What is there to do in the Avant Pays Savoyard?

A must-see: the emerald waters of Lake Aiguebelette (the 3rd-largest natural lake in France). On the programme: swimming and sunbathing at one of the numerous beaches with full amenities; fishing for pike, trout, lavarets and omble-chevaliers. There are many way-marked hiking paths highlighting the richness of the fauna and flora of the region, and let's not forget the various water sports; among them, pedal-boating is particularly enjoyable!

A visit to Chambery, a city with a rich heritage of art and history. Discover the old town, the castle of the Dukes de Savoie, the holy Chapel, the Cathedral, and the remarkable Fine Arts Museum with its superb collection of Italian paintings from the 15th to the 18th centuries, without, of course, forgetting the famous Fountain of the Elephants.

Then go wherever your fancy takes you along the roads and villages of the region. From Epine Pass (987 metres), for example, there is a splendid panorama of Lake Aiguebelette, the Massifs of la Chartreuse, of Vercors and du Pilat, le Bugey and the Monts du Lyonnais. Many villages are well worth seeing: Pont de Beauvoisin, Yenne, St Genix sur Guiers. And what would you say to helping milk goats (about 6 pm) at home, at the Chèvrerie du Grand Champs at Yenne, a guaranteed thrill for young and old alike! (info: 04 79 36 71 54),

Discover Chautagne: in this charming little region 8 villages gather on the banks of Lake Bourget. You will stroll along the narrow, picturesque streets of Chanaz, with its old-world charm. And don't forget to make a detour to the noteworthy Royal Abbey of Hautecombe (12th century) with its surprising troubadour gothic style.

To really feel the soul of the region, be sure not to miss the festival of small farmers and artisans on Sunday, August 24th at Entremet-le-Vieux, with demonstrations of the know-how of the artisans and samplings of the local products. An authentic and flavourful festival! (Info: 04 79 65 81 90).

Finally, food lovers must absolutely taste the Savoie cake of Yenne as well as the authentic praline of Saint Genix produced at Labully Patisserie in St Genix sur Guiers: a brioche that rises all night long and is then stuffed with red pralines!

An original idea: the tourist bureau of Aix-les-Bains proposes a « bottle tour » that will lead you on a discovery of beer producers, mineral waters, nut and hazelnut oils, and wines.

by Laurent Turrel, © www.nuncbibendum.com 2008