Best of Savoie

Savoie Essentials

Savoie’s heritage spans from the medieval streets of Conflans to the high-altitude peaks of the Massif du Mont-Cenis. This selection highlights the region's architectural diversity, featuring 14th-century Italian Gothic palaces, baroque sanctuaries like Notre-Dame des Vernettes, and 11th-century fortresses overlooking Lac du Bourget. The list also explores industrial history at the Mont Cenis railway tunnel and the military ruins of Batterie la Court, situated over 2,000 meters above sea level near the Italian border.

Savoie Essentials — Map

A

Château Rouge à Conflans

14th-century castle built by the counts of Savoy. Known for its red brick construction, it houses a museum of art and history within the medieval town of Conflans.

Torsade de Pointes / CC0

B

Château de Châtillon

11th-century fortress rebuilt in the 16th and 18th centuries. Located on a rocky promontory overlooking Lac du Bourget, it features a blend of medieval defensive structures and later residential styles.

Thomas M / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Notre-Dame des Vernettes

18th-century baroque pilgrimage chapel located at 1,816 meters. The interior is noted for its ornate polychrome altarpieces and frescoes, typical of the Savoyard baroque style.

D

Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption

18th-century baroque church in Conflans. Rebuilt after a fire in 1632, it features a distinctive bell tower and a rich interior including a pulpit carved by Jacques-Antoine Todesco.

E

Ancienne entrée Monumentale du Tunnel Ferroviaire du Mont Cenis

The original 19th-century entrance to the Fréjus Rail Tunnel. This monumental stone portal marks the historic 1871 rail link connecting France and Italy.

F

Tour sarrazine

A medieval defensive tower in Conflans, likely dating to the 12th century. It served as a watchtower monitoring the confluence of the Arly and Isère rivers.

G

Maison Rouge

14th-century Italian Gothic palace built of red brick. It is one of the most prominent medieval structures in Conflans and currently serves as a museum of art and history.

Patrice78500 / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Église des Carmes

13th-century church belonging to the former Carmelite convent in Pont-de-Beauvoisin. It features Gothic architectural elements and historical religious significance.

Poudou99 / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Saint-Georges-d'Hurtières

Saint-Georges-d'Hurtières is a commune in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

F Ceragioli / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Rocciamelone

Rocciamelone is a 3,538 m high mountain in Piedmont, Italy, near the border between Italy and France.

Gigillo83 / CC BY-SA 4.0

K

Batterie la Court

A high-altitude Italian fortification built between 1905 and 1910 on the Mont Cenis plateau. Now in ruins, it offers views of the surrounding peaks and the nearby lake.

Other Lists

Regional Heritage Sites Castles and Forts Alpine Huts Panoramic Peaks & Viewpoints