Rhône Alpes
Art, History & Archaeology Sites & Museums

The high Alps to the east of this region mark the international borders with both Switzerland and Italy. The two departments that make up this area are what was the historic Duchy of Savoy; annexed by France in 1860 following the Treaty of Turin. Besides the Alps and skiing, the area is known for its quaint medieval towns; the lakeside town of Annecy an Chambéry are just two examples with well preserved historic centres. The departments in Rhône-Alpes are: Savoie and Haute-Savoie.