France — Resorts
Biarritz
Situated in the very southwest of France, the vacation destination of Biarritz became famous in the 19th century when Empress Eugenie (the wife of Napoleon III) fell in love with this part of the Basque country and built a Palace on the beach (which is now the world-class Hotel du Palais) and a center with natural springs at Eugenie les Bains.
Soon the became popular with aristocracy from all over Europe - Queen Victoria came here regularly over a period of 30 years, Edward VI stayed in the Hotel du Palais days before his death and in the 1930s Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson were regular visitors. Until the revolution in 1917 the Russian nobility wintered here and built the magnificent Orthodox Church next to the Palace.
However, the days of being reserved for high society are long gone and today Biarritz is an affordable, vibrant and cosmopolitan town with magnificent beaches. There are a couple of interesting museums, including the Musée de la Mer which houses 24 aquariums of fish native to the bay; try to visit during the seal feeding time (10.30am and 5pm).
Biarritz has good sporting facilities, including some excellent golf courses and the best surfing in France to enjoy while on vacation. Each summer, surfers from all over the world come to Biarritz to ride the waves at the annual Surf Festival. Those after more gentle exercise while on vacation opt to stroll along Biarritz's principal promenade, Quai de la Grande Plage.
Saint Jean de Luz
A popular seaside vacation resort and active fishing port, just above the Spanish border, Saint Jean de Luz is a lively and cosmopolitan town to visit. The lovely medieval town center has been influenced by Spain and the Moors over the years and has a mix of interesting architecture throughout the narrow streets, blending old and new buildings.
St Malo
The lively vacation resort town of St Malo boasts a colorful history as a fortified island citadel that was once run by corsairs who declared it a republic. Today this port on the English Channel swarms with tourists on vacation, its streets choked with tour buses in the summer months and its natural harbor acting as a busy ferry terminal for those crossing between Britain, France and the Channel Islands, just to the north. Because of St Malo's medieval charm, many visitors opt to spend a night or two here before their ferry crossing, and are rewarded with a pleasant sojourn behind old city walls in a quaint collection of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. Just a hop and a skip away are some vast, clean, brown sandy beaches, ideal for family holiday fun. Stroll the ramparts of St Malo's great city walls as the sun sets and it is easy to realise why this ancient city is now the most popular vacation destination in Brittany.
Ajaccio
The capital of Corsica, the vacation destination of Ajaccio lies in a calm bay on the west coast of Corsica, set against a backdrop of wooded hills. It is a relaxed rather than lively town and visitors come here on vacation to enjoy its wealth of cafés, restaurants and shops. The birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, the town takes full advantage of its famous resident to lure tourists.
Cannes
Today it is hard to imagine that the quintessential, glamorous French Riviera vacation resort of Cannes was for centuries a simple, sleepy fishing village whose only visitors were monks and wealthy pilgrims who came to visit the monastery on the nearby Island of St Honorat. All this changed in 1834 when Lord Henry Brougham, former British Chancellor of the Excheckr, arrived and established Cannes as a popular up-market vacation resort for the British upper-classes.
Soon the French and later the Russian aristocracy also flocked to Cannes to while away their summer holidays. Each May the world's media flocks to Cannes for its annual Film Festival, which draws the international celebrities and super-stars along with the paparazzi and expectant fans hoping to glimpse the rich and famous at the Palais des Festivals.
Hundreds of less exceptional international conferences take place here each year, making rooms hard to find and restaurants hard to book for much of the year. Cannes is busy all year round, frequented by hosts of business travelers off-season and besieged by tourists on vacation in the summer, when the long sandy beaches, glitzy nightclubs, chic shops and famous promenade are abuzz with beautiful people flaunting the latest designer wear. Despite the city's pretensions and massive over-development, Cannes is still an international city of charm and good cheer, a great vacation destination.
St Tropez
St Tropez has long held the reputation of being the 'black sheep' of the renowned French Riviera vacation resort towns, where anything goes and the more sinful the better!
Sexy starlets were flaunting themselves topless here back in the 1930s, long before the beautiful people dared disrobe elsewhere, and St Tropez' reputation as a kinky carnival town attracting the more bohemian members of the 'in' crowd continues to this day. The fairly inaccessible fishing village of St Tropez, sited on a peninsula, was 'discovered' late in the 19th century by a bunch of reprobate writers and artists, and its reputation as a flamboyant and fashionable vacation destination quickly spread.
There is little left of the medieval Provencal atmosphere of the original town, but behind the rows of yachts fronting the terraced cafés of the waterfront are some narrow, picturesque streets full of shops. The hub of the St Tropez town is the Place aux Herbes, a busy enclave of fish, fruit, vegetable and flower stalls, where the tourism office is located.
Megève
As a vacation destination, Megève exudes old-world charm; the small village is huddled around the old church, a medieval tower and the town hall. Among the narrow Megève streets and small squares are antique shops, crowded bistros and old-fashioned butcheries and bakeries. Unlike many French vacation resorts Megève has remained fairly exclusively French; the upper crust make Megève their winter home when the mistralforces them to leave the Riviera. Furs are the coats of choice for strolling past the trendy Megève boutiques and dining at its excellent restaurants. For skiers, Megève is fairly uninspiring but Chamonix and Argentiere are within striking distance.
Val d'Isere
Val d'Isere is one of the best European ski vacation destinations; it has some of the best and highest on- and off-piste skiing in the world. The Val d'Isere resort is linked with Tignes, and between them they have about 193 miles (310km) of marked runs for every level of skier. Both vacation resorts were developed, rather badly, in the 1970s and large square hotels dominate the town, although recent developments have succeeded in creating a more attractive feel.
However, a Val d'Isere holiday remains popular with the English due to the great skiing and busy nightlife. There are also plenty of good French restaurants to choose from. The Val d'Isere village is becoming increasingly busy in the summer when tourists flock there on vacation for walking or paragliding.
Trois Vallées
The ski-vacation destination of Le Trois Vallées is the largest ski area in the world and is made up from the linked valleys of Courcheval, Meribel, Les Menuires and Val Thorens. Courcheval actually consists of three resorts named after their heights; Courcheval 1850 and 1650 are the most exclusive and expensive in the Trois Vallées.
Meribel is the middle valley and is the most popular option with families on vacation; the slopes here are easier to navigate. It was founded by the British, and English is spoken everywhere. Val Thorens has the highest skiing slopes but it is an ugly resort with large grey apartment blocks providing the background; however it is the favored vacation destination of many German tourists.
The combined ski area comprising the Three Valleys is excellent for beginners and experts alike. There is also a good variety of off-piste skiing when the conditions are right.
La Plagne
La Plagne is a vast ski resort with an enormous vertical drop of 6,562ft (2,000m), double that of Aspen for example. One of Europe's largest vacation resorts, La Plagne is made up of 10 different 'villages', six purpose built and four traditional, that are connected by public conveyances and a lift system. As such it can boast the largest ski area of any single resort in the world, and its linked trail system (Paradiski) with Les Arcs means there are now 261 miles (420km) of trails and 144 ski lifts.
The high altitude La Plagne resort centers on apartment life; there are few hotels and its convenience makes up for its lack of charm. The highest complex at Aime La Plagne is 6,890ft (2,100m) is considered to be the most convenient holiday accommodation, with many of the best apartments. The lowest mountain village, at 5,906ft (1,800m), is the neo-Savoyard Plagne 1800.
The largest complex with the liveliest holiday atmosphere is the original Plagne Center, one of the first villages in Europe to be built catering specifically for the skiing season. The lifts are near to the accommodation and you can generally ski to your door. For beginners and intermediates, La Plagne is the best of the European ski resorts.
Deauville
Deauville is the only Norman vacation resort to have any delusions of grandeur. It is at the heart of the Norman Riviera which, in the late 19th century, was particularly popular with elite Parisians.
Deauville is still known as the 'lady' of the French coast, and it was a very fashionable lady, in the form of Coco Chanel, who launched both her own career and the quality status of Deauville as a seaside vacation town when she opened a boutique selling her avante garde pill-box and cloche hats to Edwardian ladies bowed under the weight of huge, elaborate millinery creations. Although the town is overrun with tourists and the Edwardian splendor is fading, some of Chanel's stylish elegance survives in Deauville. Nearby Trouville is a smaller and less glamorous version of Deauville, but is also considered less touristy.
Les Arcs
A modern, purpose-built ski resort, the vacation destination of Les Arcs comprises four resort villages situated above the town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice, all linked by a free shuttle bus. Named after their respective altitudes, Arc 1600, Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 are built with glass and concrete apartment buildings, purposefully designed with convenience in mind, while the latest addition to the resort, Arc 1950, has a more traditional guise and a typically European village style.
The large and diverse network of well-groomed pistes more than make up for any lack of charm however, and the highest station at Aiguille Rouge Peak (10,584ft/3,226m) guarantees excellent snow conditions from December to April. Its vast trail system has been linked to that of La Plagne, making the combined Paradiski area one of the largest interconnected ski and snowboard areas in the world.
Arc 1800 is the biggest and most popular resort, consisting of four villages, and is the most conveniently situated for all levels of skiers and non-skiers on vacation, while just below, Arc 1600 is smaller and suited to young families, although it can get crowded on weekends (direct funicular link to the town of Bourg Saint Maurice).
More devoted snow enthusiasts prefer to head to the highest resort, Arc 2000, situated at the foot of Aiguille Rouge in the next valley, where the emphasis is on skiing and snowboarding rather than apres-ski holiday facilities. It has easy access to the glacier and is linked to Arc 1950 by a free cable car.
Aix-en-Provence
Marseille may well be the dominant metropolis of Provence but Aix-en-Provence, just 15 miles (24km) inland, is arguably the cultural and tourism capital of the province, attracting numerous vacation visitors. Historically and socially the two cities are, however, at odds. Aix (pronounced 'Ex') is a stunningly beautiful university town whose riches are based on agriculture and academia rather than on heavy industry. The residents of Aix-en-Provence are sophisticated, regarded by their counterparts in Marseille as being snobbish on a par with Parisians. Aix was founded in 122 BC by the Romans and became the capital of Provence, then an independent country. The famous King René of Anjou (1409-80) ruled during this period. He was well known as a patron of science and the arts and was very popular for his love of wine and festivities. After the union of Provence with France and until the Revolution, Aix-en-Provence remained the judicial and administrative headquarters of the region. The town has been the inspiration to many great writers and painters including Guigou, Stendhal, Mistral and Zola. Most famous of all is undoubtedly Paul Cézanne, who was inspired by the Provence countryside to produce his masterpieces, some of which can be seen in his hometown at the Musée Granet, in the Quartier Mazarin. Visitors on vacation in Aix-en-Provence can also call at his studio close to the town.
Avignon
Situated on the River Rhone, the historic vacation destination of Avignon is famed for being the Vatican of the 14th century; six successive Popes resided here from 1309, making it one of Europe's largest and most important cities of the time. The papacy retreated back to Rome in 1378, but this was just the beginning of a battle between the Italian capital and Avignon for control of the Church's riches and power. Altogether Avignon was the seat for nine Popes, until the last, Pope Benedict XIII, fled into self-exile in 1409. Without the Pope, the city went into a decline that has been exacerbated ever since by floods, fire, the plague and the Le Mistral, the harsh wind that whistles down the Rhone valley in winter. Avignon supposedly was named by the Celts who gave the area the name 'Avenio' or 'the town of violent winds'. Despite all this, Avignon has one of the best-preserved centers in France, a strong vacation attraction. Piercing the skyline are the beautiful spires of the Palais des Papes, and along the cobbled streets are countless richly decorated buildings, ancient churches and spectacular monuments and museums. Imposing medieval walls, built in 1403 by Pope Benedict, enclose the old town. The yearly Avignon Festival draws performers and art enthusiasts from all over France every July. Despite the huge influx of tourists, which double the town's population of 100,000, this is a wonderful festival and a must-see for anyone on vacation in the Avignon area.
Courchevel
Courchevel is made up of five separate vacation resorts, all within the Trois Vallées ski area, which also incorporates Meribel and Val Thorens. The main resorts are named after their heights - Courchevel 1850, 1650, 1550 and Le Praz 1300. La Tania is another, small purpose-built holiday ski resort situated on a ridge between Courchevel and Meribel. Courchevel 1850 is the smartest and most expensive of the resorts; it has the best restaurants, nightlife and access to the slopes. Courchevel 1650 and 1550 are quieter, more suited to families, and Le Praz is a pretty village with narrow streets, but due to its altitude has less reliable snow.
Meribel
Meribel is in the center of the Trois Vallées, which also incorporates the vacation resorts of Courchevel and Val Thorens. Together they form the largest ski area in the world. Unlike most French holiday ski resorts, Meribel has retained an atmosphere of the traditional skiing village, despite having grown enormously in recent years. Meribel-Mottaret is situated two miles (4km) up the valley and is better suited for the skiing, but not the nightlife. The resort was founded by the English early in the last century and is still very popular with British vacationers.
Val Thorens
At over 7,500 feet (2,200m), Val Thorens is the highest holiday ski resort in the Alps and offers guaranteed ski-to-door accommodation. Along with Meribel and Courchevel it forms the famous Trois Vallées ski area. Val Thorens is a fairly ugly purpose-built vacation resort, but its exceptional snow reliability and wide choice of skiing makes it hard to beat for the ski enthusiast.
Chamonix
The vacation resort of Chamonix sits in the shadow of Mont Blanc and offers some of the most challenging skiing in Europe. The town is in the center of a string of villages spread out along a valley cutting deep through the Alps; the village of Argentiere is six miles (10km) up the valley, beneath the renowned Grands-Montets slopes, and Les Houches is a small vacation resort a few miles below. The huge variety of on- and off-piste skiing in Chamonix attracts ski bums and serious weekend skiers (the town is only 50 minutes drive from Geneva) and this is reflected in the sportive atmosphere in the bars and restaurants.
Tignes
Albeit a purpose built resort with unattractive architecture, the vacation destination of Tignes is one of Europe's highest resorts and offers the best snow conditions in the Alps with excellent snow cover and a place to ski almost year round thanks to the high-altitude Grand Motte glacier. An excellent lift system links the vacation resort of Tignes to its neighbor Val d'Isère and together they form the vast ski area known as Espace Killy, with 193 miles (310km) of lift-linked trails and an area that is regarded as one of Europe's best and most beautiful ski areas. Tignes is made up of three villages: Val Claret is the highest and is situated at the foot of the glacier; Tignes Le Lac with its stunning setting on the lake is the largest, and the modern Tignes Le Lavachet is further down. Two small villages below, Tignes Les Brévières and Tignes Les Boisses, are directly linked to the ski area and provide a more traditional atmosphere with charming chalets, narrow streets and picturesque churches. All five villages are connected by a free bus service.
Morzine
The traditional mountain holiday village of Morzine is situated in the middle of one of the most extensive ski areas in the Alps, the Portes du Soleil, which links 14 ski resorts in France and Switzerland, and offers hundreds of miles of off-piste terrain and groomed slopes, and runs up to seven miles (11km) long, spread across 14 valleys. It is a great family resort with traditional chalets, special childcare services, and plenty of beginner and intermediate slopes in the vicinity, as well as family-orientated activities. Advanced skiers and boarders will also find endless off-piste opportunities and ample challenges on the black slopes. About a mile higher up the slope is the purpose-built resort of Avoriaz, which is a popular base for trips across the border to the Swiss resorts, and its treeless slopes offer powder snow and great boarding.
Flaine
Probably because it was purpose-built, the vacation destination of Flaine is one of the most user-friendly ski resorts it is possible to find: compact, with easy access to the pistes, and a location that ensures exceptional snow conditions. Consisting of concrete apartment blocks built on three levels along the slopes, at an altitude of 5,250ft (1,600m), in the center of a natural bowl, this, the youngest resort in the French Alps, may not sound particularly appealing. Flaine may not present the archetypical image of the Alpine village, but it has been architecturally designed for comfort and convenience, and visitors are amazed at how the buildings blend in with the limestone of their surroundings. The three levels, Flaine-Foret, Flaine-Forum and Flaine-Front de Neige, are connected by elevators and pedestrian trails. The center is car-free, with restaurants, bars and services grouped around two central shopping plazas. All activities are either close and easily accessible, or in the resort center. There is also a cultural center where classical and jazz music events are scheduled, a library and art gallery. Children are particularly well catered for. Flaine is situated beneath Mont Blanc, near Geneva, at the gateway to 'Le Grand Massif', one of the best ski and snowboard areas of France. From the nursery slopes, to an easy glide on the 8.5-mile (14km) blue Cascade run or the off-piste challenge of the Combe de Gers, Flaine is a trend-setting family-orientated resort that caters for all levels of skiers and boarders.
Disneyland Paris
The blueprints for the vacation destination of Disneyland may have been developed in the United States, but the world's favorite theme park concept has transported exceedingly successfully to Europe. Situated 20 miles (32km) east of Paris, Disneyland Paris (also known as EuroDisney) is a vast complex of hotels, restaurants and shops together with the exciting theme park. Fundis have it that Europe's Disneyland is actually better than its US counterparts, boasting more modern technology and existing in the ambit of less control and different safety regulations. Then, too, EuroDisney has also unavoidably picked up a European flavor which adds charm and intimacy to the entire experience.
EuroDisney actually consists of two theme parks. The Disneyland Park, based on California's iconic Magic Kingdom, boasts 42 awesome attractions, drawing thousands of vacationers every year. The other, the Walt Disney Studios, is more recent and follows the trend of the Disney MGM Studios in Florida, USA, using movie-like settings for its thrill rides and experiences. Adults and children alike become enchanted and enthralled as they explore fantasy neighborhoods bristling with Disney characters, and stop to take in the spectacle of the day and night parades.
Most visitors come to EuroDisney on a package deal that includes hotel accommodation on site and passes to enjoy the shows and attractions. At least two days are required to make the most of the Disney magic, and there will still be plenty left for a second visit!
Serre-Chevalier
Situated in the Hautes-Alpes near the Italian border, Serre-Chevalier is one of the biggest ski resorts in Europe, comprising thirteen villages, including Briançon, Saint-Chaffrey-Chantemerle, La Salle les Alpes, and Monêtier les Bains. Serre-Chevalier is also quite popular in the summer months for a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking. The scenery is spectacular, and it's easy to see why Serre-Chevalier is one of the most popular ski resorts in France.
Samoëns
Samoëns is the only resort in France to be designated a historical monument. There are medieval fountains, nine chapels dating back to the 15th century, and many other shrines and rustic buildings. Samoëns has a long tradition of stonecutters, and evidence of that is visible everywhere.
While there has been recent development in the area, Samoëns has maintained its rustic charm. There are more than 25 restaurants, including the La Cheminée cafe and Muscade et Basilic, which tend to be filled with more French than tourists. There isn't much nightlife to speak of, but there is at least one nightclub, and Covey's Irish Pub is popular with expats.
Skiing in Samoëns is geared mostly toward intermediate and advanced skiers, as the vertical rise is large, but there are gentler slopes for beginners. There are fewer high-tech amenities, but many activities you won't find in other resorts, like horse and carriage rides, farm tours at the Ecomuseum Farm le Clos Parchet, and the nearby national park Cirque du Fer-a-Cheval, which offers white water rafting, kayaking, hiking and mountain climbing. The town also hosts a weekly market, and there is a public pool and waterslide which contributes to Samoëns' popularity as a summer destination.
While it is possible to take the SAT bus from Geneva or Cluses, having a car is the best way to get to Samoëns.
Brides-les-Bains
Brides-les-Bains was the official site of the Olympic Village in 1992, an honor earned by its position at the gateway to les Trois Vallées, which is the world's largest ski area. It has a small-town atmosphere that contrasts with better known villages in the area like Courchevel, la Tania, Méribel, les Menuires-St Martin and Val Thorens.
The hamlet's pure water was a draw for tourists as far back as the 16th century, and now there are several health and relaxation spas centered around them, with the focus on fitness and weight loss.
While the lack of groomed slopes may put off absolute beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers will find plenty of challenges around the mountains in the Three Valleys area.
There are plenty of off-slope activities in Brides-les-Bains, including ice climbing, paragliding, dog sledding, and hiking in Vanoise National Park. There are several good restaurants in town, and a relaxed, low-key nightlife that includes two nightclubs and a casino. During the summer, there are a number of children's programs and organized activities.
There are several buses and shuttle services that transfer passengers to Brides-les-Bains from Geneva and Lyon, however driving is the easiest option. There are several car hire companies in Moûtiers, which is the nearest train station.
La Tania
Developed for the 1992 Albertville Olympics, La Tania is smaller than some of its neighbors in the Three Valleys ski area of the French Alps. Its close proximity to those neighbors ensures that visitors can take advantage of all the skiing and entertainment opportunities available, however.
La Tania's village center has about eight bars and restaurants, along with a bakery, supermarket and ski shops.
One of the biggest distinctions of the purpose-built resort is its environmentally friendly focus. La Tania is highly ranked among eco-friendly ski resorts, and power to the village is supplied by hydroelectricity. They also encourage their operators to reduce their impact where possible.
There are several buses and shuttle services that transfer passengers to La Tania from Geneva and Lyon, however driving is the easiest option. There are several car hire companies in Moûtiers, which is the nearest train station.
Châtel
Châtel is a ski resort in the northern French Alps, a stone's throw away from Switzerland. The village was established by monks in the 5th century, and became famous for its cheese, sausages, and woodcarvings. The town has manages to preserve much of its charm and traditional Alpine characteristics.
The town center contains a number of restaurants serving both traditional French cuisine and standard pizza and takeaway fare; there are also plenty of shops selling ski equipment, souvenirs, and specialty regional foods. Although the nightlife isn't world-renowned, there are four or five lively bars, including a late-night bowling alley, a cinema, and a nightclub.
Skiing in Châtel is a pleasure for all levels, with 49 pistes and 31 miles (49km) of cross-country trails. There is also a terrain park for snowboarding. Châtel is part of the Portes du Soleil area of linked ski resorts, with over 250 miles (650km) of terrain.
There are also many summer activities at Châtel, including hiking, mountain biking, white-water rafting, kayaking, paragliding, or sailing and windsurfing on nearby Lake Geneva.
The nearest airport to Châtel is at Geneva and the nearest train station is at Monthey. The AOMC bus runs from Monthey to Morgins and Châtel, alternatively there are taxis and car hire facilities in Monthey.
Porto-Vecchio
Known as the 'St Tropez' of Corsica, Porto-Vecchio is becoming one of the most fashionable towns in southern Corsica. It is situated a scenic bay, near popular sandy beaches such as Palombaggia, Rondinara, and Santa Guilia. The old town, the Borgo, has picturesque narrow streets, and interesting sights such as the twisted tree at the Place de la Republique, the incomplete church of St Jean Baptiste, and the art gallery at the Bastion di A Funtana Vechju. Porto-Vecchio has a few souvenir shops and excellent specialty food shops selling Corsican delicacies like wild boar sausage and local cheeses. There are a number of cafes, bars and restaurants with good opportunities for people-watching, and during the high season the city is usually buzzing with activity.
Biarritz
Situated in the very southwest of France, the vacation destination of Biarritz became famous in the 19th century when Empress Eugenie (the wife of Napoleon III) fell in love with this part of the Basque country and built a Palace on the beach (which is now the world-class Hotel du Palais) and a center with natural springs at Eugenie les Bains.
Soon the became popular with aristocracy from all over Europe - Queen Victoria came here regularly over a period of 30 years, Edward VI stayed in the Hotel du Palais days before his death and in the 1930s Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson were regular visitors. Until the revolution in 1917 the Russian nobility wintered here and built the magnificent Orthodox Church next to the Palace.
However, the days of being reserved for high society are long gone and today Biarritz is an affordable, vibrant and cosmopolitan town with magnificent beaches. There are a couple of interesting museums, including the Musée de la Mer which houses 24 aquariums of fish native to the bay; try to visit during the seal feeding time (10.30am and 5pm).
Biarritz has good sporting facilities, including some excellent golf courses and the best surfing in France to enjoy while on vacation. Each summer, surfers from all over the world come to Biarritz to ride the waves at the annual Surf Festival. Those after more gentle exercise while on vacation opt to stroll along Biarritz's principal promenade, Quai de la Grande Plage.
Saint Jean de Luz
A popular seaside vacation resort and active fishing port, just above the Spanish border, Saint Jean de Luz is a lively and cosmopolitan town to visit. The lovely medieval town center has been influenced by Spain and the Moors over the years and has a mix of interesting architecture throughout the narrow streets, blending old and new buildings.
St Malo
The lively vacation resort town of St Malo boasts a colorful history as a fortified island citadel that was once run by corsairs who declared it a republic. Today this port on the English Channel swarms with tourists on vacation, its streets choked with tour buses in the summer months and its natural harbor acting as a busy ferry terminal for those crossing between Britain, France and the Channel Islands, just to the north. Because of St Malo's medieval charm, many visitors opt to spend a night or two here before their ferry crossing, and are rewarded with a pleasant sojourn behind old city walls in a quaint collection of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. Just a hop and a skip away are some vast, clean, brown sandy beaches, ideal for family holiday fun. Stroll the ramparts of St Malo's great city walls as the sun sets and it is easy to realise why this ancient city is now the most popular vacation destination in Brittany.
Ajaccio
The capital of Corsica, the vacation destination of Ajaccio lies in a calm bay on the west coast of Corsica, set against a backdrop of wooded hills. It is a relaxed rather than lively town and visitors come here on vacation to enjoy its wealth of cafés, restaurants and shops. The birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, the town takes full advantage of its famous resident to lure tourists.
Cannes
Today it is hard to imagine that the quintessential, glamorous French Riviera vacation resort of Cannes was for centuries a simple, sleepy fishing village whose only visitors were monks and wealthy pilgrims who came to visit the monastery on the nearby Island of St Honorat. All this changed in 1834 when Lord Henry Brougham, former British Chancellor of the Excheckr, arrived and established Cannes as a popular up-market vacation resort for the British upper-classes.
Soon the French and later the Russian aristocracy also flocked to Cannes to while away their summer holidays. Each May the world's media flocks to Cannes for its annual Film Festival, which draws the international celebrities and super-stars along with the paparazzi and expectant fans hoping to glimpse the rich and famous at the Palais des Festivals.
Hundreds of less exceptional international conferences take place here each year, making rooms hard to find and restaurants hard to book for much of the year. Cannes is busy all year round, frequented by hosts of business travelers off-season and besieged by tourists on vacation in the summer, when the long sandy beaches, glitzy nightclubs, chic shops and famous promenade are abuzz with beautiful people flaunting the latest designer wear. Despite the city's pretensions and massive over-development, Cannes is still an international city of charm and good cheer, a great vacation destination.
St Tropez
St Tropez has long held the reputation of being the 'black sheep' of the renowned French Riviera vacation resort towns, where anything goes and the more sinful the better!
Sexy starlets were flaunting themselves topless here back in the 1930s, long before the beautiful people dared disrobe elsewhere, and St Tropez' reputation as a kinky carnival town attracting the more bohemian members of the 'in' crowd continues to this day. The fairly inaccessible fishing village of St Tropez, sited on a peninsula, was 'discovered' late in the 19th century by a bunch of reprobate writers and artists, and its reputation as a flamboyant and fashionable vacation destination quickly spread.
There is little left of the medieval Provencal atmosphere of the original town, but behind the rows of yachts fronting the terraced cafés of the waterfront are some narrow, picturesque streets full of shops. The hub of the St Tropez town is the Place aux Herbes, a busy enclave of fish, fruit, vegetable and flower stalls, where the tourism office is located.
Megève
As a vacation destination, Megève exudes old-world charm; the small village is huddled around the old church, a medieval tower and the town hall. Among the narrow Megève streets and small squares are antique shops, crowded bistros and old-fashioned butcheries and bakeries. Unlike many French vacation resorts Megève has remained fairly exclusively French; the upper crust make Megève their winter home when the mistralforces them to leave the Riviera. Furs are the coats of choice for strolling past the trendy Megève boutiques and dining at its excellent restaurants. For skiers, Megève is fairly uninspiring but Chamonix and Argentiere are within striking distance.
Val d'Isere
Val d'Isere is one of the best European ski vacation destinations; it has some of the best and highest on- and off-piste skiing in the world. The Val d'Isere resort is linked with Tignes, and between them they have about 193 miles (310km) of marked runs for every level of skier. Both vacation resorts were developed, rather badly, in the 1970s and large square hotels dominate the town, although recent developments have succeeded in creating a more attractive feel.
However, a Val d'Isere holiday remains popular with the English due to the great skiing and busy nightlife. There are also plenty of good French restaurants to choose from. The Val d'Isere village is becoming increasingly busy in the summer when tourists flock there on vacation for walking or paragliding.
Trois Vallées
The ski-vacation destination of Le Trois Vallées is the largest ski area in the world and is made up from the linked valleys of Courcheval, Meribel, Les Menuires and Val Thorens. Courcheval actually consists of three resorts named after their heights; Courcheval 1850 and 1650 are the most exclusive and expensive in the Trois Vallées.
Meribel is the middle valley and is the most popular option with families on vacation; the slopes here are easier to navigate. It was founded by the British, and English is spoken everywhere. Val Thorens has the highest skiing slopes but it is an ugly resort with large grey apartment blocks providing the background; however it is the favored vacation destination of many German tourists.
The combined ski area comprising the Three Valleys is excellent for beginners and experts alike. There is also a good variety of off-piste skiing when the conditions are right.
La Plagne
La Plagne is a vast ski resort with an enormous vertical drop of 6,562ft (2,000m), double that of Aspen for example. One of Europe's largest vacation resorts, La Plagne is made up of 10 different 'villages', six purpose built and four traditional, that are connected by public conveyances and a lift system. As such it can boast the largest ski area of any single resort in the world, and its linked trail system (Paradiski) with Les Arcs means there are now 261 miles (420km) of trails and 144 ski lifts.
The high altitude La Plagne resort centers on apartment life; there are few hotels and its convenience makes up for its lack of charm. The highest complex at Aime La Plagne is 6,890ft (2,100m) is considered to be the most convenient holiday accommodation, with many of the best apartments. The lowest mountain village, at 5,906ft (1,800m), is the neo-Savoyard Plagne 1800.
The largest complex with the liveliest holiday atmosphere is the original Plagne Center, one of the first villages in Europe to be built catering specifically for the skiing season. The lifts are near to the accommodation and you can generally ski to your door. For beginners and intermediates, La Plagne is the best of the European ski resorts.
Deauville
Deauville is the only Norman vacation resort to have any delusions of grandeur. It is at the heart of the Norman Riviera which, in the late 19th century, was particularly popular with elite Parisians.
Deauville is still known as the 'lady' of the French coast, and it was a very fashionable lady, in the form of Coco Chanel, who launched both her own career and the quality status of Deauville as a seaside vacation town when she opened a boutique selling her avante garde pill-box and cloche hats to Edwardian ladies bowed under the weight of huge, elaborate millinery creations. Although the town is overrun with tourists and the Edwardian splendor is fading, some of Chanel's stylish elegance survives in Deauville. Nearby Trouville is a smaller and less glamorous version of Deauville, but is also considered less touristy.
Les Arcs
A modern, purpose-built ski resort, the vacation destination of Les Arcs comprises four resort villages situated above the town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice, all linked by a free shuttle bus. Named after their respective altitudes, Arc 1600, Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 are built with glass and concrete apartment buildings, purposefully designed with convenience in mind, while the latest addition to the resort, Arc 1950, has a more traditional guise and a typically European village style.
The large and diverse network of well-groomed pistes more than make up for any lack of charm however, and the highest station at Aiguille Rouge Peak (10,584ft/3,226m) guarantees excellent snow conditions from December to April. Its vast trail system has been linked to that of La Plagne, making the combined Paradiski area one of the largest interconnected ski and snowboard areas in the world.
Arc 1800 is the biggest and most popular resort, consisting of four villages, and is the most conveniently situated for all levels of skiers and non-skiers on vacation, while just below, Arc 1600 is smaller and suited to young families, although it can get crowded on weekends (direct funicular link to the town of Bourg Saint Maurice).
More devoted snow enthusiasts prefer to head to the highest resort, Arc 2000, situated at the foot of Aiguille Rouge in the next valley, where the emphasis is on skiing and snowboarding rather than apres-ski holiday facilities. It has easy access to the glacier and is linked to Arc 1950 by a free cable car.
Aix-en-Provence
Marseille may well be the dominant metropolis of Provence but Aix-en-Provence, just 15 miles (24km) inland, is arguably the cultural and tourism capital of the province, attracting numerous vacation visitors. Historically and socially the two cities are, however, at odds. Aix (pronounced 'Ex') is a stunningly beautiful university town whose riches are based on agriculture and academia rather than on heavy industry. The residents of Aix-en-Provence are sophisticated, regarded by their counterparts in Marseille as being snobbish on a par with Parisians. Aix was founded in 122 BC by the Romans and became the capital of Provence, then an independent country. The famous King René of Anjou (1409-80) ruled during this period. He was well known as a patron of science and the arts and was very popular for his love of wine and festivities. After the union of Provence with France and until the Revolution, Aix-en-Provence remained the judicial and administrative headquarters of the region. The town has been the inspiration to many great writers and painters including Guigou, Stendhal, Mistral and Zola. Most famous of all is undoubtedly Paul Cézanne, who was inspired by the Provence countryside to produce his masterpieces, some of which can be seen in his hometown at the Musée Granet, in the Quartier Mazarin. Visitors on vacation in Aix-en-Provence can also call at his studio close to the town.
Avignon
Situated on the River Rhone, the historic vacation destination of Avignon is famed for being the Vatican of the 14th century; six successive Popes resided here from 1309, making it one of Europe's largest and most important cities of the time. The papacy retreated back to Rome in 1378, but this was just the beginning of a battle between the Italian capital and Avignon for control of the Church's riches and power. Altogether Avignon was the seat for nine Popes, until the last, Pope Benedict XIII, fled into self-exile in 1409. Without the Pope, the city went into a decline that has been exacerbated ever since by floods, fire, the plague and the Le Mistral, the harsh wind that whistles down the Rhone valley in winter. Avignon supposedly was named by the Celts who gave the area the name 'Avenio' or 'the town of violent winds'. Despite all this, Avignon has one of the best-preserved centers in France, a strong vacation attraction. Piercing the skyline are the beautiful spires of the Palais des Papes, and along the cobbled streets are countless richly decorated buildings, ancient churches and spectacular monuments and museums. Imposing medieval walls, built in 1403 by Pope Benedict, enclose the old town. The yearly Avignon Festival draws performers and art enthusiasts from all over France every July. Despite the huge influx of tourists, which double the town's population of 100,000, this is a wonderful festival and a must-see for anyone on vacation in the Avignon area.
Courchevel
Courchevel is made up of five separate vacation resorts, all within the Trois Vallées ski area, which also incorporates Meribel and Val Thorens. The main resorts are named after their heights - Courchevel 1850, 1650, 1550 and Le Praz 1300. La Tania is another, small purpose-built holiday ski resort situated on a ridge between Courchevel and Meribel. Courchevel 1850 is the smartest and most expensive of the resorts; it has the best restaurants, nightlife and access to the slopes. Courchevel 1650 and 1550 are quieter, more suited to families, and Le Praz is a pretty village with narrow streets, but due to its altitude has less reliable snow.
Meribel
Meribel is in the center of the Trois Vallées, which also incorporates the vacation resorts of Courchevel and Val Thorens. Together they form the largest ski area in the world. Unlike most French holiday ski resorts, Meribel has retained an atmosphere of the traditional skiing village, despite having grown enormously in recent years. Meribel-Mottaret is situated two miles (4km) up the valley and is better suited for the skiing, but not the nightlife. The resort was founded by the English early in the last century and is still very popular with British vacationers.
Val Thorens
At over 7,500 feet (2,200m), Val Thorens is the highest holiday ski resort in the Alps and offers guaranteed ski-to-door accommodation. Along with Meribel and Courchevel it forms the famous Trois Vallées ski area. Val Thorens is a fairly ugly purpose-built vacation resort, but its exceptional snow reliability and wide choice of skiing makes it hard to beat for the ski enthusiast.
Chamonix
The vacation resort of Chamonix sits in the shadow of Mont Blanc and offers some of the most challenging skiing in Europe. The town is in the center of a string of villages spread out along a valley cutting deep through the Alps; the village of Argentiere is six miles (10km) up the valley, beneath the renowned Grands-Montets slopes, and Les Houches is a small vacation resort a few miles below. The huge variety of on- and off-piste skiing in Chamonix attracts ski bums and serious weekend skiers (the town is only 50 minutes drive from Geneva) and this is reflected in the sportive atmosphere in the bars and restaurants.
Tignes
Albeit a purpose built resort with unattractive architecture, the vacation destination of Tignes is one of Europe's highest resorts and offers the best snow conditions in the Alps with excellent snow cover and a place to ski almost year round thanks to the high-altitude Grand Motte glacier. An excellent lift system links the vacation resort of Tignes to its neighbor Val d'Isère and together they form the vast ski area known as Espace Killy, with 193 miles (310km) of lift-linked trails and an area that is regarded as one of Europe's best and most beautiful ski areas. Tignes is made up of three villages: Val Claret is the highest and is situated at the foot of the glacier; Tignes Le Lac with its stunning setting on the lake is the largest, and the modern Tignes Le Lavachet is further down. Two small villages below, Tignes Les Brévières and Tignes Les Boisses, are directly linked to the ski area and provide a more traditional atmosphere with charming chalets, narrow streets and picturesque churches. All five villages are connected by a free bus service.
Morzine
The traditional mountain holiday village of Morzine is situated in the middle of one of the most extensive ski areas in the Alps, the Portes du Soleil, which links 14 ski resorts in France and Switzerland, and offers hundreds of miles of off-piste terrain and groomed slopes, and runs up to seven miles (11km) long, spread across 14 valleys. It is a great family resort with traditional chalets, special childcare services, and plenty of beginner and intermediate slopes in the vicinity, as well as family-orientated activities. Advanced skiers and boarders will also find endless off-piste opportunities and ample challenges on the black slopes. About a mile higher up the slope is the purpose-built resort of Avoriaz, which is a popular base for trips across the border to the Swiss resorts, and its treeless slopes offer powder snow and great boarding.
Flaine
Probably because it was purpose-built, the vacation destination of Flaine is one of the most user-friendly ski resorts it is possible to find: compact, with easy access to the pistes, and a location that ensures exceptional snow conditions. Consisting of concrete apartment blocks built on three levels along the slopes, at an altitude of 5,250ft (1,600m), in the center of a natural bowl, this, the youngest resort in the French Alps, may not sound particularly appealing. Flaine may not present the archetypical image of the Alpine village, but it has been architecturally designed for comfort and convenience, and visitors are amazed at how the buildings blend in with the limestone of their surroundings. The three levels, Flaine-Foret, Flaine-Forum and Flaine-Front de Neige, are connected by elevators and pedestrian trails. The center is car-free, with restaurants, bars and services grouped around two central shopping plazas. All activities are either close and easily accessible, or in the resort center. There is also a cultural center where classical and jazz music events are scheduled, a library and art gallery. Children are particularly well catered for. Flaine is situated beneath Mont Blanc, near Geneva, at the gateway to 'Le Grand Massif', one of the best ski and snowboard areas of France. From the nursery slopes, to an easy glide on the 8.5-mile (14km) blue Cascade run or the off-piste challenge of the Combe de Gers, Flaine is a trend-setting family-orientated resort that caters for all levels of skiers and boarders.
Disneyland Paris
The blueprints for the vacation destination of Disneyland may have been developed in the United States, but the world's favorite theme park concept has transported exceedingly successfully to Europe. Situated 20 miles (32km) east of Paris, Disneyland Paris (also known as EuroDisney) is a vast complex of hotels, restaurants and shops together with the exciting theme park. Fundis have it that Europe's Disneyland is actually better than its US counterparts, boasting more modern technology and existing in the ambit of less control and different safety regulations. Then, too, EuroDisney has also unavoidably picked up a European flavor which adds charm and intimacy to the entire experience.
EuroDisney actually consists of two theme parks. The Disneyland Park, based on California's iconic Magic Kingdom, boasts 42 awesome attractions, drawing thousands of vacationers every year. The other, the Walt Disney Studios, is more recent and follows the trend of the Disney MGM Studios in Florida, USA, using movie-like settings for its thrill rides and experiences. Adults and children alike become enchanted and enthralled as they explore fantasy neighborhoods bristling with Disney characters, and stop to take in the spectacle of the day and night parades.
Most visitors come to EuroDisney on a package deal that includes hotel accommodation on site and passes to enjoy the shows and attractions. At least two days are required to make the most of the Disney magic, and there will still be plenty left for a second visit!
Serre-Chevalier
Situated in the Hautes-Alpes near the Italian border, Serre-Chevalier is one of the biggest ski resorts in Europe, comprising thirteen villages, including Briançon, Saint-Chaffrey-Chantemerle, La Salle les Alpes, and Monêtier les Bains. Serre-Chevalier is also quite popular in the summer months for a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking. The scenery is spectacular, and it's easy to see why Serre-Chevalier is one of the most popular ski resorts in France.
Samoëns
Samoëns is the only resort in France to be designated a historical monument. There are medieval fountains, nine chapels dating back to the 15th century, and many other shrines and rustic buildings. Samoëns has a long tradition of stonecutters, and evidence of that is visible everywhere.
While there has been recent development in the area, Samoëns has maintained its rustic charm. There are more than 25 restaurants, including the La Cheminée cafe and Muscade et Basilic, which tend to be filled with more French than tourists. There isn't much nightlife to speak of, but there is at least one nightclub, and Covey's Irish Pub is popular with expats.
Skiing in Samoëns is geared mostly toward intermediate and advanced skiers, as the vertical rise is large, but there are gentler slopes for beginners. There are fewer high-tech amenities, but many activities you won't find in other resorts, like horse and carriage rides, farm tours at the Ecomuseum Farm le Clos Parchet, and the nearby national park Cirque du Fer-a-Cheval, which offers white water rafting, kayaking, hiking and mountain climbing. The town also hosts a weekly market, and there is a public pool and waterslide which contributes to Samoëns' popularity as a summer destination.
While it is possible to take the SAT bus from Geneva or Cluses, having a car is the best way to get to Samoëns.
Brides-les-Bains
Brides-les-Bains was the official site of the Olympic Village in 1992, an honor earned by its position at the gateway to les Trois Vallées, which is the world's largest ski area. It has a small-town atmosphere that contrasts with better known villages in the area like Courchevel, la Tania, Méribel, les Menuires-St Martin and Val Thorens.
The hamlet's pure water was a draw for tourists as far back as the 16th century, and now there are several health and relaxation spas centered around them, with the focus on fitness and weight loss.
While the lack of groomed slopes may put off absolute beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers will find plenty of challenges around the mountains in the Three Valleys area.
There are plenty of off-slope activities in Brides-les-Bains, including ice climbing, paragliding, dog sledding, and hiking in Vanoise National Park. There are several good restaurants in town, and a relaxed, low-key nightlife that includes two nightclubs and a casino. During the summer, there are a number of children's programs and organized activities.
There are several buses and shuttle services that transfer passengers to Brides-les-Bains from Geneva and Lyon, however driving is the easiest option. There are several car hire companies in Moûtiers, which is the nearest train station.
La Tania
Developed for the 1992 Albertville Olympics, La Tania is smaller than some of its neighbors in the Three Valleys ski area of the French Alps. Its close proximity to those neighbors ensures that visitors can take advantage of all the skiing and entertainment opportunities available, however.
La Tania's village center has about eight bars and restaurants, along with a bakery, supermarket and ski shops.
One of the biggest distinctions of the purpose-built resort is its environmentally friendly focus. La Tania is highly ranked among eco-friendly ski resorts, and power to the village is supplied by hydroelectricity. They also encourage their operators to reduce their impact where possible.
There are several buses and shuttle services that transfer passengers to La Tania from Geneva and Lyon, however driving is the easiest option. There are several car hire companies in Moûtiers, which is the nearest train station.
Châtel
Châtel is a ski resort in the northern French Alps, a stone's throw away from Switzerland. The village was established by monks in the 5th century, and became famous for its cheese, sausages, and woodcarvings. The town has manages to preserve much of its charm and traditional Alpine characteristics.
The town center contains a number of restaurants serving both traditional French cuisine and standard pizza and takeaway fare; there are also plenty of shops selling ski equipment, souvenirs, and specialty regional foods. Although the nightlife isn't world-renowned, there are four or five lively bars, including a late-night bowling alley, a cinema, and a nightclub.
Skiing in Châtel is a pleasure for all levels, with 49 pistes and 31 miles (49km) of cross-country trails. There is also a terrain park for snowboarding. Châtel is part of the Portes du Soleil area of linked ski resorts, with over 250 miles (650km) of terrain.
There are also many summer activities at Châtel, including hiking, mountain biking, white-water rafting, kayaking, paragliding, or sailing and windsurfing on nearby Lake Geneva.
The nearest airport to Châtel is at Geneva and the nearest train station is at Monthey. The AOMC bus runs from Monthey to Morgins and Châtel, alternatively there are taxis and car hire facilities in Monthey.
Porto-Vecchio
Known as the 'St Tropez' of Corsica, Porto-Vecchio is becoming one of the most fashionable towns in southern Corsica. It is situated a scenic bay, near popular sandy beaches such as Palombaggia, Rondinara, and Santa Guilia. The old town, the Borgo, has picturesque narrow streets, and interesting sights such as the twisted tree at the Place de la Republique, the incomplete church of St Jean Baptiste, and the art gallery at the Bastion di A Funtana Vechju. Porto-Vecchio has a few souvenir shops and excellent specialty food shops selling Corsican delicacies like wild boar sausage and local cheeses. There are a number of cafes, bars and restaurants with good opportunities for people-watching, and during the high season the city is usually buzzing with activity.
Biarritz
Situated in the very southwest of France, the vacation destination of Biarritz became famous in the 19th century when Empress Eugenie (the wife of Napoleon III) fell in love with this part of the Basque country and built a Palace on the beach (which is now the world-class Hotel du Palais) and a center with natural springs at Eugenie les Bains.
Soon the became popular with aristocracy from all over Europe - Queen Victoria came here regularly over a period of 30 years, Edward VI stayed in the Hotel du Palais days before his death and in the 1930s Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson were regular visitors. Until the revolution in 1917 the Russian nobility wintered here and built the magnificent Orthodox Church next to the Palace.
However, the days of being reserved for high society are long gone and today Biarritz is an affordable, vibrant and cosmopolitan town with magnificent beaches. There are a couple of interesting museums, including the Musée de la Mer which houses 24 aquariums of fish native to the bay; try to visit during the seal feeding time (10.30am and 5pm).
Biarritz has good sporting facilities, including some excellent golf courses and the best surfing in France to enjoy while on vacation. Each summer, surfers from all over the world come to Biarritz to ride the waves at the annual Surf Festival. Those after more gentle exercise while on vacation opt to stroll along Biarritz's principal promenade, Quai de la Grande Plage.
Saint Jean de Luz
A popular seaside vacation resort and active fishing port, just above the Spanish border, Saint Jean de Luz is a lively and cosmopolitan town to visit. The lovely medieval town center has been influenced by Spain and the Moors over the years and has a mix of interesting architecture throughout the narrow streets, blending old and new buildings.
St Malo
The lively vacation resort town of St Malo boasts a colorful history as a fortified island citadel that was once run by corsairs who declared it a republic. Today this port on the English Channel swarms with tourists on vacation, its streets choked with tour buses in the summer months and its natural harbor acting as a busy ferry terminal for those crossing between Britain, France and the Channel Islands, just to the north. Because of St Malo's medieval charm, many visitors opt to spend a night or two here before their ferry crossing, and are rewarded with a pleasant sojourn behind old city walls in a quaint collection of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. Just a hop and a skip away are some vast, clean, brown sandy beaches, ideal for family holiday fun. Stroll the ramparts of St Malo's great city walls as the sun sets and it is easy to realise why this ancient city is now the most popular vacation destination in Brittany.
Ajaccio
The capital of Corsica, the vacation destination of Ajaccio lies in a calm bay on the west coast of Corsica, set against a backdrop of wooded hills. It is a relaxed rather than lively town and visitors come here on vacation to enjoy its wealth of cafés, restaurants and shops. The birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, the town takes full advantage of its famous resident to lure tourists.
Cannes
Today it is hard to imagine that the quintessential, glamorous French Riviera vacation resort of Cannes was for centuries a simple, sleepy fishing village whose only visitors were monks and wealthy pilgrims who came to visit the monastery on the nearby Island of St Honorat. All this changed in 1834 when Lord Henry Brougham, former British Chancellor of the Excheckr, arrived and established Cannes as a popular up-market vacation resort for the British upper-classes.
Soon the French and later the Russian aristocracy also flocked to Cannes to while away their summer holidays. Each May the world's media flocks to Cannes for its annual Film Festival, which draws the international celebrities and super-stars along with the paparazzi and expectant fans hoping to glimpse the rich and famous at the Palais des Festivals.
Hundreds of less exceptional international conferences take place here each year, making rooms hard to find and restaurants hard to book for much of the year. Cannes is busy all year round, frequented by hosts of business travelers off-season and besieged by tourists on vacation in the summer, when the long sandy beaches, glitzy nightclubs, chic shops and famous promenade are abuzz with beautiful people flaunting the latest designer wear. Despite the city's pretensions and massive over-development, Cannes is still an international city of charm and good cheer, a great vacation destination.
St Tropez
St Tropez has long held the reputation of being the 'black sheep' of the renowned French Riviera vacation resort towns, where anything goes and the more sinful the better!
Sexy starlets were flaunting themselves topless here back in the 1930s, long before the beautiful people dared disrobe elsewhere, and St Tropez' reputation as a kinky carnival town attracting the more bohemian members of the 'in' crowd continues to this day. The fairly inaccessible fishing village of St Tropez, sited on a peninsula, was 'discovered' late in the 19th century by a bunch of reprobate writers and artists, and its reputation as a flamboyant and fashionable vacation destination quickly spread.
There is little left of the medieval Provencal atmosphere of the original town, but behind the rows of yachts fronting the terraced cafés of the waterfront are some narrow, picturesque streets full of shops. The hub of the St Tropez town is the Place aux Herbes, a busy enclave of fish, fruit, vegetable and flower stalls, where the tourism office is located.
Megève
As a vacation destination, Megève exudes old-world charm; the small village is huddled around the old church, a medieval tower and the town hall. Among the narrow Megève streets and small squares are antique shops, crowded bistros and old-fashioned butcheries and bakeries. Unlike many French vacation resorts Megève has remained fairly exclusively French; the upper crust make Megève their winter home when the mistralforces them to leave the Riviera. Furs are the coats of choice for strolling past the trendy Megève boutiques and dining at its excellent restaurants. For skiers, Megève is fairly uninspiring but Chamonix and Argentiere are within striking distance.
Val d'Isere
Val d'Isere is one of the best European ski vacation destinations; it has some of the best and highest on- and off-piste skiing in the world. The Val d'Isere resort is linked with Tignes, and between them they have about 193 miles (310km) of marked runs for every level of skier. Both vacation resorts were developed, rather badly, in the 1970s and large square hotels dominate the town, although recent developments have succeeded in creating a more attractive feel.
However, a Val d'Isere holiday remains popular with the English due to the great skiing and busy nightlife. There are also plenty of good French restaurants to choose from. The Val d'Isere village is becoming increasingly busy in the summer when tourists flock there on vacation for walking or paragliding.
Trois Vallées
The ski-vacation destination of Le Trois Vallées is the largest ski area in the world and is made up from the linked valleys of Courcheval, Meribel, Les Menuires and Val Thorens. Courcheval actually consists of three resorts named after their heights; Courcheval 1850 and 1650 are the most exclusive and expensive in the Trois Vallées.
Meribel is the middle valley and is the most popular option with families on vacation; the slopes here are easier to navigate. It was founded by the British, and English is spoken everywhere. Val Thorens has the highest skiing slopes but it is an ugly resort with large grey apartment blocks providing the background; however it is the favored vacation destination of many German tourists.
The combined ski area comprising the Three Valleys is excellent for beginners and experts alike. There is also a good variety of off-piste skiing when the conditions are right.
La Plagne
La Plagne is a vast ski resort with an enormous vertical drop of 6,562ft (2,000m), double that of Aspen for example. One of Europe's largest vacation resorts, La Plagne is made up of 10 different 'villages', six purpose built and four traditional, that are connected by public conveyances and a lift system. As such it can boast the largest ski area of any single resort in the world, and its linked trail system (Paradiski) with Les Arcs means there are now 261 miles (420km) of trails and 144 ski lifts.
The high altitude La Plagne resort centers on apartment life; there are few hotels and its convenience makes up for its lack of charm. The highest complex at Aime La Plagne is 6,890ft (2,100m) is considered to be the most convenient holiday accommodation, with many of the best apartments. The lowest mountain village, at 5,906ft (1,800m), is the neo-Savoyard Plagne 1800.
The largest complex with the liveliest holiday atmosphere is the original Plagne Center, one of the first villages in Europe to be built catering specifically for the skiing season. The lifts are near to the accommodation and you can generally ski to your door. For beginners and intermediates, La Plagne is the best of the European ski resorts.
Deauville
Deauville is the only Norman vacation resort to have any delusions of grandeur. It is at the heart of the Norman Riviera which, in the late 19th century, was particularly popular with elite Parisians.
Deauville is still known as the 'lady' of the French coast, and it was a very fashionable lady, in the form of Coco Chanel, who launched both her own career and the quality status of Deauville as a seaside vacation town when she opened a boutique selling her avante garde pill-box and cloche hats to Edwardian ladies bowed under the weight of huge, elaborate millinery creations. Although the town is overrun with tourists and the Edwardian splendor is fading, some of Chanel's stylish elegance survives in Deauville. Nearby Trouville is a smaller and less glamorous version of Deauville, but is also considered less touristy.
Les Arcs
A modern, purpose-built ski resort, the vacation destination of Les Arcs comprises four resort villages situated above the town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice, all linked by a free shuttle bus. Named after their respective altitudes, Arc 1600, Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 are built with glass and concrete apartment buildings, purposefully designed with convenience in mind, while the latest addition to the resort, Arc 1950, has a more traditional guise and a typically European village style.
The large and diverse network of well-groomed pistes more than make up for any lack of charm however, and the highest station at Aiguille Rouge Peak (10,584ft/3,226m) guarantees excellent snow conditions from December to April. Its vast trail system has been linked to that of La Plagne, making the combined Paradiski area one of the largest interconnected ski and snowboard areas in the world.
Arc 1800 is the biggest and most popular resort, consisting of four villages, and is the most conveniently situated for all levels of skiers and non-skiers on vacation, while just below, Arc 1600 is smaller and suited to young families, although it can get crowded on weekends (direct funicular link to the town of Bourg Saint Maurice).
More devoted snow enthusiasts prefer to head to the highest resort, Arc 2000, situated at the foot of Aiguille Rouge in the next valley, where the emphasis is on skiing and snowboarding rather than apres-ski holiday facilities. It has easy access to the glacier and is linked to Arc 1950 by a free cable car.
Aix-en-Provence
Marseille may well be the dominant metropolis of Provence but Aix-en-Provence, just 15 miles (24km) inland, is arguably the cultural and tourism capital of the province, attracting numerous vacation visitors. Historically and socially the two cities are, however, at odds. Aix (pronounced 'Ex') is a stunningly beautiful university town whose riches are based on agriculture and academia rather than on heavy industry. The residents of Aix-en-Provence are sophisticated, regarded by their counterparts in Marseille as being snobbish on a par with Parisians. Aix was founded in 122 BC by the Romans and became the capital of Provence, then an independent country. The famous King René of Anjou (1409-80) ruled during this period. He was well known as a patron of science and the arts and was very popular for his love of wine and festivities. After the union of Provence with France and until the Revolution, Aix-en-Provence remained the judicial and administrative headquarters of the region. The town has been the inspiration to many great writers and painters including Guigou, Stendhal, Mistral and Zola. Most famous of all is undoubtedly Paul Cézanne, who was inspired by the Provence countryside to produce his masterpieces, some of which can be seen in his hometown at the Musée Granet, in the Quartier Mazarin. Visitors on vacation in Aix-en-Provence can also call at his studio close to the town.
Avignon
Situated on the River Rhone, the historic vacation destination of Avignon is famed for being the Vatican of the 14th century; six successive Popes resided here from 1309, making it one of Europe's largest and most important cities of the time. The papacy retreated back to Rome in 1378, but this was just the beginning of a battle between the Italian capital and Avignon for control of the Church's riches and power. Altogether Avignon was the seat for nine Popes, until the last, Pope Benedict XIII, fled into self-exile in 1409. Without the Pope, the city went into a decline that has been exacerbated ever since by floods, fire, the plague and the Le Mistral, the harsh wind that whistles down the Rhone valley in winter. Avignon supposedly was named by the Celts who gave the area the name 'Avenio' or 'the town of violent winds'. Despite all this, Avignon has one of the best-preserved centers in France, a strong vacation attraction. Piercing the skyline are the beautiful spires of the Palais des Papes, and along the cobbled streets are countless richly decorated buildings, ancient churches and spectacular monuments and museums. Imposing medieval walls, built in 1403 by Pope Benedict, enclose the old town. The yearly Avignon Festival draws performers and art enthusiasts from all over France every July. Despite the huge influx of tourists, which double the town's population of 100,000, this is a wonderful festival and a must-see for anyone on vacation in the Avignon area.
Courchevel
Courchevel is made up of five separate vacation resorts, all within the Trois Vallées ski area, which also incorporates Meribel and Val Thorens. The main resorts are named after their heights - Courchevel 1850, 1650, 1550 and Le Praz 1300. La Tania is another, small purpose-built holiday ski resort situated on a ridge between Courchevel and Meribel. Courchevel 1850 is the smartest and most expensive of the resorts; it has the best restaurants, nightlife and access to the slopes. Courchevel 1650 and 1550 are quieter, more suited to families, and Le Praz is a pretty village with narrow streets, but due to its altitude has less reliable snow.
Meribel
Meribel is in the center of the Trois Vallées, which also incorporates the vacation resorts of Courchevel and Val Thorens. Together they form the largest ski area in the world. Unlike most French holiday ski resorts, Meribel has retained an atmosphere of the traditional skiing village, despite having grown enormously in recent years. Meribel-Mottaret is situated two miles (4km) up the valley and is better suited for the skiing, but not the nightlife. The resort was founded by the English early in the last century and is still very popular with British vacationers.
Val Thorens
At over 7,500 feet (2,200m), Val Thorens is the highest holiday ski resort in the Alps and offers guaranteed ski-to-door accommodation. Along with Meribel and Courchevel it forms the famous Trois Vallées ski area. Val Thorens is a fairly ugly purpose-built vacation resort, but its exceptional snow reliability and wide choice of skiing makes it hard to beat for the ski enthusiast.
Chamonix
The vacation resort of Chamonix sits in the shadow of Mont Blanc and offers some of the most challenging skiing in Europe. The town is in the center of a string of villages spread out along a valley cutting deep through the Alps; the village of Argentiere is six miles (10km) up the valley, beneath the renowned Grands-Montets slopes, and Les Houches is a small vacation resort a few miles below. The huge variety of on- and off-piste skiing in Chamonix attracts ski bums and serious weekend skiers (the town is only 50 minutes drive from Geneva) and this is reflected in the sportive atmosphere in the bars and restaurants.
Tignes
Albeit a purpose built resort with unattractive architecture, the vacation destination of Tignes is one of Europe's highest resorts and offers the best snow conditions in the Alps with excellent snow cover and a place to ski almost year round thanks to the high-altitude Grand Motte glacier. An excellent lift system links the vacation resort of Tignes to its neighbor Val d'Isère and together they form the vast ski area known as Espace Killy, with 193 miles (310km) of lift-linked trails and an area that is regarded as one of Europe's best and most beautiful ski areas. Tignes is made up of three villages: Val Claret is the highest and is situated at the foot of the glacier; Tignes Le Lac with its stunning setting on the lake is the largest, and the modern Tignes Le Lavachet is further down. Two small villages below, Tignes Les Brévières and Tignes Les Boisses, are directly linked to the ski area and provide a more traditional atmosphere with charming chalets, narrow streets and picturesque churches. All five villages are connected by a free bus service.
Morzine
The traditional mountain holiday village of Morzine is situated in the middle of one of the most extensive ski areas in the Alps, the Portes du Soleil, which links 14 ski resorts in France and Switzerland, and offers hundreds of miles of off-piste terrain and groomed slopes, and runs up to seven miles (11km) long, spread across 14 valleys. It is a great family resort with traditional chalets, special childcare services, and plenty of beginner and intermediate slopes in the vicinity, as well as family-orientated activities. Advanced skiers and boarders will also find endless off-piste opportunities and ample challenges on the black slopes. About a mile higher up the slope is the purpose-built resort of Avoriaz, which is a popular base for trips across the border to the Swiss resorts, and its treeless slopes offer powder snow and great boarding.
Flaine
Probably because it was purpose-built, the vacation destination of Flaine is one of the most user-friendly ski resorts it is possible to find: compact, with easy access to the pistes, and a location that ensures exceptional snow conditions. Consisting of concrete apartment blocks built on three levels along the slopes, at an altitude of 5,250ft (1,600m), in the center of a natural bowl, this, the youngest resort in the French Alps, may not sound particularly appealing. Flaine may not present the archetypical image of the Alpine village, but it has been architecturally designed for comfort and convenience, and visitors are amazed at how the buildings blend in with the limestone of their surroundings. The three levels, Flaine-Foret, Flaine-Forum and Flaine-Front de Neige, are connected by elevators and pedestrian trails. The center is car-free, with restaurants, bars and services grouped around two central shopping plazas. All activities are either close and easily accessible, or in the resort center. There is also a cultural center where classical and jazz music events are scheduled, a library and art gallery. Children are particularly well catered for. Flaine is situated beneath Mont Blanc, near Geneva, at the gateway to 'Le Grand Massif', one of the best ski and snowboard areas of France. From the nursery slopes, to an easy glide on the 8.5-mile (14km) blue Cascade run or the off-piste challenge of the Combe de Gers, Flaine is a trend-setting family-orientated resort that caters for all levels of skiers and boarders.
Disneyland Paris
The blueprints for the vacation destination of Disneyland may have been developed in the United States, but the world's favorite theme park concept has transported exceedingly successfully to Europe. Situated 20 miles (32km) east of Paris, Disneyland Paris (also known as EuroDisney) is a vast complex of hotels, restaurants and shops together with the exciting theme park. Fundis have it that Europe's Disneyland is actually better than its US counterparts, boasting more modern technology and existing in the ambit of less control and different safety regulations. Then, too, EuroDisney has also unavoidably picked up a European flavor which adds charm and intimacy to the entire experience.
EuroDisney actually consists of two theme parks. The Disneyland Park, based on California's iconic Magic Kingdom, boasts 42 awesome attractions, drawing thousands of vacationers every year. The other, the Walt Disney Studios, is more recent and follows the trend of the Disney MGM Studios in Florida, USA, using movie-like settings for its thrill rides and experiences. Adults and children alike become enchanted and enthralled as they explore fantasy neighborhoods bristling with Disney characters, and stop to take in the spectacle of the day and night parades.
Most visitors come to EuroDisney on a package deal that includes hotel accommodation on site and passes to enjoy the shows and attractions. At least two days are required to make the most of the Disney magic, and there will still be plenty left for a second visit!
Serre-Chevalier
Situated in the Hautes-Alpes near the Italian border, Serre-Chevalier is one of the biggest ski resorts in Europe, comprising thirteen villages, including Briançon, Saint-Chaffrey-Chantemerle, La Salle les Alpes, and Monêtier les Bains. Serre-Chevalier is also quite popular in the summer months for a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking. The scenery is spectacular, and it's easy to see why Serre-Chevalier is one of the most popular ski resorts in France.
Samoëns
Samoëns is the only resort in France to be designated a historical monument. There are medieval fountains, nine chapels dating back to the 15th century, and many other shrines and rustic buildings. Samoëns has a long tradition of stonecutters, and evidence of that is visible everywhere.
While there has been recent development in the area, Samoëns has maintained its rustic charm. There are more than 25 restaurants, including the La Cheminée cafe and Muscade et Basilic, which tend to be filled with more French than tourists. There isn't much nightlife to speak of, but there is at least one nightclub, and Covey's Irish Pub is popular with expats.
Skiing in Samoëns is geared mostly toward intermediate and advanced skiers, as the vertical rise is large, but there are gentler slopes for beginners. There are fewer high-tech amenities, but many activities you won't find in other resorts, like horse and carriage rides, farm tours at the Ecomuseum Farm le Clos Parchet, and the nearby national park Cirque du Fer-a-Cheval, which offers white water rafting, kayaking, hiking and mountain climbing. The town also hosts a weekly market, and there is a public pool and waterslide which contributes to Samoëns' popularity as a summer destination.
While it is possible to take the SAT bus from Geneva or Cluses, having a car is the best way to get to Samoëns.
Brides-les-Bains
Brides-les-Bains was the official site of the Olympic Village in 1992, an honor earned by its position at the gateway to les Trois Vallées, which is the world's largest ski area. It has a small-town atmosphere that contrasts with better known villages in the area like Courchevel, la Tania, Méribel, les Menuires-St Martin and Val Thorens.
The hamlet's pure water was a draw for tourists as far back as the 16th century, and now there are several health and relaxation spas centered around them, with the focus on fitness and weight loss.
While the lack of groomed slopes may put off absolute beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers will find plenty of challenges around the mountains in the Three Valleys area.
There are plenty of off-slope activities in Brides-les-Bains, including ice climbing, paragliding, dog sledding, and hiking in Vanoise National Park. There are several good restaurants in town, and a relaxed, low-key nightlife that includes two nightclubs and a casino. During the summer, there are a number of children's programs and organized activities.
There are several buses and shuttle services that transfer passengers to Brides-les-Bains from Geneva and Lyon, however driving is the easiest option. There are several car hire companies in Moûtiers, which is the nearest train station.
La Tania
Developed for the 1992 Albertville Olympics, La Tania is smaller than some of its neighbors in the Three Valleys ski area of the French Alps. Its close proximity to those neighbors ensures that visitors can take advantage of all the skiing and entertainment opportunities available, however.
La Tania's village center has about eight bars and restaurants, along with a bakery, supermarket and ski shops.
One of the biggest distinctions of the purpose-built resort is its environmentally friendly focus. La Tania is highly ranked among eco-friendly ski resorts, and power to the village is supplied by hydroelectricity. They also encourage their operators to reduce their impact where possible.
There are several buses and shuttle services that transfer passengers to La Tania from Geneva and Lyon, however driving is the easiest option. There are several car hire companies in Moûtiers, which is the nearest train station.
Châtel
Châtel is a ski resort in the northern French Alps, a stone's throw away from Switzerland. The village was established by monks in the 5th century, and became famous for its cheese, sausages, and woodcarvings. The town has manages to preserve much of its charm and traditional Alpine characteristics.
The town center contains a number of restaurants serving both traditional French cuisine and standard pizza and takeaway fare; there are also plenty of shops selling ski equipment, souvenirs, and specialty regional foods. Although the nightlife isn't world-renowned, there are four or five lively bars, including a late-night bowling alley, a cinema, and a nightclub.
Skiing in Châtel is a pleasure for all levels, with 49 pistes and 31 miles (49km) of cross-country trails. There is also a terrain park for snowboarding. Châtel is part of the Portes du Soleil area of linked ski resorts, with over 250 miles (650km) of terrain.
There are also many summer activities at Châtel, including hiking, mountain biking, white-water rafting, kayaking, paragliding, or sailing and windsurfing on nearby Lake Geneva.
The nearest airport to Châtel is at Geneva and the nearest train station is at Monthey. The AOMC bus runs from Monthey to Morgins and Châtel, alternatively there are taxis and car hire facilities in Monthey.
Porto-Vecchio
Known as the 'St Tropez' of Corsica, Porto-Vecchio is becoming one of the most fashionable towns in southern Corsica. It is situated a scenic bay, near popular sandy beaches such as Palombaggia, Rondinara, and Santa Guilia. The old town, the Borgo, has picturesque narrow streets, and interesting sights such as the twisted tree at the Place de la Republique, the incomplete church of St Jean Baptiste, and the art gallery at the Bastion di A Funtana Vechju. Porto-Vecchio has a few souvenir shops and excellent specialty food shops selling Corsican delicacies like wild boar sausage and local cheeses. There are a number of cafes, bars and restaurants with good opportunities for people-watching, and during the high season the city is usually buzzing with activity.
Biarritz
Situated in the very southwest of France, the vacation destination of Biarritz became famous in the 19th century when Empress Eugenie (the wife of Napoleon III) fell in love with this part of the Basque country and built a Palace on the beach (which is now the world-class Hotel du Palais) and a center with natural springs at Eugenie les Bains.
Soon the became popular with aristocracy from all over Europe - Queen Victoria came here regularly over a period of 30 years, Edward VI stayed in the Hotel du Palais days before his death and in the 1930s Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson were regular visitors. Until the revolution in 1917 the Russian nobility wintered here and built the magnificent Orthodox Church next to the Palace.
However, the days of being reserved for high society are long gone and today Biarritz is an affordable, vibrant and cosmopolitan town with magnificent beaches. There are a couple of interesting museums, including the Musée de la Mer which houses 24 aquariums of fish native to the bay; try to visit during the seal feeding time (10.30am and 5pm).
Biarritz has good sporting facilities, including some excellent golf courses and the best surfing in France to enjoy while on vacation. Each summer, surfers from all over the world come to Biarritz to ride the waves at the annual Surf Festival. Those after more gentle exercise while on vacation opt to stroll along Biarritz's principal promenade, Quai de la Grande Plage.
Saint Jean de Luz
A popular seaside vacation resort and active fishing port, just above the Spanish border, Saint Jean de Luz is a lively and cosmopolitan town to visit. The lovely medieval town center has been influenced by Spain and the Moors over the years and has a mix of interesting architecture throughout the narrow streets, blending old and new buildings.
St Malo
The lively vacation resort town of St Malo boasts a colorful history as a fortified island citadel that was once run by corsairs who declared it a republic. Today this port on the English Channel swarms with tourists on vacation, its streets choked with tour buses in the summer months and its natural harbor acting as a busy ferry terminal for those crossing between Britain, France and the Channel Islands, just to the north. Because of St Malo's medieval charm, many visitors opt to spend a night or two here before their ferry crossing, and are rewarded with a pleasant sojourn behind old city walls in a quaint collection of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. Just a hop and a skip away are some vast, clean, brown sandy beaches, ideal for family holiday fun. Stroll the ramparts of St Malo's great city walls as the sun sets and it is easy to realise why this ancient city is now the most popular vacation destination in Brittany.
Ajaccio
The capital of Corsica, the vacation destination of Ajaccio lies in a calm bay on the west coast of Corsica, set against a backdrop of wooded hills. It is a relaxed rather than lively town and visitors come here on vacation to enjoy its wealth of cafés, restaurants and shops. The birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, the town takes full advantage of its famous resident to lure tourists.
Cannes
Today it is hard to imagine that the quintessential, glamorous French Riviera vacation resort of Cannes was for centuries a simple, sleepy fishing village whose only visitors were monks and wealthy pilgrims who came to visit the monastery on the nearby Island of St Honorat. All this changed in 1834 when Lord Henry Brougham, former British Chancellor of the Excheckr, arrived and established Cannes as a popular up-market vacation resort for the British upper-classes.
Soon the French and later the Russian aristocracy also flocked to Cannes to while away their summer holidays. Each May the world's media flocks to Cannes for its annual Film Festival, which draws the international celebrities and super-stars along with the paparazzi and expectant fans hoping to glimpse the rich and famous at the Palais des Festivals.
Hundreds of less exceptional international conferences take place here each year, making rooms hard to find and restaurants hard to book for much of the year. Cannes is busy all year round, frequented by hosts of business travelers off-season and besieged by tourists on vacation in the summer, when the long sandy beaches, glitzy nightclubs, chic shops and famous promenade are abuzz with beautiful people flaunting the latest designer wear. Despite the city's pretensions and massive over-development, Cannes is still an international city of charm and good cheer, a great vacation destination.
St Tropez
St Tropez has long held the reputation of being the 'black sheep' of the renowned French Riviera vacation resort towns, where anything goes and the more sinful the better!
Sexy starlets were flaunting themselves topless here back in the 1930s, long before the beautiful people dared disrobe elsewhere, and St Tropez' reputation as a kinky carnival town attracting the more bohemian members of the 'in' crowd continues to this day. The fairly inaccessible fishing village of St Tropez, sited on a peninsula, was 'discovered' late in the 19th century by a bunch of reprobate writers and artists, and its reputation as a flamboyant and fashionable vacation destination quickly spread.
There is little left of the medieval Provencal atmosphere of the original town, but behind the rows of yachts fronting the terraced cafés of the waterfront are some narrow, picturesque streets full of shops. The hub of the St Tropez town is the Place aux Herbes, a busy enclave of fish, fruit, vegetable and flower stalls, where the tourism office is located.
Megève
As a vacation destination, Megève exudes old-world charm; the small village is huddled around the old church, a medieval tower and the town hall. Among the narrow Megève streets and small squares are antique shops, crowded bistros and old-fashioned butcheries and bakeries. Unlike many French vacation resorts Megève has remained fairly exclusively French; the upper crust make Megève their winter home when the mistralforces them to leave the Riviera. Furs are the coats of choice for strolling past the trendy Megève boutiques and dining at its excellent restaurants. For skiers, Megève is fairly uninspiring but Chamonix and Argentiere are within striking distance.
Val d'Isere
Val d'Isere is one of the best European ski vacation destinations; it has some of the best and highest on- and off-piste skiing in the world. The Val d'Isere resort is linked with Tignes, and between them they have about 193 miles (310km) of marked runs for every level of skier. Both vacation resorts were developed, rather badly, in the 1970s and large square hotels dominate the town, although recent developments have succeeded in creating a more attractive feel.
However, a Val d'Isere holiday remains popular with the English due to the great skiing and busy nightlife. There are also plenty of good French restaurants to choose from. The Val d'Isere village is becoming increasingly busy in the summer when tourists flock there on vacation for walking or paragliding.
Trois Vallées
The ski-vacation destination of Le Trois Vallées is the largest ski area in the world and is made up from the linked valleys of Courcheval, Meribel, Les Menuires and Val Thorens. Courcheval actually consists of three resorts named after their heights; Courcheval 1850 and 1650 are the most exclusive and expensive in the Trois Vallées.
Meribel is the middle valley and is the most popular option with families on vacation; the slopes here are easier to navigate. It was founded by the British, and English is spoken everywhere. Val Thorens has the highest skiing slopes but it is an ugly resort with large grey apartment blocks providing the background; however it is the favored vacation destination of many German tourists.
The combined ski area comprising the Three Valleys is excellent for beginners and experts alike. There is also a good variety of off-piste skiing when the conditions are right.
La Plagne
La Plagne is a vast ski resort with an enormous vertical drop of 6,562ft (2,000m), double that of Aspen for example. One of Europe's largest vacation resorts, La Plagne is made up of 10 different 'villages', six purpose built and four traditional, that are connected by public conveyances and a lift system. As such it can boast the largest ski area of any single resort in the world, and its linked trail system (Paradiski) with Les Arcs means there are now 261 miles (420km) of trails and 144 ski lifts.
The high altitude La Plagne resort centers on apartment life; there are few hotels and its convenience makes up for its lack of charm. The highest complex at Aime La Plagne is 6,890ft (2,100m) is considered to be the most convenient holiday accommodation, with many of the best apartments. The lowest mountain village, at 5,906ft (1,800m), is the neo-Savoyard Plagne 1800.
The largest complex with the liveliest holiday atmosphere is the original Plagne Center, one of the first villages in Europe to be built catering specifically for the skiing season. The lifts are near to the accommodation and you can generally ski to your door. For beginners and intermediates, La Plagne is the best of the European ski resorts.
Deauville
Deauville is the only Norman vacation resort to have any delusions of grandeur. It is at the heart of the Norman Riviera which, in the late 19th century, was particularly popular with elite Parisians.
Deauville is still known as the 'lady' of the French coast, and it was a very fashionable lady, in the form of Coco Chanel, who launched both her own career and the quality status of Deauville as a seaside vacation town when she opened a boutique selling her avante garde pill-box and cloche hats to Edwardian ladies bowed under the weight of huge, elaborate millinery creations. Although the town is overrun with tourists and the Edwardian splendor is fading, some of Chanel's stylish elegance survives in Deauville. Nearby Trouville is a smaller and less glamorous version of Deauville, but is also considered less touristy.
Les Arcs
A modern, purpose-built ski resort, the vacation destination of Les Arcs comprises four resort villages situated above the town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice, all linked by a free shuttle bus. Named after their respective altitudes, Arc 1600, Arc 1800 and Arc 2000 are built with glass and concrete apartment buildings, purposefully designed with convenience in mind, while the latest addition to the resort, Arc 1950, has a more traditional guise and a typically European village style.
The large and diverse network of well-groomed pistes more than make up for any lack of charm however, and the highest station at Aiguille Rouge Peak (10,584ft/3,226m) guarantees excellent snow conditions from December to April. Its vast trail system has been linked to that of La Plagne, making the combined Paradiski area one of the largest interconnected ski and snowboard areas in the world.
Arc 1800 is the biggest and most popular resort, consisting of four villages, and is the most conveniently situated for all levels of skiers and non-skiers on vacation, while just below, Arc 1600 is smaller and suited to young families, although it can get crowded on weekends (direct funicular link to the town of Bourg Saint Maurice).
More devoted snow enthusiasts prefer to head to the highest resort, Arc 2000, situated at the foot of Aiguille Rouge in the next valley, where the emphasis is on skiing and snowboarding rather than apres-ski holiday facilities. It has easy access to the glacier and is linked to Arc 1950 by a free cable car.
Aix-en-Provence
Marseille may well be the dominant metropolis of Provence but Aix-en-Provence, just 15 miles (24km) inland, is arguably the cultural and tourism capital of the province, attracting numerous vacation visitors. Historically and socially the two cities are, however, at odds. Aix (pronounced 'Ex') is a stunningly beautiful university town whose riches are based on agriculture and academia rather than on heavy industry. The residents of Aix-en-Provence are sophisticated, regarded by their counterparts in Marseille as being snobbish on a par with Parisians. Aix was founded in 122 BC by the Romans and became the capital of Provence, then an independent country. The famous King René of Anjou (1409-80) ruled during this period. He was well known as a patron of science and the arts and was very popular for his love of wine and festivities. After the union of Provence with France and until the Revolution, Aix-en-Provence remained the judicial and administrative headquarters of the region. The town has been the inspiration to many great writers and painters including Guigou, Stendhal, Mistral and Zola. Most famous of all is undoubtedly Paul Cézanne, who was inspired by the Provence countryside to produce his masterpieces, some of which can be seen in his hometown at the Musée Granet, in the Quartier Mazarin. Visitors on vacation in Aix-en-Provence can also call at his studio close to the town.
Avignon
Situated on the River Rhone, the historic vacation destination of Avignon is famed for being the Vatican of the 14th century; six successive Popes resided here from 1309, making it one of Europe's largest and most important cities of the time. The papacy retreated back to Rome in 1378, but this was just the beginning of a battle between the Italian capital and Avignon for control of the Church's riches and power. Altogether Avignon was the seat for nine Popes, until the last, Pope Benedict XIII, fled into self-exile in 1409. Without the Pope, the city went into a decline that has been exacerbated ever since by floods, fire, the plague and the Le Mistral, the harsh wind that whistles down the Rhone valley in winter. Avignon supposedly was named by the Celts who gave the area the name 'Avenio' or 'the town of violent winds'. Despite all this, Avignon has one of the best-preserved centers in France, a strong vacation attraction. Piercing the skyline are the beautiful spires of the Palais des Papes, and along the cobbled streets are countless richly decorated buildings, ancient churches and spectacular monuments and museums. Imposing medieval walls, built in 1403 by Pope Benedict, enclose the old town. The yearly Avignon Festival draws performers and art enthusiasts from all over France every July. Despite the huge influx of tourists, which double the town's population of 100,000, this is a wonderful festival and a must-see for anyone on vacation in the Avignon area.
Courchevel
Courchevel is made up of five separate vacation resorts, all within the Trois Vallées ski area, which also incorporates Meribel and Val Thorens. The main resorts are named after their heights - Courchevel 1850, 1650, 1550 and Le Praz 1300. La Tania is another, small purpose-built holiday ski resort situated on a ridge between Courchevel and Meribel. Courchevel 1850 is the smartest and most expensive of the resorts; it has the best restaurants, nightlife and access to the slopes. Courchevel 1650 and 1550 are quieter, more suited to families, and Le Praz is a pretty village with narrow streets, but due to its altitude has less reliable snow.
Meribel
Meribel is in the center of the Trois Vallées, which also incorporates the vacation resorts of Courchevel and Val Thorens. Together they form the largest ski area in the world. Unlike most French holiday ski resorts, Meribel has retained an atmosphere of the traditional skiing village, despite having grown enormously in recent years. Meribel-Mottaret is situated two miles (4km) up the valley and is better suited for the skiing, but not the nightlife. The resort was founded by the English early in the last century and is still very popular with British vacationers.
Val Thorens
At over 7,500 feet (2,200m), Val Thorens is the highest holiday ski resort in the Alps and offers guaranteed ski-to-door accommodation. Along with Meribel and Courchevel it forms the famous Trois Vallées ski area. Val Thorens is a fairly ugly purpose-built vacation resort, but its exceptional snow reliability and wide choice of skiing makes it hard to beat for the ski enthusiast.
Chamonix
The vacation resort of Chamonix sits in the shadow of Mont Blanc and offers some of the most challenging skiing in Europe. The town is in the center of a string of villages spread out along a valley cutting deep through the Alps; the village of Argentiere is six miles (10km) up the valley, beneath the renowned Grands-Montets slopes, and Les Houches is a small vacation resort a few miles below. The huge variety of on- and off-piste skiing in Chamonix attracts ski bums and serious weekend skiers (the town is only 50 minutes drive from Geneva) and this is reflected in the sportive atmosphere in the bars and restaurants.
Tignes
Albeit a purpose built resort with unattractive architecture, the vacation destination of Tignes is one of Europe's highest resorts and offers the best snow conditions in the Alps with excellent snow cover and a place to ski almost year round thanks to the high-altitude Grand Motte glacier. An excellent lift system links the vacation resort of Tignes to its neighbor Val d'Isère and together they form the vast ski area known as Espace Killy, with 193 miles (310km) of lift-linked trails and an area that is regarded as one of Europe's best and most beautiful ski areas. Tignes is made up of three villages: Val Claret is the highest and is situated at the foot of the glacier; Tignes Le Lac with its stunning setting on the lake is the largest, and the modern Tignes Le Lavachet is further down. Two small villages below, Tignes Les Brévières and Tignes Les Boisses, are directly linked to the ski area and provide a more traditional atmosphere with charming chalets, narrow streets and picturesque churches. All five villages are connected by a free bus service.
Morzine
The traditional mountain holiday village of Morzine is situated in the middle of one of the most extensive ski areas in the Alps, the Portes du Soleil, which links 14 ski resorts in France and Switzerland, and offers hundreds of miles of off-piste terrain and groomed slopes, and runs up to seven miles (11km) long, spread across 14 valleys. It is a great family resort with traditional chalets, special childcare services, and plenty of beginner and intermediate slopes in the vicinity, as well as family-orientated activities. Advanced skiers and boarders will also find endless off-piste opportunities and ample challenges on the black slopes. About a mile higher up the slope is the purpose-built resort of Avoriaz, which is a popular base for trips across the border to the Swiss resorts, and its treeless slopes offer powder snow and great boarding.
Flaine
Probably because it was purpose-built, the vacation destination of Flaine is one of the most user-friendly ski resorts it is possible to find: compact, with easy access to the pistes, and a location that ensures exceptional snow conditions. Consisting of concrete apartment blocks built on three levels along the slopes, at an altitude of 5,250ft (1,600m), in the center of a natural bowl, this, the youngest resort in the French Alps, may not sound particularly appealing. Flaine may not present the archetypical image of the Alpine village, but it has been architecturally designed for comfort and convenience, and visitors are amazed at how the buildings blend in with the limestone of their surroundings. The three levels, Flaine-Foret, Flaine-Forum and Flaine-Front de Neige, are connected by elevators and pedestrian trails. The center is car-free, with restaurants, bars and services grouped around two central shopping plazas. All activities are either close and easily accessible, or in the resort center. There is also a cultural center where classical and jazz music events are scheduled, a library and art gallery. Children are particularly well catered for. Flaine is situated beneath Mont Blanc, near Geneva, at the gateway to 'Le Grand Massif', one of the best ski and snowboard areas of France. From the nursery slopes, to an easy glide on the 8.5-mile (14km) blue Cascade run or the off-piste challenge of the Combe de Gers, Flaine is a trend-setting family-orientated resort that caters for all levels of skiers and boarders.
Disneyland Paris
The blueprints for the vacation destination of Disneyland may have been developed in the United States, but the world's favorite theme park concept has transported exceedingly successfully to Europe. Situated 20 miles (32km) east of Paris, Disneyland Paris (also known as EuroDisney) is a vast complex of hotels, restaurants and shops together with the exciting theme park. Fundis have it that Europe's Disneyland is actually better than its US counterparts, boasting more modern technology and existing in the ambit of less control and different safety regulations. Then, too, EuroDisney has also unavoidably picked up a European flavor which adds charm and intimacy to the entire experience.
EuroDisney actually consists of two theme parks. The Disneyland Park, based on California's iconic Magic Kingdom, boasts 42 awesome attractions, drawing thousands of vacationers every year. The other, the Walt Disney Studios, is more recent and follows the trend of the Disney MGM Studios in Florida, USA, using movie-like settings for its thrill rides and experiences. Adults and children alike become enchanted and enthralled as they explore fantasy neighborhoods bristling with Disney characters, and stop to take in the spectacle of the day and night parades.
Most visitors come to EuroDisney on a package deal that includes hotel accommodation on site and passes to enjoy the shows and attractions. At least two days are required to make the most of the Disney magic, and there will still be plenty left for a second visit!
Serre-Chevalier
Situated in the Hautes-Alpes near the Italian border, Serre-Chevalier is one of the biggest ski resorts in Europe, comprising thirteen villages, including Briançon, Saint-Chaffrey-Chantemerle, La Salle les Alpes, and Monêtier les Bains. Serre-Chevalier is also quite popular in the summer months for a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking. The scenery is spectacular, and it's easy to see why Serre-Chevalier is one of the most popular ski resorts in France.
Samoëns
Samoëns is the only resort in France to be designated a historical monument. There are medieval fountains, nine chapels dating back to the 15th century, and many other shrines and rustic buildings. Samoëns has a long tradition of stonecutters, and evidence of that is visible everywhere.
While there has been recent development in the area, Samoëns has maintained its rustic charm. There are more than 25 restaurants, including the La Cheminée cafe and Muscade et Basilic, which tend to be filled with more French than tourists. There isn't much nightlife to speak of, but there is at least one nightclub, and Covey's Irish Pub is popular with expats.
Skiing in Samoëns is geared mostly toward intermediate and advanced skiers, as the vertical rise is large, but there are gentler slopes for beginners. There are fewer high-tech amenities, but many activities you won't find in other resorts, like horse and carriage rides, farm tours at the Ecomuseum Farm le Clos Parchet, and the nearby national park Cirque du Fer-a-Cheval, which offers white water rafting, kayaking, hiking and mountain climbing. The town also hosts a weekly market, and there is a public pool and waterslide which contributes to Samoëns' popularity as a summer destination.
While it is possible to take the SAT bus from Geneva or Cluses, having a car is the best way to get to Samoëns.
Brides-les-Bains
Brides-les-Bains was the official site of the Olympic Village in 1992, an honor earned by its position at the gateway to les Trois Vallées, which is the world's largest ski area. It has a small-town atmosphere that contrasts with better known villages in the area like Courchevel, la Tania, Méribel, les Menuires-St Martin and Val Thorens.
The hamlet's pure water was a draw for tourists as far back as the 16th century, and now there are several health and relaxation spas centered around them, with the focus on fitness and weight loss.
While the lack of groomed slopes may put off absolute beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers will find plenty of challenges around the mountains in the Three Valleys area.
There are plenty of off-slope activities in Brides-les-Bains, including ice climbing, paragliding, dog sledding, and hiking in Vanoise National Park. There are several good restaurants in town, and a relaxed, low-key nightlife that includes two nightclubs and a casino. During the summer, there are a number of children's programs and organized activities.
There are several buses and shuttle services that transfer passengers to Brides-les-Bains from Geneva and Lyon, however driving is the easiest option. There are several car hire companies in Moûtiers, which is the nearest train station.
La Tania
Developed for the 1992 Albertville Olympics, La Tania is smaller than some of its neighbors in the Three Valleys ski area of the French Alps. Its close proximity to those neighbors ensures that visitors can take advantage of all the skiing and entertainment opportunities available, however.
La Tania's village center has about eight bars and restaurants, along with a bakery, supermarket and ski shops.
One of the biggest distinctions of the purpose-built resort is its environmentally friendly focus. La Tania is highly ranked among eco-friendly ski resorts, and power to the village is supplied by hydroelectricity. They also encourage their operators to reduce their impact where possible.
There are several buses and shuttle services that transfer passengers to La Tania from Geneva and Lyon, however driving is the easiest option. There are several car hire companies in Moûtiers, which is the nearest train station.
Châtel
Châtel is a ski resort in the northern French Alps, a stone's throw away from Switzerland. The village was established by monks in the 5th century, and became famous for its cheese, sausages, and woodcarvings. The town has manages to preserve much of its charm and traditional Alpine characteristics.
The town center contains a number of restaurants serving both traditional French cuisine and standard pizza and takeaway fare; there are also plenty of shops selling ski equipment, souvenirs, and specialty regional foods. Although the nightlife isn't world-renowned, there are four or five lively bars, including a late-night bowling alley, a cinema, and a nightclub.
Skiing in Châtel is a pleasure for all levels, with 49 pistes and 31 miles (49km) of cross-country trails. There is also a terrain park for snowboarding. Châtel is part of the Portes du Soleil area of linked ski resorts, with over 250 miles (650km) of terrain.
There are also many summer activities at Châtel, including hiking, mountain biking, white-water rafting, kayaking, paragliding, or sailing and windsurfing on nearby Lake Geneva.
The nearest airport to Châtel is at Geneva and the nearest train station is at Monthey. The AOMC bus runs from Monthey to Morgins and Châtel, alternatively there are taxis and car hire facilities in Monthey.
Porto-Vecchio
Known as the 'St Tropez' of Corsica, Porto-Vecchio is becoming one of the most fashionable towns in southern Corsica. It is situated a scenic bay, near popular sandy beaches such as Palombaggia, Rondinara, and Santa Guilia. The old town, the Borgo, has picturesque narrow streets, and interesting sights such as the twisted tree at the Place de la Republique, the incomplete church of St Jean Baptiste, and the art gallery at the Bastion di A Funtana Vechju. Porto-Vecchio has a few souvenir shops and excellent specialty food shops selling Corsican delicacies like wild boar sausage and local cheeses. There are a number of cafes, bars and restaurants with good opportunities for people-watching, and during the high season the city is usually buzzing with activity.
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