France

An Adventurous Challenge in Chamonix: Ice Climbing

With the Winter Olympics on the television, I bet that the speed and danger of these winter sports have inspired you to go on your own adrenaline-fuelled snowy adventure. Skiing or snowboarding is the classic option, but if you really want an athletic challenge then ice climbing in Chamonix might just be the activity for you. What is Ice Climbing? Ice climbing is similar to rock climbing, but with increased elements of surprise and danger. Unlike rocks, ice formations change

Flaine: The Bravely Brutalist Ski Resort

The French ski resort of Flaine has had a complex, varied lifespan since it was first constructed in the 1960s. Flaine has always courted controversy. Architects and intellectuals in France praised its design as a cutting edge Modernist development, while at the same time local residents and farmers protested against it as a monstrosity. Finally completed in the 1980s the Brutalist architecture of concrete blocks fell out of favour in the 1990s, gaining the resort the unfortunate nickname “Phlegm”, and

Disneyland

Tips and Tricks for Disneyland Paris: A Parents’ Guide

Disneyland Paris – two words that will give any parent a sudden jolt of anxiety. This is understandable, as this immensely popular theme park in France’s capital can be stressful and chaotic as hundreds of overexcited youngsters rush around. It is popular for good reason, though, and can be a fun-filled place for both children and parents – provided that you plan ahead and have done your research. Check out our guide to Disneyland’s attractions here! Considered to be the

Chic Cocktails in Megève: The Classiest Bars

I love skiing holidays because they give you a chance to get some fresh air and enjoy the finer things in life in stunning wintery landscapes. It is true that many of the resorts are crowded and not the most sophisticated, but there are a few gems that make for fantastic getaways, offering plenty to those who are looking for some peace and quiet. Megève in the Mont Blanc massif is the pick of the bunch, as it’s quiet, charming

Say “Formidable!” to the French Riviera: From Cannes to Nice

The word Cannes conjures up images of dazzling film stars, ultra-modern yachts and clinking glasses of champagne. But it’s important to remember how much there is to do beyond the glamour of the city. Our transfer between Cannes and Nice Airport brilliantly showcases the highlights of this region, helping to uncover the riveting secrets of the Riviera. Keep your eyes peeled for these three historic cities, whose historic landmarks you may want to discover during your holiday. 1. Le Cannet

Courageous, Crazy, Chilly: Exhilarating Family Fun in Megève

Of course you come to Megève for the great skiing, for the charming medieval Alpine charm and the excellent shops and restaurants, but it’s the extra activities that will really get your pulse racing. Megève holds a Family Plus Mountain award which, in France, means that it has gone above and beyond to ensure that there are an extensive range of activities and facilities to keep the entire family entertained. What this means to you is that after a day on the slopes skiing or snowboarding, there will be plenty of other high-octane excitement on offer for you and your

Skiing without Barriers: Val d’Isère for Disabled Skiers

Gone are the days when winter sports resorts could get away with providing little or no facilities for those with disabilities. Today, thankfully, the modern resorts are working hard to improve their accessibility credentials. Thanks to the spotlight that’s been placed on winter sports at the Winter Paralympic Games, neither the resorts nor potential practitioners see the world of winter sports as exclusively for the able-bodied anymore. The resort of Val d’Isère is one of the winter sports resorts in France that leads the way in this field, working hard to ensure that its lifts, ski schools and accommodation welcome

Luxury Dining in Morzine: A Restaurant Guide

The French town of Morzine is far more than ‘just’ a ski resort, it is a year-round holiday destination popular with the French and English alike. It is no surprise, therefore, that as well as the cafés selling hot chocolate and vin chaud to winter sports enthusiasts, there are also a range of excellent eateries to satisfy this year-round cosmopolitan crowd. Of course, that’s not to underplay its role as a ski resort, Morzine is, after all, the capital of France’s famous Portes du Soleil ski area, linking it to the resort of Avoriaz and others stretching across the Swiss

Chamonix

A Sophisticated Ski Holiday: Chamonix for Culture Vultures

One of the oldest ski resorts in France, Chamonix is up there with skiing’s most cherished destinations. After all, there are few testing grounds more iconic than the slopes of Mont Blanc, high above anywhere in Western Europe. Chamonix has fantastic ski schools which offer classes for adults looking to tighten up rusty technique or learn new skills for more challenging slopes. These classes can be taken as part of a group or privately, focused on skiing, snowboarding or specific areas such as off-piste tuition. Whichever aspect of your skiing you are looking to improve, Chamonix has a class for

Ski with the Stars in Courchevel 1850: A 24-Hour Guide

Courchevel 1850 is the highest resort of the Courchevel ski area. With beautiful snow-covered pistes extending across three valleys in the French Alps, it boasts over 60 ski-lifts and 150 kilometres of pistes. It is set in an iconic landscape amidst gorgeous pine trees and beautiful scenery. Honestly, the view from the top of the mountain range is truly spectacular. While most people visit Courchevel 1850 for its extensive ski runs, it also boasts an array of up-market bars, fine-dining restaurants and stylish one-off boutiques which attract designer-clad visitors from across the globe. If you are only in Courchevel 1850

Choose Les Carroz for Your Next Family Ski Break

The Savoyard ski resort of Les Carroz has attracted skiers for years on account of its superb facilities and setting in a pretty, traditional French village. It’s a short drive away from Geneva Airport, so there’s no long slog ahead to dampen the excitement after you’ve landed. Despite its popularity, Les Carroz never feels too busy even in peak season. And it’s this laid-back feel, amongst many other things, that makes Les Carroz our go-to recommendation for adventurous parents with equally outgoing children. Great Skiing Opportunities for All Ages Les Carroz is well-regarded by those in the know for its

European Christmas Cuisines, Part 3: France

No trip to France would be complete without a degustation of its fabulous gastronomy – it is, after all, the home of haute cuisine. There’s no better time to sample some delicious French fare than Christmas, when delicacies from the skies, the seas and the fields all crowd the dinner table. The gastronomic highlight of the holiday season in France is le Réveillon, the long dinner held on Christmas Eve. Although menus vary depending on the region, here are a few of the dishes that you might find at a French Christmas feast. Succulent Starters Although popular all year round,

Annecy

Style and Sophistication in Annecy

Annecy is a charming Alpine village in France. Nothing beats strolling through its beautiful old town. You can admire the gorgeous canals lined with colourful flowers and the stunningly designed bridges, which add to its archaic charm. Known as the ‘Venice of the Alps’, it is also Haute-Savoie’s city of art, offering travellers a delightful range of cultural attractions, such as local museums, medieval castles and Gothic churches.