The Savoy Region of France is located in the Alps, near the Rhone River. It is famous for its gorgeous scenery: breathtaking snowy mountain peaks, lush green valleys and sparkling alpine lakes.
Savoy consists of the French departments of Savoie and Haute Savoie.
Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe, is the most most well-known of all of Savoy's mountains.
Savoy is a popular destination for enthusiasts of skiing and other winter sports.
It is favored by summer as well as winter travelers.
In the summer, tourists flock to Savoy's beautiful lakes, where they take part in windsurfing, canoeing and fishing. Yachting is a popular activity on the Lac du Bourget, Frances' largest natural lake, and on the Lac d'Annecy.
Many visitors enjoy exploring the countryside in summer by hiking, bicycling or horseback riding.
Vanoise National Park is known for its beautiful forests, springs and glaciers.
History of Savoy
Savoy has changed hands many times throughout its history.
In 1030, Humber of the White Hands, Lord of the Maurienne Valley in the Savoy region, was made Count of Savoy in return for his service to the Holy Roman Emperor.
Amadeus VIII ruled as Count of Savoy from 1391 to 1416. He was then given the title of Duke of Savoy by the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismond and ruled until 1440.
After Francois I of France attacked Savoy in 1536, the region fell under French control.
In 1559, Henri II of France signed the Treaty of Cateau Cambresis in 1559, returning Savoy to the Duke of Savoy.
When the Treaty of Utrecht was signed in 1713, Victor Amadeus, who was then Duke of Savoy, became King of Sicily, so Savoy became part of the Kingdom of Sicily. In 1718, he gave up Sicily in return for Sardinia, and Savoy became part of he Kingdom of Sardinia.
France attacked Savoy during the French Revolution, and took back the region.
In 1815, when the Treaty of Paris was signed, Savoy was returned to the Kingdom of Sardinia.
In 1860, Sardinia returned Savoy to France as a gesture of thanks for helping the Sardinians fight the Austrians, who had attacked northern Italy.