Manual for
TRAVEL
ORGANIZERS
www.savoie-mont-blanc.com
Savoie Haute-Savoie
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A region of contrasts
Location
Winter
Skiing
Other activities
Events
Lifestyle
Gastronomy
Wine
Culture
Some holiday programme ideas
Sports and leisure pursuits
Take to the water
Golf
Take to the mountains
Cycling
Take to the air
Events
Savoie Mont Blanc Tourisme - Services
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Here you can…
Climb a 3000-m peak in the morning and end the day with a swim in the crystal-clear waters of
Lake Annecy.
Visit the alpine pastures to see how delicious cheeses are made and then enjoy them at the end
of a gourmet meal in a Michelin-starred restaurant beside Lake Bourget.
Join the crowds at a great summer music festival and find silence and seclusion in the heart of a
regional park.
Cycle over a Tour de France pass and then relax in a spa in a luxury hotel.
Share the thrills of a rafting descent with friends and enjoy a wonderfully romantic dinner during
a lake cruise.
Savoie Mont Blanc is an outstandingly beautiful region that is famous for its
spectacular scenery. Here, Western Europe’s highest peak, snow-capped
Mont Blanc, is surrounded by France’s three largest natural lakes (Lake
Geneva, Lake Bourget and Lake Annecy).
Sharing borders with Switzerland and Italy, Savoie and Haute Savoie have a
unique history and a rich cultural heritage (art, gastronomy, architecture, etc.). In
addition, Savoie Mont Blanc’s geography makes it an outstanding destination for
sports lovers. Winter sports fans will find the world’s largest concentration of ski
areas with more than 100 ski resorts. In summer, it is an immense outdoor
playground that can cater to almost every sport.
A REGION OF CONTRASTS
Savoie Mont Blanc
ATTRACTIONS Breathtaking scenery:
• Spectacular mountains that culminate in Western Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc
(4,810 meters)
• France’s three largest natural lakes (Lakes Geneva, Bourget and Annecy)
• An unspoilt environment: 1 national park, 2 regional parks, 15 nature reserves
Fascinating history and culture:
• Charming towns, traditional villages and resorts
• Abbeys, churches, castles and forts throughout the area
• Music festivals, local markets and international sport events all year round
Major tourist area:
• 4851 restaurants, including 33 with Michelin stars
• 1119 hotels, including 145 with 4 or 5 stars and 623 with 2 or 3 stars
• 271 campsites, including 69 with 3 or 4 stars
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The two main cities (Chambéry and Annecy) are less than 3 hours from
Paris by train and less than 90 minutes from Lyon and Geneva international
airports by car.
By plane:
Lyon Saint Exupéry international airport: www.lyonaeroports.com
Geneva international airport: www.gva.ch
Chambery airport: www.chambery-airport.com (with international charter
flights during the winter season)
Grenoble airport: www.grenoble-airport.com
Shuttle bus services:
From Geneva airport to Chambery (1 hr 15 min)
Aerocar: www.aerocar.fr
From Lyon, Geneva and Chambery airports to the ski resorts
Altibus: www.altibus.com
By train: International train connections: www.raileurope.com
From London: Eurostar/TGV (change in Paris) and Eurostar direct snow-train
from London to the French Alps (Moûtiers and Bourg-St-Maurice) on Friday
evenings and Saturday mornings during the ski season.
From Brussels: Brussels-Lyon TGV and Thalys (to Moûtiers and Bourg-St-
Maurice during the winter season)
Intercity trains, changing in Paris or Lyon: www.sncf.com
Regional trains (TER) throughout the area: www.ter-sncf.com
Savoie Mont Blanc lies in the southeast corner of France, in the heart of
the French Alps and on the borders with Italy and Switzerland.
The Savoie Mont Blanc tourist destination covers the “départements” of
Savoie and Haute Savoie, and is part of the Rhone Alps Region.
LOCATION
Easy
ACCESS
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Easy
ACCESS By road:
A very efficient motorway and road network means it is easy to get to every
corner of Savoie Mont Blanc by car or bus.
Approximate distances in
kilometers
Distances in this chart are
measured following
highways and major roads.
These are not necessarily
the shortest routes.
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Albertville 1077 44 884 915 53 87 837 151 377 376 409 619 525 194
Amsterdam 1077 999 203 365 1027 978 286 921 1219 717 1387 502 1346 1150
Annecy 44 999 807 838 51 41 769 139 412 329 488 559 561 255
Brussels 884 203 807 197 833 785 110 728 1026 519 1193 307 1150 1038
Calais 915 365 838 197 865 817 110 759 1057 663 1225 288 1132 1069
Chambéry 53 1027 51 833 865 87 797 102 353 375 439 570 502 207
Geneva 87 978 41 785 817 87 748 148 448 288 534 538 597 247
Lille 837 286 769 110 110 797 748 691 963 610 1157 220 1064 990
Lyon 151 921 139 728 759 102 148 691 303 379 470 464 451 306
Montpellier 377 1219 412 1026 1057 353 448 963 303 677 325 745 156 531
Mulhouse 376 717 329 519 663 375 288 610 379 677 685 484 831 449
Nice 409 1387 488 1193 1225 439 534 1157 470 325 685 929 473 222
Paris 619 502 559 307 288 570 538 220 464 745 484 929 847 773
Perpignan 525 1346 561 1150 1132 502 597 1064 451 156 831 473 847 679
Turin 194 1150 255 1038 1069 207 247 990 306 531 449 222 773 679
LOCATION
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STRENGTHS:
• Huge choice of resorts
• Long ski season, from Christmas to May
• High altitude ski areas guaranteeing good quality snow
• Ski schools in every resort: 94 French ski schools with 9330 instructors
• Extensive range of activities in addition to skiing
• Wide variety of accommodation
• Easy access to the resorts
• Après-ski activities to suit all tastes
Savoie Mont Blanc is the world’s leading winter sports destination.
Covering two-thirds of the French Alps, the area boasts 110 winter
sports resorts, 18 interlinked downhill-ski areas and 38 cross-
country ski areas.
Chamonix, Megève, Méribel, Morzine-Avoriaz, Courchevel, La Clusaz, Val
d’Isère and Val Thorens are just a few of the 110 ski resorts in Savoie Mont
Blanc.
SAVOIE MONT BLANC
IN WINTER
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Key fact:
• Over 40 million visitors
spend their holidays in this
magical place.
SKIING
Classification used by all French ski resorts:
Large Ski Area Resort: A resort in which a single ski pass gives access to a
large, interlinked ski area.
Village Resort: A resort that complies with the Charte des Villages de Montagne
(Mountain Villages Charter) or a traditional village with no modern-style buildings.
Snowrider Resort: A resort with safe, dedicated areas for riders (such as
snowparks, boarder-cross areas, play areas, etc.) and instructors providing both
introductory and advanced training.
Some tips to help you to choose a ski resort:
Before choosing a resort, it is important to ask the right questions: With whom would you
like to go? When would you like to go? What kind of atmosphere are you looking for?
What activities would you like to do? Would you like the resort to be specially suited to
children? These questions are essential if your clients are to choose the resort that best
suits their needs.
Classifications and labels can also help you choose the right resort.
Club Resort: Resort that combines modernity with ski resort amenities, easy access to
many different leisure activities and great nightlife.
Nordic Area: Resort with the Nordique France label or with an outstanding cross-country
ski area. Introductory and advanced instruction and coaching must be available. Such
resorts usually offer other Nordic activities (dog sledding, snowshoeing, etc.)
Alti-forme Resort: Resort that combines skiing and snow sports with spa and fitness
activities.
Ski Resort for Disabled Visitors: To be included in this category, a resort must meet the
following two criteria: the ski school must offer ski instruction for the disabled [handiski],
i.e., specialised equipment and teaching must be available, and the ski area and
accommodation must be wheelchair accessible.
SAVOIE MONT BLANC IN WINTER
Labels you can trust:
• Famille Plus is a French quality label awarded to destinations offering specific
facilities and services for families with children.
• Top of the French Alps - (TOTFA): A group of 16 top-class French resorts offering
services that meet the requirements of an international clientele.
• Alpine Pearls – An association set up to promote sustainable holidays in which
holidaymakers get to their destination without using a car and have easy access to
public transportation while at their destination. The association offers a range of
environmentally friendly holiday ideas.
• Best of the Alps® e.V. brings together twelve of the Alps’ most famous tourist
destinations. Chamonix Mont-Blanc and Megève are members of Best of The Alps®.
• Nordic France is a French quality label awarded to cross-country ski resorts that
provide high-quality ski trails and other Nordic activities. The resort’s services and
commitment to sustainable development are also evaluated.
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18 INTERLINKED SKI AREAS
areas Espace Diamant 185 km of slopes, between 1000 m and
2069 m
www.espacediamant.com
Espace Killy 300 km of slopes, between 1550 m and
3456 m
www.espacekilly.com
Espace San Bernardo 160 km, between 1200 m and 265 0m
www.espacesanbernardo.com
Evasion Mont Blanc 445 km, between 1100 m and 2353 m
www.evasion-montblanc.com
Galibier Thabor 150 km, between 2430 m and 2600 m
www.galibier-thabor.com
Grand Domaine (Le) 152 km, between 1400 m and 2550 m
www.legranddomaine.fr
Grand Massif (Le) 265 km, between 1100 m and 2500 m
www.grand-massif.com
Hirmentaz-Les Habères 50 km, between 950 m and 1610 m
Paradiski 425 km, between 1200 m and 3250 m
www.paradiski.com
Portes du Soleil (Les) 650 km, between 1000 m and 2460 m
www.portesdusoleil.com
Praz-de-Lys-Sommand 45 km, between 1250 m and 2000 m
www.prazdelys-sommand.com
Roc d’Enfer 50 km, between 900 m and 1800 m
www.espacerocdenfer.com
Sybelles (Les) 310 km, between 1100 m and 2620 m
www.sybelles.com
3 Valleys (The) 600 km, between 600 m and 3200 m
www.les3vallees.com
Val Cenis Vanoise 125 km, between 1300 m and 2800 m
www.valcenisvanoise.fr
Ski areas linked
by shuttle bus:
Massif des Aravis 220 km, between 1000 m and 2600 m
www.aravis.com
Savoie Grand Revard 50 km, between 1350 m and 1550 m
www.savoiegrandrevard.com
Chamonix Valley 470 km, between 1035 m and 2525 m
www.chamonix.com
Some
NORDIC SKI
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Savoie Grand Revard
150 km, between 1350 m and
1550 m
www.savoiegrandrevard.com
Les Saisies – Olympic Nordic Ski
Area
120 km, between 1600 m and
1700 m
www.lessaisies.com
Bessans
80 km, 1750 m
www.bessans.com
Les Aravis Nordic Ski Area
150 km, between 1000 m and
1650 m
www.aravis.com
Praz de Lys Sommand
60 km, between 1450 m and 1650 m
www.prazdelys-sommand.com
Glières Plateau
28 km, between 1450 m and 1550 m
www.haute-savoie-nordic.com
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Ice skating, walking, snow-shoeing, sledging, and dog–sledding are
some of the most popular winter activities you can do in Savoie Mont
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Other
ACTIVITIES Many resorts offer exclusive activities:
Ice diving in mountain lakes
Bobsleighing on an Olympic track
Scooter excursions when the ski lifts are closed
Paragliding flights from the top of the slopes
Heliskiing for exceptional off-piste descents. Permitted in only a few restricted
areas
A full list and contact details for activity organisers can be found at our
website: www.savoie-mont-blanc.com
SAVOIE MONT BLANC IN WINTER
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Original après-ski:
Make your ski holiday even more special by adding some unforgettable après-ski activities. Here is
a small selection of activities available in Savoie Mont Blanc’s resorts.
Accompanied by a mountain guide, hike to a mountain hut under the stars to enjoy a
well-deserved cheese fondue with local charcuterie.
Night-time snowshoe outing to an igloo where you can tuck into a traditional mountain
dinner.
After a delicious dinner of local specialities in a mountain restaurant, guests can glide back
to the resort on a “Snake-Gliss” sledge.
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Local tourist offices can provide all the information needed to compile a
programme of activities in a resort.
Some tourist offices provide a booking service and put together holiday offers
ranging from accommodation-only to full packages including ski passes, ski rental
and other activities and services.
The tourist office will put you in contact with the right person to deal with your
request.
A list of the tourist offices is available from our website: www.savoie-mont-
blanc.com
Ski-passes to meet your clients’ needs, whether they want to ski for a single day or
for a week or more. Large ski areas offer different types of ski pass giving access to
all or just part of the ski area.
Some booking services and accommodation providers have negotiated reduced
rates with ski-lift companies. You can benefit from these rates by booking through
them. You can also deal directly with the ski-lift companies.
Ski rental can be organised through independent local shops, many of which are
franchises of nationwide brands. Some booking services and accommodation
providers have negotiated reduced rates with ski-rental companies. You can
benefit from these rates by booking through them.
Some luxury hotels have a ski-shop in the hotel itself.
Ski schools can be very flexible in terms of organising lessons. In addition to
providing instruction in all types of skiing (downhill, freestyle, cross-country,
snowboarding, etc.), they can also organise snowshoe outings and other activities.
It is best to book individual or group ski lessons for your clients in advance. The
local tourist office will provide you with a list of the resort’s ski schools.
The ESF (Ecole de Ski Français) has ski schools in every resort, staffed by more
than 9300 ski instructors. Its online booking system is available in French, English
and Russian www.esf.net; esf-ru.net
Services for young children, from the age of 3 months, offered by Savoie Mont
Blanc’s ski resorts include crêches and nannies. In addition, ski schools provide
many services for children. The local tourist office will tell you who to contact.
If you choose self-catering accommodation, you can book a grocery delivery
service in order to have the food required for the week’s meals delivered directly
to your accommodation: www.food-pack-service.com
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SAVOIE MONT BLANC IN WINTER
Savoie Mont Blanc - culinary heights
The high quality of its produce has made Savoie Mont Blanc a region of
gastronomic excellence, where haute cuisine and local culinary traditions
exist side by side. The area offers an exceptionally wide choice of high-
quality restaurants from Michelin-starred establishments to family
eateries around the lakes, in the mountain resorts and in the villages.
LIFESTYLE
GASTRONOMY
and wine
Diversity is our motto, so visitors can enjoy gastronomy in all its forms, from
haute cuisine to local cheeses and charcuterie in country inns. With products
including Beaufort, Abondance, Tomme de Savoie and Reblochon, Savoie is
renowned as one of France’s finest cheese producing regions. Many farms and
cooperatives that produce cheeses and other local products are open to
visitors. For a list of cooperatives and farms, go to our website: www.savoie-mont-blanc.com
Meet the chefs
Cookery courses:
Bocafina – Talloires. Fabulous location with a superb
view of lake Annecy. Interactive lessons adapted to each
student’s skills, culinary tastes and available time.
www.bocafina.eu
Atelier Gastonomique – St Alban Leysse/Chambéry.
Chef Yves Vincent provides individual or group lessons in
his kitchen or in your home,.
www.ateliergastronomique.com
Chef-run hotels:
Emmanuel Renaut – “Flocons de Sel” Michelin 3-star
restaurant & 5-star hotel for exclusive breaks in Megève.
www.floconsdesel.com
Marc Veyrat welcomes you to “La Maison du Bois” in the
Aravis Mountains. Traditional chalet and fabulous flavours
from the chef’s garden.
www.marcveyrat.fr
The Must: With 33 Michelin-starred
restaurants, Savoie Mont
Blanc is one of France’s
top culinary destinations,
alongside Lyon, the
gastronomy capital of
France.
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Gastronomic cuisine for everyone!
Have a weekday lunch in a Michelin-starred
restaurant for as little as €27.
Some examples:
Courchevel Le Praz (3 Valleys ski area) - Azimut –
Lunch menu from €27, can be combined with a day’s
skiing.
Chambéry - Coté Marché – Lunch menu from €27.50,
can be combined with a tour of the vineyards in the Cœur
de Savoie area.
Le Bourget-du-Lac – Atmosphères – Lunch menu from
€29, can be combined with a cruise on Lake Bourget.
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains – Le Sérac – Lunch menu from
€35, can be combined with a glacier excursion on the
Mont Blanc Tramway.
Annecy – Le Belvédère – Lunch menu from €35, can be
combined with a visit to Annecy old town.
Non-binding prices, for information only
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GASTRONOMY Not to be missed:
Markets:
Every village has a traditional market where you can find the best local products
and meet the producers. For example: traditional Reblochon cheese market in
Grand-Bornand on Wednesdays from 8am till noon. Don’t miss Chambéry
(Saturdays) and Annecy (Sundays) markets, the largest in Savoie Mont Blanc.
Fine produce:
Fromagerie Gay in Annecy. Cheese shop founded in 1935.
www.fromager-annecy.com
Denis Provent’s two cheese shops, the Laiterie des Halles (Chambery) and
Délices Savoyards (Aix-Les-Bains), purveyors of fine cheeses for three
generations. www.fromager-denis-provent.com
Chocolaterie des Bauges, traditional chocolate shop and factory in the tiny
village of Bellecombe en Bauges: www.chocolateriedesbauges.com
World champion pastry chef Philippe Rigollot’s cakes and pastries in Annecy:
www.philipperigollot.com
Cooperative dairies – find out how local cheeses are made: Beaufort Cheese
Cooperative - www.cooperative-de-beaufort.com and Aillon le Jeune Cheese
Cooperative (since 1889) - www.fromagerieaillon.com
Chanaz traditional oil mill (Moulin de Chanaz), built in 1868:
www.moulindechanaz.com
Novel ideas:
When culture meets local produce: FACIM (foundation for promoting mountain
culture) has set up two gastronomy trails: “Voyage Autour de la Table”, focusing
on local producers and chefs who love sharing their passion for the area and its
products, and “Terre des Alpes”, focusing on life in the Alps and traditional skills
and crafts. For further details and information about made-to-measure guided
tours, go to www.fondation-facim.fr
Dining on the summits:
Tignes, Le Panoramic gastronomic restaurant, at 3032 m. A breathtaking 360°
view from the terrace facing the Grande Motte Glacier. Easy access from the
resort (7 min.) via the funicular.
Chamonix, the legendary Hotel du Montenvers, at the foot of Mont Blanc.
Views of the Mer de Glace and the Aiguilles des Drus. Easy access from the
valley via the Montenvers train.
Local specialities: tartiflette, raclette, Savoy
fondue, diots, polenta,
farçon and delicious lake
fish, etc.
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There are also many traditional restaurants in the heart of the alpine pastures. They
are easily accessible on foot and offer your clients the chance to enjoy local cuisine
amidst magnificent alpine landscapes.
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The Must:
The Savoie wine route: Three signposted circuits
through a wide variety of landscapes in different areas of
Savoie Mont Blanc: near lakes, regional parks and
tourist towns.
“Léman and Arve”, above Lake Geneva, between
Evian and Geneva, and at the foot of the Chablais
Géopark
“Coeur de Savoie” close to Chambéry and
surrounded by two regional parks
“Savoie, Lac du Bourget”, around Aix-les-Bains,
above the shores of Lake Bourget
Coeur de Savoie and Savoie, Lac du Bourget
have the label “Vignobles et Découvertes”
100 producers welcome visitors their to wineries. The
guides are usually the producers themselves. Producers
include both traditional family wineries and private
châteaux.
More than 40 cheeses are produced in Savoie Mont
Blanc. Wine and cheese go together very well, and it is
very easy to organise combined cheese and wine
tastings in the same area.
Wine has been produced in Savoie since early Roman times. Savoie
Mont Blanc has around 2,000 hectares of vineyards that produce an
appealing and diverse range of wines with an alpine and sophisticated
character.
WINE
Everyone who enjoys interesting wine and food will love finding out more about
the development of wine growing and gastronomic traditions in this tiny region.
Savoie’s red, white, rosé and sparkling wines include four AOCs, 22 crus and
23 grape varieties.
Not to be missed:
• “Maison de la vigne et du vin”: A large selection of
Savoie’s wines can be tasted and bought at the
“Oenotheque” (wine library), in the middle of the
Apremont vineyards. Wine tastings for groups can be
organised.
www.vindesavoie.net
• Chautagne Wine Cooperative – Ruffieux
The ideal place to learn about wine. “L’eveil des Sens”
(Awakening of senses) shows visitors how to use all five
senses to gain a full appreciation of wine and vines.
Tastings and presentations by an oenologist can be
organised.
www.cave-de-chautagne.com
• Vine and Wine Museum – Montmélian. An
interpretation centre to learn about the 2000-year history
of wine production in Savoie.
• Château de Ripaille - Thonon les Bains. On the
shores of Lake Geneva, the château offers visits of the
vineyard and tastings in the winery. Guided visits of the
château itself can also be organised. A large reception
room in the château is available for lunches, dinners and
conferences, etc. - www.ripaille.fr
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WINE Novel ideas:
Wine cruise on Lake Bourget
Possible to organise cruises for groups on a variety of themes including wine.
www.compagniedesbateauxdulac.fr
Enjoy a great pre-lunch or pre-dinner cruise rounded off with a local aperitif on board
your cruise boat.
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Electric bike, Segway: In order to meet demand and provide a leisurely way of
exploring the area, electric-bike or Segway day trips have been developed. Tours
follow minor roads and include visits to wineries and tastings of local wines. A great
way to meet Savoie’s wine producers. www.alpes-flaveurs.com
Tasting trips: Tours of the vineyards and wine tastings by car, on foot or on
snowshoes, led by a qualified wine specialist and walking guide. Tours available for
individuals and groups.
www.alpes-flaveurs.com
Learn more about wine: Syrah & Co.
Private events at a wine bar. Wine tastings and special meals available for groups.
www.syrah-and-co.fr
Alpes Flaveurs can organise wine tastings with a sommelier at your clients’ homes.
Follow the Wine Route in a Citroën 2CV: A fun way to explore the area in a
legendary French car. Stop off for tastings at wineries, a picnic or a gastronomic
lunch…the choice is yours.
www.lesdeuchesdulac.fr
Hot-air balloon flight over the vineyards: The Compagnie des Ballons organises
flights above Lake Annecy for individuals or groups of up to eight people. In-flight wine
tastings available on request.
www.compagniedesballons.com
For an exclusive experience, combine a hot-air balloon flight with a Citroën 2CV tour
of the vineyards.
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Savoie Mont Blanc has a long history and a rich cultural and architectural
heritage. The area has several enchanting towns and cities, all of which
are small enough to explore on foot. Guided walks are available through
all the main towns.
Surrounded by mountains, they are packed with exciting architecture and culture,
ranging from forts, castles and religious monuments to museums, gardens, craft
workshops, open farms and wine cellars…there is no shortage of things to see
and do! In addition, they provide excellent shopping and eating, and numerous
special events mean that from spring to autumn they are very festive places, too.
CULTURE
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Main cities to be visited throughout the year:
Annecy – www.lac-annecy.com Situated on the shores of the purest lake in Europe, Annecy is famous for its colourful houses on
the banks of its numerous canals. The castle-museum looks down upon the pedestrianized old
town – the perfect place for a pleasant stroll.
Guided tours of the old town, can include museum visits (bookings:
Lake cruises for individuals or groups: www.annecy-croisieres.com
Water taxis for individuals or groups of up to 18 people: www.water-taxi.fr
4 nearby châteaux open to visitors: Château de Menthon Saint Bernard (www.château-de-
menthon.com), Château de Clermont (châ[email protected]), Château de Montrottier
(www.châteaudemontrottier.com) and Château de Thorens les Glieres
(www.châteauthorens.fr).
Chambery – www.chambery-tourisme.com The historic capital of Savoie boasts lively streets, an imposing castle, an intricately decorated
cathedral and a newly renovated Fine Arts Museum.
(bookings: [email protected])
Guided tours of the pedestrianized streets and alleys of the medieval old town and castle, as
well as the more contemporary areas of the city.
Visit Les Charmettes, the former home of the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
Choose a theme for your visit: trompe l’oeil painting, architecture, gastronomy.
Visit one of the world’s largest carillons or welcome your guests with a 15-minute concert.
Aix-les-Bains – www.aixlesbains.com In the 19th century, Aix-les-Bains was known as the “spa town of queens”. It is now a centre of art
and culture and a vibrant festival venue. Lake Bourget provides a beautiful backdrop to a stay in
one of the city’s 40 hotels and apartment complexes.
Take a guided tour to find out more about the city’s “Belle Époque” heritage: villas, grand hotels,
casino
Come to one of the music festivals, Operetta and rock in the summer and the “Romantic
Nights Festival” in September/October: www.nuitsromantiques.com
Take a cruise to Hautecombe Abbey on the opposite shore of the lake:
www.compagniedesbateauxdulac.fr
Walk in the footsteps of the poet Lamartine.
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Main cities to be visited throughout the year:
Evian-les-Bains – www.evian-tourisme.com
Evian is famous around the world for its eponymous mineral water. Nestled on
the shores of Lake Geneva, the town originally made its name during the golden
age of spa bathing. Casino, hotels, Palais Lumière conference centre, gardens,
etc. Exhibitions at the Palais Lumière: Every year, this elegant building hosts exhibitions
of international stature (Joseph Vitta until June 2014).
Attend a concert in the Grange au Lac, an exceptional auditorium built entirely from
wood. Every July, famous artists come to Evian for the “Rencontres Musicales
d’Evian”: www.rencontres-musicales-evian.fr
Take a boat trip to the Jardins du Pré Curieux water gardens - a unique place that
should not be missed.
Take a tour of Lake Geneva on La Savoie, an historic sailing ship available for private
rentals - www.barquelasavoie.com
A national label awarded by the Ministry of Culture to cities and
regions of outstanding cultural interest that are committed to
promoting their heritage (restoration, visits, exhibitions, events, etc.).
Three cities and two areas in Savoie Mont Blanc have been awarded the
“Villes et pays d'art et d'histoire” label:
Albertville-Conflans, Annecy and Chambéry,
Pays de Maurienne, Tarentaise and Beaufortain/Val d’Arly – The High
Valleys of Savoie,
The Abondance Valley in the Chablais Mountains.
A few favourites:
Albertville-Conflans - www.pays-albertville.com:
Visit the medieval town of Conflans and the 1992 Winter Olympic Games Museum
(www.maisonjeuxolympiques-albertville.org)
Thonon-les-Bains - www.thononlesbains.com
This spa town on the shores of Lake Geneva boasts many places of cultural interest,
most notably the Château de Ripaille. Guided tours are available on themes
including water and religious monuments. A visit to the Chablais Museum can be
followed by a contemporary art exhibition at the Chapelle de la Visitation.
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Three of “the most beautiful villages in France”
Bonneval-sur-Arc – www.bonneval-sur-arc.com
A perfectly preserved high-mountain village at the gateway to the Vanoise
National Park and at the foot of the Col de l’Iseran (2770 m), the highest road
pass in Europe. Beautiful stone-built houses.
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval – www.sixtferacheval.com
Awarded the title for a combination of its architectural heritage and its
magnificent setting at the foot of a mountain cirque lined with dramatic waterfalls.
A spectacular but easily accessible corner of the mountains.
Yvoire – www.yvoiretourism.com
A medieval village ideally situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. It still retains
major elements of its 14th-century fortifications, including the keep, the gates
and the ramparts. Yvoire was a prize winner in the international “Entente Florale”
competition for best kept villages and towns. The Garden of 5 Senses is open to
visits by individuals and groups.
Most visited cultural attractions and museums:
Saint-Pierre-de-Curtille – Hautecombe Abbey
Built in the 12th century, the abbey was renovated in 1821 during the reign of
Charles Felix, King of Sardinia. The troubadour-style church is the lasting resting
place of the Princes of Savoie. The abbey lies on the shores of Lake Bourget and
can be reached by boat from Aix-les-Bains.
Annecy – Château-Museum
An historic building that houses collections of religious sculpture, traditional local
furniture, classical art, contemporary art and temporary exhibitions. It is also home
to the regional observatory of Alpine lakes and organises exhibits on local
archaeology, natural history and ethnology, etc.
Chambéry - Galerie Eurêka - Espace Montagne is Chambery’s “Centre for
Scientific, Technical and Industrial Culture”. In addition to permanent and temporary
exhibitions, it includes a gallery focusing on the mountain environment.
Chambery’s Architecture and Heritage Centre is also very popular with visitors.
Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne - Opinel knife museum, open all year. Located in the
old factory, the Opinel Museum tells the story of the Opinel family and the famous
Savoyard knife, and shows how the manufacturing process has evolved over the
centuries.
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YOUR HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES IN SAVOIE MONT BLANC Y
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DAY 1:
Cruise on Lake Geneva. See the whole
area in a glance: towns, villages,
châteaux, mountains.
Ripaille: visit the château and
vineyards plus wine tasting in the
winery. Walk in the arboretum.
Lunch by the lake
Guided tour of the historic town of
Thônon. Contemporary art exhibition at
the Chapelle de la Visitation.
Gourmet dinner
DAY 2:
Guided walk through Evian to see the
town’s spa architecture, the Cachat
spring and the Palais Lumière
(exhibitions).
Lunch in the restaurant at Evian Golf
course.
Visit to the Pré Curieux water
gardens by solar-powered boat.
Dinner by the lake
DAY 3:
Yvoire medieval village and castle.
Visit to the Garden of 5 Senses. Enjoy
a gentle stroll along flower-lined streets
to Rovorée-La Châtaignière, a
remarkable chestnut plantation.
Lunch
Afternoon at the Lake Geneva Eagle
Park, home to 120 species of bird of
prey. Spectacular shows held daily.
DAY 1:
Visit Chambery’s historic old town
with its colourful facades and trompe-
l’oeil paintings. Visit to the Fine Arts
Museum.
Lunch in town
Walk to Les Charmettes to visit the
former home of the philosopher Jean
Jacques Rousseau.
Gourmet dinner
DAY 2:
Cruise on Lake Bourget with a visit to
Hautecombe Abbey.
Lunch in a country inn beside the
Savières canal.
Stroll around the village of Chanaz and
visit its traditional oil mill.
Visit to the Chautagne cooperative
winery and tasting of local wines.
DAY 3:
Guided visit to the Musée Faure:
paintings and sculpture: impressionist
collection, Rodin collection. Gallery
dedicated to the romantic poet
Lamartine.
Lunch at the Grand Cercle Casino
Guided tour of Aix’s “Belle Epoque”
spa town: casino, luxury hotels,
gardens, etc.
Gourmet dinner
DAY 1:
Guided tour of Annecy on a market day
(Thursday, Friday, Sunday), including a
stop at the famous “Fromagerie Gay”
cheese shop.
Lunch beside the canal in Annecy’s old
town.
Visit to the Paccard Bell Foundry. See
bells being cast (Thursdays) or enjoy a
“Songs & Bells” concert (Fridays).
DAY 2:
Excursion to the Aravis Mountains –
home of Reblochon cheese.
Visit to a farm and its cheese cellars.
Wine and cheese tasting.
Lunch in a mountain village
Walk through a traditional village and
alpine pastures.
Return to Annecy and free time.
DAY 3:
Cookery lesson or excursion to Tamié
Abbey, where the monks make an
excellent cheese called “Tamie”.
Gourmet lunch
Visit to the château at Menthon
Dinner beside Lake Annecy or dinner
cruise
Parks and gardens… Fine art… Savoir-faire…
If you would like any further information, please contact us at:
Savoie Mont Blanc is a superb outdoor sports playground, with activities
to suit all tastes, from swimming and golf to tree-top adventure courses,
hiking and paragliding, all in magnificent surroundings. Whether you are
looking for a thrilling adrenaline rush or more gentle activities, Savoie
Mont Blanc has lots to offer all year round.
SPORTS AND LEISURE ACTVITIES
Lake cruises: Lake Geneva – www.cgn.ch
Lake Annecy – www.annecy-croisieres.com
Lake Bourget – www.compagniedesbateauxdulac.fr or www.chanaz-
croisieres.fr
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Key facts:
• 90 lakeside beaches
• 7500 km of waymarked
hiking tracks
• 5426 km of cycling
itineraries
• 106 paragliding sites
• 50 via ferrata
• 13 golf courses (18-holes)
Close to the large lakes and at the foot of the mountains:
All our great cities are in exceptional locations beside or close to our large lakes and
never far from the mountains. It is easy to put together programmes including a
wide range of activities.
The lakes are at their best in summer, warming up wonderfully for bathing and water
sports such as sailing, windsurfing and water skiing. In addition, they have many
beaches on which you can lounge, admiring the mountain scenery reflected in the pure
waters.
Many of Savoie Mont Blanc’s lakeside resorts have been awarded the
“France Station Nautique” label. Combining all the advantages of a
waterside location with fabulous mountain views, they have no reason to
envy any seaside resort. Thonon-les-Bains on Lake Geneva, Aix-les-Bains
on Lake Bourget and Sevrier on Lake Annecy are extremely appealing spa
and sailing resorts.
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Savoie Mont Blanc offers a full range of water sports, including
swimming, sailing, rowing and windsurfing on the large lakes. The
area’s rivers are a paradise for white-water canoeists and rafters.
SPORTS AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Take to the
WATER
Bourg-Saint-Maurice has a worldwide reputation for canoeing and white-water
rafting, as does the River Dranse, in the Chablais.
Further west, stretches of the Rhône and Guiers are well suited to flat-water canoeing
Some canoeing and rafting companies:
Most of the companies in this short selection work on several rivers.
River Isere: AN Rafting (www.an-rafting.com) , Annecy-Aventure (www.annecy-
aventure.com), Coureurs de Rivières (www.coureurs-rivieres.com) – several rivers
River Dranse and/or River Giffre: Aquarafting (www.aquarafting.com), AlpoViv
Rafting (www.alpovive-rafting.fr) and Eaux Zones (www.eaux-zones.com)
River Guiers (suitable for families): Pro Lynx (www.prolynx-sports.com) and
Vertes Sensations (www.vertes-sensations.com)
River Arve: Ecolorado Rafting (www.ecolorado-rafting.fr)
Takamaka - individual or corporate activities and events (www.takamaka.fr)
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Savoie Mont Blanc has thirteen 18-hole golf courses beside the lakes or
in the mountains. GOLF
The Must:
A round on the majestic Evian Resort golf course
www.evianresort.com
A round in Chamonix with Mont Blanc as a backdrop
www.golfdechamonix.com
A round in the wonderful mountain setting of Méribel
www.golf-meribel.com
Take the waters at a spa: end a day’s sport with a well-being break in one of
Savoie Mont Blanc’s seven spa towns:
Aix-les-Bains, Brides-les-Bains, Challes-les-Eaux, Evian-les-Bains, La Léchère, Saint-
Gervais-les-Bains, Thonon-les-Bains
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Take to the
MOUNTAINS
Some of the most famous multi-day treks: Tour of Mont Blanc
Tour of the Glaciers of the Vanoise
Mini tour of the Dents Blanches (4 days).
The Way of Saint James – GR 6, 3-day traverse
Tour of the Beaufortain (3 days)
Tour of Mont Thabor (6 days)
More suggestions and descriptions of hikes can be found on our website.
SPORTS AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES
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Climbing, hiking and walking Savoie Mont Blanc is a major centre for mountaineering, with the Mont Blanc Massif,
Vanoise National Park and numerous top-class rock climbing areas attracting alpinists and
rock climbers from all around the world. The area’s 50 via ferrrata use cables, walkways
and ladders to explore the vertical world. Although they require some technical skills, they
can be enjoyed by newcomers to mountaineering.
Of course, walking and hiking are also hugely popular. And, don’t forget, in summer, cable
cars, mountain trains and chairlifts provide easy ways to gain altitude.
Ask a mountain guide to draw up a programme for the kinds of activity you would
like to do.
Easy excursions to the foot of Mont Blanc from Chamonix and Saint Gervais: Montenvers
train to the Mer de Glace, Aiguille du Midi cable car, etc.
www.compagniedumontblanc.co.uk
We can help you:
Get the most from your days by taking the earliest cable car to see the sunrise
or the last train to enjoy a mountain sunset.
Where to stay: There are many different types of accommodation in the mountains, including chalet-inns,
staffed and unstaffed mountain huts in isolated locations, and hostel-style self-catering
accommodation with a kitchen area for independent hikers (gîte d’étape). Book your night
in a mountain hut online:
www.refuges-vanoise.com - Vanoise
www.autourdumontblanc.com – Tour of Mont Blanc
www.refugesclareethabor.com – Tour of Mont Thabor
Let us know if you would like us to send you the full list of accommodation.
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Mountain biking has become a major draw in Savoie Mont Blanc and
many resorts have opened their ski lifts to mountain bikers.
Bikers of all levels can now enjoy wonderful interconnected areas,
thanks to the development of GPS itineraries, electric-mountain bikes
and bike parks, etc. Savoie Mont Blanc’s largest mountain bike areas include: Chablais - Portes du Soleil – 600 km of trails
Val d’Arly – Espace Diamant – 250 km of trails
Tarentaise - 3 Valleys – 120 km of trails
Beaufortain – Arêches-Beaufort – 130 km of trails
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CYCLING
Chemins du Soleil:
A mountain bike itinerary across the prealps from Thonon/Lake Geneva to
Nice/Mediterranean www.cheminsdusoleil.com
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One of Savoie Mont Blanc’s greatest features is the diversity of its landscapes,
which means that cycle tours are extremely varied in terms of both difficulty and
scenery.
The challenging “Route des 100 cols” covers 2,000 km and 45,000 m of height gain
and includes all the area’s most famous Tour de France passes (Col de l’Iseran, Col
de la Madeleine, Col des Aravis, Col du Galibier, etc.).
It is also easy to organise very gentle rides beside a lakeshore or along country
lanes, with outings varying in length from two hours to several days.
More than 250 cycling friendly accommodation providers
Special programmes, with or without a guide, with or without luggage transfers, can
be drawn up for groups of cyclists of any level
Cyclomundo:
Cycle-tour organiser providing all the services required by your clients -
www.cyclomundo.com
ViaRhona:
A 700-km cycle route from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean: www.viarhona.com
Novel ideas:
A half-day, electric-bike cycle tour (beside a lake, through the vineyards) starting in a city
centre. Bikes can be rented in many places, making it easy to to organise cycle tours for
groups.
Bicycles are carried free of charge on regional trains (TER trains). Bikes can also be taken on
some lake cruise boats. Check availability for groups before travelling.
www.cyclo-maurienne.fr provides all the information
needed to organise cycle tours in the Maurienne area
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Hot-air ballooning:
Two companies specialize in hot-air balloon flights:
Near Lake Annecy: www.compagniedesballons.com
At the foot of Mont Blanc: www.alpes-montgolfiere.fr
The sport of paragliding was born in the French Alps. Savoie Mont Blanc now has
more than 100 take–off sites from which to soar over the lakes and mountains.
Introductory tandem flights do not require any special abilities and can be done with a
paragliding instructor.
We can put you in touch with state-registered paragliding schools.
Light aircraft and glider flights over Mont Blanc:
Aerodromes:
Challes-les-Eaux - www.planeur-challes.fr
Courchevel - www.aeroclub-courchevel.com
Megève - www.aerocime.com
Méribel - www.ac-meribel.com
Aix-les-Bains - www.aeroclub-savoie.com
Annecy - www.aeroclubannecy.com
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Good
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FAMILLE PLUS Label
Famille Plus is a national label awarded to tourist destinations that provide specific
facilities and services for families with children.
To obtain the Famille Plus label, a resort must offer attractive prices and ensure every
family receives a personalised welcome. In addition, it must provide activities adapted
to all ages and professional supervision for children. A full range of shops and services
must be close at hand.
24 resorts in Savoie Mont-Blanc have been awarded the Famille Plus label. For a full
list of Famille Plus resorts, go to: www.savoie-mont-blanc.com
SPORTS AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES ©
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Multi-pass and summer activity passes
Summer activity passes giving unlimited access to leisure facilities have been
introduced by many mountain resorts, including La Plagne (Pass’Plagne), Tignes
(Sportignes), Portes du Soleil (Multi Pass), and the Aravis (Pass Loisirs). These passes
are an excellent deal for families and holidaymakers spending several days in the same
resort.
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EVENTS
SAVOIE MONT BLANC IN SUMMER
Savoie Mont Blanc’s cultural diary includes all kinds of events: folklore,
gastronomy, exhibitions, theatre, etc. A wide range of concerts and
international sporting events round off the programme. Whether you are
with friends, family or or on your own, you are sure to find an event that will
interest you.
FESTIVALS:
May 2015
Andilly Grand Mediaeval Festival
Andlly Fourteen hours of entertainment every day
in nine different areas. Along the way you
can watch jousting on horseback, falconry,
battles, acrobats, jesters, folk tales,
legends, fencing, dancing, fireworks and
much, much more!
July - August 2015
Bauges Music and Nature Festival
Le Châtelard Classical music concerts in churches in the
Bauges Regional Park. Many of the
concerts are by internationally renowned
artists. Thrill to the sounds of the piano,
viola de gamba, violin and many more.
July 2015
Les Estivales du Château
Chambéry A varied programme of concerts (soul,
jazz, funk, pop, etc.) and shows
(contemporary dance, theatre, lyric
creations, etc.) held in Chambery’s historic
centre.
19 July – 2 August 2015
Académie Festival Concert
Les Arcs Talented young artists come together to
improve their skills and perform classical
concerts. Free admission.
23-28 August 2015
23th Au Bonheur des Mômes Festival
(Fun for Kids Festival)
Le Grand-Bornand Shows, workshops, exhibitions, giant games,
books for kids and many other activities. Six
days of dreams and delights for all the family.
26-28 September 2015
International Freeski Film Festival
Annecy The world’s leading skiing film festival
showcases the best freeski movies and
provides an annual meeting point for skiers.
September - October 2015
Romantic Nights Festival
Aix-les-Bains A wonderful opportunity to enjoy classical
music on the shores of Lake Bourget.
11-12 October 2015
18th Gourmet Salon
Arêches-Beaufort The salon brings together top-quality food
producers from across France. Presentations,
tastings and sale of products. Restaurants,
special events and visits, with a gala evening
on Saturday.
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SPORTS EVENTS:
7 June July 2015
Time Megève Mont-Blanc
Cyclosportive
Megève A great event for cyclists who love the
high mountain passes. Starting in
Megève, three routes allow cyclists of
different levels to explore the most
beautiful roads of the Beaufortain
Mountains.
26-28 June 2015
The MTB Pass'Portes du Soleil
Portes du Soleil A mountain-bike trek along the
fabulous MTB trails of the Portes du
Soleil, set against magnificent
scenery and leap-frogging over the
Franco-Swiss border. The 80-km
circuit uses 15 ski lifts. Mountain
bikers can choose from several
different variants.
TRADITIONAL EVENTS :
August 2015
Alpine Pastures and Mountain
Guides Festival
Pralognan-la-Vanoise A not-to-be-missed village fête.
Procession, local crafts, folklore and
music. Come and share our traditions!
Mid-August 2015 Mountain Guides Festival
Chamonix
July 2015
3 Vallées Discovery - MTB outing
Les Menuires A wonderful way of exploring the 3
Valleys (Courchevel, Méribel, Val
Thorens) via a fun ride that can be
done alone, with family or with friends.
August 2015
Summer Ski-jumping World Cup
CourcheveL Spend a day with your head in the
clouds! Eighty of the world’s best ski
jumpers will compete on Courchevel’s
Olympic ski jumps. Other highlights
organised around this huge sporting
event include base-jumping
demonstrations, concerts and fireworks.
24-31 August 2015
The North Face Ultra-Trail du Mont-
Blanc
Chamonix Starting from Chamonix, 2300 athletes
will set off to cover a distance of 168 km
and 9,600 meters of height gain with
minimal outside support.
10-13 September 2015
The Evian Championship (Evian
Masters)
Evian-les-Bains The world’s number one women's golf
tournament, featuring the 90 best
international golfers from five
continents. The event is broadcast live
in 110 countries.
August 2015
Reblochon Festival
La Clusaz A parade of floats, “tableaux vivants”,
bread making and folk dances: a day to
celebrate local crafts and farmers
August 2015
Shepherds’ Festival
Séez A traditional festival celebrating the long
history of trade between the people of
the Tarentaise and the inhabitants of
the Aosta Valley. The festival includes
open-air folk concerts, an al-fresco
meal, local produce and traditional
crafts.
October 2015
Return from the Pastures
Annecy This great festival celebrates local
traditions: craft events, demonstrations
of traditional skills, parade of cows
coming down from the Alpine pastures,
folk groups, tastings of local products.
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E-learning:
Savoie Mont Blanc has set up an e-learning tool to explain our mountain-tourism
offer to counter staff throughout the year. Its objective is to enable counter staff to
become ‘French Mountain Holiday Experts’. What is more, every month, the names
of all the experts who successfully complete the course are entered into a draw to
win a ski holiday.
French, English and Russian versions are available www.e-montagne.fr
Savoie Mont Blanc Tourism has worked in partnership with travel
organisers for many years.
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SERVICES
Find out more about the region, its activities, its tourism industry and its tourism
offer.
Trips can be organised to help you put together future holiday programmes and find
out about new products.
“A la carte” educational tours can be organised to improve your sales staff’s
knowledge of your programme.
Know everything there is to know about our destination
For Dutch travel agents, Savoie Mont Blanc has developed an e-learning course
that focuses on the summer offer. The course can be found at
www.travecademy.nl
Plus the names of all the travel agents who successfully complete the course
are entered into a draw to win a summer holiday and a number of gadgets.
Educational trips
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Organise press coverage…
Different kinds of partnerships can be arranged. If you can provide travel tickets or
accommodation for a press visit to Savoie Mont Blanc, we can help you organize a
tailor-made programme.
Please contact us.
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Use our database to feed your website (up-to-date information, photos, videos, etc.)
Direct link to the Savoie Mont Blanc photo gallery: pictures can be downloaded free
of charge from our website: www.phototheque.savoiemontblanc.com
Our webTV offers around 50 films in English covering nearly all the activities available
in Savoie Mont Blanc, for example, marmot watching, presentations of golf courses,
cruises on the lakes, snowshoeing in Courchevel and Avoriaz’s beginners’ snow park,
etc.
A good way of whetting your client's appetite for our destination.
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Brochures
We can provide a range of brochures for your clients (maps of Savoie Mont Blanc,
cycling maps, Savoie Mont Blanc summer magazine, guide to walks and hikes in
Savoie Mont Blanc, etc.).
If you require large quantities, please contact us: +33 820 00 73 74
Order form: [email protected]
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Contact us at:
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SAVOIE MONT BLANC TOURISME
Corinne RAÏH
+ 33 (4) 79 85 92 16 - + 33 (6) 71 71 65 29
Céline Guillermin
UK Market – press and promotion
+ 33 (0)4 79 85 96 99 - + 33 (0)6 83 13 36 07
Véronique BALLANFAT
Tel +33 4 79 85 92 17
www.facebook.com/Savoie.Mont.Blanc
Twitter: @SMBlntl
Pictures can be downloaded from
www.phototheque.savoie-mont-blanc.com
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