French Alps Travel Guide Resources & Trip Planning Info by Rick Steves

"Rising to 15,780 feet, Mont Blanc dominates the Savoie skyline and anchors a range that includes some of Europe's highest mountains, serving as the centerpiece of France's mountain-sports capital. I found the surrounding region — described as the penthouse of the French Alps — offers drop-dead spectacular scenery; its stubborn history (Savoie kept its independence until 1860) helped turn mountains from obstacles into destinations for travelers. Nearby wooden chalets overflowing with geraniums and restaurants where cheese fondue is ubiquitous give the area a distinctly Swiss feel." - RICKSTEVES