As cool as it is quaint, the French Alps offers the ultimate in ski resort sophistication. Indulge in the fine dining eateries and picture-perfect piste in Courchevel 1850. Or be enchanted by Megève – a slope-side town of patisserie-lined cobbled streets, boutiques and horse-drawn sleighs. With Mont Blanc as your backdrop and enough slopes to satisfy every level of skier, this region is tailor-made for outdoor adventures.
SPORT
The skiing in the French Alps is exceptional, with slopes to suit any ability. And the monochrome mountains and spruce forests make for breathtaking views as you glide. If you don’t want to don skis, try out snowshoes, snowmobiles, sledges or even hang-gliders for size. In the summer months, these villages are a hub for outdoor adventures with emerald green meadows beneath rugged, silver peaks.
FOOD & DRINK
The gastronomy of the French Alps has a reputation for excellence befitting the home of Europe’s most stylish ski resorts. The higher you climb in Courchevel 1850, the more exclusive the establishment. And in Megève alone there’s a whole collection of Michelin-starred chefs to discover. If you’re after traditional Savoyard specialities, seek out a cosy Alpine chalet – and roaring fire – and linger over potée and fondue made with local Beaufort or Tomme cheeses.
DAY TRIPS
To really see the Alps in all their glory, take a trip to Chamonix. From here you can board a cable car and climb 2700m to the Aiguille du Midi. From the French Alps to the Italian, with a dramatic landscape of glaciers and ice fields in between, the views are simply awe-inspiring.
For a journey through the mountains that’s a little less energetic, hop aboard the Tramway du Mont Blanc. This railway has been carrying passengers through peaks and forests for over 100 years.
