Natural, mountainous, rich in fascinating history, Savoie is a unique territory in France. If you’re looking for things to do in Savoie, I’ve got you covered.
Discover the 16 best things to do in Savoie.
Medieval town of Conflans
Address: 73200 Albertville
- Architecture that spans the ages, with medieval treasures such as Costaroche castle.
- Guided tours, audio tours and treasure hunts are regularly organized.
The medieval town of Conflans is the jewel in Albertville’s crown. Entering the town takes you on a journey through time.
Here, time seems to stand still. You have a magnificent view of the Tarentaise valley.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the medieval atmosphere thanks to the many activities and tours on offer. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover its unique heritage and fascinating history.
Aiguille du Midi cable car
Address: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
- Access to the summit terrace at 3842 m with 360° views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps.
- Attractions like “Le Pas dans le Vide,” a glass box suspended over a thousand meters below ground.
- The starting point for numerous mountain races and a museum dedicated to famous mountaineers at 3777m altitude.
Discovering the Aiguille du Midi is definitely a must do in Savoie.
To get there, you hop aboard a cable car. In 20 minutes, you leave the center of Chamonix and YOU find yourself at the gates of the heavens, with a breathtaking panorama of Mont Blanc. The climb itself is a thrill.
Once at the top, in addition to the view, the site offers a variety of attractions such as “Le Pas dans le Vide” and Espace Vertical.
For the full experience, eat in and take your time. Don’t get bogged down in all the activities. Take time to enjoy the feeling of being on the roof of the Alps.
Savoyard ski resorts
- A wide range of activities: downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, mountain biking and climbing. Not an exhaustive list!
- Resorts for skiers of all abilities.
- Magnificent views of the Alps.
With 58 ski resorts to choose from, Savoie is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Choose from world-renowned ski areas and charming villages.
Winter activities are not limited to skiing. Experiences such as tobogganing, dog sledding and even paragliding are on offer. What’s more, the resorts come alive in winter. There are parties, concerts and a host of services (gastronomy, spa, winter cinema…).
In summer, the mountains are transformed to welcome hikers and cyclists. With fewer tourists than in winter, it’s a popular season for those seeking peace and quiet. Rental prices are particularly competitive.
The House of the Albertville Winter Olympics
Address: 15 Av. de Winnenden, 73200 Albertville, France.
- Bobsled simulators to feel Olympic speed.
- Discover the Bellevarde face and the Alpine skiing events of the Albertville Olympics.
- Virtual reality paragliding to explore the Beaufortain landscapes.
- Exhibition on the evolution of Savoie following the 1992 Winter Olympics.
The Maison des Jeux Olympiques d’Hiver is a living tribute to the event that marked Albertville and Savoie in 1992. In this part of France, the locals vibrate as much for the summer Olympics as for the winter ones, and Albertville remains a proud moment for the whole region.
Through interactive and immersive experiences, the Albertville Olympic Winter Games House immerses visitors in the excitement of the Games.
Virtual reality and simulators let you experience the adrenalin of Olympic sports. Children love them, but we also recommend that adults give them a try.
A number of exhibitions tell the story of how this event transformed the region.
It’s both a cultural and a fun visit.
Les Thermes de Saint Gervais
Address: 355 All. du Dr Lépinay, 74170 Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
- Famous thermal baths that have become one of Savoie’s top destinations.
- Situated in a peaceful Alpine setting that brings relaxation and serenity.
The Thermes de Saint Gervais is an oasis of relaxation in the heart of the Alps. Renowned for the therapeutic virtues of its mineral waters, the spa offers health and wellness treatments in an enchanting setting.
Their location in the Alpine valley combines the benefits of spa treatments with the beauty and tranquility of the surrounding countryside.
If you’re looking for an activity to recharge your batteries, this is the place to be.
Chambéry Castle
Address: Place du Château, 73000 Chambéry, France.
- A blend of medieval, Renaissance and classical styles.
- Former residence of the counts and dukes of Savoy.
- Guided tours are available to discover the history and rooms of the château.
The Château de Chambéry is a historic monument that bears witness to the past grandeur of the Dukes of Savoy.
With its impressive towers and elegant facades, the château stands out in the center of Chambéry.
Visits reveal the castle’s interior treasures and, above all, help visitors understand the importance of Savoy in the national story. For a long time, and still today, Savoy has had a strong culture of independence.
A boat trip on Lac du Bourget
Address: Boat rental available in Chanaz and Aix-les-Bains
- France’s largest natural lake.
- Possibility of renting boats without a license or more powerful boats with a license.
- Lake less frequented than Annecy.
- Wonderful views of the Alps, with mountains on either side of the lake.
A boat trip on Lac du Bourget is a moment of pure magic. When you’re on the lake and you see the snow-capped mountains in the background, the Grand Colombier at the finish line, and the town of Aix-les-Bains and Hautecombe Abbey on the sides, you’re in the best possible place.
Where you hire depends on the type of boat you want. For a simple pedalo, you’ll find them on the beach at Aix-les-Bains in summer. For boats with a license, you can rent them at the port of Aix-les-Bains, booking via rental websites. For boats without a license, go to Chanaz.
A hot-air balloon ride over Lake Annecy
Address: Departures are from smaller towns near Annecy.
- Spectacular aerial view of the lake on one side and the Alps on the other.
- Possibility of seeing Mont Blanc.
- Hot air ballooning makes for a peaceful, reassuring trip.
Would you like to take a hot-air balloon ride over the most beautiful lake in France? Several balloon companies offer this activity. Book several weeks or even months in advance, as demand is high.
On D-day, you take off from the shores of Lake Annecy. Depending on the wind, you’ll fly over the lake, or rather over the mountains on its sides. The view of the lake is, of course, a major attraction on a hot-air balloon flight. But you’ll be amazed at the panorama you get.
You can also see the mountain range, Lac du Bourget and, when it’s not too cloudy, Lake Geneva.
We wrote about our hot air ballooning experience in Annecy in this article.
A Savoyard cooking class
- Learn typical recipes such as fondue, tartiflette and raclette.
- Participants are encouraged to prepare and cook the dishes themselves.
- Use of fresh, regional ingredients that highlight the Savoyard terroir.
Savoyard cooking classes are an authentic culinary experience if you love gastronomy.
You’ll find courses available in all the major towns in Savoie. Book a lesson several weeks in advance. Many websites offer such activities. They are also available in gift boxes.
The castle of the Vizille estate
Address: Rue du Château, 38220 Vizille, France.
- The château is famous for its role in the French Revolution.
- It houses a museum dedicated to the history of the French Revolution.
- It includes 100-hectare park classified as one of France’s outstanding gardens.
Castle of Vizille is a landmark in French history. Architecturally, it offers a glimpse of 18th-century elegance. The gardens are a place of tranquility and beauty. Strolling through them is a delightful experience.
But the Castle of Vizille owes its fame to its historical importance. In 1788, it hosted the meeting of the Dauphiné Estates General. To remind you of this, and to learn more about the French Revolution, the château has its own museum.
Paragliding in the Tarentaise Valley
- Aerial views of the mountains, valleys and rivers of the Tarentaise region.
- Tandem flights for beginners or autonomous flights for experienced paragliders.
Paragliding in the Tarentaise valley is an unforgettable way to appreciate the beauty of the Alps.
Paragliding is accessible in many places in Savoie and Haute-Savoie. However, the Tarentaise valley is famous for being the best place in Savoie for paragliding.
Merlet wildlife park
Address: 2495 Chemin de Merlet, 74400 Les Houches, France.
Points to note:
- Close observation of deer, chamois, ibex, marmots and other alpine animals.
- Located on a mountainside with views over the Chamonix valley.
- Several routes for all ages and levels of difficulty.
The Merlet zoo is the ideal place to discover Alpine wildlife in its natural habitat. Unlike most zoos in France, you won’t discover wild animals from other continents, but local animals.
This sanctuary offers unforgettable encounters with animals we know little about. Of course, the green, mountainous setting enhances the quality of the activity.
A stroll through Old Annecy
- Narrow cobbled streets, canals and colorful architecture characterize Vieux-Annecy.
- Visit the Château d’Annecy and the Palais de l’Isle to round off your day.
- Departure point for short cruises on Lake Annecy.
- Many restaurants, bars and ice-cream parlors are located in Vieux-Annecy.
Who hasn’t seen photos of Lake Annecy and Old Annecy? The charm is absolute. To discover Annecy, the lake is the central location. Just next door, Vieux-Annecy is a small town.
You walk along the canals. The architecture is remarkable. Stop for a bite to eat. At lunchtime or in the evening, there are several restaurants to choose from, ranging from gourmet establishments to small brasseries serving raclette with local produce.
During the day, stop off at a glacier. “Le Glacier des Alpes” is an institution and considered to be one of the best glaciers in France.
The mountain animal museum
Address: Les Arcs – 73700 Bourg-Saint-Maurice
- Discover the diversity of animal species that inhabit the Vanoise National Park.
- Exhibitions to raise awareness of environmental preservation and biodiversity.
The mountain animal museum is an interesting place to visit in the ski resort of Les Arcs.
It presents some thirty species of flora and fauna that live in the Vanoise National Park.
The tour is short. So, if you’re already in or near Les Arcs, visit it. Otherwise, a detour might be too long for the duration of the activity.
The museum is also an ecological project. It receives its energy from photovoltaic panels installed on its roof and uses reclaimed rainwater.
A hike around Lac d’Aiguebelette
- Walking trails along the entire length of the lake
- Water activities such as canoeing, rowing and swimming in the lake.
- The lake is surrounded by preserved ecological zones, ideal for wildlife.
A hike around Lac d’Aiguebelette is a peaceful experience that combines sporting effort and scenic contemplation. It’s an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in an unspoilt natural setting.
Hautecombe Abbey
Address: Abbaye, 73310 Saint-Pierre-de-Curtille, France.
- The abbey is famous for its architecture and spiritual history.
- A store selling local products, some of which are produced directly at the abbey.
- Magnificent view of the Abbey from Aix-les-Bains, and even better, from the lake (if you rent a boat).
Hautecombe Abbey is the building that catches everyone’s eye when you look out over Lac du Bourget. Everyone wonders what it’s all about.
Hautecombe Abbey is an active abbey founded in 1125. It is the necropolis of the House of Savoy and several Italian kings and queens.
You can visit this part, as well as the abbey church. However, as the monastery is still inhabited by monks, it cannot be visited.
There’s also a store selling local produce.
Other things to do in Savoie
My list is not exhaustive. I’ve simply listed the activities I enjoyed most during the four years I lived in Savoie. But there are many more:
- Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne Cathedral
- The Fort de la Bastille in Grenoble
- The Grottes de Saint-Christophe
- Chambéry Museum of Fine Arts
- The Opinel Museum in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne
- Climbing in the Vanoise mountains
- Wine tasting and visits to Savoyard vineyards
- A walk in the Massif des Bauges regional nature park and the discovery of the Nivolet Cross
- The Val d’Isère Academy Museum
- A treetop adventure park at La Feclaz
- An excursion to Mont Granier
- The Centre de la Faune Montagnarde in Séez
- …
DenisAs a professional blogger, I take advantage of my flexible schedule to travel a lot. I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list!
