Guide to Savoie & Property for Sale in Department 73

Savoie is a department in the French Alps in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of Southeastern France; its prefecture is Chambéry.  It borders the departments of Haute-Savoie, Ain, Isère and Hautes-Alpes in addition to Aosta Valley and Metropolitan City of Turin in Italy. Together with Haute-Savoie, it is one of the two departments of the historic region of Savoy; the Duchy of Savoy was annexed by France in 1860, following the signature of the Treaty of Turin. The Savoie department (number 73) is renowned for its numerous ski resorts and its significant contribution to French cuisine, with culinary specialities such as fondue savoyarde, génépi, and various types of saucisson. Numerous wine grapes are also grown in Savoie.

Famous Wines of Savoie

The most famous wines are made of Gamay, Pinot Noir and Mondeuse grapes. Fruit production is the third largest component of agriculture in Savoie. Apples and pears are also produced in the region and are renowned for their exceptional qualities. The department of Savoie is crossed by the Isère river, which has its source in the Iseran pass. Its two main lakes are Lac du Bourget (the largest and deepest lake entirely in France) and Lac d'Aiguebelette, one of the least polluted in France due to a law forbidding any use of motorboats on the lake.

Charming Chambery

Chambéry, the capital of the Savoie department, is a charming city with a rich past, culture and a small international airport. The city's old town, with its narrow streets and colourful buildings, is a delight to explore. Visitors can also admire the stunning Château des Ducs de Savoie, a former residence of the Savoyard dukes, and the elegant Place des Éléphants, a square featuring a famous fountain with four lifelike elephant sculptures.

Tourism’s Economic Impact

According to the Chamber of Commerce in Chambéry, nearly 50% of the department's wealth is derived from tourism. Each year, Savoie hosts over 30 million visitor nights of tourists from around the world, including from Britain, Germany, America, Denmark, Sweden, and many other countries with a history of enjoying winter sports and outdoor activities.

Tourism, which is quite important to Savoie, began to develop towards the end of the 19th century. The increase in skiing popularity in the 20th century made Savoie home to the largest number of ski resorts in France, including Val-d'Isère, Tignes, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Courchevel, Méribel, Les Menuires, Val Thorens and many more.

Year-Round Outdoor Activities

In addition to its winter sports, the Savoie department offers a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding, amidst its stunning mountain landscapes. The Vanoise National Park, the first national park in France, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The park is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including ibex, chamois and marmots, and offers numerous hiking trails that showcase its breathtaking beauty.

A Favourite Alpine Destination

With its stunning scenery, vibrant cities and cultural as well as culinary heritage, the Savoie department is a fantastic destination that offers many experiences and opportunities for visitors and residents alike.

Key Information about Savoie (73)

• Main City/Prefecture: Chambéry
• Nearest Airport: Chambéry Airport (limited flights; Lyon Airport for major connections)
• Population: Around 436,000 (as of the latest census)
• Area: 6,028 sq. kilometres and 2,327 sq. miles
• Landmark: Château des Ducs de Savoie, a medieval castle with a rich history and cultural importance.
• Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 4.5 million, drawn by its ski resorts, mountain scenery and lakes like Bourget.

Why Buy a Property in Savoie?

Savoie’s real estate scene is strongly influenced by its historic architecture, shaped by mountain living and the stunning alpine scenery. At the same time, urban expansion and tourism have given rise to a new wave of modern properties, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary luxury.

Property Types in Savoie

In Savoie, a diverse range of properties can be found, from classic mountain houses built from wood or stone to traditional chalets ideal for snowy winters, as well as modern villas and custom residences in both mountain and town areas. The iconic Savoyard roofs, characterised by their steep double slopes covered in slate or stone tiles, are designed to withstand heavy snowfall and add a unique character to the landscape.

Most Common Types of Properties

• Mountain Houses – These homes showcase traditional alpine craftsmanship with extensive use of wood for warmth and charm.
• Stone Houses – Common in valleys such as the Maurienne and Tarentaise, these houses feature thick walls built from local stone, offering both strength and timeless beauty.
• Pisé Houses – Constructed from compacted earth, this traditional technique reflects the region’s rural architecture's sustainable heritage.
• Chalets – The quintessential alpine dwelling features wide balconies, sloping roofs, and panoramic views, making them perfectly suited for the mountain lifestyle.
• Urban Apartments - Found mainly in towns like Chambéry, Annecy, and Aix-les-Bains, these apartments blend practicality with an Alpine lifestyle.
• Ski Resort Apartments  - In resorts like Méribel, Courchevel, and La Plagne, apartments offer direct access to the slopes and breathtaking views of the Alps.

Average Property Prices in Savoie (73) in 2025

• Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €3,207 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
• Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €4,283  (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
• Price trends: +0% over the last 12 months, +40% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)

2025 House Prices in the Main Towns in Savoie

• Average House Price near Chambéry: €3,227 per sq. metre
• Average House Price near Aix-les-Bains: €3,923 per sq. metre
• Average House Price near Albertville: €2,496 per sq. metre

(source: Le Figaro - October 2025)

Find Your Dream Lifestyle in Savoie

• Alpine Luxury & Value: Savoie offers chalets, modern mountain homes and villas, often more affordable than those in the Haute-Savoie or the Swiss Alps.
• High Rental Demand: With world-class ski resorts (Les Trois Vallées, Val d’Isère) and Lake Annecy’s summer tourism, properties here achieve 7–12% annual yields, especially for chalets near ski lifts or lakeside apartments in Annecy.
• Exceptional Accessibility: Annecy Airport (45 minutes to Geneva), TGV to Paris (3h20m), and proximity to Italy/Switzerland.
• Four-Season Climate: Snowy winters (Dec–Apr) for skiing and sunny summers (25°C avg.) for hiking, sailing, and lake swimming
• Authentic Alpine Lifestyle: A region of preserved traditions with farmers’ markets, cheese festivals, and Savoyard architecture. Life balances mountain sports, lakefront living, and a strong local culture.

If you are looking for a property or investment real estate in Savoie, please get in touch to discuss your search criteria.