Haute Savoie

Haute-Savoie department is located in southeastern France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, on the border with Switzerland and Italy, and its capital is Annecy, a city known for its crystal-clear lake and beautiful historic center. The department is home to Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe, and the town of Chamonix, the world capital of alpine mountaineering. Its economy combines mountain tourism (skiing and mountaineering), light industry (precision mechanics in Annemasse), and cross-border work with Geneva, which provides high wages for French workers. The cost of living, especially in Annecy and near Geneva, is among the highest in France.

Annecy, Thonon-les-Bains, Cluses

• Université Savoie Mont Blanc (USMB) – campus d’Annecy - Digital, management, sports and other programs, near the lake.
• IUT d’Annecy - An IUT (university institute of technology) with technical and professional programs.

Annecy and most towns in Haute-Savoie are very safe and family-friendly. The main challenge for students is the high cost of rent and the touristy nature of the city. Border towns near Geneva (such as Annemasse) have a suburban feel with commuting to work in Switzerland.

The TER network and regional buses connect Annecy to Geneva, Lyon, Chambéry and Chamonix. At the city level, the Sibra bus network is active; special shuttles and buses serve the mountains and ski resorts.