The village of Les Gets lies at the heart of an exceptional region: Haute-Savoie. The region, bordered by Lake Léman and the Mont Blanc massif to the south, is a veritable paradise for lovers of nature, sports, culture and gastronomy… Here are our tips for visiting Haute-Savoie from Les Gets.
We’ve put together a selection of our top picks to help you plan your stay in the mountains this summer.
Adventure in the heart of the Portes du Soleil
Located at the entrance to the Franco-Swiss Portes du Soleil area, the village of Les Gets is the starting point for a multitude of excursions on foot, by bike or by car across the territories of the 12 resorts on either side of the border. Discover Morzine and hike to the Lac des Mines d’Or. Visit the clifftop resort of Avoriaz, with its unique architecture, or the Aulps Abbey in Saint Jean d’Aulps. Discover Abondance cheese-making in the Abondance valley, raft down the Dranse and explore the Gorges du Pont du Diable…
To make the most of your stay, the Portes du Soleil offers you the MultiPass: a pass offering more than 70 free activities throughout the Portes du Soleil, as well as numerous discounts with our partners. Train rides, pedestrian ski lifts, cinema screenings, access to swimming pools and lakes, tennis… make your stay all-inclusive, simple and practical.
Annecy : the “Alpine Venice”
Annecy, nicknamed the “Venice of the Alps”, is one of the jewels in the crown of the Haute-Savoie department. The flower-lined canals between the pastel houses of the old town, dominated by its castle, give the town its charm and uniqueness. In summer, the town comes alive around its turquoise lake, ideal for swimming, paddle-boarding, sailing or boat trips.
The shores of the lake also offer a magnificent cycle route, perfect for a bike ride with family or friends. For gourmets, the area around the lake abounds in fine restaurants, starting with the Auberge du Père Bise, a Michelin-starred restaurant nestled in Talloires, which elegantly blends local produce with gastronomic finesse.
In August, don’t miss the Fête du Lac, one of Europe’s largest fireworks displays, which attracts thousands of spectators every year to admire the fireworks over the lake.
Approximately 45 min drive from Les Gets
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc : at the roof of Europe
In Chamonix, the cradle of alpinism, summer is synonymous with adventure and magnificent panoramas. The Aiguille du Midi cable car propels you in just a few minutes to an altitude of 3,842 meters, facing Mont Blanc, in a lunar landscape of ice and rock. And right after, head to the “Mer de Glace”, the famous glacier accessible via the Montenvers train.
For the more adventurous, the hiking trails around the Mont Blanc massif, such as the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc, offer total immersion in alpine nature. And for those seeking thrills, plan a paragliding flight overlooking Mont Blanc, a climbing, via ferrata, or even a mountain bike outing.
The end of August is marked by a major event: the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), a legendary race bringing together the world’s best trail runners in a sporting and festive atmosphere. A must for all trail and Kilian Jornet fans!
Approximately 1 hour drive from Les Gets
Yvoire, Thonon and Évian : the charm of Léman’s shore
Along the shores of Lake Léman lie some of the region’s most beautiful gems. The medieval village of Yvoire, listed among the most beautiful villages in France, is a must-see with its flower-lined streets, ramparts, and Garden of the Five Senses. A magnificent, poetic stopover for romantics.
Nearby, Thonon-les-Bains and Évian-les-Bains charm with their seaside resort atmosphere. In addition to water sports on Lake Geneva, such as sailing, paddleboarding, and Belle Époque boat cruises, visitors flock here for their architecture, cultural heritage, and culinary delights, with numerous small seafood restaurants serving local specialties and marinas where you can enjoy a drink and admire the peaceful lake view.
In July, Évian also hosts the prestigious Évian Championship, the only major women’s golf tournament in Europe.
Approx. 45min by car or 2h15 by bus from Les Gets
The untouched wilderness of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval and the Salève region
Fancy a stroll in the region’s wide open spaces? Head to the Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval Nature Reserve, an exceptional site featuring the immense cliffs of the Grand Cirque, over which waterfalls cascade in summer. Go hiking with friends or family, amidst torrents and marmots in the heart of a magical setting.
Further north, towards the Swiss border, the Salève offers a completely different panorama. From its summit, accessible by cable car, admire the breathtaking view of the city of Geneva, Lake Geneva, and, on a clear day, Mont Blanc. A popular spot for paragliding, but also for hiking or a simple picnic at altitude.
Approximately 45 min drive from Les Gets
A quick visit to our Swiss neighbors
The geographical location of Les Gets also offers you the opportunity to explore Switzerland. Whether you want to go hiking, enjoy delicious specialties, or discover another side of alpine life, you can visit our Swiss neighbors for a day trip or longer.
About an hour’s drive from Les Gets, visit the city of Geneva and its numerous luxury boutiques, its typical old town, its walks along Lake Geneva, its botanical garden, and its international institutions (UN, Red Cross, etc.).
From Les Gets, you can also explore the other French-speaking cantons bordering Lake Geneva: the canton of VAUD with its UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards, the city of Lausanne overlooking Lake Geneva with its Olympic Museum, the Vaud Riviera with Vevey and Montreux, or the canton of VALAIS with its vineyards and typical villages.
Do you prefer a mountain atmosphere? You can easily reach Switzerland via the ski lifts of the Portes du Soleil ski area, passing for example through the village of Chèvres des Lindarets. From there, you can reach the heights of the Dents du Midi region and admire the vastness of the Franco-Swiss Portes du Soleil ski area.
A unique territory
Visiting Haute-Savoie from Les Gets is an unforgettable experience. Live between lakes and mountains, where nature, culture, and gastronomy blend harmoniously. Whether you’re an athlete or a history buff, this region offers everyone a range of activities and breathtaking landscapes. And above all, a unique alpine lifestyle!
Enjoy incredible mountain panoramas and the refreshing feeling of a dip in a lake at the end of the day. In Haute-Savoie, there’s more than one way to marvel.
