Why Discover Haute-Savoie by Motorhome?
A Destination of Nature, Culture, and Wide Open Spaces
Nestled between lakes, mountains, and valleys, Haute-Savoie offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes. Between the Lake Annecy, the alpine pastures of La Clusaz, or the ridges of Chablais, a change of scenery is guaranteed. It is also a territory rich in heritage, with authentic villages, a renowned gastronomy, and lively traditions. During our first stop in Talloires, the calm of the lake at dawn, wrapped in mist, remains an unforgettable memory of our holiday in Haute-Savoie.
Freedom and Flexibility of Traveling by Motorhome
Traveling by motorhome allows you to break free from hotel constraints and follow your current desires. Whether you stay on the shores of a lake, in a clearing, or at the foot of a mountain range, every evening is a different adventure. One of our most beautiful bivouacs was near the Aravis Pass, swayed by the bells of cows and a starry sky without light pollution. Summer or winter, traveling by motorhome offers a good dose of freedom, even though the winter season is indeed a bit more complicated in the Alpine arc (closed passes, cold, many campsites closed, etc.).
Preparing Your Trip: Before Hitting the Road
Renting a Motorhome or Converted Van: Local Options
If you do not own a vehicle, rental agencies offer vans and motorhomes in Annecy, Bonneville, or Thonon-les-Bains. Peer-to-peer platforms like Yescapa also allow for savings. During our journey, we chose a compact van rented from a private individual in Annecy: perfect for slipping through mountain villages and parking in towns.
Regulations and Local Best Practices
Wild camping is regulated or even prohibited in certain natural areas. It is recommended to use dedicated areas or campsites for parking. Wastewater must be emptied at designated stations. We have always found stations easily accessible, especially around Cluses and Thonon.
Best Times to Visit Haute-Savoie
From May to October, the roads are mostly cleared of snow and passes accessible. Summer offers long days and mild nights, but some places are overcrowded, like Lake Annecy or Chamonix for example. Spring and autumn are ideal for avoiding crowds. Late September, the forests start to redden, the air is still mild, and there are significantly fewer people: an ideal period that we particularly appreciated to enjoy the places visited.
Emblematic Itineraries to Explore by Motorhome
Touring Haute-Savoie by motorhome means embracing the richness of its landscapes and the diversity of its atmospheres in just a few kilometers. Here is a selection of essential routes, designed to offer a fine balance between natural sites, cultural discoveries, and gourmet stops. Whether you are with family, as a couple, or with friends, each itinerary offers its share of surprises and suspended moments. For each one, plan between 2 and 4 days, depending on your desires for exploration and relaxation.
Route 1: The Tour of Lake Annecy
This circular route is one of the most accessible and appreciated by motorhome travelers. It combines the crystalline beauty of the lake, picturesque villages, and a varied range of activities. Plan 2 to 3 days to fully enjoy the places. In Annecy, stroll through the old town, enjoy an ice cream by the canals, then follow the east shore to Talloires, where you can hike to the Angon Waterfall.
In Doussard, a perfectly located area allows you to sleep quietly while being close to the beach. We loved our morning in Sevrier, between biking on the greenway and a small local market. Between swimming, boat rides, and castle visits, this itinerary is perfect for a first approach. We enjoyed lunch feet in the water in Saint-Jorioz, after a morning paddleboarding session on the lake.
To read: What to Visit in Annecy
Be careful, parking with a motorhome in or around Annecy is very difficult. It is strongly advised to park outside the city and use public transport: more information on public transport in Annecy.
Route 2: The Great Alpine Road
This mythical route, which links Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, crosses breathtaking mountain landscapes in Haute-Savoie. Starting from Thônes then La Clusaz, cross the Aravis Pass to reach Megève, then continue towards Sallanches and Chamonix, and the Mont Blanc Massif. Each stage offers its share of discoveries: mountain chapels, artisanal cheesemakers, dizzying panoramas.
In Chamonix, take the Aiguille du Midi cable car for an unforgettable view of Mont Blanc. We spent a magical night on the mountainside, facing the Chamonix needles, admiring the sunset over the glaciers.
A legendary road with spectacular viewpoints. It was one of our favorite routes: each bend revealed a panorama even more impressive than the last.
Route 3: Between Lake Geneva and Cheese Country
This route is an immersion in Savoyard rural traditions, with a beautiful opening on lake landscapes. From Thonon-les-Bains to Yvoire, then Évian and finally Abondance, each village has a strong identity. Taste thermal waters in Évian, stroll the flowered streets of Yvoire, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France. The hinterland is full of cheese dairies to visit and accessible hiking trails.
We particularly enjoyed the warm welcome at a small farm near Abondance, where we spent a restful night after tasting local matured cheeses. The stop in Abondance remains engraved in our memory: tasting fresh tome cheese, visiting a monastery, and a peaceful night in a small free municipal area.
Route 4: The Giffre Valley and the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval
This itinerary is ideal for lovers of wild nature, hiking, and thrills. Starting from Taninges, cross the Giffre Valley to Samoëns, a charming mountain village, before continuing to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. The waterfalls of the Cirque du Fer à Cheval, the dizzying cliffs, and shaded paths offer a spectacular setting.
In summer, rafting or canyoning offers a sporty touch. Even for the bravest, a tandem paragliding flight from the Saix plateau in Samoëns.
We loved this portion of the trip, especially the bivouac facing the waterfalls, awakened by the murmur of water and the first light on the rocky walls. A true nature break.
To Discover
- Must-See Places in Haute-Savoie
- Best Viewpoints on Lake Annecy
- Where to See Marmots in Haute-Savoie
- What to Visit in Annecy
Summary Table of the Routes
| Name of the Route | Recommended Duration | Highlights | Suggested Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour of Lake Annecy | 2 to 3 days | Lake, picturesque villages, cycling, beaches | Annecy |
| Great Alpine Road | 3 to 4 days | Mountains, passes, alpine villages, panoramas | Thônes or La Clusaz |
| Lake Geneva and Cheese Country | 2 to 3 days | Thermal baths, cheeses, classified villages | Thonon-les-Bains |
| Giffre Valley and Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval | At least 2 days | Wild nature, waterfalls, hiking | Taninges |
Where to Park? Service Areas, Campsites, and Natural Spots
Service Areas
There are many service areas around large lakes and in the valleys. Some are free (a minority), others offer services and electricity for a few euros. Special mention to the Doussard area, quiet, shaded, and just steps from the lake.
Recommended Campsites
Including Camping de la Dranse in Thonon, Les Peupliers du Lac in Doussard, or Huttopia in Saint-Jorioz. Well equipped and often located by the lake. In Saint-Jorioz, we enjoyed a splendid view of the mountains upon waking.
Nature Spots (with Authorization)
Linked with apps like Park4Night, some spots allow discreet and legal bivouacs, notably in the Chablais or Bornes Massif. We spent an exceptional night near the Glières plateau, alone facing the valley, with the stars as the only light.
See Motorhome Accommodations on Park4night
Unusual Experiences in Haute-Savoie by Motorhome
Micro-adventures to Experience on the Road
Sleeping by Lake Bénévent, climbing a pass at dawn, spending the night in an alpine pasture… These small adventures make the trip unforgettable. In the morning, the first lights on the Dents du Midi remain a suspended moment.
Meeting the Locals
Some farms or workshops welcome motorhomers for a night in exchange for a visit or a purchase. A beautiful way to support short supply chains. In Sixt, we shared a meal with a local beekeeper who introduced us to his mountain honeys.
Slow Road Trip
Base yourself for several days in the same campsite and explore by bike: greenway around Lake Annecy, the Joux-Plane pass road, Yaute trails. We spent 3 days around Thônes, alternating bike rides and local markets.
Practical Tips for a Successful Road Trip
Altitude and Mechanics
Some passes rise above 1800 m: be careful with engine braking and the water tank (risk of freezing off-season). After a somewhat tough climb to the Colombière Pass, we understood the importance of engine braking…
Water, Gas, and Waste Management
Bring clean water jerricans and locate emptying stations. Gas bottles are easy to find at stations. We always found what we needed in valley supermarkets or service stations.
Useful Applications
Park4Night, Waze, Météo France, Géovélo, Visorando: precious allies to optimize your road trip. Once, thanks to Visorando, we discovered a small hiking loop with a view of Mont Blanc… that we never would have spotted alone!
Inspirations: Stories, Blogs, and Communities
Travel Blogs
Blogs like VanLife Savoie or Histoires de Roues are full of ideas, campsite reviews, and route maps. Before our departure, we planned our first stages thanks to their informed advice.
Communities to Join
Specialized Facebook groups, forums, collaborative maps: good ways to exchange tips and good plans. We even met a retired couple spotted on a group, with whom we shared an improvised fondue in Abondance.
Extending the Experience
From Haute-Savoie, you can easily cross the border to Swiss Valais or Aosta Valley to continue your road trip. On our side, we continued towards Valais by taking the Forclaz Pass, with the feeling of opening a new chapter in our adventure.
FAQ: Your Questions About Traveling by Motorhome in Haute-Savoie
How to Prepare a Motorhome Road Trip?
Start by defining your itinerary and the duration of your stay. Book your motorhome in advance, check the weather conditions depending on the season, and list the necessary equipment (GPS, guides, utensils, food). Also download useful apps like Park4Night or Visorando. On our first departure, a well-thought-out checklist saved us from many forgettings!
What Are the Must-See Places?
Impossible to miss Lake Annecy, villages like Yvoire or Talloires, alpine resorts of Chamonix and Megève, or natural sites such as the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval. Personally, the contrast between the turquoise waters of Lake Geneva and the snow-capped peaks struck me as soon as we arrived in Évian.
What Are the Best Routes for Motorhomes?
The tour of Lake Annecy is ideal for a gentle and accessible loop. The Great Alpine Road is spectacular, perfect for panorama lovers. For nature immersion, prefer the Giffre Valley or the Chablais. During our road trip, alternating classic routes and unexpected detours enriched each day with discoveries.
