Guide to Haute-Savoie & Properties in Department 74
The Haute-Savoie department in the French Alps (number 74), located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is a breathtaking destination with stunning natural beauty and a unique cultural heritage. Located between Italy and Switzerland, this region is renowned for its picturesque lakes, including the enchanting Lake Annecy and the majestic Lake Geneva. During the winter months, the area becomes a haven for snow sports enthusiasts, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Haute-Savoie is equally captivating in the warmer seasons, beckoning adventurers with its network of hiking…
The Haute-Savoie department in the French Alps (number 74), located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is a breathtaking destination with stunning natural beauty and a unique cultural heritage. Located between Italy and Switzerland, this region is renowned for its picturesque lakes, including the enchanting Lake Annecy and the majestic Lake Geneva. During the winter months, the area becomes a haven for snow sports enthusiasts, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Haute-Savoie is equally captivating in the warmer seasons, beckoning adventurers with its network of hiking trails, cycling routes, and water sports activities. Visitors can also marvel at the region's nature reserves and enjoy panoramic views of the lakes and mountains from the comfort of cable cars.
Cultural Treasures
In addition to its natural wonders, Haute-Savoie is home to a wealth of cultural treasures, including charming fairytale castles, captivating museums, and art galleries. The region's gastronomy is a delightful fusion of French, Italian, and Swiss influences, offering a diverse culinary experience that reflects its unique geographical location.
The Venice of the Alps
The capital of Haute-Savoie is Annecy, a captivating city known as the "Venice of the Alps" due to its enchanting canals and waterways. The city's old town, with its cobbled streets and medieval buildings, is a delight to explore. The nearby Lake Annecy, with its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop, is a popular destination for swimming, boating, and hiking.
World-Class Skiing
Haute-Savoie is also home to several world-class ski resorts, including Chamonix, Megève and Morzine. Chamonix, situated at the foot of Mont-Blanc, is a mecca for skiers and mountaineers, offering challenging slopes and breathtaking views. Megève is a sophisticated resort with a charming village centre and a wide range of ski runs for all abilities. Morzine is a family-friendly resort with a lively après-ski scene and excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
Rich Historical Past
In addition to its outdoor pursuits, Haute-Savoie boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage. This region of France was once part of the Savoyard state, and its architecture, cuisine, and traditions reflect this unique history. Visitors can explore ancient castles, such as the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard and the Château d'Annecy, or sample local specialities, including Savoyard cheeses, charcuterie, and tartiflette.
Haute-Savoie: A Global Destination
Thanks to its convenient access via the Mont Blanc Tunnel and the nearby Geneva airport, Haute-Savoie has become a sought-after destination for expatriates from all corners of the globe, drawn to its unparalleled beauty and lifestyle.
Key Information about the Haute-Savoie (74)
- Main City/Prefecture: Annecy
- Nearest Airport: Geneva Airport (approx. 45 km, across the border in Switzerland)
- Population: Around 860,000 (as of the latest census)
- Area: 4,388 sq. kilometres and 1,694 sq. miles
- Landmark: Lake Annecy, one of Europe’s cleanest and most picturesque lakes.
- Number of Tourists / Year: Approx. 6 million, captivated by its lakes, mountains and winter sports destinations like Chamonix.
Types of Houses for Sale in Haute-Savoie
Haute-Savoie boasts luxury chalets, lakeside villas, and old fermes savoyardes. It is more exclusive than Savoie, but competitively priced alongside Swiss options, making it ideal for ski lovers, investors, and second-home buyers seeking year-round value. Whether you’re attracted by the ski slopes, lake vistas, or tranquil villages, Haute-Savoie presents an ideal setting for property in the French Alps.
Common Styles of Properties in the Department
- Wooden Houses: These homes, typical of high-altitude regions, are built from timber to withstand severe Alpine winters. Many have attics or lofts used for storing harvests and supplies.
- Stone Houses: Located mainly in valleys such as Maurienne and Tarentaise, these properties are often built with local stone, sometimes utilising traditional pisé (rammed earth) in the lower Chablais and Genevois plains.
- Chalets: Originally for summer pastoral work, chalets still symbolise Alpine architecture. They often coexist with sturdy, permanent homes at lower elevations in mountainous regions.
- New Detached Houses: Many developers now offer custom, energy-efficient homes, including passive houses and modern eco-friendly designs.
- Luxury Chalets: In prime resort areas, you’ll find renovated or new chalets, perfect for holidays and investments.
- Apartments: Haute-Savoie features apartments in ski resorts and urban areas, such as Annecy, Annemasse, and Thonon-les-Bains, offering easy access to shops, cafes, cultural sites and transportation.
Property Prices in Haute-Savoie in 2026
- Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €4,239 (source: Le Figaro - April 2026)
- Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €4,937 (source: Le Figaro - April 2026)
- Price trends: -2% over the last 12 months, +24% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro - April 2026)
House Prices in the Main Towns in Haute-Savoie in 2026
- Average House Price in Annecy: €5,725 per sq. metre (April 2026)
- Average House Price in Annemasse: €4,189 per sq. metre (April 2026)
- Average House Price in Thonon-les-Bains: €4,069 per sq. metre (April 2026)
- Average House Price in Cluses: €2,839 per sq. metre (April 2026)
(source: Le Figaro)
Considering Buying Property in Haute-Savoie?
- Alpine Luxury & Investment: Haute-Savoie features luxury chalets, family villas, and fermes savoyardes, more exclusive than those in Savoie but competitively priced compared to Swiss options.
- High Rental Yields: With top ski resorts (Chamonix, Megève, Morzine) and Lake Annecy’s summer tourism, properties get 8–12% annual returns, especially chalets near ski lifts or lakeside apartments.
- Prime Location & Accessibility: Geneva Airport (45 minutes), TGV to Paris (3 hours 10 minutes), and proximity to Switzerland/Italy.
- Four-Season Climate: Snowy winters (December–March) are ideal for skiing, while sunny summers (averaging 25°C) are perfect for hiking, sailing, and swimming in the lake.
- Alpine Lifestyle: A prestigious region with farmers’ markets, various cheese festivals, and Savoyard architecture. It combines luxury, mountain sports, and Alpine culture.
Browse our Properties for Sale in the Haute-Savoie
Explore our selection of chalets, village homes, apartments and luxury properties for sale in Haute-Savoie. These real estate listings are updated weekly by our trusted local agents. Please get in touch with us to arrange property visits or to discuss your search criteria.French Property Search
Located in an exclusive, unspoilt area of Megève, just a 7-minute walk from the village center, this 170 sq.m chalet was designed by a renowned local architect. Originally an old farmhouse, it was completely…
Read full details →
€3,750,000 incl. fees
Chalet for Sale in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Morzine, Haute-Savoie
SOLE AGENCY WORK IN PROGRESS Discover this exceptional chalet, exclusively with Cimalpes, located on the much sought after south facing slopes of Morzine. Offering panoramic mountain views, this chalet…
Read full details →
This new detached chalet is being built in the spirit of Henry Jacques Le Même and is located just a few minutes' walk from the centre of Megève. It has a total floor area of around 249 sq.m, including…
Read full details →
In an area close to the center of Megève, just a few minutes' walk from the village and the ski lifts, this superb, fully renovated, semi-detached chalet of approximately 202 sqm is distinguished by its…
Read full details →
€3,600,000 incl. fees
Chalet for Sale in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Demi-Quartier, Haute-Savoie
This new chalet, currently under delivery, is located in a quiet and preserved area of Demi-Quartier. Spread over 4 levels with a floor area of approximately 225 m², it offers five bedrooms, a spacious…
Read full details →
This new detached chalet is being built in the spirit of Henry Jacques Le Même and is located just a few minutes' walk from the centre of Megève. It has a total floor area of around 249 sq.m, including…
Read full details →
Discover this chalet with a total surface area of around 232.28 sq. m, including 200.59 sq. m under the Carrez law, ideally located in the heart of the Rochebrune sector. Immerse yourself in the cosy…
Read full details →
Ideally located in one of Megève’s most sought-after areas, this exceptional chalet of approximately 315 m² offers a unique living environment just steps from the village center and ski slopes. Benefiting…
Read full details →
Located close to Mont d'Arbois, this exceptional duplex flat - half-farmhouse offers a surface area of 190.39 sqm. Carrez and 230 sq.m in total. Made using high-quality materials, it features a meticulous…
Read full details →
€3,465,000 incl. fees
Farmhouse for Sale in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Demi-Quartier, Haute-Savoie
Discover, just a few minutes from Megève, a heritage farm to be restored, located in a quiet and traditional hamlet in Demi-Quartier. Dating back to 1811, this farm has a surface area of approximately…
Read full details →
Discover Les Chalets de la Massouderie 2, a new program of 2 luxurious individual chalets. Nestled in the heights of Les Gets, you will appreciate their location in the heart of a quiet and preserved…
Read full details →
€3,375,000 incl. fees
New Build and Off-Plan for Sale in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Les Gets, Haute-Savoie
Discover Les Chalets de la Massouderie 2, a new development of 2 luxury detached chalets. Nestling in the heights of Les Gets, you'll love their location in the heart of a calm, unspoilt environment.…
Read full details →
Discover this exceptional chalet with a total surface area of 266 sq.m, ideally located just 750 metres from the centre of Megève and 200 metres from the Jaillet ski lifts. Completely renovated in 2023,…
Read full details →
Located close to Mont d'Arbois, this exceptional duplex flat - half-farmhouse offers a surface area of 190.39 sqm. Carrez and 230 sq.m in total. Made using high-quality materials, it features a meticulous…
Read full details →
The new ‘Les Chalets d'Alexandrine’ development is ideally located in Rochebrune, less than 5 minutes' walk from the ski lifts. It comprises a detached chalet and a second chalet divided into three flats,…
Read full details →
Unique in Avoriaz - Take advantage of the opportunity to live in this 204 m² architectural masterpiece, carefully renovated in 2021. Ideally located right in the centre of the snowy resort of Avoriaz,…
Read full details →
€3,150,000 incl. fees
Chalet for Sale in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Combloux, Haute-Savoie
Discover this charming property located on the heights of Combloux with breathtaking views of the Mont-Blanc massif. Close to the centre of Combloux village and a shuttle stop serving the Portes du Mont-Blanc…
Read full details →
€2,995,000 incl. fees
Chalet for Sale in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Morzine, Haute-Savoie
Discover this magnificent new chalet of 317 m² spread over 4 levels, located in a peaceful area of Morzine. This exceptional property combines elegance, comfort and modernity, with top-of-the-range features.…
Read full details →
An outstanding 6 bedroom chalet that has been incredibly well designed to function as a family home and a luxury weekly rental property with a high end interior finish aimed at providing beautifully styled…
Read full details →
Discover this half-chalet with a total surface area of 210 sq.m, a true gem of luxury nestled in the heart of the mountains, in the prestigious Ormaret area of Demi-Quartier. This exceptional property…
Read full details →
Discover this half-chalet with a total surface area of 208 sq.m, a true gem of luxury nestled in the heart of the mountains, in the prestigious Ormaret area of Demi-Quartier. This exceptional property…
Read full details →
€2,890,000 incl. fees
Chalet for Sale in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Haute-Savoie
Exclusive listing, a true opportunity to discover this spacious 305 m² chalet, offering exceptional potential in a sought-after area. This property boasts a breathtaking panoramic view of Mont Blanc and…
Read full details →
€2,750,000 incl. fees
Chalet for Sale in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Haute-Savoie
Located just a few steps from the center of Chamonix, this 160 m² chalet offers an unobstructed view of Mont-Blanc. Its spacious living area with a cathedral ceiling and open kitchen provide light and…
Read full details →
Discover this 4 bedroom duplex apartment with a total surface area of 145 s.m, including 133.86 sq.m under Carrez law, ideally located in Mont d'Arbois, just a few minutes from the ski lifts and golf…
Read full details →Showing 25 to 48 of 224 results