Not everyone has time for a week-long holiday in the Alps. If you are going through a busy period at work, have young children, or often both, a long weekend on the slopes is the perfect antidote and a great chance to recharge those batteries. The weekend is a great time to ski as other tourists often transfer to and from their holidays on Saturday, leaving quieter, more open pistes to enjoy.
The ski resort of Flaine, part of the Grand Massif ski area in France’s famous Haute-Savoie region, is the perfect place for a family ski holiday, not least because it really knows how to entertain young visitors. Created as a purpose-built resort in the 1960s, Flaine has become hugely popular with families, thanks to its compact, car-free centre and excellent skiing opportunities for all ages. Whether you and your children are beginners or old hands who want to try out some of the 265km of runs in the Grand Massif ski area, there is something for all ability levels here.
Located in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, Avoriaz is a charming winter holiday destination in the French Alps. Now, while it may be a renowned ski resort, this picturesque snow-covered wonderland offers visitors so much more than just slopes to glide down. From soothing wellness centres and heated swimming pools to horse-drawn sleigh rides and Michelin-acclaimed restaurants, this mountain village boasts an array of non-skiing activities that are perfect for a relaxing winter break. Get Pampered at the Deep Nature Spa Located in the La Falaise district of Avoriaz, you will find this luxury spa in the Amara
Argentière might not seem up to much, huddling below a mighty glacier. But this French ski resort is really hallowed turf. It’s a few miles north of Chamonix, boasts a daunting array of plus-2500m pistes and has a reputation for being the playground of expert skiers. If you’re a beginner, then Argentière’s slopes are probably not places to tread lightly, but any extreme sports fans or powder hounds with a penchant for black pistes should read on… Skiing and Snowboarding The Grand Montets sector of the resort has ample opportunities for dedicated skiers to hone their skills and challenge themselves
Nestled between the French and Italian border, Tignes is a picturesque collection of five villages in the Alps: Tignes les Brévières, Tignes le Lac, Tignes les Boisses, Val Claret and Le Lavachet. In conjunction with Val-d’Isère, it forms part of the famous Espace Killy ski region and caters to all skiing abilities. As a lesser known area, Tignes tends not to attract large groups of rowdy teens, but instead caters to a more refined demographic. The collection of villages boasts charming little boutiques and cafés, but its biggest selling point is its wide range of fine-dining restaurants. La Table en
Picking the right ski resort for a fun family ski holiday can be tricky. Ideally, it will be somewhere that caters to families, has a friendly atmosphere and plenty of facilities and activities so that you can all have a fun-filled trip and create many happy memories together. My recommendation? The Les Contamines ski area at the base of Mont Blanc. Les Contamines is a family-friendly place where you will find a real sense of community in the charming village (which dates back to 1758!). This means that it is a great place for a leisurely stroll with kids –
There are so many reasons to choose Val Thorens for a family ski holiday that it’s hardly surprising that the resort is so popular with French and English skiers alike. When I decided to visit, the choice was driven by a slightly obsessive hankering for the very best snow. After all, Val Thorens is the highest resort not just in France, but in the whole of Europe, with guaranteed snow from November through to May. What’s more, I was pleasantly surprised by all of the other things that the resort has to offer. Here’s my guide to this snowy spot!
Did you know that Monaco is the world’s second smallest city-state? (Bonus points for you if you know what the smallest one is!) If you’re travelling to this Mediterranean haven to uncover its wealth of cultural and natural landmarks, it couldn’t be easier: Nice Airport is merely a skip and a jump away. But while the 32-kilometre journey from Nice to Monaco takes an hour – or more – if you opt for public transportation, a transfer with Shuttle Direct will whisk you to the door of your accommodation in half the time. What’s more, you’re sure to have a
‘Paris, you are my happiness’ sang Edith Piaf back in 1949, and it’s clear a lot of people agree with her. The French capital invariably features in Top 10 lists of the world’s most visited destinations, and while Paris’s popularity is undoubtedly a reflection of its undeniable charms it can make visiting a trying experience at times. Are you desperate to ditch the crowds but not sure where to begin? Convinced that there are no ‘hidden gems’ left to discover? Think again. Take a minute or two to check out this assortment of left-field experiences before your next trip, and
While most families are drawn to the beautiful, historic resort of Samoëns because of its position in France’s Grand Massif ski area, you’ll discover there is plenty more than skiing and snowboarding to challenge adventurous kids (and their parents!) here. The Grand Massif – with its resorts including Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon, Sixt Fer à Cheval and, of course, Samoëns – sits at the heart of the Alps at 2,500 metres. With access to 256km of runs, Samoëns lies opposite the more famous Flaine in a north-facing position, meaning that snow (when it falls) tends to last pretty well here.
Les Gets is a brilliant Savoyard skiing resort in the Alps. With a terrific atmosphere, great skiing slopes for people of all levels and a buzzing après-ski scene, it is the perfect holiday destination for a group of friends looking for a good time and some great memories. Winter Sport Activities for You and Your Mates Skiing Les Gets has pistes for skiers of all levels, reached by gondola and chair or draglift. If you’re not very confident, you might want to stay within the Chavannes area which has easy blue and green runs. If you fancy something a bit
Blessed with such beauty it’s described as the “Venice of the Savoie“, the lovely lakeside city of Annecy (capital of the Haute-Savoie region) is one of the most delightful surprises in the Alps. For those lucky enough to visit this magnificent place, it really is like stepping out of your life and into a picture postcard for a few days. The city’s charming cobbled streets and idyllic setting on the tranquil shores of Lake Annecy provide a veritable smorgasbord of views – each seemingly more picturesque than the last. But while simply strolling around the Old Town, past the canals
Now that summer’s upon us, you’re probably ready to stroll on the beach, doze in the sand, and prove that you’re capable of developing tan lines. But let’s be honest: on most days, that’s nothing more than a distant beach fantasy when you’re living in northern Europe. If you’re looking to escape the unpredictable – but usually rainy – weather, why not jet off on a leisurely weekend holiday to the always-sunny Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur? If you’re ready to make the most of your summer break, here are a few tips for exploring the best spots of the beach paradise that
