Haut-Savoie

Introduction

For anybody looking for high mountains and their scenery the Haute-Savoie, part of Rhône-Alpes, must be one of the best areas, not just of France but of Europe.

Towns and villages

• Annecy - capital - situated on a lake and hence good for water as well as mountain activities.
• Chamonix - perhaps Europe's principal mountain resort. VERY busy at most times - exellent attractions.
• Évians-les-Bains
• La Clusaz
• Samoens
• Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval - small village with an excellent camp site and good walks and climbs with less mountain fervency than Annecy or Chamonix.

Sights and Activities

• Aiguille du Midi - cable-car - possible to continue into Italy - glorious views of Mont Blanc.
• Mer de Glasse - mountain train from Chamonix with great glacier scenery.
• Mont Blanc - one of the most famous mountains in the world, ascent or traverse (climbers only).

Sleep