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Motorhoming in Savoie
Motorhoming in Savoie
Savoie is the most south eastern department of the eight departments in the Rhône Alpes. It is best known for its snow and possesses the biggest and most beautiful ski-ing domain in the world, the Three Valleys.
In the north of the department is the town of Aix-les-Bains. Built on the banks of Lake Bourget, the biggest natural lake in France, it is the second of Frances thermal spa towns and possesses a hot source first exploited by the Celts. The town still lives by the gentle rhythm of its golden era when the rich bourgeois came to ‘take the waters’ and this heritage is evident in the rich architecture that dominates the town.
Travelling south, stop over in the Aires de Service in Savoie, in order to make the most of motorhome travel in France. On your arrival at Chambery, park up before visiting on foot the old town with its tortuous alleys and narrow passages. Get lost in this labyrinth before finding yourself in ‘la Place Saint Léger’, the historic centre of the town.
The city of Alberville gave itself a face lift after being chosen in 1986 to host the Winter Olympics of 1992 and dragged itself out of anonymity. In contrast and literally next door is the medieval city of Conflans. Travelling back to the 14th century, wander amongst the ancient houses of the town where the old workshops and stalls have been restored and re-inhabited by shops, craftsmen, art galleries, restaurants and cafés. This is a little haven of peace, shady squares offering somewhere to take five minutes over a coffee, miles away from the hubbub of the city but only a few kilometres down the road.
If you’re hiring a motorhome in England or hiring a motorhome in France, your tour of Savoie wouldn’t be complete without visiting two of the most notorious villages of the department. Courchevel, reputed as the biggest ski-ing domain in the world, is part of the Three Valleys. It is a tribute to the conviction and willpower of the men who created this resort in a half century, one of the most beautiful ski resorts where nothing but nature had existed before. Traditional and authentic, this chic and trendy resort offers something for everyone. Méribel is also part of the Three Valleys and has its roots in the 12th century. It became attached to France in 1860 and was called the Savoie village of Allues. It was in 1930 that the village turned towards the ski, but it was after the war that the chalets and hotels started to spring from the ground and become what is known today as Méribel. The identity of Savoie has been preserved however and has contributed to the success of the resort. The Allues remain peaceful and picturesque next to the buzz of Méribel.
While you’re travelling around, use the free Aires de Service in Savoie before moving on to go motorhoming in the Haute-Savoie, motorhoming in Isère or motorhoming in Ain.
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