorama |
| Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval | Waterfalls beginning, still wild | Full waterfall flow, open hikes | Flaming foliage, calm | Snow shoes if open, grand atmosphere |
| Yvoire | Flowered alleys, Garden of Five Senses | Very touristy but lively | Romantic ambiance, golden light | Very quiet, shops often closed |
| Mer de Glace | Visit with few crowds, still covered glacier | Full access to glacier and ice cave | Rock/ice contrast, rawer atmosphere | Glacial decor, panoramic train |
Travel time to places from major cities
| Place | From Geneva | From Lyon | From Paris |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annecy | 45 min (car/train) | 2h (direct train) | 3h45 (TGV) |
| Chamonix | 1h20 (train via St-Gervais) | 3h (train via Bellegarde) | 6h (TGV + TER) |
| Yvoire | 1h (car, boat possible) | 2h30 (car) | 5h30 (TGV + car) |
| Évian | 1h15 (train + bus) | 3h (train via Thonon) | 5h45 (TGV + bus) |
| Fer-à-Cheval | 1h30 (car) | 3h15 (car) | 6h (TGV + car) |
| La Clusaz | 1h (car) | 2h15 (car) | 5h (TGV + car) |
Which place for which type of visitor?
Whether you travel as a couple, with family, seeking landscapes to photograph or trails to explore, Haute-Savoie has something to satisfy every desire. Here is a selection of emblematic places, classified by the type of experience you are looking for. The ideal way to choose the right place, at the right time, for the right person.
| Place | Couples | Families | Photographers | Hikers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annecy | Romantic walk, old town | Water activities, beaches | Reflections, sunrises/ sunsets | Bike tour around the lake |
| Chamonix | Panoramic view, adventure | Cable car + museum | Alpine panoramas | Access to alpine hike departures |
| Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval | Peaceful hike | Easy hike + waterfall | Waterfall & limestone cliffs | Many trails from the site |
| Yvoire | Garden, lakeside dinner | Fun discovery | Flowers & architecture | Walk along Lake Léman |
| Mer de Glace | Intense experience for two | Train, ice cave | Glacier, high mountain | Hike to the Plan de l’Aiguille refuge |
| Montriond Lake | Calm and nature spot | Picnic, swimming | Forest, autumn reflections | Trail around the lake |
Visiting Haute-Savoie without a car: 4 itineraries for a gentle and grand immersion
No need to have the wheel to be amazed in Haute-Savoie. Thanks to its train, bus, boat networks and numerous bike lanes, this alpine territory is perfectly suited for a car-free stay, more ecological and often more peaceful. Whether you are a fan of slow tourism, a simple curious traveler or a visitor arriving by train, here are 4 immersive itinerary ideas to enjoy without a car, in complete freedom.
Itinerary 1: Annecy – Menthon-Saint-Bernard – Talloires – Doussard (by bike + boat)
Mode of transport: bike (greenway) + cruise boat
Ideal duration: 1 or 2 days with overnight stay
Ideal for: couples, families, photographers
From Annecy, hop on your bike and follow the lake greenway. You will follow the east shore, offering exceptional views of the lake, mountains, and typical villas. First stop at Menthon-Saint-Bernard, dominated by its feudal castle that looks straight out of a fairy tale. Continue to Talloires, an enchanting village with flowered alleys and a peaceful beach.
For the return, let yourself be carried by the Navibus boats that connect the villages to Annecy: a magical end of day on the water, with peaks blushed by the setting sun.
Itinerary 2: Chamonix – Montenvers – Mer de Glace – Plan de l’Aiguille (train + cable car)
Mode of transport: cog railway + cable car
Duration: 1 day
Ideal for: nature lovers, glacier and spectacular panorama enthusiasts
From the Chamonix station, board the Montenvers cog railway, a historic gem winding through forests to reach the Mer de Glace. On site, explore the glacier-carved cave, the crystal museum, and take time to admire the landscape from the panoramic terrace.
Want to extend the magic? Reach the Plan de l’Aiguille on foot or by cable car for a break facing the Mont Blanc Massif. Return via the Aiguille du Midi cable car to Chamonix.
Itinerary 3: Thonon – Yvoire – Évian-les-Bains (Léman Express train + bus + boat)
Mode of transport: train + bus + boat
Duration: 1 to 2 days
Ideal for: heritage, flowers and lake lovers
Take the Léman Express to Thonon-les-Bains, a spa town overlooking Lake Léman. From there, a regular bus takes you to the medieval village of Yvoire, classified among the most beautiful villages of France. Flowered alleys, Garden of Five Senses, lakeside restaurants… the atmosphere is magical.
End the day with a cruise on Lake Léman to Évian, an elegant spa town, to enjoy the thermal spas, Belle Époque hotels and a sunset from the quays.
Itinerary 4: Alpine pastures circuit without a car around Abondance (trekking + valley shuttles)
Mode of transport: walking + valley shuttles
Duration: 2 to 4 days
Ideal for: hikers, slow-tourism families, cheese lovers
Reach Abondance by bus from Thonon, and set out on foot to discover this valley rich in traditions. You will pass by baroque chapels, mountain villages, alpine cheese dairies where the famous farmhouse Reblochon cheese is made. Local shuttles allow access to the villages of Châtel, La Chapelle-d’Abondance, or even the lac des Plagnes.
A perfect way to discover Savoyard rural heritage on foot, while staying overnight in inns, chalets or guest farms.
Why choose a car-free stay in Haute-Savoie?
- Accessibility: Annecy, Thonon, Évian or Chamonix are accessible by direct train from Lyon, Paris or Geneva.
- Ecology & serenity: no driving stress, no parking search, less CO₂.
- Total immersion: the journeys themselves become experiences (boats, panoramic trains, hikes).
- Support for local economy: by favoring regional accommodations and transport.
Explore Haute-Savoie, a journey without end
Spectacular mountains, villages with intact charm, crystalline lakes, living traditions: Haute-Savoie reveals itself to those who take the time to explore it, season after season, valley after valley. Whether you are a fan of dizzying hikes, a photographer seeking the perfect light, a foodie in search of alpine cheeses, or a wanderer passionate about history, you will find here much more than landscapes: a land of character, sensations and emotions.
And if these few places are not enough to tell it all, they are a first open door to a multitude of other treasures to discover. Keep the adventure going, through the seasons, at the pace of your desires, and let Haute-Savoie surprise you, again and again. We will regularly offer you new places to visit as we discover them.
To read: Visiting Haute-Savoie in 7 days
Some photos of must-visit places in Haute-Savoie
Last updated: 07/07/2025
