Camping im Savoie

Situated in the mountains on the border with Italy, Savoie offers a fantastic backdrop for camping, consisting of Alpine slopes, lush green meadows and crystal-clear watercourses such as the Isère. Holidaymakers can climb to altitudes of over 2,000 metres and enjoy the magnificent views. Savoie is also known for its good wines and natural products from the mountain farms.

Special features of camping in Savoie

From spring onwards, many holidaymakers are drawn to the campsites in the Savoie. The French mountain region on the border with Switzerland and Italy impresses with its spectacular Alpine peaks such as Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe at 4,810 metres, or the 3,855-metre-high Grande Casse. There are also many mountains over 2,000 metres high to tempt you on hiking excursions. Blooming alpine meadows and rustic mountain farms create the best conditions for enjoying unforgettable panoramas and savouring nature in all its glory. The fresh air at high altitudes is also ideal for harmonising body and soul. The all-encompassing tranquillity is only interrupted by the sound of cowbells and birdsong. Away from the summits, you can also explore clear lakes and streams, vineyards and fertile valleys.

How to get there

To get to the campsite in the Savoie region, holidaymakers can either drive directly to France or take the route via Switzerland. The journey through the Alps may be shorter, especially for travellers from Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. If you want to take this route, cross the border at Lake Constance, for example, and head for Zurich first.

An alternative is the German A5 motorway to Basel, which offers connections to Frankfurt am Main, among others. Once in Switzerland, take the A1 motorway to Bern and Lake Geneva. Here you can treat yourself to a short break, go for a swim, stroll along the lakeside promenades of Geneva and Lausanne and visit one of the museums. From Geneva, it is only 160 kilometres to Savoie, although you will have to drive around the Bauges Massif. If you want to drive all the way through France, take the motorway from Strasbourg towards Lyon and turn east there.

Destinations in Savoie

It is above all the idyllic valleys and mighty mountain formations that inspire during a holiday in Savoie. Hiking trails, ski resorts, rafting rivers and charming little communities are among the highlights.

Val d'Isère

The Isère valley is one of the most beautiful winter sports regions in France and is always worth a visit in summer too. Rugged rock massifs and gentle slopes tempt you to go on long hikes in this region. Ambitious sports enthusiasts can also explore nature by bike and mountain bike. The many natural stone buildings in the municipality of the same name are well worth a visit.

Aix-les-Bains

The municipality lies on the shores of France's largest glacial lake, Lac du Bourget. With its clean water and fresh air, Aix-les-Bains is one of the most famous and important spa resorts in the country. Holidaymakers relax mainly in the thermal baths and organise excursions into the countryside. Cultural attractions include the Casino Grand-Cercle, the Roche du Roi castle and the Notre-Dame d'Aix-les-Bains church.

Maurienne Valley

Snow-capped peaks, glacier formations and fertile meadows promise exciting excursions on foot or by bike around the municipality of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. In the countryside, you can discover clear watercourses that are perfect for rafting. The surrounding mountains of the Vanoise National Park are one of the regional highlights with its large population of wolves, lynx and eagles.

Top 5 sights

• Roche du Roi: The fairytale castle complex was built in historicist style at the turn of the century.
• Albertville: Worth seeing are the medieval old town with its natural stone facades and the legacy of the 1992 Winter Olympics.
• Lac du Bourget: France's largest glacial lake is a popular destination for all lovers of swimming, water sports and healing thermal treatments in the spas of Aix-les-Bains and Chambéry.
• Vanoise National Park: Located between the Tarentaise and Maurienne, the Vanoise National Park offers spectacular Alpine peaks such as the 3,855 metre Grande Casse.
• Mont Blanc: The foothills of the Mont Blanc massif are located in the border region between Savoie, Haute-Savoie, the Italian Aosta Valley and Switzerland.

Top 2 insider tips

• Tarentaise Valley: The valley is formed by the Isère and is one of France's best ski resorts in winter. In the warmer months, you can visit idyllic little mountain villages such as Bozel, Moûtiers and Aime. On hikes, rustic country inns invite you to sample fresh produce from the mountain pastures.
• Arly Valley: The region is famous for the production of the internationally renowned Reblochon cheese. In villages such as Pallud, Saint-Nicolas-la-Chapelle and Ugine, holidaymakers can visit one of the cheese dairies. You can find out more about regional products and traditional life in the Alps at the local history museum in the medieval Château de Crest-Cherel.

Excursions and activities

Savoie is a genuine nature and leisure region in the heart of the French Alps. Holidaymakers enjoy rafting, hiking and cycling here. Experienced athletes in particular will find exciting challenges in the region. However, suitable routes are also signposted for beginners and families with children.

Hiking excursions in the Savoy Alps

The best way to explore the nature of the Savoy Alps is on foot. For example, many travellers take a trip through the Isère valley floor and explore the Arvan Valley. Excursions to the crystal-clear mountain lakes and the wine estates of Savoie are also worthwhile. Here you can learn more about winegrowing and taste the products during a break.

Challenges for cycling pros

Cycling tours are for ambitious athletes. Many of the routes at high altitudes have already been recognised as the Tour de France's crowning stages. Professionals will find their challenge on the Chemins du Soleil, for example, which lead to panoramic peaks and idyllic banks. Easier routes run along the Isère and around the lakes of Savoie. The steep slopes are also exciting for mountain biking.

Exploring white water by kayak or rubber dinghy

Wild watercourses such as the Isère and the Doron de Bozel offer the perfect conditions for a rafting trip. The waters can be explored by rubber boat or kayak as part of a guided tour.

events

June

• Fête de la Musique: free concerts are held throughout France at the beginning of summer. Residents and visitors can also enjoy the performances in the towns of Savoie.
• Cirq'ule: The circus and street art festival takes place every year in June in Chambéry. It envelops the small Alpine town in a unique atmosphere.

July

• Storming of the Bastille: The bank holidays is one of the most important festivals in France and is celebrated with speeches, music and a huge fireworks display.
• Panic Fest: The festival brings some of the best bands from the rock, punk and metal genres to the Savoie region. The event is organised in the municipality of
• Musilac: A major music festival featuring the stars of the French and international pop scene takes place on the shores of Lake Bourget in Aix-les-Bains in July.Musilac. On the shores of Lake Bourget in Aix-les-Bains, a major music festival featuring the stars of the French and international pop scene takes place in July.
• Musilac: On the shores of Lake Bourget in Aix-les-Bains, a big music festival with the stars of the French and international pop scene takes place in July.

August

• Navig'Aix: In August, holidaymakers in Aix-les-Bains can visit historic boats on the shores of Lake Bourget and even set off on a guided cruise on the water.

Gastronomy

In culinary terms, the high-quality wines in Savoie are particularly important. The vineyards are generally located south of Lake Geneva and east of the Rhône. The white Jacquère grape is particularly popular, which visitors can sample as a mature wine in one of the chateaux or in a local wine shop. In addition to the fine wines, the organic cultivation of vegetables plays an important role.

Savoie cheese is also legendary, especially Reblochon and Beaufort. Many of these cheeses are used for fondue, among other things. Reblochon is also used in the tartiflette potato casserole. Another classic is the Diots sausage, which has an intense nutmeg flavour.

Best time to travel

The season for a camping holiday in Savoie usually begins in spring. With an average temperature of 10 degrees Celsius and a maximum temperature of 16 degrees Celsius, many hikers and cyclists come to the region in April. May is already significantly warmer with temperatures of up to 20 degrees Celsius. In June, July and August, maximum temperatures of 27 degrees Celsius are reached.

However, it is significantly cooler at higher altitudes, which is why travellers should always bring windproof and weatherproof clothing. Autumn is also a great time to visit the Savoie. In September, you can still expect temperatures of up to 22 degrees Celsius.