Savoie is a department in the French Alps in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of Southeastern France, its prefecture is Chambéry. It borders the departments of Haute-Savoie, Ain,
Isère and Hautes-Alpes in addition to Aosta Valley and Metropolitan City of Turin in Italy. Together with Haute-Savoie, it is one of the two departments of the historic region of Savoy; the Duchy of Savoy was annexed by France in 1860, following the signature of the Treaty of Turin. The Savoie department (number 73) is known for its numerous ski resorts and contribution to French cuisine, with culinary specialities such as
fondue savoyarde,
génépi, and various sorts of
saucisson. Numerous wine grapes are also grown in Savoie.
Famous Wines of Savoie
The most famous wines are made of Gamay, Pinot Noir and Mondeuse grapes. Fruit production is the third largest component of agriculture in Savoie. Apples and pears are also produced in the region and are well known for their qualities. The department of Savoie is crossed by the Isère river, which has its source in the Iseran pass. Its two main lakes are Lac du Bourget (the largest and deepest lake entirely in France) and Lac d'Aiguebelette, one of the least polluted in France due to a law forbidding any use of motorboats on the lake.
Charming Chambery
Chambéry, the capital of the Savoie department, is a charming city with a rich past, culture and a
small international airport. The city's old town, with its narrow streets and colourful buildings, is a delight to explore. Visitors can also admire the stunning Château des Ducs de Savoie, a former residence of the Savoyard dukes, and the elegant
Place des Éléphants, a square featuring a famous fountain with four lifelike elephant sculptures.
Tourism’s Economic Impact
According to the Chambéry Chamber of Commerce, close to 50% of the department's wealth comes from tourism. Each year, Savoie hosts over 30 million visitor-nights of tourists from all over the world, including from Britain,
Germany, America,
Denmark,
Sweden and many other countries who have a history for loving winter sports and outdoor activities. Tourism, which is quite important to Savoie, began to develop towards the end of the 19th century. The increase in the popularity of skiing in the 20th century made Savoie home to the largest number of ski hills in France, including
Val-d'Isère,
Tignes, Les Arcs, La Plagne,
Courchevel,
Méribel, Les Menuires,
Val Thorens and many more.
Year-Round Outdoor Activities
In addition to its winter sports, the Savoie department boasts a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding, amidst its stunning mountain landscapes. The Vanoise National Park, the first national park in France, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The park is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including ibex, chamois and marmots, and offers numerous
hiking trails that showcase its breathtaking beauty.
A Favourite Alpine Destination
With its stunning scenery, vibrant cities and cultural as well as culinary heritage, the Savoie department is a fantastic destination that offers a many experiences and opportunities for visitors and residents alike.
Key Information about Savoie
- Main City/Prefecture: Chambéry
- Nearest Airport: Chambéry Airport (limited flights; Lyon Airport for major connections)
- Population: Around 436,000 (as of the latest census)
- Area: 6,028 sq. kilometres and 2,327 sq. miles
- Landmark: Château des Ducs de Savoie, a medieval castle with rich history and cultural importance.
- Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 4.5 million, drawn by its ski resorts, mountain scenery and lakes like Bourget.
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