The Top Ski Resorts in France

Author: Travel Guru

French Ski Resorts

The most famous ski resort in the French Alps is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Chamonix is both the oldest and the biggest French winter-sports resort. Site of the first Winter Olympics, held in 1924, Chamonix boasts the world's highest cable car (12,000 feet). From the top, the view of Mont Blanc, at 15,700 feet, is stunning.

Chamonix Ski Resort

Chamonix is part of the Ski Pass Mont Blanc Area, and provides access to more than 140 individual pistes, or dedicated ski runs covering more than 94 miles. A dedicated Ski Pass will provide access not only to Chamonix, but Argentière, Combloux, Cordon, Le Tour, Les Contamines, Les Houches, Megève, Passy Plaine Joux and St. Gervais Mont-Blanc as well. A good portion of the dedicated runs are above 8,200 feet, so year-round skiing is guaranteed. Chamonix also has 54 snow machines to provide adequate base and good terrain, and 49 lifts capable of transporting more than 52,000 passengers per hour.

Megève Ski Resort

Megève is built around a medieval heart, but boasts the kinds of amenities all travelers and ski enthusiasts will appreciate. Expensive and stylish, Megève was built in the 1920's as a resort alternative to St. Moritz, and has continued to upgrade and attract discerning travelers ever since. Fortunately, you won't need star status to enjoy one of the luxurious hotels or chalets, though you will need a sizeable vacation fund; Megève is not cheap.

The ski area, 185 miles of marked trails, has 81 integrated lifts - no T-bars for luxurious Megève. If you get there in the right year, you may even be able to witness a World Cup race, hosted on a regular basis (Chamonix was the site of the 2007-2008 race). If you get off on snowboarding, Megève also has two snow parks and a half-pipe (for the unfamiliar, think of a skateboarding park with snow). Megève gets 80 inches of snow a year, making for good to very-good base, and supplements Nature with 175 snow-making machines. Méribel, located in the center of the Three Valleys (the biggest, linked winter sports area in the world), has 200 lifts and 372 miles of dedicated trails.

Méribel Ski Resort

Méribel used to be an intermediate site, but opening up Mont Vallon and the top of the valley have made it a destination-must for extreme skiers as well. The wooden chalets, many owned by British tourists who favor the ski slopes, are tastefully rustic, the language more often English than French. A very popular resort for France skiing holidays.

Morzine Ski Resort

Morzine has easy road access, and is ideal for beginning skiers. Its gently inclined, tree-filled slopes and pleasant atmosphere are non-threatening to those unfamiliar with French customs, cuisine, or skiing. The weather is also typically mild - no need to worry about getting lost in a snowstorm. The one drawback to Morzine is its non-central location and lack of adequate transportation to other ski sites. Morzine makes snow, but not in sufficient quantity to overcome localized snow conditions, which can be disappointing. This makes it ideal for cautious beginners, but a bummer for more advanced skiers, who would prefer Serre Chevalier, with its 50 runs designed specifically for advanced or expert skiers.
Visitors to Chamonix can do more than ski, though. There are conferences, a science fair, fishing and hunting, various music and folk festivals, and an alpine museum. An 18-hole golf course will delight golfers, and three movie theaters provide enough viewing entertainment for even the dedicated film buff. Five dancing spots, or discotheques, will keep the under-30 entertained, while the health-conscious adventurer can indulge in day-sports like cycling, mountain climbing, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, tennis and ice skating.

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Paris. Right Bank Time Passages

The Right Bank on the north side of the River Seine (as you cruise downstream) is historically the more affluent side of Paris. The king built his grand palaces (such as the Palais du Louvre) here , and noble French families their hôtels particuliers (private, family mansions).

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Paris in a day

A classic walking tour to the world renowned landmarks of the city of lights that is doable in only 1 day: Notre-Dame, Champs-Elysées, Eiffel tower - and you'll find nice bistrots, shops and cafés on your way!
Find the full description on www.madaboutparis.com.

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5 Top Provence Destinations

By Thom Sanders

With Provence being one of the most beautiful areas in France is it any wonder than many people choose this area as a holiday destination, staying in a local B&B or one of the many Provence villas in the area. It's brilliant vistas are well known for inspiring artists, with the sun soaked landscape, azure waters and fields of wild flowers. It's also a great destination for those who enjoy a little history, with roman ruins, old markets and traditional towns in abundance. This article will look a five of the tops destinations in the area.

First up is the beautiful city of Avignon. This is one of the most beautiful cities in the Provence area, with its rich history and many cultural wonders. The city features the world's largest Gothic palace, The "Papal Palace", set in some fantastic grounds along with the famous Pont St. Benezet or the Pont d'Avignon bridge.

Next up is the Gorges du Verdon, the deepest canyon in Europe. With is sparking azure waters flowing down its length enclosed in sheer rock walls, it's a truly unique location for a days walking. You can also enjoy a drive down parts of the canyon ending at the historical town of Moustiers Sainte Marie, a charming Medieval village.

Number three on the list is the village of Saint-Remy-de-Provence and its fantastic Roman ruins. The ruins include the beautiful Triumphant Arch of Glanum and many smaller sites around this small traditional Provence town. While you're in the town its market is also worth a look, with is brilliant mix of fresh produce and local crafts it's a great place to pick up a bargain.

If you're looking for a little bit more of a spectacle and a your visiting Provence in the summer months then a trip to Digne les Bains should be on your list to taking in the wonderful sights and smells of the lavender fields. The area also features many hot springs that are its namesake, which are believed to have curative powers.

Finally on the list is something for the shop-a-holics out there as it's the markets of Isle sur la Sorgue. This market has made its name as one of the major antiques markets in France and is the largest "marche aux puces" (or flea market), outside the capital Paris. It's a spectacle to behold and a great day out for any bargain hunters out there.


AK Villas are experts in the field of Provence villas and offer an extensive range of Villas in France.
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4 Coastal Towns to Visit When Camping in France

If you like to stay near stunning coastlines on your camping holidays, France is an excellent choice of destination. The country has numerous coastal regions to choose from – the vibrant and luxurious Côte d’Azur, the beautiful beaches of Royan, and the diverse northern coasts of Brittany and Normandy.

In addition to the great beaches and excellent campsites at these destinations, there are many attractive coastal towns to choose from for your camping holidays in France. These are ideal places to visit on day trips, and whether you want to enjoy chic sophistication or historical elegance there is sure to be a town that suits your needs. Here are five you should consider visiting if you decide to camp near to the coast...

St Tropez

The Côte d’Azur is filled with outstanding coastal resorts, and is one of the most popular places for people to visit on their camping holidays in France. St Tropez is the jewel in its crown. The famous port is filled all year round with the pleasure yachts of the rich and famous, with an enormous regatta being held every year in October. Away from the port, the old fortifications, the excellent local beaches, the market at the Place aux Herbes and the vibrant street life at the Place des Lices are all essential highlights.

La Rochelle

Home to one of the best preserved ports and old towns on the Atlantic Coast, La Rochelle (located in the Bay of Biscay on the West Coast of France) is a charming and attractive seaside town that is well worth your time. It is particularly noted for the quality of its seafood restaurants, so make sure you stay for dinner! It is also home to many old buildings and an excellent Maritime Museum.

Biarritz

Trendy and lively Biarritz is one of France s most famous resort towns, and with good reason – the rich and famous have come here on their holidays for centuries. From top notch golf courses to some of the best spas in France, this is the place to come if you enjoy the finer things in life. The Grand Plage promenade is a hive of high class shopping, and to finish it all off, the beaches are spectacular and home to some of the best surfing in the country. It isn t the place to come for peace and quiet but for sophistication and excitement, it s hard to beat Biarritz.

St Jean de Luz

Located in the South West of France, right on the border with Spain in the heart of Basque Country, St Jean de Luz has a delightfully distinctive atmosphere, mixing the very best of Spanish and French culture. With nearby Biarritz soaking up the majority of the tourists, it is the perfect place for a relaxing trip – stroll through the peaceful old town, eat at the local brasseries, and watch the fisherman at work. If you look for peace and quiet on your camping holidays to France, St Jean de Luz is an excellent place to visit.

Paris. Street art free walking tour

Paris is home to some of the most important and influential artists working in the genre, even if many have now moved onto other destinations or other supports.

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A varied walk starting at the Louvre, passing and visiting the two largest churches in Paris, the two islands in the middle of the Seine, a taster of the Marais district and three of the most visited attractions in Paris - Louvre, Pompidou Centre & Notre Dame.



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