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 the Prariand area, this 3 three-bedroom apartment on the garden level benefits from excellent exposure. Just a few minutes' walk from the center of Megeve, this residence comprises 4 chalets…
Read full details →Located in the heart of the charming village resort of Praz-sur-Arly, just minutes from the Espace Diamant ski slopes and local shops, this fully renovated 3-bedroom apartment of 90 m² offers a comfortable…
Read full details →€255,000 incl. fees
Apartment for Sale in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, Haute-Savoie
Located in the highly sought-after Le Bettex area of Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc, this charming 49.48 sq-m ground-floor apartment offers year-round mountain living at its best. Perfect as a holiday home,…
Read full details →Close to the Mont d'Arbois ski lifts and golf course, this duplex apartment with 116.58 sq.m of floor space and 127 sq.m of total floor space is ideal for your family. It features 4 bedrooms, a spacious…
Read full details →Located on the top floor of the new ESPERANCE program, this sublime, fully-renovated duplex combines old-world charm with contemporary comfort. Spread over two levels and boasting a living area of 143…
Read full details →Discover this magnificent apartment from the new ESPERANCE program, a confidential, upscale project located just a few steps from the center of the village of Megève and close to the Jaillet ski lifts.…
Read full details →Between Chamonix and Les Houches, just 7 minutes from the town center, La B des Glaciers invites you to discover a unique mountain lifestyle, combining tranquility with breathtaking views. This new exclusive…
Read full details →Between Chamonix and Les Houches, just 7 minutes from the town center, La B des Glaciers invites you to discover a unique mountain lifestyle, combining tranquility with breathtaking views. This new exclusive…
Read full details →Come and discover this bright, modern apartment, built in 2019, just a few steps from the center of Morzine and its ski lifts. Enjoy the benefits of recent construction combining modernity and energy…
Read full details →€1,690,000 incl. fees
Apartment for Sale in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Demi-Quartier, Haute-Savoie
Magnificent character apartment with a 147.46 sq.m loi carrez surface area (165.31 sq.m) total surface area), located in a renovated former farmhouse. A unique space combining charm and comfort, with…
Read full details →Discover this apartment located in the center of Morzine village, offering breathtaking views. Combining authenticity and modernity, this luxury apartment was completely renovated in 2020 using top-of-the-range…
Read full details →This custom-built residence comprises 14 flats in two separate buildings (6 flats - Chalet A and 8 flats - Chalet B) ranging in size from 1 to 5 bedrooms. It will be built to a very high standard by a…
Read full details →The new KALISTA development, featuring 33 apartments, offers a cozy and exclusive living experience in the heart of the prestigious resort of Megève. Spread across three buildings, these high-end apartments…
Read full details →Discover this exceptional apartment located in the prestigious Silver Lodge development, just minutes from Megève’s village center. This 74 m² ground-floor T3 offers a unique living environment, blending…
Read full details →The new KALISTA development, featuring 33 apartments, offers a cozy and exclusive living experience in the heart of the prestigious resort of Megève. Spread across three buildings, these high-end apartments…
Read full details →The new KALISTA development, featuring 33 apartments, offers a cozy and exclusive living experience in the heart of the prestigious resort of Megève. Spread across three buildings, these high-end apartments…
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 →Completely renovated flat with a 64.01 sq.m Loi Carrez surface area, ideally located in a well-maintained condominium in Mont d'Arbois, close to the ski slopes and golf course. It comprises an entrance…
Read full details →Sublime apartment T4 entirely renovated with a total surface area of 85 m² including 83.79 m² loi carrez located on the garden floor of a charming condominium on the sought-after and sought-after area…
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 →Discover this 3 bedrooms apartment on the ground floor of a luxury residence with a floor area of 80.21 sq.m (loi carrez), ideally located in Mont d'Arbois, just a few minutes from the ski lifts and golf…
Read full details →€850,000 incl. fees
Apartment for Sale in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Haute-Savoie
Centrally located, this south-facing flat boasts uninterrupted views of the Mont Blanc massif. With a surface area of 80sqm , it has a lovely living room with separate kitchen, two double bedrooms, one…
Read full details →Located a few minutes from the village centre of Les Houches, in the Griaz sector, come and see this spacious flat on the top floor of a small co-ownership. With a total surface area of approximately…
Read full details →Recent 2-room flat in a 2022 condominium, with a 48.87 sq-m loi carrez surface area on garden level and south-facing. Neat, high-quality fixtures and fittings. The flat is sold fully furnished. It comprises…
Read full details →Showing 49 to 72 of 115 results