Route des Grandes Alpes

Annecy, often called the "Venice of the Alps," boasts a rich and complex history dating back to Roman times. Strategically located at the crossroads of important trade routes, the city developed into the significant seat of the Counts of Geneva during the Middle Ages.Subsequently, Annecy became the center of the Savoy Dukes, who established it after the Reformation as an important Catholic counterweight to Protestant Geneva. These eras significantly shaped the architectural and cultural face of the city.The Old Town, known as Vieille Ville, is a living testament to this era with its narrow streets, picturesque arcades, and the canals flowing through it. Prominent structures such as the imposing Château d'Annecy, once the residence of counts and dukes, as well as the iconic Palais de l'Isle, which dates from the 12th century and once served as a prison and courthouse, define the cityscape and tell tales of past power dynamics and daily life.It was only in 1860, with the annexation of Savoy to France, that Annecy definitively became part of the French nation, yet it preserves its unique Savoyard heritage in customs and regional identity to this day.

Albertville, located at the confluence of the Arly and Isère rivers, is a place with a rich history deeply rooted in the Savoyard Alpine region. The city was formed in 1836 through the unification of the medieval town of Conflans with L'Hôpital and named after King Charles Albert of Sardinia-Piedmont. This fusion marked a significant step in its development as a commercial hub.Albertville's architectural heritage is twofold: The upper part, Conflans, presents itself as a charming medieval town with narrow streets, stone houses, and arcades, reflecting the typical Savoyard architecture. Here, traces of centuries of history as a trading post and border town can be discovered. The lower, newer part, originally L'Hôpital, rather showcases a 19th-century townscape and was significantly modernized and expanded due to the hosting of the 1992 Winter Olympics.Culturally, Albertville is strongly shaped by its alpine location and Savoyard identity. Traditions manifest themselves in regional festivals and an awareness of local heritage, which is nurtured in museums and through the preservation of historic buildings. Art and craftsmanship are often connected to the mountain world, although there is no specific art movement that Albertville prominently produces. The Winter Games, however, have also left a lasting cultural impact, evident in modern sports facilities and an international flair.

Briançon, once known as Brigantio, boasts a long history stretching back to Roman times. Its strategically important location on an Alpine pass shaped its development over centuries. The most significant era, however, began in the late 17th century under Louis XIV, when the military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban was commissioned to extensively fortify the city.These fortifications, which encompass the old town and surrounding heights, are today an outstanding example of military architecture and have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008. The Cité Vauban within the city walls is characterized by its narrow streets, steep ascents, and well-preserved Baroque buildings. Also characteristic are the numerous sundials on the facades, symbolizing the connection to the sun and the mountains.Culturally, Briançon reflects life in the High Alps, shaped by the challenges and beauties of the mountain world. This manifests in a robust regional identity and an appreciation for craftsmanship and traditions, adapted to the way of life in this unique environment.

Nice was founded as the Greek settlement Nikaia; the Roman city Cemenelum was located on the Cimiez hill. From 1388, Nice belonged to the House of Savoy, later to the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont, before it was annexed to France in 1860.This history continues to shape the city's character and traditions today. The Old Town, Vieux Nice, with its baroque churches and narrow streets, clearly shows Italian influences. The Belle Époque left behind grand hotels and villas along the Promenade des Anglais and in Cimiez, reflecting the boom in tourism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Nice has preserved its own identity, audible in Niçois (Nissart) and visible in festivals like the February Carnival. For a long time, the city has attracted artists, and museums commemorate Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall, who lived and worked here.