Lost in the mountains, this small village in Haute-Savoie nevertheless offers 300 days of sunshine per year

In France, when you’re looking for a bit of sun in France, you don’t necessarily have to go to the south. As surprising as it may seem, some small mountain villages sometimes offer even more attractive climatic conditions than those of the seaside resorts. This is the case of the charming commune of Villaz in Haute-Savoie. Located in the heart of the French Alps, not far from Annecy, this village enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine per year.

Villaz, the small mountain village where the sun shines 300 days a year

This phenomenon of significant sunshine in mountainous regions can be explained by several factors, including the altitude and orientation of the valleys, which promote maximum exposure to the sun. Villaz is not an isolated case. Many villages in the Alps, the Pyrenees or the Massif Central also benefit from a sunny climate. Enough to attract those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle and get a breath of fresh air in nature, while enjoying a pleasant climate.

Located at the foot of the Parmelan massif, which peaks at 1,835 meters, this town with just under 4,000 inhabitants offers a truly majestic setting with small streams and a forest massif of 480 hectares, with plenty of picturesque paths for walking. The charm of Villaz also lies in its cultural and historical heritage: there is a church decorated with remarkable stained glass windows and several castles, such as those of Bonattrait, Disonche and Paquelet de Moyron.

What to do in Villaz?

In Villaz, outdoor enthusiasts will not be bored. You can go rock climbing on the Parmelan walls, accessible to climbers of all levels. In winter, the trails are transformed into snowshoe trails and offer exceptional panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. Villaz also comes alive throughout the year with several seasonal events, including craft markets and village festivals that celebrate Savoyard culture.

For cheese lovers, a stop at the Fruitière du Parmelan is a must. This emblematic place in Villaz offers an immersion in the region’s cheesemaking tradition, with the opportunity to observe up close the artisanal production and maturing of the famous Reblochon AOP. This soft cheese, produced on local farms with raw milk, the star of tartiflette, is the pride of Haute-Savoie and shines internationally.