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| Capital (and largest city) |
Grenoble | |||||||
| Other Cities | Aosta, Courmayeur, Albertville | |||||||
| Language Official |
Arpitan French | |||||||
| Others | Other French dialects, Italian, German | |||||||
| Religion | Catholicism | |||||||
| Demonym | Savoyard, Savois, Valdostan(Aosta Valley only), Grenoblaise(Grenoble only) | |||||||
| Legislature | Savoy Council | |||||||
| President | Alain Carignon | |||||||
| Area | 29,662 km² | |||||||
| Population | 620,000 | |||||||
| Established | 2000 | |||||||
| Admission | 2021 | |||||||
| Currency | Alpine Franc | |||||||
Savoy (Arpitan: Savouè, French: Savoie, Italian: Savoia) is a member-state of the Alpine Confederation. The state was formed from the majority Arpitan-speaking protectorates of Grenoble and the Montblanc Massif, the former Italian Province of Aosta Valley and the northeastern extremities of the former Italian state of Piedmont. It enjoys full statehood in the Alpine confederation alongside Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein and Padania.
History[]
Pre-Doomsday[]
The region has fallen under the control of many regimes throughout history, with the modern states of the French Republic and the Italian Republic splitting the Savoy lands post WW2, with the French Savoie being part of the Rhone-Alps prefecture and the Italian Savoia region being parts of the Aosta Valley and Piedmont.
Doomsday[]
The following confirmed strikes have been attributed to Soviet missiles.
- Lyon, France
- Turin, Piedmont, Italy
- Milan, Lombardy, Italy
In an instant, millions died in the blasts.
The French government was decimated in Paris; it is presumed there were no survivors. In the southwest, the strikes on Lyon destabilised the largest populace in the region. Many of these people would flee into the surrounding mountains, and one of the first cities to absorb this refugee population was Grenoble. The city council agreed to help many who came to Grenoble, but only on the provision they would move on deeper into the Alpine region and not settle in the city. Although this eased the exhaustion of the city's resources, many in Grenoble, whether through attrition or fear of further Soviet retaliation, would follow the refugees deeper into the presumed safety of the Alps. The conditions in the French Alps were harsh; many refugees did not make it to Annecy, Chamonix or beyond, the Alpine roads littered with the dead fleeing the strife to the west and south. The region would find its population in flux for many years, with the governments of the region either shunning the drifters of facilitating them for short periods before ushering them onto the next rest stop. These fears were not founded, as the overwhelming refugee surge and and wider panic reduced many of the surviving cities to rubble by the height of the first winter, although a lucky few such as Grenoble would survive, though not without being firsthand witnesses to the collapse of French society.
On the Italian side of the border, many surviving Piedmontese from Turin fled north into the mountains, followed by their Lombard brethren fleeing the ashes of Milan, hoping to find safety and shelter from the radiation, leaving the larger Turin and Milan metropolitan region largely abandoned. These refugees would disperse into settlements in northern Piedmont such as Novara, Biela and further into the relative isolation of the Aosta Valley. Others would flee across Lake Maggiore to Verbania and Domodossola pushing as far as Switzerland proper. The regions they left in their wake were in pure anarchy, the chaos of the bombs and collapse of the emergency Italian government paired with the destruction of the Piedmontese and Lombard regional government meant many towns and cities spared from the bombing had to fend for themselves. The crueler locals would turn the desperate away in a hopes to preserve the citizens of their towns, to the dismay and sometimes anger of the refugees. Others had no such luck, as wave after wave of refugees overwhelmed civil infrastructure. The lights of local governments were going out one by one in the region. Those who made it north to the mountains had to deal with the unrelenting cold of the Alps. By the early months of 1984, the Italian government had ceased to exist as well, and the survivors who made it to the spring were left to look elsewhere for help, although many more would perish before it came.
Early Years[]
The remainder of the 1980s saw the Swiss, and later the Austro-Swiss Union, send expedition groups south into the Po Valley and west into the French Alps. From Geneva, French swiss would travel the Alpine passes into former France searching for survivors. Many of the ski resort towns had been largely abandoned as the need for tourism had disappeared in the aftermath. Cities such as Chamonix and Annecy were hanging on by a thread. The City of Grenoble had fashioned itself into a city-state, as a survival economy of scavengers, hunters and subsistence agriculture had boomed in the metropolitan area surrounding the Isère prefecture. The people became hardy and strict, the law even stricter. Grenoble was a shadow of its pre-war self, with only a few tens of thousands lived in the city environs by the 1990s. The Expeditionary Forces from Geneva met with the city's mayor and leadership from the surrounding region in hopes to formulate some semblance of alliance with their French cousins.
In the immediate years following the collapse of the French government and ensuing reactor meltdown crisis that made even more of Southern France unlivable, many French refugees settled in Switzerland and Northern Italy. Now the Alpine expedition were considering the viability of repatriating these refugees into the abandoned settlements in the French Alps, though the speed at which they would be rehoused was going to be slow.
The situation was no better in Italy, though the reactor at Trino had been stabilised and was running at a minimal capacity, the Swiss scouts knew that this situation could not be sustained indefinitely. There would need to be a decommissioning of the site and controlled removal of the nuclear materials at the site. The scouts would return to Zurich with their findings. The Swiss authorities reached out to engineers and scientists in the country to establish a committee to plan the decommissioning of the site.
The same could not be said for the site at Bugey. It was home to five operating reactors at the time of the nuclear exchange and was in closer proximity to the bombing of Lyon. The site had entered into a critical shutdown when the bombs had fallen and was operating in a zombie state. Field operatives had already determined that the reactors were damaged and nuclear contamination was escaping the site via the Rhône. This was a critical situation, the Alpine scientists recognised the economic and ecological importance of protecting the Rhône for the region down river of the plant and began to plan a containment and decommissioning protocol for the site.
Alpine Protectorates[]
After the dissolution of the Austro-Swiss Union in 1997 and the formal establishment of the Alpine Confederation, the frontier regions which were policed by the Swiss and Austrians were more formally incorporated as "Protectorate Territories" of the Confederation.
Aosta Valley - 1998[]
Conditions 15 years after Doomsday remained harsh in the lands of Savoy. Being cut off from the bounties of the Po Valley due to radiation, there simply would not be enough food or fuel to survive a massive population shift into the valley so suddenly. The surviving settlements in the Aosta Valley would continue to depend on Alpine military protection and civil aid law was implemented on the introduction of the swiss military police to the region and the Aosta Council had their role expanded to govern the entire Piedmont frontier region. It was scouting missions from the Valdostan police that would confirm the multiple bombs falling on Turin.
The regions immediately in the sphere of Alpine influence were the fastest to become officially recognised protectorate territories. This was mainly the Aosta Valley, who turned to the swiss authorities to the north when communications with the emergency government in Italy had failed. The Valdostan Council had managed to secure and settle Italian refugees in the north-eastern Piedmont region around Lake Maggiore and had managed to get a handle on the shortages of resources with help from the Alpine guardians.
Grenoble and the French Massif - 2000[]
The region surrounding the French Alps had long been interacting with the swiss from their command in Geneva to the city of Grenoble. The mountainous terrain had slowed progress in the region and the radiation leaking into the Rhône from Bugey had hampered expedition further west into metropolitan France. Thus the plan was to consolidate supply routes through the Alps from Geneva to Monaco and open a corridor of movement with Grenoble as the centerpoint. The silver lining of increased conflicts between the Alpines and the Sicilians across peninsular Italy was the increased movement of Alpine military and construction crews threw Grenoble as Monaco's naval capabilities became increasingly important for containing the rogue Sicilian state.
By the turn of the millennium, the Grenoble government had fortifed this corridor as thoroughly as the National Redoubt, giving the Alpine states crucial access to its allies and additional agricultural land in the French Pre-Alps. The region formerly recognised as the "Territory of Grenoble and the French Massif", administered from Grenoble to the west, would be reorganized by local authorities into the "Protectorate of Savoy". This would mark the westernmost territory that the Alpine Government would operate, even to this day.
Resettlement of French Refugees[]
The late 2000's brought a new wave of migration to the French Alps. Many of the refugees who had fled the chaos 25 years prior had re-established themselves in the French speaking regions of Switzerland and the Arpitan regions of northern Italy. The first wave of migrants of this era had been shunned by the citizens of these regions, leading to a disparate social hierarchy in the regions where they had settled. This plus overcrowding meant that for years, the Swiss, French, Italian and Arpitan people often felt squeezed into the valleys between the Alpine Massifs. This was challenged in the 2000s when a drive to resettle the abandoned towns in the French Alps was orchestrated by the Alpine government. Many of former French nationality and of French descent were offered the opportunity to resettle the Alpine region on the other side of the swiss border. The Grenoble government would help process and place families in the region, offering work and rations to persuade those to leave their cramped lives for the more spacious French Alpine valleys. Though many younger people did not wish to be displaced, those who had survived the bombings had overwhelming warmed to the idea of moving back to French lands. The Migration would happen over many years, as towns were assessed for viability to be resettled, the government in Vaduz and Grenoble would work to redistribute the former refugees into the new viable regions. This in turn eased the pressures on the cities and towns of Switzerland as many saw an exodus of the former refugees.
Treaty of Montecarlo[]
The states that comprised the future Alpine Confederation were first made aware of the survival of Monaco and the French city of Nice through their interactions with the Genovese, with the parties later became integral trading partners through direct land routes passing through Grenoble.
The relationship has developed over the years. Initially the Monegasque survivors were relieved to find several intact states in the Alps, though these relations soured when they perceived many of the Alpine interventions in the French Alps as overstepping into their sovereign territory (although these were retorted by Alpinians pointing out Monaco's own similar interactions in Northwestern Italy). The environment of fear that the Spanish National Republic and Sicilians had created across the western Mediterranean did not help to assuage mutual confusions. The Swiss-Austrians were at first empathetic to the position of the Monaco Government but insisted that their only goal was to ensure the safety of the people of the Alps, and the security of the region. Representatives from Grenoble explicitly stated that their cooperation with the Alpine state was explicitly voluntary and they were not coerced or annexed as the Monegasque had presumed.
As time has progressed the relationship warmed. The two nations have combined their efforts to help protect the Rhone, with steps to filter out radioactive particulates from the water and surveying of the decommissioned site being carried out by scientists from both nations. The Monegasque government was invited by the Alpine Confederation to join the Italian Peninsula Alliance but declined the offer. They did however agree to allow Alpine ships to dock in their ports, allowing the Alps to access the Mediterranean when the venetian lagoon was subject to Sicilian raids. Following protracted discussions, the Grimaldis of Monaco agreed to allow use of all Monegasque ports to support the defensive maneuvers against Sicily in 2000, and later expanded in 2002, 2003 and 2005. The Alpines continue to lease a Naval Base in the environs of Nice to this day.
In recent times, there have been efforts towards re-establishing a rail route directly from Grenoble to Nice, by building alternative tracks to circumvent the ruins at Marseille and Lyon, though this project is still in its infancy.
Postbellum and Accession[]
For more information, please see the Second Sicily War
Although the government at Grenoble would not participate directly in the Second Sicily War, many Savoyards found themselves employed in other Alpine and Italian militias. Hundreds of Savoyards would be killed and wounded in the liberation of Tuscany. With the victory of the Atlantic-Alpine coalition against the Sicilians and their allies, the most radical transformation of the European political landscape since Doomsday itself ensued. Following this, reform to the confederation was a hot topic in Vaduz. By now the Alps had established many frontier territories, some of which had existed for over two decades by now, with the Savoyards being the oldest among these.
In 2018 the Confederation would hold a Referendum in each of the frontier territories to decide between statehood in the Confederation or Independence. The Aosta Valley and Grand St. Bernard Region both agreed almost unanimously to join the Confederation as a formal state. The vote in Montblanc and the French Massif was much more split but a solid majority voted to join. The Regional Assemblies of the protectorates would vote to merge and form the new state of Savoy, which was finally admitted as a state in 2021.
Present Day[]
The state in present day enjoys most of the benefits of being a full confederations member. Its accession to the confederation gave the Arpitan voice in the alpine council a much larger base, no longer will the debate be dominated by the German and Italian blocs. When both come to a deadlock, it is often the Arpitan bloc that will break the blockade, leading the Arpitan leadership to gain a greater respect within the confederation from across the national political spectrum.
With the recent 40th Anniversary of Doomsday, the leadership of the Savoyard Council convened in the city centre of Grenoble to unveil a new memorial for those who had died in France and Italy during the nuclear exchange and also Savoyards who had died in the subsequent years.
The cities of Grenoble-Chamonix have bid to host The Olympic Winter Games in the 3rd International Olympic Committee Summit in Lausanne which will decide its host cities when they sit in 2025.
Geography[]
Climate[]
The climate in the Savoyard state varies with altitude. Lower regions experience a temperate climate, while higher altitudes have an alpine climate with cold, snowy winters and cool summers. This climatic diversity supports a wide range of flora and fauna.
The region is home to a diverse ecosystem, from lush forests and alpine meadows to rocky high-altitude environments. Wildlife includes species like ibex, chamois, marmots, and golden eagles.
Mountains and Massifs[]
Mont Blanc Massif[]
Standing at 4,808 meters (15,774 feet), Mont Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps and Western Europe. It sits centrally in the Savoyard state and marks the separation between the French-Arpitan and Italian-Valdôtain regions. The peak is considered an ‘ultra-prominent’ peak and has attracted extreme climbers for centuries. The three towns and their prefectures which surround Mont Blanc are Courmayeur in Mordzé; and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and Chamonix in Chamôni.
Chablais Alps[]
The range of mountains to the north of the Mont Blanc Massif and south of Lake Geneva which straddle the borders of the Savoyard and Swiss states. Its extremities are the Col des Montets, a mountain pass separating the range from the Mot Blanc Massif. The region is often subject to treacherous weather. Cycling sports are often performed on the pass in warmer summer weather.
Rivers and Valleys[]
Aosta Valley[]
The Aosta Valley forms the eastern extension of the Savoyard state. The region's landscape has been significantly shaped by glacial activity, resulting in U-shaped valleys, moraines, and cirques. These glacial formations contribute to the dramatic and rugged terrain of the Aosta Valley. The Aosta Valley features numerous tributary valleys, each with its own unique geography and charm. Examples include the Valtournenche, leading to the Matterhorn, and the Valpelline, known for its pristine natural beauty. The Dora Baltea River flows through the valley and the regional capital of Aosta, originating from the Mont Blanc glaciers before eventually joining the Po River. This river is a vital waterway for the region, contributing to its lush landscapes and agricultural viability.
Chamonix Valley[]
The Chamonix Valley lies at the foot of Mont Blanc. The valley is home to several notable glaciers, including the Mer de Glace, the largest in Savoy, the Glacier des Bossons and Glacier d'Argentière. The Arve River flows through the Chamonix Valley, originating from the glaciers and carving its way through the landscape before eventually joining the Rhône River. There has been major works between the Monegasque and Alpine governments at the confluence of these two rivers to filter the heavy radioactive particulates from the Rhône to prevent further ecological damage downstream. The valley is also home to some spectacular waterfalls such as the Cascade du Dard, adding to the valley’s scenic beauty.
Val-d'Isère[]
Named after the Isère River, which flows through the region, Val-d’Isère is a key area for agriculture, industry, and tourism in Savoy. The Isère Valley stretches from the high mountain regions the Graian Range in the east, through the cities of Albertville and of Grenoble, and continues westward until it joins the Rhône River. The lower, flatter plains of the valley are dominated by agricultural industry where the upper reaches are more home to alpine tourism. Notable mountains flanking the valley are the Vanoise and Chartreuse Massifs, and the Grand Casse. The City of Grenoble lower in the valley is a centre for scientific innovation, particularly in the understanding of stabilising and capturing radioactive materials leaking from the uncontrolled nuclear facilities in the French interior.
Government[]
Savoy Council[]
The state is split into multiple prefectures, which elect ministers to the Savoy Council. The council is unicameral, with the leader of the majority party being elected leader of the country, the Prime Minister. The seats are proportioned with population of the regions in mind, with Grenoble taking the larger amount of seats, followed by Aosta and so forth. The following is a list of the 27 prefectures of the State of Savoy.
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Demographics & Culture[]
Language[]
Savoy remains a majority French-speaking state, with almost 30 percent of population speaking Italian at home as well. With the destruction of Paris and most of central France, Arpitan French, also known as "Franco-Provençal", what was referred to prior to Doomsday as Franco-Provençal is now the working French dialect of Europe. With Savoy and the French cantons of Switzerland remain closely culturally linked, with the two together forming up the larger linguistic region of "Arpitania", which is today the preferred nomenclature for the French dialect spoken across the Alpines.
There remain several tens of thousands of speakers of other French dialects, Occitan and even Catalan and others. Likewise, many Savoyards speak Ligurian, which has emerged as an unlikely lingua franca of the Mediterranean Sea.
Religion[]
Today the Catholic Church remains a significant religious institution in Savoy. The region's religious heritage is preserved in its many historic churches, monasteries, and religious festivals. Savoy boasts numerous historic churches and cathedrals, such as the Chambéry Cathedral and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame in grenoble. The region is home to several pilgrimage sites, including the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Myans and the Chapel of the Holy Shroud in Chambéry, where the Shroud of Turin was housed before its transfer to and subsequent destruction in Turin. Events such as the Fête de la Saint-Maurice in Saint-Maurice and local celebrations of patron saints are integral to the region’s religious identity. The Catholic faith and practice has taken on a nuance and unique local flavour.
Like much of the world post Doomsday, Savoy has experienced growing secularization, with declining church attendance and religious practice among the general population particularly around the metropolitan region of Grenoble. However, the region's historical and cultural ties to Christianity remain strong, especially within the Aosta Valley which has a larger catholic practicing population. There are currently two Archdiocese, Grenoble and Aosta with the Archbishop of Aosta being the leader in the state for the Catholic Faith. These have replaces the former Archbishopric of Lyon and the Diocese of Aosta which covered the state. The destruction of the larger metropolitan area of Lyon dispersed many refugees into the alps of different faiths. A large contingence of French Muslims had managed to establishing the Grenoble's Muslim Faith Council in the city. Majority of the Savoyard Muslims are of Maghrebi Descent, with a particularly large contingent of Tripolitanian Muslims coming into the region after the Second Sicily War looking for work. There are also many smaller congregations of different practicing faiths all across the alps.
Food[]
The mountains of the French and Italian Alps lend to the region a very unique diet among the states of the confederation. The culinary map of Savoy can be split on an east west Axis with the French inspired Grenoblais cuisine dominating the French massif being contrasted with the Italian rooted eastern Val'Dostan cuisine.
The Val'Dostan culinary culture is recognised for its simple ingredients and hearty dishes. The valley itself it has been know for its unique cheeses for centuries, with some being regionally special to the people of Aosta. Fontina is one such cheese, known for its semisoft to hard texture and medium-sharp flavour, which cannot be created anywhere beyond the valley. The cows milk cheese is creamy and mild but distinctively savoury and nutty, the nuttiness increasing with aging. As is tradition dating back to the 12th century, a true Val'Dostan Fontina will be stamped with the consortium stamp of the Matterhorn to prove its legitimacy.
As with many mountain states, Val'Dostan cuisine includes a significant amount of cured meat. A common staple of the restaurant in Aosta is Carbonnade, consisting of salt-cured beef cooked with onions and red wine served with polenta. Cured meats are often served with honey rye bread, melted cheese and pickled vegetables.
The French cuisine of the Savoyard region matches in heartiness to that of their counterparts in Aosta. Cheese is a staple, being used in local potato dishes such as raclette and Savoyard Fondue, made special by the precarious balance of Rhone Alpine cheeses such as comté, beaufort or emmental and white wine to make the fondue sauce. A particular surviving dish from the Lyonnais refugees is Quenelle de Brochet, A fish mousse made traditionally with pike from alpine streams and a creamy sauce originating from Nantua, the delicate flavours of the fish and sauce pair well with a regional wines. For those who want something sweeter, the region is home to a unique confectionary know as Montélimard Nougat. The candy is made from specific balances of peeled almonds, lavender honey and pistachios, the first two ingredients are specifically cultivated in the region. Nougat has been produced in Montélimard since the 1770s.
Culture[]
The people of the alps have long been know to be a hearty group. The life motto of the Savoyards is often quoted as Lit moelleux, foyer chaleureux, or a soft bed and a warm hearth. Often those in the alpine hinterlands will offer a safe shelter from the cold to all who travel through. The mountains which they call their home have shaped their culture beyond the pre doomsday national identities that divided the region between French and Italian. Many in the region will call themselves 'Alpine' or 'Arpitan' as opposed to French and Italian.
A common sight in the back country ski regions is the emblem of the St Bernard's Hospices. These respites take their name from the Grand St. Bernard Pass hospice between the Italian and Swiss alps. The St Bernard Hospice network has expanded all across the alps as a non-profit institution that helps anyone trying to cross the alpine trails. The Hospices also have in their employ St Bernard dogs, who have been trained to help in mountain rescue operations.
Sport[]
The region's extreme climate draws in all kinds of extreme sport athletes. Hiking and Skiing are casual pastimes of many in the region who can often be found rambling across the mountains in the summers and skiing between their day to day activities in the winter months. The largest mountain, Mont Blanc, is a challenge for even the most experienced mountaineer and many native Savoyard work as mountain guides for the many tourists who want to crest the peaks of the region.
In the summer, it is common to find many athletic cyclists testing their endurance on the steep alpine passes. There is a national cycling tour Tour Alpes that often uses the Savoyard regional routes for their elevation challenges.
Science[]
The region has long been involved in the pursuit of science. The University of Grenoble (Université Grenoble Alpes) was the former third largest public university in France, now is one of the largest surviving education and research institutions in Europe. The city of Grenoble itself was a scientific centre of Europe prior to doomsday and has many research institutes such as the Alpine Scientific Institute (Institut Alpin des Sciences), a descendant of the former French Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, and of particular interest to the nations of Europe, the Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives, whose research is currently exploring greener power alternatives and way to clean up radioactive disaster sites safely and efficiently. The University of Grenoble is one of the top universities in the world for science and technology. The city often works with other institutes across the alps, particularly the scientific institute CERN in Geneva, to further the pursuit of scientific knowledge to better mankind post doomsday.
Economy[]
The Economy of Savoy focusses around key industries such as Agriculture, Metallurgy and Energy Production. Grenoble remains the economic heart of Savoy, being a hyper-centre for industrial output and innovation. It has been called the science capital of Europe with many innovative sectors expanding in the metropolis. In the mountains above you can find many tourism opportunities in the Chalet rich slopes of the Alps.
Agriculture[]
Agriculture is a vital part of the Savoy economy, providing employment and supporting local communities. The emphasis on high-quality, artisanal products helps to sustain small farms and family-run businesses. Agricultural products from Savoy often carry Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) statuses, ensuring the preservation of traditional methods of cultivation and boosting the region's reputation for quality. Events like the "Foire de Saint-Ours" (Saint Ours Fair), the "Fête du Reblochon" (Reblochon Festival) and the "Fête des Fromages" (Cheese Festival) highlight the importance of agriculture in the region's heritage and attract tourists, enhancing the cultural and economic vibrancy of Savoy.
Output[]
The agricultural output of the Savoy region is characterized by its high quality, traditional methods, and strong cultural significance. From renowned cheeses and wines to diverse fruits and vegetables, Savoy's agriculture is a cornerstone of its economy and a vital part of its cultural heritage.
Farming of Vegetables in the lower more fertile valleys of the region provides many common staples of the Savoy diet. Common hearty crops include potatoes, leeks and carrots though regional specialties such as the Savoy cabbage, Sarre's sweet onions and Valle d'Aosta's Pignolet corn add to the region's diverse agricultural output. Fruit orchards of apples and pears are often found in the rolling valleys, their crop often fermented into various regional ciders. In the cooler climates, small berries such as strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are cultivated and dried or preserved into jams and fruit liquors. Aosta has a strong chestnut farming industry. The alpine meadows of the Savoy region are rich in wild herbs and flowers, which are harvested for culinary and medicinal purposes. These herbs contribute to the unique flavours of local dishes and products, such as the herbal liqueur Génépi, a Val'Dostan staple.
Savoy is famous for its cheese production, particularly its high-quality, traditionally-made cheeses. These cheeses are produced using traditional methods, often from milk obtained from cows grazing on alpine pastures, which gives the cheese its distinctive taste. Goat farming is also significant, contributing to the production of goat cheeses and other dairy products. Notable cheese varieties include:
- Beaufort, A hard, raw cow's milk cheese with a fruity and nutty flavour, often referred to as the "Prince of Gruyères."
- Reblochon, A soft, washed-rind cheese with a creamy texture and a strong, nutty taste.
- Fontina, Perhaps the most famous cheese from the region, Fontina is a semi-soft cheese with a rich, creamy texture and a distinct nutty flavour.
- Fromadzo, A traditional cheese with a variety of textures and flavours, depending on its age and the specific production methods used.
In addition to dairy farming, Savoy is known for its livestock farming, including cattle, sheep, and goats. The meat from these animals is often used in local culinary specialties, such as sausages and charcuterie. Aosta cured meats are renowned for their rich flavour and quality cut. Famous examples include:
- Motzetta, A traditional dried meat often made from beef, but sometimes from game meats like chamois or ibex.
- Lardo d'Arnad, A cured pork fatback seasoned with herbs and spices, which has PDO status.
The Savoy region is also known for its wine production, benefiting from its unique terroir and diverse microclimates. The region's vineyards are often located on steep slopes, enhancing the wines' unique flavours and characteristics. Key wine varieties include:
- Roussette de Savoie, Made from the Altesse grape, this white wine is known for its floral and fruity notes.
- Apremont and Abymes, White wines made from the Jacquère grape, characterized by their light, crisp, and refreshing qualities.
- Mondeuse, A red wine made from the Mondeuse grape, offering spicy and fruity flavours with good aging potential.
- Petit Rouge, A red wine grape that produces wines with fruity and spicy notes.
- Fumin, Another red wine grape, known for its full-bodied wines with good aging potential.
- Prëmetta and Vien de Nus, White wine grapes that produce aromatic and flavourful wines.
Industry[]
The industrial sector in Savoy is a major contributor to the regional economy, providing employment and driving economic growth. High-tech industries and manufacturing, in particular, are key economic drivers alongside more traditional manufacturing industries. Working alongside regional education and research institution, the Savoyard valleys host a plethora of innovative manufacturing and engineering industries.
Savoy has a strong presence in the production of automotive parts and aerospace components. Several companies manufacture engines, turbines, and other mechanical parts, leveraging the region's engineering expertise and skilled workforce. The region is known for its precision engineering capabilities, producing high-quality tools, machinery, and metal products. This industry supports various sectors, including aerospace, defence, and medical devices. The Aosta Valley has a notable mechanical engineering sector, producing machinery and equipment for various industries. This includes the production of industrial machinery, tools, and components.
The Aosta Valley has a strong tradition in metallurgy, particularly in steel production. The Cogne steelworks, located near the regional capital of Aosta, is one of the most important metallurgical plants in the Alps. It produces high-quality stainless steel and special alloys for various industrial applications, including automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors. In addition to steel, the region is involved in the production and processing of aluminium and other non-ferrous metals. These industries benefit from the region's access to raw materials and skilled labour.
The Savoy region is rich in hydroelectric resources due to its mountainous terrain and abundant water flow originating from the surrounding glaciers and mountains. Major hydroelectric plants, such as those on the Isère and Drac rivers, contribute significantly to the region's energy supply and to the states overall energy grid. These plants not only provide electricity for local consumption but also export surplus energy to other parts of the confederation.
In addition to hydroelectric power, the region is investing in renewable energy technologies, including solar and wind power. Research and development at the University of Grenoble into this area are supported by local institutions and government initiatives.
Although not as prominent as other sectors, the region has a tradition of textile manufacturing, particularly in producing high-quality fabrics and garments that often draw on local cultural and historical influences. Grenoble is also known as the Fashion Capitol of the Alps, with textiles and garment production and luxury clothing design forming a significant windfall for the cities tax base.
Tourism[]
The Savoyard Alps, renowned for their stunning landscapes, diverse outdoor activities, and cultural heritage, form one of the most popular tourist destinations in the confederation and Europe. The tourism industry in the region is a vital component of the regional economy. This region offers a wide range of activities and experiences that cater to different interests and seasons, from winter sports to summer adventures, wellness tourism, and cultural explorations.
The Savoyard Alps are home to some of the world's most famous ski resorts, such as Chamonix, Courchevel, Courmayeur and Cervinia. These resorts offer extensive ski runs, modern facilities, and diverse terrain suitable for all skill levels, attracting enthusiasts from around the globe.
In the summer, the Savoyard Alps transform into a hiker's paradise, with numerous trails that range from leisurely walks to challenging alpine routes. Iconic peaks like Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn attract mountaineers and climbers seeking adventure. The mountains are a popular destination for road cyclists and mountain bikers. Routes like the Col du Galibier and Alpe d'Huez are famous from the Tour d'Alpes. The Great St. Bernard Pass and the Little St. Bernard Pass offering challenging climbs and stunning views while extensive mountain biking trails cater to all levels of riders.
The region’s lakes and rivers provide opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and paddle boarding. Paragliding is also popular, offering breath taking aerial views of the alpine scenery.
The serene alpine environment is ideal for wellness retreats, offering yoga, meditation, and holistic therapies that attract visitors seeking tranquillity and well-being. The French Alps are dotted with wellness centres and thermal spas that provide relaxation and rejuvenation. Towns like Évian-les-Bains and Aix-les-Bains are renowned for their therapeutic waters and luxurious spa facilities.
Charming towns and villages like Annecy, Morgex, and Briançon offer a glimpse into the local culture, architecture, and traditions. The region is rich in history, with numerous castles, forts, and ruins to explore. Notable sites include the Roman Theatre in Aosta, Fénis Castle, and the Fort of Bard, which hosts cultural events and exhibitions. The Musée de l'Ancien Évêché in Grenoble and the the Alpine Botanical Garden in Aosta showcase the region's history, art, and natural heritage.