It is a pre-alpine massif which is bounded by the Lake Annecy to the north, the Combe de Savoie to the east, Chambéry to the south and the ills of the Albanais to the west. It is surrounded by a rampart of cliffs that dominate the surrounding plains. The villages have kept their rural character; the solide stone houses have four-sided roofs with large overhanging eaves that enable the occupant to work and go about their business under shelter.