Destinations in Savoie Mont Blanc
Use this hub to choose the right base for your Alps trip—whether you want ski-in/ski-out convenience, a charming historic town, or a lake-and-spa escape. You’ll find comparisons, seasonal guidance, and links to detailed hotel guides for all 13 destinations.
How to Choose the Right Destination
A simple decision method that prevents “wrong-base” trips.The biggest mistake in the Alps is choosing a destination that doesn’t match your priorities. Use the checklist below: pick your top 2–3 priorities, then confirm altitude/season fit and transfer time.
Quick Decision Checklist
- Snow certainty first? Favor high-altitude resorts (Val Thorens, Tignes, Val d’Isère).
- Traditional village feel? Favor charming bases (Val d’Isère village, Méribel, Pralognan).
- Non-skiers in your group? Favor towns with year-round activities (Annecy, Chamonix, Aix-les-Bains).
- Family beginners? Favor wide blues + easy logistics (La Plagne, Les Arcs, Méribel).
- Luxury & dining? Favor premium resorts (Courchevel, Val d’Isère, Évian).
- Short transfer? Favor closer hubs (Annecy, Chamonix, Évian from GVA; Aix/Chambéry from LYS).
Shortcuts by Travel Style
If you’re unsure, choose based on the “dominant activity” of your trip.
- Pure ski performance: Val Thorens / Tignes / Val d’Isère
- Luxury ski week: Courchevel / Val d’Isère
- Ski + village charm: Méribel / Val d’Isère
- Town + mountains (non-skiers): Chamonix
- Summer lake + cycling: Annecy / Aix-les-Bains
- Quiet nature escape: Pralognan-la-Vanoise
Tip: If you’ll ski 4+ days, prioritize slope access and altitude. If you’ll ski 0–2 days, prioritize town life and scenery.
At-a-Glance Comparison (All 13)
Compare vibe, best-for, season fit, and transfer time.Use this table to shortlist 2–3 options, then open the destination guides to choose hotels by style (luxury, spa, family, ski-in/ski-out).
| Destination | Vibe | Best for | Best season | Altitude / setting | Transfer (GVA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Courchevel | Luxury | 5-star hotels, dining, groomed pistes, premium service | Jan–Mar | Alpine resort (multiple villages) | ~2h 30m |
| Méribel | Ski | Central base, mixed groups, chalet feel, forest runs | Dec–Mar | Mountain village (central domain) | ~2h 20m |
| Val Thorens | Sporty | Snow certainty, ski-in/ski-out, late season skiing | Jan–Apr | High-altitude resort (~2300m) | ~2h 45m |
| Tignes | Sporty | Glacier access, long season, strong intermediates | Dec–Apr | High-altitude resort (glacier nearby) | ~2h 40m |
| Val d’Isère | Premium | Legendary skiing + village charm, advanced terrain | Jan–Mar | Mountain village (~1850m) | ~3h 00m |
| Les Arcs | Ski | Train-friendly access, varied terrain, families | Dec–Mar | Multi-village resort (Paradiski) | ~2h 40m |
| La Plagne | Family | Beginner-friendly slopes, groups, value options | Dec–Mar | Resort cluster (Paradiski) | ~2h 30m |
| Chamonix | Iconic | Views, mountaineering, town energy, non-skiers | Year-round | Town + peaks (Mont Blanc valley) | ~1h 15m |
| Pralognan-la-Vanoise | Quiet | Nature, hiking, authenticity, low-crowd skiing | Summer + Feb | National park village (Vanoise) | ~2h 30m |
| Annecy | Lake | Couples, cycling, swimming, old town, food | May–Sep | Lake town (very scenic) | ~45m |
| Aix-les-Bains | Wellness | Thermal spas, lake sailing, slow travel, value | Apr–Oct | Spa city (Lac du Bourget) | ~1h 00m |
| Chambéry | City | Base for day trips, rail connections, heritage | Year-round | Historic city hub | ~1h 25m |
| Évian-les-Bains | Spa | Lake Geneva views, luxury wellness, golf | May–Sep | Lake Geneva spa town | ~1h 10m |
Transfer times are approximate by road from Geneva Airport (GVA) and vary with weather/traffic.
Seasonal Planner: What Works When
Pick the month first, then choose the destination that performs best.Dec–Feb
Peak ski energy. Best for classic ski weeks and festive villages.
- Snow priority: Val Thorens, Tignes, Val d’Isère
- Luxury: Courchevel
- Families: La Plagne, Les Arcs
Mar–Apr
Longer days and sunshine. Great if you like spring skiing and terraces.
- Best late-season: Val Thorens, Tignes
- Village + skiing: Val d’Isère
- Town base: Chamonix (conditions vary)
Jun–Aug
Lake swimming, cycling, hiking, and scenic drives.
- Lakes: Annecy, Aix-les-Bains, Évian
- Hiking: Pralognan, Chamonix
- Culture hub: Chambéry
Apr–May / Sep–Oct
Quieter, often cheaper. Some mountain lifts/hotels may reduce operations.
- Best town life: Annecy, Chambéry
- Wellness: Aix-les-Bains, Évian
- Check lift calendars: Chamonix / resorts
The Tarentaise Giants
World-class skiing, big lift networks, and strong hotel choice.
Top Luxury
The most exclusive resort in the Alps. Choose from multiple villages—each with a different feel, price point, and access pattern.
Most Central
A strong “basecamp” destination: balanced vibe, central lift access, and a chalet-style setting. Great for mixed groups.
Highest
If your #1 goal is snow quality and easy skiing access, this is the “set-and-forget” choice—especially late season.
Long Season
Sporty and efficient, with a famously long season. Ideal for confident intermediates and anyone chasing reliable conditions.
Legendary
A rare blend: genuine village character plus elite terrain. Great if you want a strong “Alps atmosphere” without sacrificing skiing.
Train Friendly
Excellent for rail-based travel. A smart choice if you want a car-free ski trip and solid terrain variety.
Family #1
Wide slopes, group-friendly lodging, and plenty of choice. One of the easiest destinations for families and big mixed groups.
Lakes, Spa & Heritage
Year-round culture, wellness, and scenic town life beyond skiing.
Must Visit
Canals, medieval streets, lake swims, and cycling paths. A perfect base if you want “Alps scenery” with city-level convenience.
Wellness
Thermal baths and Lac du Bourget. Great for relaxation-first trips with optional day excursions into the mountains.
Rail Hub
Historic capital of Savoie. Ideal if you want a practical base with rail connectivity and easy day trips.
Lake Geneva
A polished spa town on Lake Geneva with classic hotels, golf, and relaxed lakeside luxury—excellent for summer.
Mountain Icons & Nature
For travelers who want dramatic scenery, hiking, and authentic villages.
Iconic
Town energy + big peaks. Excellent for mixed itineraries: sightseeing, cable cars, hiking, and optional skiing.
Quiet Nature
A calm base inside Vanoise National Park—ideal for hikers, families who prefer quiet evenings, and authentic alpine life.
Ready-to-Use Itineraries
Three practical plans you can copy—optimized for transfers and activity mix.These itineraries are intentionally realistic (transfer time + energy levels) and work well for first-time visitors. Adjust the hotel base to match your travel style using the table above.
3 Days: Town + Mountains (No Stress)
Best bases: Chamonix or Annecy.
- Day 1: Arrival + old town stroll + scenic viewpoint.
- Day 2: Signature highlight (cable car / lake cruise) + local food.
- Day 3: Easy hike or museum + departure.
6–7 Days: Classic Ski Week
Best bases: Méribel, La Plagne, Val Thorens.
- Day 1: Arrive + rental pickup + easy dinner.
- Days 2–5: Ski + 1 rest afternoon (spa / village day).
- Day 6: “Big day” route + early night.
- Day 7: Short ski + depart.
5 Days: Summer Lake + Hiking
Best bases: Annecy + 1–2 nights in Chamonix (optional).
- Day 1: Lake day + cycling path segment.
- Day 2: Swim / paddle + sunset viewpoint.
- Day 3: Drive/train to mountain town + easy hike.
- Day 4: Big scenic day + local food.
- Day 5: Relax + depart.
Planning tip: If you’ll have a car, you can build a “two-base trip” (2–3 nights lake + 2–4 nights mountains) without feeling rushed.
Travel & Transfers (Air, Train, Car)
Practical planning guidance to reduce time in transit and avoid common mistakes.✈️ Arrive by Air
For most international travelers, Geneva (GVA) is the simplest airport for Chamonix/Annecy and many major ski resorts. Lyon (LYS) can be a strong alternative with more flight options and sometimes better pricing.
- Geneva (GVA): Best for Chamonix, Annecy, Évian; common for ski transfers.
- Lyon (LYS): Good for Aix-les-Bains and Chambéry; competitive flight routes.
- Chambéry (CMF): Seasonal winter charters; can be the closest in some ski periods.
Winter note: transfer times can change fast with snowfall—buffer extra time on changeover Saturdays.
🚆 Arrive by Train
Train travel can be the most relaxing option—especially if you want to avoid mountain driving. For some resorts, the “last mile” is a short bus/taxi connection.
- Paris → Chambéry: around 3 hours via TGV on many schedules.
- Resort gateway stations: look for transfers via key valley stations (check resort-specific routes).
- Car-free wins: some destinations are naturally easier for rail-based trips than others.
🚗 Car vs Shuttle
- Shuttles: easiest if staying in one resort all week.
- Car: best if you plan multiple towns/villages or summer lake hopping.
- Winter driving: pack chains (or winter tires) and confirm hotel parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Short, practical answers based on typical trip patterns.FAQ: Savoie Trip Planning
When is the best time to visit for skiing?
Late December to April is the standard window. For the most reliable snow, prioritize high-altitude resorts (Val Thorens, Tignes, Val d’Isère), especially in early/late season.
Is Savoie good for summer travel?
Yes. Summer is excellent for Lake Annecy swimming/cycling, Aix-les-Bains spa + sailing, and hiking in Chamonix/Pralognan. July–August are peak months.
Do I need a car?
Not always. If staying in one ski resort, shuttles and transfers can be enough. A car helps most for multi-base trips, day trips, and summer exploration.
Which destination is best for luxury hotels?
Courchevel is the classic luxury leader. Val d’Isère and Évian are strong premium alternatives depending on whether you want skiing or lakeside wellness.
Which destination is best for beginners?
La Plagne and Les Arcs are consistently beginner-friendly, with wide runs and good infrastructure. Méribel can be excellent as a central base.
How should I split a mixed trip (lake + mountains)?
A simple structure is 2–3 nights in Annecy (lake/cycling) plus 2–4 nights in Chamonix or a mountain village. It keeps transfers manageable.