Haute-Savoie Property Guide

For buying and selling property in Haute-Savoie

Home of the entrepreneurs

The Haute-Savoie has long been on France’s frontier. It was formed in 1860 out of the old provinces of the Genevois, the Chablais and the Faucigny. The department has a beautiful natural landscape making it a top destination for tourists. At the same time, due to its strategic positioning at the heart of Europe, it has a rapidly developing economy. The department also has the fastest growing population in the Rhône-Alpes. More than a third of the inhabitants are under 25.

French Alps - a tradition of English visits

While most of the Haute-Savoie’s tourist industry has sprung up since the 1950s, the department first became a major tourist destination back in the 18th century. At that time it was mostly visited by the English who came to admire the glaciers.

Challenging Venice

Annecy is the fashionable and friendly capital of the Haute-Savoie department. The town’s canals give it a sense of romance and it can, quite justifiably, be compared with Venice. The latter does not, however, have the magnificent French Alps bearing down upon it. Annecy also has a 15km long lake by the same name at its edge making it a great base for water sports. When you’ve exhausted the water-based activities, you can hike, glide or cycle through the beautiful scenery.

The lakeside towns

To the north of the department, beside Lake Geneva, you will come across Thonon-Les-Bains. This medieval stone village has its own port and is a great place to base yourself for activities on the lake. Just to the east you will find Evian, famed for its springs. It's possible to visit the factory where the water is bottled and sent around the world.

Getting there by air

There’s a lot of choice when it comes to flying to the Haute-Savoie. British Airways flies to Lyon Airport from Birmingham, Gatwick and Manchester. Air France has services from Heathrow to Lyon Airport. They also both fly to Geneva airport just over the Swiss border. On top of this there are a host of budget airlines making the trip to the French Alps. Ryanair flies to Chambery, Lyon and Geneva from Stansted. EasyJet travel to Geneva from Manchester, Gatwick and Liverpool. BMI Baby, Virgin Express and Aer Lingus also all fly to Geneva from the UK. After a quick comparison of their prices and a look at a map you shouldn’t have any trouble in working out the best flight for you. Annecy is a one-hour drive from Geneva in Switzerland and a two-hour drive from Lyon.

..and by train

If taking to the skies is not for you then there is an easy alternative. The TGV service will take you all the way to Grenoble or Lyon from the Channel Tunnel (changing at Paris) in comfort and speed.

What about property prices and availability in the Haute-Savoie?

Property prices in the department are high, mainly due to the strong rental market. Despite the fact that Megeve is located lower down the slopes and sees less snow than most other resorts in the French Alps, interest in renting here is still high even in the summer due to its golf course and many restaurants.