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Situated in one of the most visited sites in the world, the Massif du Mont-Blanc, Haute-Savoie will surprise you. At the gates of Italy and Switzerland, its geographical location made it a strategic place during History, from which it has inherited a splendid architectural heritage. It is also a territory indissociable from its lush and imposing nature which counts no less than nine nature reserves.

Annecy, capital of the Haute-Savoie, is a popular destination for art and history lovers. Thanks to its picturesque canals and bridges, it is often nicknamed the "Venice of Savoy". We will stop at the Palais de l'Île, built in the heart of the city on a rocky island in the 12th century, which was first a prison, then a courthouse, then an administrative building and finally a museum, still to be visited today. Impossible to miss the Château d'Annecy, which overlooks the city from its rocky promontory. Its origins are difficult to trace, it is only known that it was mentioned for the first time in the 13th century. This monumental architecture was the residence of the Counts of Geneva. Following a fire in 1952, the castle was bought back the following year by the commune of Annecy, which restores it entirely. In 1956, he hosted a first exhibition in the columns hall. Today, its conversion to a museum is complete after 40 years of restoration.

Close to the Swiss border, Thonon-les-Bains has the head in the mountains and the feet in Lake Geneva. In this spa known for its natural mineral water lies an incomparable heritage. The castle of Sonnaz, first built by the Count of Savoy in 1920, dominates the port of Rives. However, the building that is currently on the heights of the city is not the original. Dismantled in the 16th century after a fire, it was rebuilt by the family Gerbaix de Sonnaz on the ruins of the first castle. Nowadays, the Musée du Chablais has installed its collections linked to the history and heritage of Chablais. The town of Thonon is also renowned for the practice of water sports on Lake Geneva. Kayaking, sailing, rafting, water skiing... there is plenty to choose from. Grassed beaches have also been created to spend a moment of relaxation at the edge of this magnificent natural site.

Finally, the mountain is also the right place to practice your favorite sports, summer and winter ! In Chamonix Mont-Blanc, cosmopolitan tourist resort, sportsmen will not be left behind. This is the highest peak of the Alps, Mont Blanc, rising to 4809 meters above sea level. It is also a ski resort where many athletes have made their debut such as Lucienne Schmith Couttet, the first major French skiing champion. In the summer, sports activities are diversified : golf, paragliding, mountain biking, swimming, tennis, climbing, tree climbing and, of course, hiking in the mountains.

More information about the region :

Les Bornes

Alpes

Activities and Events

The highest point in the Alps and the highest peak in Western Europe will captivate you with its natural beauty.

Morzine, an authentic and charming village, is located between Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva and the Swiss border.

For lovers of hiking, the Haute Pointe is ideal; to discover in Winter with its superb panorama.