Home to the magnificent Alps and mountain ranges of the Aravis, the cinematic Bauges, the beautiful Chartreuse, and the astonishing Vanoise are just some of the few most iconic and beautiful areas of the Alps that can be seen in the region of Savoie, France. The region is also home to many iconic historical landmarks such as monuments, museums, castles, and cathedrals primarily found in La Roche-Sur-Foron, Chamonix, and Megève, all across the region.The region is composed of the main cities of Annecy and Chambéry; other mid-sized towns are Annemasse, Aix-les-Bains, Thonon-Les-Bains, and Albertville, bordering Switzerland and Italy; the Savoie is divided into two different departments the Northern (Haute-Savoie) and the Southern Part (Savoie).
10 Aiguille du Midi
The Aiguille du Midi, situated at 3842 meters above sea level, towering from the Mont Blanc range, is one of Chamonix's most distinguishing characteristics. Guests will grasp the 360-degree view of the magnificent, astonishing French, Swiss, and Italian Alps, nothing but breathtaking views. All year round, guests can take the cable car towards the Aiguille du Midi from Chamonix. Even in summer, it is best recommended to wear cozy clothes and layers as the weather isn't like the summer weather most people are accustomed to.
9 Mer de Glace
The Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) glacier, 7km long and 200m deep, is one of the most famous sights in the Chamonix Valley. The Train du Montenvers, a scenic 5-kilometer-long cog train that opened in 1909, connects Gare du Montenvers with Montenvers (1913m). Guests can take a cable car to tour the glaciers and look at the magnificent views of The Glaciorium, which features the glaciology, complete with interactive and instructive demonstrations about glaciers, their formation, and history.
8 Château des Ducs de Savoie
The Château des Ducs de Savoie, a stronghold, imperial house, an emblem of the authority of the Counts and Dukes of Savoie, brings together a magnificent collection of buildings that were built in the 18th century. Quite spectacular with its medieval aura and gothic-like ambiance, the Château des Ducs de Savoie is perfect for tourists who want to indulge in the historical beauty of France. Tours are available daily, and the ticket price starts for adults/children at €6/4.50.
7 Vanoise National Park - Pralognan
The Vanoise National Park is the first national park created in France. Its history is linked to the Gran Paradiso, its border cousin, whose foundation in 1922 in Italy was intended to safeguard the Alpine ibex. Officially created in 1963, the national park is home to 125 species of birds, namely ibex, chamois, and eagle, the long-eared owl, the rock thrush, the rock sparrow, the black grouse, the rock partridge, the rock ptarmigan, and such.
6 Chartreuse Cellars
The Chartreuse Cellars, which include a museum, cellars, bar/tasting room, and gift store, take guests on a journey across the golden ages of the liquor history of France. The Carthusian monks, known to be one of the earliest Christian orders, which still exists today, distilled the emerald-green elixir, famously called "The Elixir of Life," which was taken out from the recipe of an old manuscript back in 1605. The museum does not provide the recipe, which is said to be a top-secret blend of about 130 herbs. Still, it does feature a tasting of the finished products.
5 Ville Ancienne
Rue de la Croix d'Or, one of the busiest streets in the city of Geneve, Switzerland, covers the rose-draped courtyard of the Hôtel du Châteauneuf, with complex wrought-iron grilles providing excellent views of the castle. The historic Old Town of Chambéry gradually exposes its beauty. Rushing through its streets risks missing hidden courtyards, murals, and well-preserved 14th to 18th-century townhomes, many of which are still occupied by modern Chambériens. Stand near the crossroads of the arcaded rue de Boigne and the long, elegant place St-Léger for a stunning view in every direction.
4 Castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard
Located in the deep areas of Saint-Bernard lies the stunningly beautiful Château de Menthon, or the Castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard, one of the Savoyard architectural jewels. Currently, it is still being resided by the locals. The same generations have occupied it for almost 1000 years. According to folklore, it was the basis for Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle, making it truly a remarkable princess-like castle.
3 St. Francis de Sales Cathedral
The St. Francis de Sales Cathedral, located in the heart of Chambery, France, is one of the historical monuments created in the 15th century and was proclaimed a Cathedral only in the year 1779 and later became an archdiocese in 1817. The cathedral is also famous as it contains and features one of the magnificent wonders of art, the trompe-l'oeil paintings in all of Europe, covering about 6000 sq. meters of ceiling area. The church is also founded with 14 chapels dedicated to different saints and a vast collection of ecclesiastical objects.
2 Le Brévent
Le Brévent, with an elevation of 2525 meters, is considered the highest summit on the western side of the Chamonix Valley and features spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif. Frequently visited by hikers and trekkers for it has numerous walking trails that cross through a nature reserve, ledges from which to paraglide, and some vertiginous black runs. Plan Praz is the reference point for the numerous wonderful trekking routes, including hikes to Lake Cornu and Grand Balcon Sud. It's also a prominent place for paragliding take-off. A footpath stretches from the top of Le Brévent to Aiguillette des Houches through the Bel-Lachat mountain chalet. The climbing walls of Brévent face Mont Blanc is a perfect climbing spot for all travelers who want to indulge and appreciate the finest beauty of the place.
1 The Garden of Five Senses, Yvoire
The Garden of Five Senses was designed to capture the beauty of the medieval gardens and features the essence of the hamlet. Gardens were above all practical locations in the Middle Ages and contained herbs and medicinal plants mainly used for consumption and curing certain diseases. The castle gardens are undeniably a place to relax and unwind, kept behind walls; they were a representation of the Garden of Eden. Lilies, columbines, and roses were among the symbolic flowers found.