Discovering Savoie (Department 73)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Savoie (department 73) is one of France's most spectacular alpine departments, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region on the borders of Italy. Famed for its dramatic mountain scenery, world-class ski resorts, crystal-clear lakes and traditional Savoyard villages, it offers a lifestyle centred around nature, outdoor activities and a strong sense of regional identity.
Living in Savoie appeals to a wide range of people. Retirees are drawn by the clean environment and relaxed pace of life, remote workers enjoy the excellent quality of life, entrepreneurs benefit from year-round tourism, while second-home owners often choose the department for its mountain properties and easy access from the UK and northern Europe.
Although tourism plays an important role in the local economy, Savoie is much more than a winter destination. It offers vibrant market towns, excellent healthcare, a rich culinary heritage and a welcoming atmosphere for those prepared to embrace French life.
At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes |
Historic name | Duchy of Savoy (Savoie) |
Department number | 73 |
Department capital | Chambéry |
Largest towns | Chambéry, Aix-les-Bains, Albertville, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne |
Population | Approximately 445,000 |
Area | Around 6,030 km² |
Climate | Alpine with cold snowy winters, warm summers in valleys and cooler temperatures at altitude |
Best suited for | Outdoor enthusiasts, retirees, entrepreneurs, families, second-home owners |
Is a car recommended? | Yes, particularly outside major towns |
English-speaking community | Well established in ski resorts and around Lake Bourget |
Lifestyle summary | Active, scenic, community-focused and centred around mountain living |
Why Choose Savoie?
Lifestyle
Savoie offers one of France's healthiest lifestyles. Residents enjoy easy access to mountains, lakes, walking trails and outdoor sports throughout the year. Even those who don't ski often find themselves embracing hiking, cycling or simply enjoying the stunning scenery.
Community
While many villages remain traditionally French, international communities have developed around the larger ski resorts and lakeside towns. English-speaking residents are particularly common in areas popular with winter tourism.
Local life revolves around weekly markets, village festivals and community events, making it relatively easy to become involved.
Scenery
Few departments can match Savoie for natural beauty.
Highlights include:
The French Alps
Lake Bourget
Vanoise National Park
High mountain passes
Glacial valleys
Traditional alpine villages
Every season offers something different, from snow-covered peaks to colourful autumn forests.
Accessibility
Despite its mountainous location, Savoie is surprisingly well connected.
It benefits from:
Fast TGV services
Motorway access
International airports nearby
Easy driving routes into Switzerland and Italy
This makes it attractive for second-home owners who travel regularly.
Food
Savoyard cuisine is famous throughout France.
Specialities include:
Tartiflette
Raclette
Fondue Savoyarde
Diots sausages
Beaufort cheese
Tomme de Savoie
Crozets pasta
Excellent local wines are produced around Lake Bourget and neighbouring vineyards.
Culture
Savoie retains a strong regional identity dating back to the historic Duchy of Savoy. Many traditions, festivals and local customs continue today alongside modern alpine tourism.
Property
Property varies enormously.
Choices include:
Modern apartments
Traditional chalets
Village houses
Lakeside homes
Rural farmhouses
Luxury ski properties
Prices are highest around prestigious ski resorts and Lake Bourget but become more affordable in less tourist-focused valleys.
Pace of Life
Life tends to be active yet relaxed. Outside the busiest ski resorts, communities enjoy a slower pace with excellent work-life balance.
Savoie Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Comments |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent healthcare, beautiful surroundings and active communities. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Safe towns, good schools and outstanding outdoor opportunities. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent transport links and strong rental potential in many areas. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Tourism creates many opportunities, although competition can be seasonal. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Good internet in most populated areas and exceptional quality of life. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | One of France's best departments for year-round outdoor activities. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Chambéry offers urban amenities, but this is primarily a rural and mountain department. |
Popular Places to Live
Chambéry
Description
The historic capital combines elegant architecture with modern facilities and excellent transport.
Ideal for
Professionals
Families
Retirees
Remote workers
Advantages
Excellent transport links
Cultural attractions
Healthcare
Shopping
Universities
Things to consider
Property demand is relatively strong, making prices higher than some rural areas.
Aix-les-Bains
Description
A sophisticated spa town on the shores of Lake Bourget.
Ideal for
Retirees
Second-home owners
Outdoor enthusiasts
Advantages
Beautiful lake
Watersports
Restaurants
Thermal spas
Mild microclimate
Things to consider
Property near the lake commands premium prices.
Albertville
Description
Known worldwide for hosting the 1992 Winter Olympics, Albertville is a practical town with excellent mountain access.
Ideal for
Families
Professionals
Entrepreneurs
Advantages
Good shopping
Transport
Lower property prices than ski resorts
Things to consider
Can become busy during tourist seasons.
Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Description
Gateway to some of France's most famous ski resorts.
Ideal for
Outdoor enthusiasts
Tourism businesses
Seasonal workers
Advantages
Excellent mountain access
TGV station
Strong tourism economy
Things to consider
Tourism dominates much of the local economy.
Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne
Description
A traditional mountain town surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery.
Ideal for
Families
Retirees
Cyclists
Advantages
More affordable housing
Authentic atmosphere
Good local services
Things to consider
Fewer international residents than larger resort areas.
Moûtiers
Description
A bustling market town serving the Tarentaise Valley.
Ideal for
Entrepreneurs
Ski workers
Families
Advantages
Year-round services
Strong transport connections
Things to consider
Traffic increases significantly during ski season.
La Motte-Servolex
Description
A desirable residential town close to Chambéry.
Ideal for
Families
Professionals
Advantages
Modern amenities
Excellent schools
Easy commuting
Things to consider
Demand keeps property prices relatively high.
Cost of Living
Compared with many alpine regions across Europe, Savoie offers good value, although costs vary significantly depending on location.
Property affordability
Mountain resorts such as Courchevel, Méribel and Val d'Isère are among France's most expensive property markets. However, many traditional towns and villages away from the major ski resorts remain considerably more affordable.
Shopping
Supermarkets are widely available, with local markets offering excellent fresh produce, cheeses and meats. Shopping costs are broadly in line with the French average.
Utilities
Heating costs can be higher than in warmer regions due to cold winters, particularly in mountain properties. Well-insulated homes are worth considering.
Eating out
Traditional restaurants offer excellent value outside tourist hotspots. Resort restaurants tend to charge higher prices during ski season.
General value for money
Residents often feel the exceptional quality of life more than compensates for seasonal fluctuations in living costs.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is excellent throughout Savoie.
Main hospitals include:
Centre Hospitalier Métropole Savoie (Chambéry)
Hospital facilities in Aix-les-Bains
Albertville Hospital
Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne Hospital
Healthcare includes:
Good access to GPs
Specialist services in larger towns
Modern emergency care
Numerous pharmacies
Strong ambulance coverage
Remote mountain communities may have fewer local specialists, although larger hospitals are generally within reasonable travelling distance.
Education
Families moving to Savoie have a good choice of educational options.
Schools include:
Nursery schools
Primary schools
Secondary schools
Sixth-form colleges
Higher education is available in Chambéry through institutions linked with the University of Savoie Mont Blanc.
International schools are limited within the department itself, although bilingual options exist nearby in larger regional cities.
French language schools are available for adults wishing to improve their language skills and integrate into local life.
Getting Around
Airports
Nearby airports include:
Chambéry Savoie Airport
Geneva Airport
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
Grenoble Alpes-Isère Airport
Rail
Excellent TGV services connect Chambéry with Paris, Lyon and many Alpine destinations. Bourg-Saint-Maurice is well served during ski season.
Roads
The motorway network provides good access despite the mountainous terrain. Winter tyres or snow equipment may be legally required during colder months.
Public Transport
Local buses operate within major towns, while regional services connect many communities. Ski buses run extensively during winter.
Is a car recommended?
Yes.
Although public transport is good in towns, a car provides much greater flexibility, especially for rural villages and mountain areas.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Chambéry | Saturday |
Aix-les-Bains | Wednesday & Saturday |
Albertville | Thursday |
Bourg-Saint-Maurice | Saturday |
Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne | Saturday |
Moûtiers | Tuesday & Friday |
La Motte-Servolex | Friday |
Local Food & Drink
Savoie is one of France's great culinary regions.
Local specialities include:
Beaufort cheese
Tomme de Savoie
Reblochon
Emmental de Savoie
Fondue Savoyarde
Tartiflette
Raclette
Crozets
Diots sausages
Génépi liqueur
Savoy wines including Apremont, Chignin and Roussette de Savoie
Mountain honey
Charcuterie
Things to Do
There is no shortage of activities throughout the year.
Historic sites
Château des Ducs de Savoie
Conflans medieval town
Numerous historic churches and forts
Outdoor activities
Skiing
Snowboarding
Hiking
Cycling
Mountain biking
Climbing
Paragliding
Fishing
Museums
Museum of Fine Arts in Chambéry
Olympic Museum in Albertville
Local heritage museums
Festivals
Traditional village fêtes
Music festivals
Winter sporting events
Christmas markets
Nature
Vanoise National Park
Lake Bourget
Alpine lakes
Waterfalls
Nature reserves
Family attractions
Adventure parks
Swimming lakes
Scenic mountain railways
Wildlife parks
Leisure centres
Good to Know Before You Move
Language
French is essential for full integration, particularly outside the international resort communities.
Rural living
Many villages are peaceful and friendly but offer fewer services than larger towns.
Internet
Most towns enjoy reliable fibre broadband, although speeds can vary in remote mountain locations.
Seasonal tourism
Winter tourism creates busy periods in ski areas, bringing both opportunities and increased traffic.
Climate
Expect significant snowfall in winter at higher elevations. Summers are generally warm and pleasant, with cooler temperatures in the mountains.
Community life
Joining local associations, sports clubs or volunteer groups is one of the best ways to meet people and become part of the community.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
Biz Où? helps you discover trusted English-speaking businesses across France, including property professionals, tradespeople, accountants, healthcare providers, legal services, gardeners, cleaners, holiday services, financial advisers, pet care, marketing specialists and many more.
Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.
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Your next chapter in France could be closer than you think. Explore our Property Hub for homes, holiday properties and opportunities from local property partners across France. Whether you’re dreaming of a permanent move, a place in the sun, an investment or simply somewhere to escape to, go on — have a look. Your French property might be waiting.
Plan Your French Dream
Dreaming of a life in France? Start turning the dream into a plan. Plan Your French Dream brings together practical guides, local insights and useful information to help you explore your options, understand what’s involved and make confident decisions about moving, retiring, buying a home or simply creating a life you’ll love. Start exploring — your French story begins with a plan.
Where Will Your French Story Begin
What if the place you’ve been dreaming about is waiting for you in France? A little village where everyone knows your name, a lively market town, a home surrounded by rolling countryside or somewhere completely unexpected. Explore our guides to France’s regions and departments, discover the character, lifestyle and possibilities of each area, and start finding the place that feels like it could be yours. Where will your French story begin?
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