HauteSavoie

Haute-Savoie is a department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. Named after the historic Savoy region, it occupies the northern and western parts of Savoy, with Annecy as its prefecture. The department bears the number 74.

Geography: Haute-Savoie lies in the western Alps and includes part of the Mont Blanc massif and the northern shore of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman). The Arve River flows through the territory toward the lake. It borders Switzerland, sharing frontiers with cantons including Geneva and Vaud. The department is divided into four arrondissements: Annecy, Bonneville, Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, and Thonon-les-Bains. Major urban centers include Annecy, Annemasse, Thonon-les-Bains, and Cluses. The landscape ranges from high alpine peaks to lake shores and green valleys.

History: The area was part of the Duchy of Savoy for centuries and became part of France in 1860 under the Treaty of Turin. The creation of Haute-Savoie as a department followed the annexation, incorporating Savoy territories around Lake Geneva and the Chablais region.

Economy and demographics: With a population around 800,000, Haute-Savoie has a diversified economy anchored in tourism, cross-border trade with Switzerland, and industry such as precision engineering and manufacturing. Tourism centers include Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Megève, La Clusaz, Avoriaz, and the picturesque town of Annecy, known for its canals and lake.