Annecy
On the northern tip of Lake Annecy about 35 kilometres north of Geneva, this picturesque French city dates back to the 10th century. Because of its long history, Annecy is loaded with historical buildings and cathedrals. Among the most popular tourist attractions are the 12th-century Palais de I’Isle (a jail), Pont des Amours (Lovers Bridge), and the European Gardens.
Annemasse
Considered part of the greater metropolitan area of Geneva, Annemasse is largely a bedroom community. Many Swiss residents also come to Annemasse due to a favourable exchange rate for commodities. The city is surrounded by Mont Sàleve (1,300 metres) and the Arve River on the west, the Voirons (1,400 metres) on the east, and Lake Geneva and Switzerland to the south and north, respectively.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Winter sport lovers will find a paradise at Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. The area is perfect for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, telemarking, snowshoeing, mountaineering, and ice climbing. An ice rink and health spa are nearby. In warmer months, hiking, mountain biking, mountaineering, paragliding, whitewater rafting, and canyoning are popular activities.
Domaine du Mont Blanc
A region in the French Alps close to the Swiss border, this area is home to many ski resorts catering to winter sport fanatics.
Evian-les-Bains
On the shores of Lake Geneva, opposite Lausanne, Switzerland, Evian-les-Baines is the home of Evian mineral water. Casino d’Evian, is the largest themed casino in Europe and the city’s top tourist attraction.
Lake Annecy
The second largest lake in France, Lake Annecy holds the distinction for being Europe’s cleanest lake. The glacial lake is a popular destination in the summer for tourists seeking swimming and other water sport activities.
Le Grand Massif
A huge area encompassing the ski resorts of Samoens and Flaine, Le Grand Massif is a popular ski destination for families. Childcare facilities are at both resorts. Samoens is a more traditional village than Flaine, but the latter has better facilities. In addition to the slopes, snowboarding, heli-skiing, telemarking, and snowshoeing are popular activities.
Les Portes du Soleil
Les Portes du Soleil is a region comprised of 12 ski resorts – eight in France and four in Switzerland. The French resorts are Abondance, Avoriaz, La Chapelle d’Abondance, Châtel Les Gets, Montriond, Morzine, and St. Jean d’Aulps. In addition to skiing, many resorts are family-friendly and offer sledging and ice-skating.
Taninges
Seeking a French Alpine resort town without the tourists? Taninges, a small town dating back to the Middle Ages, is perfect for holidaymakers seeking a quiet getaway. Close to the region’s larger ski resorts of Samoens and Morillon, Teninges also has its own resort, le Praz de Lys, just above the town with 24 lifts and 60 kilometres of cross-country runs.
Thonon-les-Bains
A picturesque French spa town on the south shore of Lake Geneva, the main tourist attraction in Thonon-les-Bains is its arboretum. A 15th-century chateau and more than 58 species of trees are on site. The arboretum is also home to the Mémorial National des Justes de France, which honours citizens who risked their lives to save the Jews during World War II.
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