Haute-Savoie is a heavily touristy department due to its many mountain attractions, such as the Mont-Blanc massif, the Aravis, the pre-Alps of Chablais, the Bauges and the Albanians. It is also a region with lake tourism thanks to Lake Geneva, the first lake in Europe due to its surface area and to Lake Annecy, which is called "little Venice".
It is therefore a magnificent department with highly developed flora and fauna, which includes 9 natural reserves.
Haute-Savoie is a country of retirement, holidays and sporting leisures (climbing, rafting, hikes, paragliders ...) but also of work. The region is very dynamic economically speaking thanks to neighboring Switzerland which attracts many French compatriots for very attractive wages. 8.7% of Haut-Savoyards exercise a professional activity in Geneva or Lausanne, easily accessible thanks to the CGN (Compagnie Générale de Navigation) in Evian, which provides regular transport to Switzerland.
It is therefore a very complete department where life is good, where the climate is generous, despite what people say, and with multiple activities.
Thonon and Evian are located in the north of the department, on the shores of Lake Geneva. Geneva is at the western end of the lake and Lausanne is just opposite Evian.
THONON-LES-BAINS is a town of 30,000 inhabitants, with a very good tourist reputation, located in two parts, upper town and lower town. In the lower town, we find the port of Rives, a place of relaxation, strolling, walking and lemanic air. You can enjoy the lake thanks to the many sightseeing boats available.
Nothing particular to say about the town of Thonon except that it is good to live in, that several beaches are available not far from the town to enjoy the water, which is at 20/25 ° in summer. That the city is located 35 / 40mn from Geneva, about thirty minutes from Lausanne by boat, that the first valleys and walks of all kinds are 20mn and that it is a joy to live in this heavenly setting.
AS FOR EVIAN-LES-BAINS, it's the little surprise next door. The population of Evian is 8,000, with surprises more charming than the others. We rediscover a new aspect every day. It is a quiet town, totally at the edge of the lake and at the foot of the surrounding mountains, that of Chablais more precisely. It is a city of rest, far from the bustle of Annemasse, Geneva or other larger city. Evian is an ideal city to enjoy all the joys of Haute-Savoie, without touching the drawbacks. We rest there, with the thermal baths of Evian, we take advantage of it thanks to the lake and the mountains, and we get rich thanks to our neighbor Lausanne.
Haute-Savoie is a real little French paradise.
ALLINGES: is a village south of Thonon, 5 minutes by car, with about 4,500 inhabitants. Allinges has a nursery and primary school, the village is served by some buses and bypass. Allinges is bordering on Perrignier, Le Lyaud, Orcier, Thonon and Margencel. Many shops are present there. The village is dominated by its castles.
ANTHY: is a village on the shores of Lake Geneva, 10 minutes from Thonon, with about 2500 inhabitants. Anthy is bordering on Margencel and Thonon. Anthy has a beach with play areas for children. Many trade are present there. The village is only minutes from the commercial area of Marclaz, and is served by city buses. A primary and kindergarten is located in the heart of the village.
PUBLIER / AMPHION: The municipalities of Publier and Amphion are located on the south shore of Lake Geneva, opposite Morges (Switzerland). The neighboring municipalities of Publier and Amphion are Thonon-les-Bains, Évian-les-Bains, Marin, Champanges and Larringes. Many shops are present there. There is a nursery and primary school in each of the municipalities.
YVOIRE: is a village of about 1000 inhabitants, located on the shores of Lake Geneva, 25 minutes from Thonon. Yvoire is bordered by Excenevex (to the east) and Nernier and Messery to the west. It is a very touristy medieval village with many restaurants and craft shops.
PAYS DE GAVOT: The Pays de Gavot mainly includes seven municipalities: Bernex, Champanges, Féternes, Larringes, Saint-Paul-en-Chablais, Thollon-les-Mémises and Vinzier. It is located 15-20 minutes from Thonon and 10-15 minutes from Evian. It links the ski resorts of Bernex and Thollon as well as the Abondance Valley with La Chapelle d'Abondance and Châtel.