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Skiing in the French Alps

The largest and most diverse site for skiing in Europe, the French Alps offer a range of options for beginners up to more experienced skiers. The key areas for skiing however focus around the Savoie and the Haute-Savoie regions on the Eastern border of France, offering a balance to the colder northern and warmer southern mountain ranges. Set within the Rhones-Alps mountains, and carrying the Isere river, skiing is focused around Les Trois Vallees (The Three Valleys) area.

Les Trois Vallees

Based in the larger Tarentaise Valley above the small town of Moutiers, the Valleys bring together the smaller areas of Saint-Bon, Les Allues and Belleville, and more recently the nearby Maurienne Valley. Saint-Bon includes the costly Courchevel resort, while Belleville is known for Val Thorens and Les Menuires. Often the most popular resort though for UK tourists has been Les Allues, with its easy access to Eurostar trains and its reputation for a more personal, family-friendly atmosphere. Les Allues includes Brides-les-Bains and the larger Meribel resort, the oldest in the region.

Particular interest and activities

Skiing options within the Allues resorts include a broad range of slopes for experienced skiers through to family and first-time visitors, as well as a range of accommodation choices. Both resorts have also acted as regular sporting destinations, having been part of the 1992 Winter Olympic Village. Beyond the ski resorts are the Vanoise National Park and the ancient village of Moutiers, while the region is easily connected to the rest of the Three Valleys. For the visitor who wants to combine world-class skiing and convenient travel, the region as a whole remains arguably the best destination for UK travellers and ski fans from around the world.

Cannes is known as the home of one of the most important festivals for the movie industry. Cannes Film Festival is held from 16 to 27 of May 2012, during which many of the Cannes hotels will be fully booked. Various other festivals are held in Cannes trough out the year as well. Midem is the largest annual trade fair for the music industry and it is held during winter season in January. The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity takes place in June and The International Festival of Games goes on in February. There are many more intriguing festivals that are held in Cannes, which is good to keep in mind when planning traveling to Cannes. Even though the city lives out of tourism and most of the local businesses are offering hotel and tourist services, booking the hotel in advance is recommended. Cannes hotels are luxurious and are designed for demanding taste.