The 16 Most Beautiful Villages In Savoy (Natural Gateway)

The 16 Most Beautiful Villages in Savoy (Natural Gateway)


Discover the most beautiful villages in Savoy and enjoy a varied holiday to the rhythm of history, nature, and culture!

The towns, villages, and mountains of Savoy attract travelers from all over the world! Land of History is especially appreciated for the mountain ranges that cover it.

The Alps reign supreme here, and we discover breathtaking landscapes through the peaks, passes, and steep valleys. Travelers come for winter sports, skiing in mind, or beautiful hikes in incredible settings. You can’t get bored in Savoy!

The region has a rich history, culture, and heritage. To discover its depth, enjoy outdoor sports, or simply sublime landscapes, we can only invite you to visit these 16 most beautiful villages in Savoie with a capital S!

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The 16 Most Beautiful Villages in Savoy (Natural Gateway)

1. Bonneval-Sur-Arc

Most Beautiful Villages in Savoy (Natural Gateway)

Located at the end of the Maurienne valley, the village of Bonneval sur Arc is a treasure trove of authenticity and beauty. Considered one of the favorite villages of the French, one can truly appreciate and discover the atmosphere of the high mountains. Grandiose landscapes surround this small postcard village.

A village is also perfect as a starting point to discover a wild and preserved nature between the national parks of Vanoise and the Gran Paradiso.

2. Chamonix

On the borders of Switzerland and Italy, you will find the mythical village of Chamonix. Located at the foot of Mont Blanc, the town’s history is marked by the adventures of mountaineers and high mountain enthusiasts.

A legendary winter sports resort, this mountain town fascinates with its rich history, cultural heritage, and unique architecture. You can’t come to the Alps without visiting Chamonix, one of the most beautiful villages in Savoy!

3. Yvoire

Located on the French shore of Lake Geneva, the medieval village of Yvoire is a must-see. Surrounded by the Jura and the Alps, the town offers memorable landscapes, with this real inland sea looms below the snow-capped mountains.

Along the walks, you will also appreciate the medieval houses and buildings of character. You can only be seduced by the intact and authentic charm of Yvoire, one of the most beautiful villages in Savoy.

4. La Clusaz

Like many other villages in Savoy, the name La Clusaz rhymes with winter sports. After all, a prestigious destination for snow lovers, it is one of the most popular resorts in the Alps. There are lots of best outdoor activities to do in La clusaz in both the summer and winter seasons.

Made even more famous by the videos of freeride skier Candide Thovex, the resort is a favorite playground for off-piste enthusiasts!

Ais the village also charms by its warm and friendly welcome. Built-in the eighteenth century, its typical architecture does not leave indifferent!

5. Arêches-Beaufort

Located in the Beaufortain massif, this village is particularly known for its dairy farming, producing the famous Beaufort cheese. Wooden alpine chalets thus punctuate the slopes surrounding the town. You will also come across many herds of cows of tarine and abundance breeds during your walks. The resort is a privileged destination in summer and a mecca for ski touring in winter!

6. Courchevel

Some names do not leave indifferent, and that of Courchevel is one of them. Located in the Vanoise massif, this high-end resort is in the heart of one of the largest ski areas in the world: the 3 Valleys. We do not leave ourselves with sublime landscapes surrounding the resort in winter and summer.

But it is obvious when the village and its houses are covered with snow that it reveals all its charm and beauty. These decorations have made Courchevel famous, which cannot fail to count among the most beautiful villages in Savoy.

7. Le Grand Bornand

Photo credit: Flickr – Julien Sabardu

Le Grand Bornand is a typical Savoyard village. Dating from the seventeenth century, it is nestled at 952 meters above sea level, in the heart of the Aravis massif. This land is known for its particular know-how in the manufacture of Reblochon! Lovers of cheeses and Savoyard specialties, you cannot ignore this village of Savoy.

We also discover century-old chalets in the village and its surroundings, accompanied by historical monuments, such as the Maison du Patrimoine bornandin.

8. Aussois

Nestled in Haute Maurienne, at the gates of the Vanoise National Park, Aussois is one of the best villages in Savoy and one of the richest in history. There is thus an incredible cultural heritage in the town: the baroque church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption and its beam of glory or the imposing forts of the Esseillon.

Surrounded by protected nature, this mountain village exudes authenticity. Ideal resorts for families and outdoor or cultural activities are numerous here.

9. Seizures

Little known, Les Saisies is nevertheless one of the prettiest villages in Savoy. This resort is particularly surprised by its unique landscapes and panorama of the Mont-Blanc massif.

Located in an idyllic setting between Beaufortain and Val d’Arly, you will enjoy it both in summer and winter. Its ski area is as vast and interesting as its mountain bike trails!

10. Megève

Megève has preserved its authenticity and charm over the years. Walking through this village, you will love its alleys and typical houses. Very popular with travelers from all over the world, the village continues to grow but remains a typicalLy French resort.

An ideal destination in summer and winter, Megève offers exceptional panoramas, beautiful sporting adventures, and an authentic experience. There are lots of best outdoor activities to do in Megeve in summer and winter that will make your trip unforgettable.

11. La Rosière

Nestled on the border, a stone’s throw from Bourg-Saint-Maurice, La Rosière is connected to the resort of La Thuile in Italy, and it offers a vast ski area. It is thus its Franco-Italian mix, well present in its architecture and gastronomy, which makes all its charm.

Built on the French side of the Col du Petit Saint-Bernard, facing south, the authentic but modern resort enjoys beautiful sunshine coupled with superb snow. What more could you ask for?

12. Val d’Isère

A world-renowned ski resort, Val d’Isère is close to the beautiful town of Bonneval-sur-Arc. Once a tiny mountain village, the town evolved in the 30s into the winter sports resort it is today. Fortunately, you can still appreciate and admire its old village.

The latter, grouped with the hamlets of Crêt and Illaz, is well recognizable thanks to its church. Here you will appreciate its charm and authenticity, with its alleys and old houses.

13. Tignes

Photo credit: Flickr – Miwok

Neighboring Val d’Isère, Tignes is also one of the most charming villages in Savoie. Located in the Vanoise massif in Haute-Tarentaise, it is internationally renowned for its ski area.

If the ancestral village disappeared under the waves during the dam’s construction, you would necessarily appreciate the superb views of the resort, with its central lake.

The surrounding mountainous landscapes are also breathtaking. There are many best things to do in Tignes in summer and winter for everyone.

14. Morzine

Located in the Aulps valley, Morzine is an authentic Savoyard village of 3,000 inhabitants. Nestled in a valley of fir trees, it has been home to a winter sports resort since the 30s.

Nevertheless, it has not sacrificed its authenticity to the demands of tourism. Its architectural and cultural heritage, with its wooden chalets covered with local slates, has been admirably preserved.

The resort is finally a mecca of French skiing since it is located in the heart of the vast area of the Portes du Soleil.

15. Valloire

A family ski resort in the Alps, Valloire is the southernmost of the communes of Savoie. Nestled in front of the Galibier, it is collected in the hollow of a valley surrounded by beautiful mountains.

Magnificent in winter, when the snow covers its mountains, the charming village has it all the more in summer with its wooded landscapes. Ideal for both winter and summer sports, it is also home to a beautiful cultural and historical heritage.

16. Abondance

Located a few kilometers from Lake Geneva, Abondance is certainly one of the most beautiful villages in Savoie. Located at the Portes du Soleil ski area entrance, the history of this village is closely linked to that of the Abbey of Abondance, founded in 1108.

Known for its cheeses and its famous cattle breed, Abondance can only fascinate with its cultural heritage, landscapes, and exceptional local products.

This mountain village is finally crossed by the mythical Route des Grandes Alpes, of which it is an essential stop!

Al Amin Sagor

Hi, I'm Al Amin Sagor. Join me as I share travel tips, personal insights, and amazing experiences that have shaped my adventures. Let's explore together and make lasting memories.

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