Savoie, tucked in the heart of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France, is where emerald lakes meet crystal-clear skies and Alpine peaks rise like friendly sentinels. This region invites vacation rentals and house rentals that feel like home base for epic adventures, cozy evenings, and shared memories with friends, family, and fellow travelers. Whether you crave lakeside strolls, mountain summits, or a vibrant village scene with markets and cafés, Savoie serves up a delicious mix of outdoor thrills, culture, cuisine, and unforgettable local experiences. If you’re hunting for the perfect place to stay in Savoie, a quick look at searchandstay.com will connect you with vacation rentals and holiday rentals that fit every vibe and budget, from stylish apartments near Annecy’s canals to spacious chalets in the Tarentaise valleys.
Why Savoie is a dream for vacation rentals
In Savoie, you don’t just choose a destination—you choose your daily backdrop. Picture mornings waking up to a sunlit glacier panorama, afternoons paddling a kayak on a sapphire lake, and evenings gathered around a fondue pot with neighbors and new friends. The region blends the convenience of accessible towns with the spirit of the mountains, so you can hop from a tiny Alpine village to a bustling lakeside town in a matter of hours. The accommodation options are as diverse as the landscape: intimate alpine lodges, riverfront apartments, charming farmhouses, and contemporary lofts with mountain views. Each style brings its own vibe to your stay, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with friends, or with kids in tow.
From a traveler’s lens, Savoie is a living playground for outdoor enthusiasts and culture lovers alike. Snow-lapped peaks in winter invite skiers to famous resorts, while in summer the same mountains transform into hiking corridors, bike routes, and high-alpine adventures. And the lakes—most famously Lake Annecy—offer water sports, sailing, and sunset picnics that feel almost cinematic. Add in small-town charm, farmers markets, and Savoyard hospitality, and you have a slice of France that feels both timeless and incredibly current. When you book a vacation rental or house rental in Savoie, you’re not just booking a place to sleep; you’re reserving a doorway to daily experiences you’ll remember long after you pack your bags.
Where to stay: vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and house rentals
Whether you want a quiet lakeside studio with a balcony for early-morning coffee, a spacious chalet with a fireplace for winter evenings, or a rustic farmhouse that’s perfect for families, Savoie has options that align with almost any traveler’s needs. Look for listings that highlight proximity to nature trails, skiing lifts, or town centers, depending on your priorities. Amenities to consider include fast Wi-Fi for planning days on the go, parking for a car (often essential in Alpine regions), fully equipped kitchens for cooking Savoyard specialties, washing machines for longer stays, and pet-friendly policies if your furry friend is joining the adventure. Choosing a place near public transit or with easy car access can make day trips smoother, especially if you’re exploring multiple valleys and lakes during your stay.
For many travelers, a key consideration is whether to stay in a lively town like Annecy or Aix-les-Bains, or in a quieter village perched above the valley floor. Stays around Annecy give you proximity to the lake, canal-side strolls, and a vibrant dining scene. A little farther afield, towns like Chambéry or Le Bourget-du-Lac offer calmer evenings and easy access to nature reserves. In the Tarentaise and Beaufortain areas, chalet rentals feel like a home-away-from-home after a day on the slopes or hiking in pristine alpine pastures. No matter the choice, vacation rentals in Savoie often come with breathtaking views, terrace spaces for al fresco meals, and a sense of being part of the landscape rather than merely visiting it.
- Chalets and mountain lodges with balconies or terraces
- Modern apartments near lakeside promenades
- Farmhouse lodges with rustic charm
- Family-friendly homes with multiple bedrooms and outdoor space
- Accessible accommodations with ground-floor layouts and wide doorways
When you’re ready to book, searchandstay.com is a reliable resource to find accommodations in the Savoie area. The platform curates vacation rentals and holiday rentals across towns and hillside villages, helping you compare dates, prices, and amenities to suit your travel plans. You’ll see listings that emphasize easy access to activities, nearby dining, and family-ready facilities, all of which can save time and keep your trip running smoothly.
Top destinations in Savoie
Each corner of Savoie has its own character, from lakeside charm to high alpine thrills. Here are some standout places to consider for your stay, along with what makes them special and the kinds of vacation rentals that pair well with each experience.
Annecy and the Lake Annecy region: a watercoloured paradise
Annecy is often called the Venice of the Alps for its winding canals, pastel-hued houses, and a lake so clear it invites spontaneous boat trips. The lake’s circumference is dotted with beaches, parks, and viewpoints that lure hikers and cyclists. A vacation rental near the lakefront sways you into a daily rhythm of strolls along the promenade, picnics by the water, and sunset views that look like postcard scenes. In town, the old quarter (La Vieille Ville) offers narrow lanes, markets, and cafés where you can sample Savoyard cheeses and fresh pastries. For families, there are pedal boats, a lakeside park with play areas, and easy access to boat cruises that reveal the shoreline from a new angle. If you love outdoor adventures coupled with a sophisticated town vibe, Annecy is an excellent anchor for your Savoie stay.
Tip for accommodations: look for river or lake view listings and consider a rental with a terrace so mornings can begin with a gentle breeze and a view of Mont Blanc in the distance. The region’s bike routes and walking paths connect seamlessly to Annecy’s towns, making it ideal for day trips without needing to drive every day.
Chambéry and the Alpine gateway: culture meets mountains
Chambéry, the capital of Savoie, blends medieval streets with gateway vibes to the mountains. It’s a great spot if you want a base for longer excursions into the Chartreuse or Belledonne ranges, while still enjoying a walkable town center, markets, and a thriving café scene. A vacation rental in Chambéry puts you within strolling distance of historic architecture, theFontaine des Éléphants, and easy rail connections to the rest of the region. The city also makes a comfortable launchpad for day trips to nearby lakes and alpine trails. For groups or families, a charming townhouse or a spacious apartment near the town center offers convenience without sacrificing immersion in local life.
Tip for accommodations: choose listings with easy access to public transit, especially if you plan to explore hillside trails or drive to smaller villages for a cheese-tasting stop along the way.
Aix-les-Bains: thermal spa serenity and lakeside charm
Aix-les-Bains sits on the eastern shore of Lac du Bourget, the largest natural lake in France. The town is known for thermal spas, wellness experiences, and a refined lakeside atmosphere. A rental here pairs perfectly with spa days, lakeside promenades, and evenings exploring the local bistros. In summer, you can take a stroll along the Turquoise promenade, rent a stand-up paddleboard, or embark on a gentle cruise to admire the surrounding mountains from the water. If your vacation rental has a private garden or a balcony with lake views, you’ll have the ideal setting for sunset tastings of local cheeses and wines after a day of exploration.
Tip for accommodations: consider properties with easy access to the Lac du Bourget shore, as well as proximity to the town’s thermal centers for stress-free wellness days.
La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand: classic Savoy mountain villages
La Clusaz and Le Grand-Bornand are quintessential Savoyard villages that glow with Alpine charm. In winter, they become powder playgrounds with family-friendly ski zones, gentle slopes for beginners, and lively après-ski scenes. In summer, these villages transform into hiking hubs with panoramic ridgeline trails, alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, and goat trails where you can hear bells ring across the valleys. A chalet rental here feels like a true mountain escape, often offering easy access to ski lifts in winter and hiking trails in summer. If you want a taste of authentic Alpine village life—farmshops, dairy stalls, and local markets—these towns are perfect bases.
Tip for accommodations: pick a property near the chairlift base or village center to maximize time on the slopes or on footpaths, and enjoy the evening lights of the village after a day’s adventures.
Val Thorens, Méribel, Courchevel, and the wider Paradiski and Three Valleys areas
For skiers and snowboarders, Savoie shines with some of Europe’s best-known resort clusters. Val Thorens, Courchevel, Méribel, La Tania, and Les Menuires form part of the massive Three Valleys network, offering hundreds of kilometres of pistes and a village-to-summit mountain culture that’s both thrilling and welcoming to travelers of all levels. The same places morph into summer playgrounds with mountain biking, via ferrata routes, and scenic lifts that carry hikers to high-altitude meadows. Wherever you choose to stay within these resort areas, a vacation rental with easy access to the slopes or gondolas makes daily adventures seamless. If you’re traveling with a group, a large chalet in a resort village can be a fantastic home base with shared living spaces after busy days on the mountains.
Tip for accommodations: look for ski-in/ski-out options or rentals with parking and proximity to shuttle services for easy transit between slopes and village centers.
Tarentaise and Beaufortain: quieter trails and authentic alpine life
The Tarentaise and Beaufortain valleys offer a broader spectrum of experiences beyond the big-name resorts. Here you’ll find gentler alpine trails, family-run dairy farms, and timeless villages where local life remains intimately connected to the mountains. It’s a superb choice for travelers seeking a slower pace, authentic cuisine, and nature immersion. Vacation rentals in these valleys often provide direct access to hiking loops, pastoral scenery, and seasonal markets that showcase Beaufort and Reblochon cheeses, smoked meats, and regional specialties. If you’re chasing starry skies, these quieter corners can also be excellent stargazing locations away from city lights.
Tip for accommodations: consider a farmstay or a chalet with a terrace for evening tastings of local cheeses followed by a quiet night under a mountain sky.
Seasonal experiences: what to do in Savoie across the year
One of the best parts about Savoie is how its activities shift with the seasons, inviting you to design a trip that suits your mood and the weather. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, romance, or family-friendly fun, there’s a rhythm for every month.
Winter wonders: skiing, snowshoeing, and cozy alpine nights
Winter in Savoie is synonymous with world-class ski areas and snowy landscapes that feel carved from a postcard. From the high-altitude runs of Val Thorens to the family-friendly slopes of La Clusaz, there’s terrain for every level. Snowshoeing under a pale blue sky, ice skating by a sunlit rink, and après-ski moments with mulled wine and live music create a festive atmosphere across towns. Your vacation rental near the slopes can become a warm retreat after a day on the pistes, with a fireplace, thick blankets, and a hot meal waiting at the table. Don’t miss a scenic drive through snow-dusted valleys to discover rustic chalets and cheese farms offering tasting sessions after a day in the snow.
Spring and autumn: nature waking and harvest flavors
As the snow recedes, the mountains reveal valleys shaded in fresh greens. Spring is ideal for hiking, wildlife spotting, and blossoming wildflowers along high-altitude passes. Autumn brings a harvest mood with markets highlighting Chestnuts, apples, Savoy cheeses, and locally produced wines. It’s a forgiving time for travelers who want to enjoy outdoor activities with fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures. Vacation rentals with easy access to hiking trails and markets let you wake up to cool mountain air and plan your day around a scenic route or a local festival.
Summer: lakes, cycles, and alpine adventures
Summer brings a rich palette of outdoor pursuits. Lake Annecy becomes the stage for stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, and refreshing swims, while the surrounding hills offer exhilarating road biking and mountain biking routes. If you’re into trekking, the Vanoise National Park and surrounding valleys provide well-marked trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints and wildflower-filled meadows. Family-friendly activities abound: pedal boats, riverside picnics, and gentle hikes with interpretive signs that reveal local flora and fauna. A lakeside vacation rental gives you a front-row seat to long days that stretch into evenings of gelato, music festivals, and open-air dining along walking streets in many towns.
Local experiences and Savoyard hospitality
Beyond landscapes, Savoie invites you into a warm, inclusive local culture. Savoyard hospitality shines in family-run restaurants, markets, and small museums that celebrate cheese-making, history, and regional crafts. Cheese lovers can explore Beaufort and Reblochon dairies, watching traditional cheesemaking and tasting wheels that have aged to perfection. Market days in towns like Chambéry, Annecy, or Aix-les-Bains feature fresh produce, honey, charcuterie, and bread with the scent of butter and herbs in the air. You’ll also find Romantic old towns with wavy lanes, arcaded walkways, and sparkling fountains that invite a pause for conversation and people-watching. Don’t miss a “fromage et vin” pairing event offered by local winemakers and cheese producers, an ideal way to connect with locals in a friendly, inclusive setting.
Part of the Savoy experience is celebrating the season together—whether it’s a winter night with fondue and raclette or a summer fête with live music and local crafts. If you’re traveling with kids, there are plenty of interactive experiences, from farm visits where children learn about dairy farming to guided nature walks that explain the plant and animal life in the Alps in a language that’s easy to follow for all ages. The region’s welcoming towns and accessible trails ensure that everyone can participate in the day’s adventures, making Savoie a hospitable destination for all travelers regardless of age or background.
Tips for planning your Savoie escape
To make the most of your trip, here are practical pointers that help you plan a smooth and joyful stay in Savoie:
- Best time to visit depends on your goals: winter for skiing and snow sports, summer for lake activities and hiking, spring and autumn for milder weather and fewer crowds.
- Car rental is often the most convenient way to explore multiple valleys and villages, but many towns are well-served by trains and regional buses. Check your itinerary against rail connections to Chambéry, Aix-les-Bains, and Annecy.
- Book accommodations early for peak seasons (December–March and July–August). Look for properties with flexible cancellation policies and clear access to the mountain or lake you want to explore.
- Choose a base with proximity to your preferred activities—ski lifts, hiking trails, or boat launches—so you can maximize time on experiences rather than travel.
- Consider pet-friendly or family-friendly listings if you’re traveling with animals or children. Look for properties with outdoor space for kids to play or for dogs to stretch their legs.
- Seek listings that highlight local amenities such as nearby groceries, bakeries, and traditional bistros to minimize daily planning and maximize time enjoying the region.
When you’re ready to start planning, searchandstay.com offers a curated range of accommodations across Savoie, including vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and house rentals. You can filter by price, dates, number of guests, amenities, and neighborhood to find a place that matches your travel style, whether it’s a cozy lakeside apartment or a spacious chalet with a mountain view.
Accessibility and inclusivity: travel for everyone in Savoie
Savoie’s towns are working toward greater accessibility, with many accommodations offering step-free access, wide doorways, and ground-floor options. Public spaces, markets, and cultural sites increasingly provide multilingual information and inclusive programming to welcome visitors from diverse backgrounds. If accessibility is a priority, search for listings that specify accessible features or contact hosts directly to confirm details. The region’s welcoming hospitality and the friendliness of locals help create an inclusive atmosphere where travelers of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy alpine adventures, culinary experiences, and cultural discoveries side by side.
Getting there and getting around
Reaching Savoie is straightforward, with multiple travel options depending on your origin. The region is accessible by flight to nearby hubs such as Geneva, Lyon, or Chambéry, followed by train or road transfer to your chosen base. If you’re starting from within France or neighboring countries, high-speed trains connect major cities to Chambéry and Annecy, reducing the time you spend in transit. Once you’re in Savoie, having a car gives you maximum flexibility to explore remote valleys, but many towns offer good local transport links and scenic routes that are perfect for day trips. If you prefer a more leisurely approach, several guided day tours and regional transport passes can simplify travel between highlights while still letting you enjoy the scenery and local culture.
Conclusion: your vibrant Savoie adventure awaits
From the glassy surface of Lake Annecy to the sun-dappled terraces along lakefront promenades and from snow-kissed peaks to warm, bustling market towns, Savoie invites you to create a vacation filled with activity, connection, and joy. The region’s diverse landscapes provide endless possibilities for vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and house rentals that suit every group and every pace. Whether you’re staging a multi-generational ski trip, a romantic Alpine escape, or a lively friends’ reunion, Savoie rewards curiosity with unforgettable moments, delicious Savoyard flavors, and a sense of hospitality that makes you feel instantly at home. When you’re ready to begin, check searchandstay.com for accommodations in the area to tailor your stay to your preferred landscape, pace, and memories you want to take home.