For seven centuries, Savoy and its Alps were an independent state between France and Italy.
Its rulers controlled the passage of armies, merchants and pilgrims over the mountain passes.
Annexed to France in 1860, Savoy became its most prosperous region with fifteen million tourists visiting its Alps every year, to walk, climb, parapente or ski.
Fonthill Media History of savoy. gatekeeper of the alps, hardback/john dormandy
