When you refer to the French Alps you cannot but think of stunning landscapes, fresh mountain air, a challenge of all senses, limits and strengths. So what is a holiday in the French Alps? It is a combination or election between outdoor activities, Alpine skiing, mountain biking, white water rafting, paragliding, relaxing and practicing water sports on the shores of a lake. It is a rainbow of senses and a trail towards finding peace and tranquility. A holiday in the French Alps is... exactly what you want it to be.
Where would you personally start your holiday in the French Alps? One option would be the simply lovely fairytale-like town of Annecy, set on a lake side. Its medieval quarter is beautiful, the lakeside promenade is dotted with flowers during summer, while white swans wonder tranquil along the water. There are historic churches here and a magnificent chateaux, the 12th century Palais de l'Isle. You can also opt for a holiday home in the French Alps in Chambéry and visit the stunning Château de Ducs de Savoie, this entire old town is in fact much appealing. Visit Grenoble, a town surrounded by mountains, see the Palais de Justice, the 16th century Chambre de la Cour des Comptes, the amazing gardens and parks, the Musée des Beaux-Arts and other attractions. Further on...
We have mentioned Chambery before, and in order to elaborate on this, we must say that a holiday in the French Alps should definitely have you considering a visit to this town. The Chateau de Ducs de Savoie is indeed a must see here, yet so are the Notre-Dame church, the beautiful parks and the Musee des Beaux-Arts. Briançon is the highest town in Europe, and it is close to the Italian border, thus having a more pronounced "la dolce vita" feel. It has a beautiful old center and it is very popular in both summer and winter as a tourist destination in the area. Yet the nature...
A holiday among nature in the French Alps goes without saying, and it is dotted with stunning landscapes every step of the way. We cannot not mention the famous Mont Blanc in the first place, the summit that has posed a challenge for hikers and winter sports lovers alike for many years, the highest summit of the Alps actually. In summer, take the Route du Galibier, reaching a height of 2556 m and offering breathtaking views; the Route Napoleon is yet another fabulous option of “trying on” the nature in the French Alps, stop also in the town of Corps, at the pilgrimage Church of Notre Dame de la Salette. The nature reserve of Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, the Cascade du Rouget here... amazing. The village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval that is surrounded by it is said to be one of the most beautiful ones in the country.
A wellness holiday in the French Alps is one that will lead you on a path of rejuvenation and relaxation. Aix les Bains is a resort town by Lake Bourget, in the mountains. It has modern spa establishments, and also Roman ruins, beautiful parks and an amazing atmosphere. Another great option is the Evian les Bains, known not only for its spa facilities, curative waters and thermal baths, but also for being a great cultural and entertainment center. The Antoine Riboud Theater hosts a theater festival every summer, and there is also a summertime music festival every year. Saint Gervais les Bains has been known since past times to be an excellent spa town as well, and it is a perfect base for exploring the Mont Blanc. Thonon les Bains goes perfect in both summer and winter, and not far from it is the lakeside resort of Excenevex, with a beautiful natural beach.
One of the best ways to explore the mountains from a holiday park in the French Alps is on foot. Whether you choose to head towards lakes, summits or nature reserves, there are miles of marked footpaths that will reveal some most breathtaking scenery. Road cycling climbs will show you this in a fun way, so will mountain biking, and white water rafting on the rivers is also great. Cruise on Lac Leman in the Haute Savoie, or go summer skiing on the glaciers, visit Samoens and the Alpine Gardens here, go bungee jumping, paragliding, kayaking, canyoning... summer in the French Alps fills your heart with joy and your body with adrenalin.
One must admit that when thinking of a holiday in the French Alps the first thing that comes to mind is the amazing skiing and winter sports. This is totally justified, given the fact that some of the most beautiful winter resorts in the world are to be found here. Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc, constantly covered by a blanket of snow; the Val d'Isère ski area and its many ski lifts; Megève, a most authentic Alpine experience; Albertville, a perfect base for exploring fabulous ski resorts in the Alps, close to Les 3 Vallées ski are. There is though much more than skiing that one can enjoy in the French Alps in winter: snow mobiling, snow shoeing, sledging, glacier walking, etc. also provide a great load of fun.
A family holiday in the French Alps will often have you looking for resorts that are maybe not too expensive and also that will be beginner-friendly in matters of winter sports. Thus places such as the Haute Maurienne Vanoise host rural villages that are not at all pretentious and very much family friendly. Valloire is another great option in both summer and winter, with a wide variety of wooded trails and also many blue and green runs. There are numerous resorts in the French Alps that are ready to show both you and your loved ones a great time, don't miss out on this chance.
The cuisine of the French Alps is mainly based on fresh produce coming from local farms, on fruit and berries and plants, the result being a wide range of really delicious dishes. Try the tourtons, a type of fried pastry filled with cheese, potato and onion puree. The Orieles D’âne is another great specialty with spinach, so is the Ravioles. Get some local mountain honey to go, enjoy a breakfast with ham and meats from the French Alps, try out the dairy products as well. Bon appétit!
A holiday with your pet in the French Alps is a lot of fun, you can choose from hiking and walking in the mountains, to camping even for a day or so, by a lake or river. Rent a pet friendly holiday home in the French Alps and enjoy the fresh mountain air with a nice barbecue in the evening together with your entire family, including your beloved Fifi.
Points of interest, a “must see” list in the French Alps:Spending a holiday in the French Alps in any season brings you back to nature in a most special way. Between world-famous ski resorts and landscapes that take your breath away, picturesque towns covered by a blanket of snow and spa towns with amazing facilities, you are in a world of spoiled senses all year round here.
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