Summer and winter alike, the natural landscapes of Savoie will surprise you. In the mountains, the peaceful communes of this department are at one with the Massif des Alpes. Immense natural parks stretch as far as the eye can see. Forests, cliffs, lakes, canyons... It is in the midst of this wild and tranquil nature that many towns and villages full of history are developed and today they live mainly thanks to the "white gold".
Because Savoie is before anything else sixty winter resorts and, as the first French department for winter sports, it is THE favorite destination for ski lovers. There are many areas of fame that go beyond our borders and have seen many athletes making their debut on their winding slopes. But Savoie conceals many other sports activities taking advantage of the mountain's assets. Canoeing in the rivers, climbing, paragliding, canyoning, rafting... We are spoiled for choice in the highlands of Savoy. Not to mention its lakes with all kinds of water sports amid splendid landscapes.
After the effort, the comfort! Everyone knows, the mountain is the ideal place to get fresh ideas. The Aix-les-Bains spa is the best example: a picturesque setting, charming pedestrian streets... and renowned balneotherapy centers that welcome you warmly all year round.
Savoie is also a rich history that marked the urban landscape of its communes. Art and history enthusiasts will travel to Chambéry, the capital of the department and former capital of the states of Savoie. In the heart of the city, the castle of the Dukes of Savoy, built from the Middle Ages, has undergone numerous renovations that testify, through the different artistic styles of its façade, the centuries it has passed through. The imposing Palais de Justice, built between 1850 and 1860 in a neoclassical Sardinian style, was built to accommodate the Senate of Savoy at the time.
But we can not talk about Savoie without talking about gastronomy ! It is notably its cheeses of quality which make the reputation of the department. Thanks to exceptional know-how transmitted from generation to generation, it is here that many cheeses whose simple names give water to the mouth are born. To name but a few : Reblochon, Abondance, Beaufort and Tomme. To savor in plates accompanied by a good glass of wine (Savoyard, as of course !), they are also the kings of Savoyard dishes. The tartiflette and its tasty Reblochon, the Savoyard fondues made of Emmental and (or Beaufort - nicknamed prince of the Gruyères) or a good homemade raclette... enough to make salivante gourmands.
