Looking for a new way to discover the Alps? Discover the best unusual activities in Savoie and Haute-Savoie, near Mont Blanc!
In the heart of the Alps, Savoie and Haute-Savoie offer the very best the mountains have to offer. Whether in winter or summer, the landscapes, traditions and activities provide tourists with an unforgettable stay. For the more curious among you, it’s also possible to discover the Savoyard lands in an unusual way. So Generation Voyage and Savoie Mont Blanc invite you to discover the 9 most unusual things to do in Savoie and Haute-Savoie! We’re off!
1. The indoor trail
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Patrice78500
Here’s one of the most unusual sporting activities! A trail combines running with the discovery of natural environments. Savoie lends itself perfectly to trail running, thanks to its breathtaking scenery.
Set off from the Margériaz plateau in the Bauges massif, alternating between forests and alpine pastures. Then head off into the tannes and glaciers of this spectacular limestone site. Equipped with helmet and headlamp, you’ll play the role of apprentice caver through caves and chasms.
2. Lunch in a peaceful and fascinating setting
Photo credit: Matthieu Gilbon – BDG Sallanches
What do you say to a magical day in the heart of the Grotte de la Balme near Sallanches? This natural gem in the heart of the Savoie Mont-Blanc region leaves no one indifferent. This is your chance to explore the bowels of the earth with a caving initiation, punctuated by discoveries such as water galleries, obstacles… In addition, enjoy an unusual lunch with a Savoyard fondue at the bottom of the cave. Memories guaranteed!
3. An in situ escape game
Photo credit: Facebook – Grottes de Saint Christophe
Are you a keen detective? Then one of these unusual activities in Savoie is just for you!
Enigmas and suspense await you in the caves of Saint-Christophe en Chartreuse. Discover this new escape game scenario. For decades, the cave has been inhabited by demonic forces. Evil has wormed its way into these cracks until it suddenly reveals itself… Teams of 3 to 5 people will have to thwart the plans of the evil forces and counter the Black Ritual. Will you be up to the challenge? The Savoie Mont Blanc special agency is counting on you!
4. A night on a wall above Lake Annecy
Photo credit: Inax Aventure – Tournaire
When unusual rhymes with extreme! Following an easy hike through the forest and a rappel descent, take your place on a large, comfortable ledge. Dinner awaits, during which you can watch the sun set over Annecy and its lake. Then help set up your suspended bed on the cliffside. Then let the night finish the show and enjoy the night under the stars. This is definitely one of the most unusual and romantic activities to do in Savoie.
5. Bun J Ride, Saint Jean de Sixt
Photo credit: Facebook – Bun J Ride
Here’s the least-known of the unusual activities to be enjoyed in Savoie. Bun J Ride combines the techniques of springboard jumping, bungee jumping and zip-lining. This makes the thrills accessible to all levels. You’ll be able to jump 40 meters without landing!
6. Roc du Vent Via Ferrata, Arêches-Beaufort
Photo credit: Facebook – E-20 Verticalsmile
The Roc du Vent Via Ferrata is a combination of rock-climbing and craggy trails, offering the thrill of mountaineering. Accessible to all, it winds its way between ledges and vertical walls, offering unforgettable panoramas of lakes, mountain pastures and the peaks of Beaufortain and Mont-Blanc. In addition to its visual appeal, this unusual activity in the heart of Savoie offers technical challenges: ramps, ledges, minimum rungs, footbridges and tunnels for maximum adrenalin.
7. Gliding in Savoie Mont Blanc
Photo credit: Facebook – Les planeurs de Challes
Seen from the ground, some people wonder whether gliding is one of the best unusual activities in Savoie. But once you’re up in the air, 400m above the ground, the question doesn’t even arise! Gliding offers unique sensations, where only air currents allow you to gain altitude.
Discover this feeling of total freedom in the pleasant setting of Plateau des Moises, at Habère-Poche in the Vallée Verte. And if you want to go further, there’s a training center in Challes-les-Eaux open to all. The school offers first flights, a flying school, refresher courses and an introduction to competition.
8. The giant zip line in Châtel
Photo credit: Facebook – Châtel
If you’re a thrill-seeker, head for Châtel in the Chablais region to try out the Fantasticâble, a giant zip-line. Comfortably installed in a harness, you’ll fly over the site at almost 100 km/h and up to 240 meters high. For maximum thrills, it’s also possible to enjoy the experience as a duo.
9. Explore suspended fishing nets
Photo credit: L.Goldschmid
Let’s round off our selection of unusual activities in Savoie at Monts de Genève. Here, you can cast off your moorings and climb from 3 to 15 meters above the ground, on catamaran nets suspended in the trees! Here, there’s no need to follow a set course, and you can navigate as you please from one footbridge to the next. This freedom of movement makes it an ideal way for families to discover the Savoie Mont Blanc region.
Now that you know the best unusual activities in Savoie, which one will you choose? Tell us in the comments!
Many thanks to Savoie Mont Blanc Tourisme for their collaboration.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Savoie, France