The prettiest villages in Savoie and Haute-Savoie
Cité médiévale de Conflans
Only 30 minutes from the campsite, this village above Albertville is today the only example of a small fortified medieval village still visible in the Savoie. Picturesque and quiet (cars are not permitted), you have a beautiful view over the Arly river and Albertville. Enjoy a pleasant stroll through the small streets where you will find small shops of artists and craftsmen. In the heart of the village there is a pretty square with cafes and restaurants where you can eat. Take in the historic facades, the gardens, the small streets and visit the colourful church and the Museum of Art and History.
La Clusaz
This ski resort has no shortage of activities to do during the summer. You can go on beautiful hikes, mountain biking, via ferrata and activities in the Bélier Club leisure centre such as an adventure course, zip lines or the big air bag inflatable tyre jump (for a fee).
Very close to the city center of La Clusaz you can visit the "Hameau des Alpes".
This fun, interactive and cultural space in La Clusaz provides the answer to questions such as "How is the famous artisanal Reblochon made?"
and "How did the La Clusaz ski resort develop?"
In addition to the indoor exhibition rooms, a traditional sawmill, two water wheels, a communal oven, two granaries and old photos of La Clusaz can be found outdoors.
This ski resort has no shortage of activities to do during the summer. You can go on beautiful hikes, mountain biking, via ferrata and activities in the Bélier Club leisure centre such as an adventure course, zip lines or the big air bag inflatable tyre jump (for a fee).
Very close to the city center of La Clusaz you can visit the "Hameau des Alpes".
This fun, interactive and cultural space in La Clusaz provides the answer to questions such as "How is the famous artisanal Reblochon made?"
and "How did the La Clusaz ski resort develop?"
In addition to the indoor exhibition rooms, a traditional sawmill, two water wheels, a communal oven, two granaries and old photos of La Clusaz can be found outdoors.
Beaufort
Just after Conflans take the road to Beaufort, a journey of about 25 minutes. This beautiful floral mountain village is famous for its cheese. You can visit the Coopérative Laitière du Beaufortain in the center of the village which houses a 400m2 exhibition dedicated to Beaufort cheese. Then continue to the manufacturing room, a captivating experience for visitors. You can visit the maturing cellars (book on the website) and of course buy cheese in the shop at the end of your visit.
Very close to Beaufort there is the lake and the dam of Roselend (located at an altitude of 1600 meters), it is the 4th highest dam in France. From here there are very beautiful hiking or cycling trails. To go around the lake on foot, count about 4 hours (elevation difference 900 m)
Yvoire
This small medieval village on the shores of Lake Geneva with its castle dating from the 14th century, is officially classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. The castle of Yvoire is today a private castle that cannot be visited. Enter the village through one of the two large medieval doors and let yourself be transported back in time. With its old stone fortifications, flowers everywhere and the view of the lake and the surrounding mountains, this is a magnificently photogenic village.
You can swim in the lake, visit the garden of the 5 senses, a little paradise in the heart of the village and eat in one of the local snack bars, cafes or restaurants.
Alby sur Cheran is a charming little medieval village located between Annecy and Aix-les- Bains, about 45 minutes from the campsite. Discover its arcades and small streets, as well as its colorful houses. The Chéran River is one of the last wild rivers in France, very popular with fishing, canoeing and walking enthusiasts.
Located in the heart of the village, the Shoemaking Museum reveals the artisanal past that has marked the history of the village. A visit to the Notre-Dame de Plaimpalais Church reveals the contemporary architecture of Maurice Novarina and the splendid stained glass windows of Alfred Manessier.
Thanks to the “Follow the Fly” walking trail, you can discover the architectural and natural heritage of the village. You can do this walk alone or with family or friends in any season. Guided tours of the village are also possible upon reservation.
A charming little traditional mountain village perched at an altitude of 870 metres facing the Mont-Blanc massif. Take a stroll in the mountain pastures while enjoying this magnificent panorama. The baroque church dating from 1781 is a listed church.
The village, rich in centuries-old history, is home to a cultural heritage that bears witness to its Savoyard identity. As you stroll through its hamlets, you will discover architectural elements and traditions that have stood the test of time. Cordon is thus a real open-air museum, where each stone and each object tells the story and traditions of the region.
This village at the foot of the Mont Blanc is lively in both summer and winter. Visit the Chamonix Alpine Museum to discover the historical heritage of Mont Blanc.
The Mont Blanc tramway is a railway track that allows you to reach the Nid d’Aigle refuge in summer, located at an altitude of 2,372 metres. This is the starting point for climbers aiming to climb the “Roof of Europe”.
To climb the approximately 3,842 metres of the Aiguille du Midi, the highest peak in Chamonix, take the cable car from the centre of Chamonix. It takes you to the summit in 20 minutes, from where you can admire a breathtaking view.
The Mer de Glace, the seven-kilometre-long and 200-metre-thick glacier, is renowned for being one of the largest in the Alps. From Chamonix, you can take the Montenvers Train, a small railway, which will take you to the glacier. Along the way you can enjoy the scenery until you reach an altitude of over 1,900 metres, where the view of the glacier and its surroundings is breathtaking.
This charming village owes its name "Samoëns" to a medieval expression that describes "the seven mountains" surrounding the village: Cuidex, Vigny, Folly, Oddaz, Bostan, Chardonnière and La Vullie.
It stretches between 700 and 2500 metres above sea level and is the gateway to many hikes (a path along the Giffre, Bourgeoise, climbs to the refuges). From trails climbing to mountain refuges to paths leading to high-altitude lakes, there is something to appeal to everyone.
The hike to the end of the world is particularly spectacular with its splendid view of the mountains and a multitude of waterfalls. It starts from the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval car park and is not very difficult. Just before the official starting point, treat yourself to an enchanting detour to the Cascade du Rouget nicknamed the "Queen of the Alps".
For families, the Samoëns leisure centre (10 ha of landscaped outdoor spaces) is very well laid out. It is accessible on foot from the village centre. You will find free parking, picnic areas, two lakes for fishing or swimming, a large children's play area and a multitude of activities.
Very close to Beaufort there is the lake and the dam of Roselend (located at an altitude of 1600 meters), it is the 4th highest dam in France. From here there are very beautiful hiking or cycling trails. To go around the lake on foot, count about 4 hours (elevation difference 900 m)
Yvoire
This small medieval village on the shores of Lake Geneva with its castle dating from the 14th century, is officially classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. The castle of Yvoire is today a private castle that cannot be visited. Enter the village through one of the two large medieval doors and let yourself be transported back in time. With its old stone fortifications, flowers everywhere and the view of the lake and the surrounding mountains, this is a magnificently photogenic village.
You can swim in the lake, visit the garden of the 5 senses, a little paradise in the heart of the village and eat in one of the local snack bars, cafes or restaurants.
Alby sur Cheran
Alby sur Cheran is a charming little medieval village located between Annecy and Aix-les- Bains, about 45 minutes from the campsite. Discover its arcades and small streets, as well as its colorful houses. The Chéran River is one of the last wild rivers in France, very popular with fishing, canoeing and walking enthusiasts.Located in the heart of the village, the Shoemaking Museum reveals the artisanal past that has marked the history of the village. A visit to the Notre-Dame de Plaimpalais Church reveals the contemporary architecture of Maurice Novarina and the splendid stained glass windows of Alfred Manessier.
Thanks to the “Follow the Fly” walking trail, you can discover the architectural and natural heritage of the village. You can do this walk alone or with family or friends in any season. Guided tours of the village are also possible upon reservation.
Cordon
A charming little traditional mountain village perched at an altitude of 870 metres facing the Mont-Blanc massif. Take a stroll in the mountain pastures while enjoying this magnificent panorama. The baroque church dating from 1781 is a listed church.The village, rich in centuries-old history, is home to a cultural heritage that bears witness to its Savoyard identity. As you stroll through its hamlets, you will discover architectural elements and traditions that have stood the test of time. Cordon is thus a real open-air museum, where each stone and each object tells the story and traditions of the region.
Chamonix
This village at the foot of the Mont Blanc is lively in both summer and winter. Visit the Chamonix Alpine Museum to discover the historical heritage of Mont Blanc.The Mont Blanc tramway is a railway track that allows you to reach the Nid d’Aigle refuge in summer, located at an altitude of 2,372 metres. This is the starting point for climbers aiming to climb the “Roof of Europe”.
To climb the approximately 3,842 metres of the Aiguille du Midi, the highest peak in Chamonix, take the cable car from the centre of Chamonix. It takes you to the summit in 20 minutes, from where you can admire a breathtaking view.
The Mer de Glace, the seven-kilometre-long and 200-metre-thick glacier, is renowned for being one of the largest in the Alps. From Chamonix, you can take the Montenvers Train, a small railway, which will take you to the glacier. Along the way you can enjoy the scenery until you reach an altitude of over 1,900 metres, where the view of the glacier and its surroundings is breathtaking.
Samoëns
This charming village owes its name "Samoëns" to a medieval expression that describes "the seven mountains" surrounding the village: Cuidex, Vigny, Folly, Oddaz, Bostan, Chardonnière and La Vullie.It stretches between 700 and 2500 metres above sea level and is the gateway to many hikes (a path along the Giffre, Bourgeoise, climbs to the refuges). From trails climbing to mountain refuges to paths leading to high-altitude lakes, there is something to appeal to everyone.
The hike to the end of the world is particularly spectacular with its splendid view of the mountains and a multitude of waterfalls. It starts from the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval car park and is not very difficult. Just before the official starting point, treat yourself to an enchanting detour to the Cascade du Rouget nicknamed the "Queen of the Alps".
For families, the Samoëns leisure centre (10 ha of landscaped outdoor spaces) is very well laid out. It is accessible on foot from the village centre. You will find free parking, picnic areas, two lakes for fishing or swimming, a large children's play area and a multitude of activities.
