Lifestyle

The mountains of Savoie and their world famous resorts, which include some of the biggest ski areas in the world, form the very heart of the French Alps. However, Savoie is not only a mountain region, as 70% of the population lives at an altitude below 500 metres.

This privileged position brings responsibilities as well as benefits. The development of tourism, agriculture and industry has been carried out with a sensitivity to the environment that respects the goals embodied by Savoie's three natural parks - the Vanoise National Park (created in 1963) and the Bauges and Chartreuse Regional Natural Parks.

The largest natural lake in France, Bourget Lake, is currently a project of conservation as well, representing an important step toward sustainable and mindful development. At the foot of the mountains, the Bourget Lake is a popular centre for water sports and boasts numerous cultural discoveries such as the Hautecombe Abbey, the Priory of Bourget-du-Lac, and the thermal town of Aix-les-Bains.

For more information, visit http://www.savoiehautesavoie.com/ and the Savoie General Council