Nestled between sparkling lakes, deep forests, and alpine peaks, the villages of Haute-Savoie offer an authentic and preserved charm. This section invites you to discover the gems of our region, where heritage, Savoyard traditions, and the beauty of the landscapes meet.
Our selection of the most beautiful villages to visit in Haute-Savoie
Whether clinging to the mountainside or nestled on the shore of the Lake Léman, these villages tell a story. Cobblestone streets, century-old chalets, baroque churches, and flower-filled squares create the setting for a timeless journey. Whether you are a heritage enthusiast, a nature lover, or seeking authenticity, you will find exceptional places to explore here.
Set out to meet these classified, certified, or simply beloved villages by visitors: each has a soul and character worth the detour.
The pearls near Lake Annecy
Menthon Saint Bernard
On the shores of Lake Annecy, Menthon-Saint-Bernard is a village full of character, with discreet elegance. Dominated by its imposing medieval castle perched on a hill, this place rich in history offers exceptional views over the lake and surrounding mountains. The castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard, an architectural marvel, is one of the village’s main attractions. Its quiet streets, idyllic beaches, and hiking trails make it an ideal setting for nature lovers and heritage enthusiasts. Menthon-Saint-Bernard is a true haven of peace where a serene and authentic atmosphere reigns.
Talloires-Montmin between lake and mountain
Perched on the shores of the Lake Annecy, Talloires is an iconic village with refined charm. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, it offers an idyllic setting surrounded by mountains and forests. This picturesque village captivates with its peaceful atmosphere and rich heritage, notably with the Abbey of Talloires, a former Benedictine monastery turned luxury hotel. Highly popular among water sports and hiking enthusiasts, Talloires is also a gastronomic destination with renowned restaurants offering stunning views over the lake. This magical place combines nature, history, and elegance.
Veyrier-du-Lac, an exceptional panorama
Along the mountainside, Veyrier-du-Lac stretches along the east shore of Lake Annecy, offering an exceptional panoramic view of the turquoise waters and the surrounding peaks. This discreet and residential village is prized for its calm, peaceful beaches, and privileged access to the Mont Veyrier trails, perfect for hiking and nature lovers. From its heights, sunsets over the lake take on an almost meditative quality. Its small marina, terrace restaurants, and elegant homes give it an atmosphere that is both chic and relaxed. Veyrier-du-Lac embodies the sweet Savoyard way of life, between lake, mountain, and serenity.
The must-see places in Haute-Savoie
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is a treasure nestled in the heart of the Alps. Surrounded by cliffs and spectacular waterfalls, including the famous Cascade du Rouget, the village extends to the Sixt-Passy Nature Reserve, and the Fer à Cheval circus. Its historical heritage, with its 12th-century abbey and numerous traditional hamlets, makes it a place steeped in authenticity. Summer or winter, it offers a wide range of activities, from skiing to hiking. Sixt captivates with its natural beauty, tranquility, and preserved atmosphere, ideal for a rejuvenating getaway in Haute-Savoie.
Yvoire, the pearl of Lake Léman
Located on the shores of Lake Léman, Yvoire is a medieval village classified among the most beautiful in France. Its ramparts, 14th-century castle, and cobblestone streets adorned with flowers give it a unique charm. Yvoire is also famous for its remarkable gardens, notably the Garden of Five Senses, where nature is sublimated in an enchanting setting. This picturesque village by the water offers visitors a peaceful atmosphere conducive to relaxation while being a true jewel of history and beauty on the shores of Léman.
Samoëns, the charm of an authentic village
Samoëns is one of the rare mountain villages to have truly preserved a Savoyard soul. Classified as a “Land of Art and History”, it is known for its unique built heritage, shaped by stonemasons — the famous “frahans” — who left their mark throughout the town. Stroll through the Gros Tilleul square, admire the beautiful Saint-Nicolas church, and discover the alpine botanical garden “La Jaÿsinia,” a green jewel hanging above the village. Far from the hustle of ski resorts, Samoëns charms with its gentle way of life, lively markets, and direct access to the Grand Massif ski area, an exceptional playground in winter and summer alike.
Mountain villages not to be missed
Chamonix, capital of mountaineering
World-renowned, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is much more than a sporting destination: it is a true legend. The birthplace of mountaineering, it has attracted adventurers from around the world since the first ascent of Mont-Blanc in 1786. The vibrant and cosmopolitan town center combines high-end sports shops, gourmet restaurants, and art galleries. But it is above all the natural setting that impresses: Aiguille du Midi, Mer de Glace, Bossons Glacier… At every street corner, a postcard panorama. Accessible year-round, Chamonix also offers numerous hikes, extreme outdoor activities (paragliding, via ferrata, trail running), and a unique immersion into the world of high mountains.
Megève, elegance and tradition
Created in the 1920s as the French alternative to St. Moritz, Megève has always embodied mountain chic. Behind its cobblestone streets and lively squares lie exceptional chalets, five-star hotels, and a renowned gastronomic scene (including several starred restaurants). The atmosphere is subdued, between discreet elegance and carefully preserved local traditions. In winter, the wooded slopes of the Évasion Mont-Blanc ski area offer skiers a sublime setting; in summer, Megève transforms into a green haven, perfect for golf, hiking, and open-air classical concerts. It is the ideal destination for a stay combining art of living, nature, and refinement.
La Clusaz, alpine spirit and conviviality
Hidden in the heart of the Aravis, La Clusaz is a ski resort village with a warm and family-friendly atmosphere. Its pedestrian center, with traditional chalets, lively terraces, and an onion-domed bell tower, offers a true postcard of Savoyard mountain life. Renowned for its varied ski area, much appreciated by freeriders, the resort also offers a multitude of off-ski activities: sledding, biathlon, snowshoe walks, as well as spa and local gastronomy. In summer, the alpine meadows turn into flower-filled pastures, perfect for hiking or mountain biking. La Clusaz is also a village that cultivates the mountain lifestyle art, between shared tartiflette and friendly festivals.
Activities and leisure in the villages of Haute-Savoie
Hiking and nature discoveries
Haute-Savoie is a paradise for lovers of wide-open spaces. Each village is a starting point for numerous marked trails, suitable for all levels. From Talloires or Menthon-Saint-Bernard, set out to discover the roc de Chère or the plateaus of Tournette, with breathtaking views over Lake Annecy. On the mountain side, legendary hikes await you: the tour des Fiz, the lac Blanc, the circus of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, or the col des Aravis from La Clusaz. Wildlife, flowered pastures, breathtaking panoramas: each outing is an immersion in a preserved nature. For families, playful walks dotted with explanatory signs or activities such as blueberry picking allow you to combine pleasure and discovery.
Festivals and cultural events
In all seasons, the villages of Haute-Savoie live to the rhythm of festivals, traditional celebrations, and cultural events. In summer, Megève hosts open-air classical music concerts, while Chamonix vibrates to its jazz festival or the CosmoJazz Festival, blending music and nature in unusual places. In Yvoire, the medieval festivals plunge visitors into another time, with period costumes and street performances. In winter, the magic happens with typical Christmas markets, torchlight descents, or on-slope entertainment. In each village, these events celebrate know-how, gastronomy, history, and mountain spirit, and are a perfect opportunity for an authentic encounter with the locals.
Winter sports and snow pleasures
Haute-Savoie is a land of snow and sliding par excellence. From family resorts like La Clusaz or Samoëns to legendary domains like Chamonix or Megève, the offer is varied, rich, and accessible to all. Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, but also snowshoeing, sledding, dog sledding, fatbiking on snow, or even outdoor Nordic baths: the possibilities are endless. Beginners will find secure spaces and quality ski schools, while the more experienced can venture on off-piste routes or try a descent of the Vallée Blanche with a guide. The atmosphere in the villages remains warm and lively, between firesides, mulled wine on terraces, and mountain evenings around a fondue or raclette.
Plan your visit to Haute-Savoie
Travel tips and best time to visit
The best time to visit Haute-Savoie depends on your desires:
- In summer (June to September), the lakes are perfect for swimming, the mountains for hiking, and the villages for strolling.
- In winter (December to March), the region turns into a snowy postcard for winter sports.
- Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) offer a more intimate and poetic face, with sublime colors and a gentler attendance.
Remember to book in advance during school holidays or long weekends, especially in villages close to Annecy or major resorts. Favor clothing adapted to the altitude (even in summer), and check the opening of mountain passes and roads, sometimes closed in winter.
Accommodation and dining: where to stay?
Charming guesthouses, hotels with lake views, traditional chalets, or family inns: the offer is varied. On the gastronomy side, fondues, lake fish, crozets, and blueberry tarts await you.
How to get to the villages of Haute-Savoie?
Haute-Savoie is well served, despite its relief.
- By train, you can easily reach Annecy, Cluses, Sallanches, or Thonon-les-Bains, then continue by bus or shuttle. The TGV station in Annecy is an excellent gateway.
- By car, access is via the A40 or A41, depending on your arrival point. Numerous scenic roads connect the villages, offering magnificent views.
- By plane, the closest airports are Geneva (45 min from Annecy) and Lyon-Saint-Exupéry (about 2 hours), both connected by buses and shuttles.
- Once there, some villages offer free shuttles (notably in winter) to get around without a car.
For a more sustainable stay, it is also possible to rent electric bikes or use regional bus lines to reach even the most remote hamlets.
Your next destination?
Between authenticity, natural beauty, and a gentle way of life, the villages of Haute-Savoie are true treasures to discover throughout the seasons. Whether for a nature weekend, a romantic stay, or family holidays, the magic works at every street corner.
To read: Visiting Haute-Savoie in 7 days