Located in the French Alps, the Savoie Mont-Blanc region covers the territory of the two departments of Savoie and Haute-Savoie. The region has plenty to offer nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. My playgrounds are the Bauges, Bornes, and Aravis. These three mountain ranges, which rise around Lake Annecy, have so much to offer. I invite you to discover the Savoie Mont-Blanc region through hikes, waterfalls, via ferrata, skiing, and other adventures…
The Savoie Mont-Blanc region comprises several mountain ranges. I have therefore organised my articles by massif. To help you navigate, I have prepared the map below:
Bauges (Bauges mountain range)
The Bauges massif is located between Lake Annecy and Lake Bourget. It was designated a geopark in 1995, which has likely helped in its preservation. It is a micro-region with human-scale mountains, full of natural riches. Like the Aravis massif, it has managed to retain its wild character. The mountains are a bit lower but also less frequented than their neighbours. However, the highest point of the Bauges massif is the Pointe de l’Arcalod, which still reaches 2,217 metres in altitude! The massif straddles both Savoie and Haute-Savoie, between Chambéry and Annecy, between Lake Bourget and Lake Annecy. The massif has two faces: rural and protected, a gem in the increasingly touristy Savoie Mont-Blanc region.
Bornes-Aravis Mountain range
In my articles, I have decided to group the Bornes massif and the Aravis massif together. These two massifs are often confused, as they are located right next to each other. Though less wild than the Bauges, the Bornes-Aravis massif is more spectacular. It also boasts two ski resorts: La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand, perfect for enjoying winter sports or hiking in the summer. There are also many waterfalls! I’ll let you discover them…
Mont-Blanc Mountain range
The legendary Mont Blanc, towering at 4,807 metres, the Aiguille du Midi, the Mer de Glace, and Chamonix, the world capital of mountaineering… iconic places to explore. A dream for any climber or hiker. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been there. Every visit, I’m still awestruck by the majesty of this massif. Out of the mountain range in the Savoie Mont Blanc region of French Alps, this is the most spectacular but also pretty busy when the sun is shinning, no matter the season.
Le Massif de la Chartreuse
With its limestone cliffs and rather humid climate, the Chartreuse massif is full of beautiful waterfalls, such as the cascades of the Cirque de Saint-Même and the cascades of Alloix. This massif, located between Chambéry and Grenoble, is often crowded in the summer but still retains a wild charm. The massif is famous for its liqueur and monastery, as well as for Savoie wine, with vineyards cultivated on one of its slopes.
