Category: Lyon Area
This episode features our frequent and very popular guest Elyse Rivin. If you enjoy her episodes, please consider supporting her on Patreon.
Looking to Enjoy the Best of the Savoie Department?
If you’ve ever wondered what makes Savoie so special, this episode is for you. In Best of the Savoie Department: Courchevel, Chambéry, Albertville, etc., host Annie Sargent and Elyse Rivin dive deep into this Alpine region in eastern France. Savoie borders Italy and sits close to Switzerland. It’s home to the Alps, Mont Blanc, gorgeous lakes, and ski resorts that attract visitors from around the world.
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Why Savoie?
Annie and Elyse love highlighting areas in France that are rich in culture, history, and scenery. Savoie checks all the boxes. It’s not just about skiing in Courchevel or Les Trois Vallées. There’s also history in Chambéry, Olympic memories in Albertville, and stunning views at Lac du Bourget.
Elyse, a historian and long-time French resident, brings the past to life with stories about dukes, castles, and the Duchy of Savoy. Annie, who lives in Toulouse and knows France inside out, keeps the conversation flowing with practical travel tips.
Courchevel and the French Alps
Courchevel is part of Les Trois Vallées, one of the world’s largest ski areas. It’s famous, yes. But there’s more than luxury chalets and Michelin-starred restaurants. Annie and Elyse talk about the charm of the smaller villages nearby, the joys of summer hiking, and the peaceful vibe once the ski crowds are gone.
If you visit in warmer months, consider mountain biking, paragliding, or just relaxing in alpine meadows. The views are worth it. Search terms like “Courchevel summer activities” and “off-season French Alps” definitely apply here.
Chambéry: A City with a Story
Chambéry was once the capital of the Duchy of Savoy. It has an Italian feel—unsurprising given its geographic and historic ties. The old town is walkable and full of surprises. Don’t miss the Fontaine des Éléphants (yes, really), the Castle of the Dukes of Savoy, or the winding medieval streets.
Want a quieter French city with great food, history, and proximity to the mountains? Search “what to do in Chambéry France” and this episode will guide you there.
Albertville and Olympic Legacy
Albertville hosted the 1992 Winter Olympics. While the city itself is small, the Olympic Park is still open. You can see the torch, stadium remains, and a museum. Annie and Elyse explain what’s worth visiting and how to include it in a road trip around the region.
Use keywords like “Albertville Olympic history” or “Savoie road trip itinerary” to find content like this.
Lac du Bourget and Aix-les-Bains
Savoie isn’t just snow. Lac du Bourget is the largest natural lake entirely in France. Aix-les-Bains, a lakeside spa town, makes a great base. Go for a boat ride, swim, visit the thermal baths, or hike around the lake.
Annie and Elyse highlight this as a hidden gem. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy nature and wellness. “Best lakes to visit in France” and “spa towns near the Alps” are great ways to discover this region.
Getting Around and Planning Your Trip
Whether you're coming for winter sports, summer hikes, or historical exploration, the Savoie department offers great options. Fly into Geneva or Lyon, rent a car, and explore at your own pace. Annie gives advice on how to plan an efficient route, while Elyse offers cultural context to make your trip deeper and more memorable.
Listen and Explore
If you’re planning a trip to the French Alps, this is a must-listen episode. Whether you’re into skiing, hiking, castles, or spa towns, Best of the Savoie Department delivers insights and stories you won’t find in guidebooks.
Listen to the full episode now on your favorite podcast app or here at JoinUsInFrance.com.
Table of Contents for this Episode
More episodes about the French Alps
#SavoieTravel, #FrenchAlps, #Courchevel, #Chambéry, #Albertville, #VisitFrance, #JoinUsInFrance, #FrancePodcast, #ExploreFrance, #HiddenFrance, #FrenchRoadTrip, #FrenchHistory, #FranceVacation, #FrenchCulture, #FranceWithKids, #BeautifulFrance, #FranceTravelPlanning, #FrenchCheese, #OffTheBeatenPathFrance, #SavoyRegion
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Discussed in this Episode
- Savoie
- Haute-Savoie
- Courchevel
- Chambéry
- Albertville
- Moutiers
- Bozel
- Brides-les-Bains
- La Plagne
- Méribel
- Les Allues
- Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
- Bonneval-sur-Arc
- Conflans
- Beaufort
- Bauges Valley
- Grenoble
- Lyon
- National Park of the Vanoise
- Iseran Pass
- Place de la République (Paris)
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TranscriptCategory: Lyon Area