In one of the most captivating corners of the Alps, holidays in Haute Savoie has become a Mecca for winter sports enthusiasts, boasting some of the most famous ski resorts in the world. Forming part of the Rhone-Alpes region of France, Haute-Savoie is also one of the most sought after areas for ski chalets and self catering holiday accommodation.
Among the biggest draws for skiing and snowboarding is the spectacular Mont Blanc which is the tallest peak in Western Europe, where a wide range of ski slopes caters to all levels of winter sports fans. The most renowned resorts of this majestic mountain include Chamonix, a former host of the Winter Olympics and the vast Port du Soleil, which is made up of numerous Alpine towns and villages. Each of the main resorts will offer equipment rental outlets and ski schools for younger visitors.
However, it is not just the skiing and snowboarding that makes so many people choose a holiday in Haute-Savoie. Throughout the year the area entertains a wealth of hill walkers and extreme sports fans. The nearby Petit Dru is a haven for more exhilarating pursuits and is immensely popular for rock climbing paragliding and white-water rafting. Also a must for anyone looking for thrills is a ride on the Aiguille du Midi cable car, which is one of the highest in the world and also boasts the longest gap between pillars, a stretch of three kilometres. A more relaxing and traditional way to take in the sights is to take a ride on the Mont Blanc tramway, which offers some breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc Massif.
To add to all the wonder of the natural attractions, there is some truly enchanting heritage and culture to discover in Haute-Savoie. The most famous historical location is the main city of Annecy, which has a stunning array of medieval architecture, built on the banks of the Thiou River. The wonderfully preserved winding streets offer the perfect backdrop for a unique romantic escape. A must on your visit is the Palais de l’Isle jail, a 12th century prison in the middle of a canal that is said to be one of the most photographed attractions in France.
For combining culture and heritage with your winter sports holiday, the quaint Alpine town of Bernex comes highly recommended. Listed as a national monument, Bernex is the capital of an area known as the “Land of Art and History” and is home to nine churches, most of which date back to the 1700′s.
Getting to Haute-Savoie couldn’t be easier, as there are daily flights to the nearby airports of Geneva, Grenoble and Chambery and as it is such a popular destination the range of Haute Savoie accommodation on offer is certain to appeal to every type of holidaymaker. From the modern and cosy apartments to the traditional Alpine Chalets, both large families and couples will be able to find that dream home for their holiday.