There are few places that I’ve visited in the world that have stolen my heart, captured my imagination and taken my breath away like that of the French Alps. (Image: Emily Davison)
Located east of Geneva and covering an area of some 4,300 kilometres, this region is famous for its mountains like Mont Blanc, historic towns and villages, and of course its many ski resorts like that in Chamonix and La Clusaz.
It’s surreal to think that an hour’s flight to Geneva from London and a 90-minute car ride can take you to any number of its iconic locations, with views that feel as if they’ve been plucked straight out of The Moomins.
But aside from it being a popular ski destination, this unique region has a truly diverse mix of activities and things to do, regardless of how athletic you are.
From sampling the region’s wine, fondue and raclette, to exploring its villages and towns like Annecy and Yvoire, or hiking to see views of Mont Blanc, this region can really suit the whole family for a trip away.
Places to Stay
If you’re planning a visit to Évian-les-Bains, with its mineral water springs which were first discovered in 1789, the Hôtel Ermitage is a luxury four-star hotel that’s well suited for families.
Located within the Evian resort, this hotel makes up the quartet of hotels including the famed Hotel Royal and chalet style Hôtel de La Verniaz.
The hotel offers up incredible views of the town along with an outdoor pool, spa, children’s play area and easy access to the town.
From there you can easily take the charming 100-year-old Funicular ”little Evian metro” train to the town, where you can have a drink from the famous Cachat Spring and see its adjoining Buvette in Évian-les-Bains.
The town is rich in architecture dating back to the 1830s, when the town was established as a spa town, with its historic wooden spa – The Palais Lumière – which has been repurposed as a cultural centre where you can learn about the town’s 200-year history.
In the region of La Clusaz, the St-Alban hotel is well situated within the town and offers that traditional ski resort charm, with rustic-style chalet rooms and incredible views of the Aravis Mountain.
The four-star hotel features a downstairs NUXE spa with a pool, steam room and sauna, as well as an on-site bar and restaurant.
But a must-do if staying here is to take a short walk to the L’Outa – a cosy chalet-style restaurant with views of the mountains, serving up a traditional French menu of raclette, fondue and regional wines.
But another regional dish to sample whilst in this region is Reblochonnade – a creamy melting cheese served with breads, meats and potatoes native to the region.
You can sample this particular dish if you visit the farm Ferme des Corbassières, where you can also explore the dairy farm known for making Reblochon cheese.
Finally, if you’re planning on visiting the Chamonix, whether you’re planning to take a trip to Mont Blanc or see the Mer de Glace, the modern and vibrant chalet-style hotel of Hôtel Les Aiglons is well situated in the area, just 10 minutes walk to the Montenvers Train.
The hotel is within the centre of Chamonix and offers views of the mountains with an outdoor pool, as well as a spa and an on-site Italian restaurant – Casa Nonna.
The town is one of the region’s most popular spots and is thronging with shops and restaurants, and it’s where you can also try a number of activities from hiking to paragliding.
Historic charm and quaint villages
No trip to the region would be complete without a stop off at the capital of Annecy nicknamed “The Venice of the Alps”.
The town, which dates to 3100 BC, is formed alongside a series of canals that lead out onto Lake Annecy, where you can take a boat trip, go swimming or try any number of water sports, making it a coveted spot for families during the warmer months.
Today you can see many of its historic buildings like its Palais de l’Île, which was built in the 12th century and was used as a fortress, a prison and later a courtroom.
But 46 miles north of Annecy, set aside Lake Geneva, lies the charming town of Yvoire – a 14th century fishing town known for its famous Jardin des Cinq Sens botanic garden and 14th century chateau.
Strolling through the town with its cobbled streets, lakeside views with wooden boats and its colourful flowerboxes, this location is well worth a visit if you fancy exploring somewhere that feels like a Disney set.
But, speaking of Disney, in the region of Saint-Bernard you’ll find Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard & Gardens, which was famously the inspiration behind the castle depicted in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.
The current structure dates back as early as the 13th century and has belonged to the Menthon family, and was transformed into an opulent family residence during the Renaissance, after centuries being used as a fortress against attack.
Scenic Views and Natural Beauty
One of the region’s crowning glories is Mont Blanc, which is neighboured by the town of Chamonix and is one of the area’s most popular ski destinations.
One unmissable sight to see is the Ice Cave and Mer de Glace, which you can get to by the iconic red Montenvers Train, which first opened in 1908.
This historic train, first built to transport skiers up and down the mountain, is recognisable by its vibrant red frame contrasting against the Alpine green landscape and ice-capped mountains.
After a ride and a following gondola trip you’ll arrive at the summit of the Mer de Glace, which requires some 150 steps to reach the bottom.
Here you can see what is France’s largest glacier, measuring a whopping 7km, and explore the tunnels of the manmade Ice Cave, which is cut into the glacier annually and has been since the 1940s.
Rest and Rejuvenation
With its many natural springs, the region also offers holiday goers the chance to relax and unwind at a spa, with one of its most famous spas being that of the Les Thermes de Saint-Gervais.
Before the 19th century, Saint-Gervais had been a small rural area only inhabited by the agricultural community.
But Joseph-Marie Gontard discovered the natural healing properties of the mineral waters of Saint-Gervais and in 1807 the Saint-Gervais Thermal Baths began.
From humble beginnings, this popular spa resort offers a number of outdoor Thermal Pools with views of the mountains, as well as outdoor steam rooms, saunas and a hammam to try, with entry starting from 29 euros for adults and 17 euros for children.
If you’re visiting the region of Mont Blanc, the baths are well worth a visit, with other towns like Le Fayet a ride away on the Le Valléen gondola.
The region of Haute-Savoie is both rich and diverse in what it offers to holiday makers, and one that you could revisit finding new things to do time and time again.
The region is one of the most beautiful parts of France I’ve visited, with some of the most awe-inspiring sights I’ve ever seen, and certainly a bucket list trip with so many possibilities.
As I departed Geneva bound for London, I found myself wistfully looking back at the region that had me hooked for four days, promising myself that I’d return again.
