The most beautiful villages to discover in Savoie

The Savoie department in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is renowned for its ski resorts, crystal-clear lakes and panoramic views of the Alps. But that’s not all Savoie has to offer. Hidden away in the mountains and valleys, you’ll find some incredibly charming villages, full of character and history. Each village has its own unique appeal, whether it’s well-preserved medieval architecture, spectacular views of the Alpine peaks or tasty local cuisine. Here is a selection of the most beautiful villages to discover on your next visit to Savoie.

1. Bonneval-sur-Arc, one of France’s most beautiful villages

Considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, Bonneval-sur-Arc is a real plunge into the past. With its stone houses covered in lauze and its narrow streets, this picturesque village gives the impression of having been frozen in time. In winter, the village becomes a veritable paradise for snow lovers, with its well-maintained ski slopes and breathtaking snow-covered landscapes. In summer, hikers and cyclists can enjoy the natural beauty of the region, with its lush green meadows, crystal-clear streams and majestic peaks.

As well as its breathtaking scenery, Bonneval-sur-Arc also has a rich history to discover. The village is home to a 17th-century baroque church, Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, which is well worth a visit for its colourful frescoes and tufa bell tower. In addition, the Musée d’Ethnographie et d’Archéologie de Bonneval-sur-Arc offers a fascinating insight into traditional life in the Alps in centuries gone by.

2. Chanaz, Savoie’s Venice on the canal

On the banks of the Savières canal lies the charming village of Chanaz. Known as the ‘Savoyard Venice’, Chanaz is famous for the half-timbered houses that line the canal, the narrow cobbled streets and the colourful flowers that adorn the balconies. A boat trip along the canal is one of the best ways to discover the beauty of this village. Guided tours are also available, allowing you to learn more about the history and culture of this small commune.

Chanaz is also known for its oil mill, which produces walnut oil using a traditional method. You can visit the mill, learn how the oil is produced and even buy a bottle to take home. The village is also home to a number of craft workshops, where you can see potters, painters and cabinet-makers at work.

3. Granier, a sunny escape on the slopes of the Tarentaise

Perched on the sunny slopes of the Tarentaise, Granier is a small village with breathtaking views over the valley and surrounding peaks. The village is an ideal starting point for hikes through the mountains and forests of the region. In winter, you can enjoy cross-country and downhill skiing at the nearby ski resorts.

Granier is also famous for its wine-growing tradition. The village is home to several vineyards, where you can sample local wines such as Mondeuse and Persan. The winemakers will be delighted to share their passion for viticulture and their love of the land with you. Don’t miss the chance to sample the local cuisine in one of the village restaurants, where you can enjoy traditional Savoyard dishes prepared with local ingredients.

4. Conflans, Albertville’s medieval jewel

Conflans, on the outskirts of Albertville, is a medieval village that has preserved its old-world charm. With its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and ramparts, Conflans seems straight out of a fairytale. The village is famous for its historic monuments, including the Manuel de Locatel castle, which offers panoramic views over the Arly valley and surrounding mountains.

Take a stroll through the narrow streets of Conflans and you’ll come across numerous craft shops, art galleries and workshops. The village is also renowned for its restaurants, where you can sample traditional Savoyard dishes accompanied by local wines. Don’t miss the Maison Rouge, an art and history museum that traces the history of the region through fascinating exhibitions.

5. Hauteluce, between tradition and authenticity

Hauteluce is an authentic village nestling in the heart of the Savoie mountains. With its traditional wooden chalets, cobbled streets and Baroque church, Hauteluce embodies the very essence of Alpine architecture. The village is surrounded by lush green meadows and dense forests, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking and cycling.

In winter, Hauteluce becomes a lively ski resort, with direct access to the huge Les Saisies ski area. In summer, the village is an ideal starting point for hikes through the mountains and forests of the region. Hauteluce is also known for its cultural heritage, with several historic monuments and places of worship to visit, including the 18th-century church of Saint-Jacques and the old bread oven, which is still used today to bake traditional bread.

6. Beaufort, an escape to the heart of the green mountain pastures

Nestling in the heart of the verdant mountain pastures, Beaufort is a picturesque village famous for its famous cheese, Beaufort. Farming and animal husbandry are at the heart of local life, and you can see cows grazing peacefully in the surrounding meadows. The village is also surrounded by majestic mountains, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking and cycling.

Beaufort is also rich in history and culture. The village is home to the church of Saint-François de Sales, a jewel of Baroque architecture, as well as a number of chapels and mission crosses. By visiting the Beaufort Dairy Cooperative, you can find out more about the production of Beaufort cheese, taste this delicious cheese and even buy a wheel to take home.

7. Aussois, rustic charm at the foot of the Vanoise

Situated at the foot of the Vanoise National Park, Aussois is an authentic village that has preserved its charm and rustic character. With its wooden mountain chalets, cobbled streets and Baroque church, Aussois is a haven of peace. The village offers breathtaking views of the Vanoise peaks and the surrounding glaciers.

Aussois is also a paradise for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. In winter, the village offers direct access to a vast ski area, with runs for all levels. In summer, you can explore the Vanoise National Park, with its hiking trails, alpine lakes and exceptional wildlife, including marmots, chamois and ibex.

8. Valloire, the sunny refuge in the heart of the Alps

Situated at an altitude of 1,400 metres, Valloire is a sunny mountain village with breathtaking views of the peaks of the Alps. The village is famous for its traditional wooden chalets, cobbled streets and its Baroque church, Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, which houses exceptional 17th-century frescoes.

In winter, Valloire becomes a lively ski resort, with direct access to a vast ski area. In summer, the village is an ideal starting point for hikes through the mountains and forests of the region. Valloire is also known for its cultural heritage, with several historic monuments and museums to visit, including the Musée de la vie d’autrefois, which traces local history and traditions.

9. Flumet, the discreet beauty of Savoie

Flumet is a discreet village nestling in the heart of the Savoie mountains. With its traditional wooden chalets, medieval bridge and Gothic church, Flumet has preserved its charm and authenticity. The village is surrounded by lush green meadows and dense forests, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking and cycling.

Flumet is also an ideal destination for lovers of nature and tranquillity. In winter, you can enjoy cross-country and downhill skiing at the nearby ski resorts. In summer, you can explore the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park, with its hiking trails, alpine lakes and exceptional wildlife.

10. La Compôte en Bauges, the ‘grangettes’ village

Situated in the heart of the Massif des Bauges Regional Nature Park, La Compôte en Bauges is an authentic village known for its ‘grangettes’, small wooden barns typical of the region. These barns, scattered throughout the surrounding meadows and forests, add a rustic charm to the landscape.

La Compôte en Bauges is also a paradise for nature lovers. The village is surrounded by majestic mountains, dense forests and crystal-clear lakes, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling and swimming. In winter, you can enjoy cross-country and downhill skiing at the nearby ski resorts. In summer, don’t miss the chance to sample local produce at the village market, where you can discover the flavours of Savoie.

Plan your Savoie adventure: Book your holiday online

Planning your Savoie holiday has never been easier. Many websites and mobile apps allow you to book your accommodation, activities and meals online. Whether you’re looking for a cosy mountain chalet, a hotel room with views of the peaks or a campsite in the heart of nature, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your needs and budget.

What’s more, many local tourist offices offer detailed information on the villages, sights and activities in the area. You can also book guided tours, mountain excursions and ski lessons online. Don’t forget to check the weather conditions and snow forecast before you go, to make sure you get the most out of your stay in Savoie.

Savoie is a land of beauty and tradition, where each village has its own story to tell and its own atmosphere to savour. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, a gourmet or a sports enthusiast, you’ll always find something to discover and enjoy in these beautiful villages. So pack your bags and set off to discover Savoie’s hidden treasures!