GVA

Lausanne

Eccentric Fun in Lausanne

4 November, 2017

When you think of the beautiful medieval city of Lausanne, situated on Lake Geneva, you probably don’t think of counter-culture art, avant-garde architecture or of trendy international cuisine. But Lake Geneva’s second largest city has much more to it than just historic charm: in fact, it has contemporary cool by the bucket-load. Thanks to its new exhibition spaces, bars and restaurants, the city is beginning to become a hub for hip culture. And what better time than the present to discover the edgy, contemporary charm of Switzerland’s most historic city? Even in the old parts of Lausanne, which feature cobbled

Geneva

Beyond the Big Ones: Alternative Galleries of Geneva

2 November, 2017

Geneva airport is one of the busiest in Europe with a constant flow of European business travellers, seasonal skiers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. But many of the people who travel through the transport hub each year are so busy trying to get to their final destination that they miss the unique, quirky experience of the city itself. Switzerland’s second most populated city may be famous as the headquarters for such illustrious international organisations as the Red Cross and the World Health Organisation, but it is the unique Swiss hospitality and sense of humour which makes the more curious visitors fall

Courmayeur

A Touch of Class in the Italian Alps: Fine Dining in Courmayeur

1 November, 2017

Courmayeur in the Italian Alps is quite unlike any other ski resort I have ever visited. That’s because, while it has more than its fair share of excellent, challenging skiing, wintersports is only one small part of this Alpine village’s special appeal. The fact is, Courmayeur is much more than a ski resort; it is an exclusive, elegant holiday destination which knows full well that satisfying its elite Italian and international clientele requires more than just great skiing. That is why, despite being a small Alpine village, it boasts an extraordinary concentration of some of the region’s best restaurants, which

Samöens

Grand Adventure in the Grand Massif: Family Fun in Samoëns

8 October, 2017

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.

ski

Let’s Get Active in Les Gets

3 October, 2017

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

Annecy

Three Unique Ways to Enjoy Lake Annecy’s Views

17 July, 2017

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

Aix-les-Bains: A Spa Town Worthy of Royalty

3 June, 2017

ix-les-Bains, nestled on the shores of France’s biggest freshwater lake in the foothills of the Alps, offers an entirely unique, elegant lakeside retreat.

Bursting with grand Belle Epoch architecture, reflecting its heyday during the late 19th and early 20th century, it is one of the grande dames of French spa towns. Amongst its famous historic visitors, it can lay claim to having been Queen Victoria’s favourite holiday destination and, still today, seems to carry its Victorian-era fame with something of a refined pride.

Like its neighbour Annecy, Aix-les-Bains combines a rich cultural history, dating back to the Roman times, with a quiet, tranquil Alpine charm which makes it a wonderful place to visit for a relaxing spa break or a captivating, cultural lakeside holiday.

A Lakeside Guide to Geneva

14 May, 2017

Well-known as a convenient starting point for holidays in Switzerland, particularly in the winter ski season, Geneva is a place which has a lot to offer in its own right as well. From excellent shopping to beautiful lakeside eateries, there is more than enough to keep you occupied for a weekend break here.

Those who think of Switzerland as a winter destination, with its extensive winter sports and beautiful snow-covered landscape, are missing out. In the summer, the country and its most famous lake city come alive in the warm sunshine with outdoor markets to explore, restaurant terraces with lake views to enjoy, and, not to mention, the possibility of simply strolling around this beautiful city in the warm summer sunshine.

Still not convinced that Geneva is anything more than a starting point? Here’s a potential itinerary for a weekend summer getaway to help you visualise your lakeside break.

Courmayeur

Let the Cable Car Take the Strain: Courmayeur & the Skyway Monte Bianco

19 March, 2017

Nestled at the foot of Mount Blanc, thousands of elegant Italians visit the picturesque Alpine resort of Courmayeur in Italy every year. Their intention is not to ski but to enjoy the fresh air, luxury boutiques, excellent eateries and vibrant mountain atmosphere. For some reason, however, the British seem reluctant to visit ‘ski’ resorts, unless they intend to ski.

The truth is, at a resort like Courmayeur, we’re missing out. You need only spend an afternoon sitting on the terrace of one of the resort’s pretty restaurants or cafés to see a parade of smartly-dressed Italians enjoying all the shopping and culture that Courmayeur has to offer, without the slightest intention of ever putting on skis.

From taking the Skyway to the highest point reachable on Mont Blanc and enjoying the views (not to mention the engineering!), to eating at one of its three Michelin-starred restaurants, or just exploring the pretty Alpine town – there is plenty to do here for those not wishing to ski.

Tignes

Terrific Tignes for Advanced Skiers

16 March, 2017

Even though the end of winter is in sight, before you stash the skis and start waxing up your surfboard, how about one more turn around the slopes for good times’ sake? If you’re looking to see out the season on a high note, perhaps it’s time to put everything you learned this year into practice and head to Tignes in the Tarentaise Valley.

Not only is Tignes one of the most snowsure high altitude resorts in the Alps, its proximity to the Grande Motte glacier and the absolute smorgasbord of awesome off-piste trails means that, if you give it all you’ve got, you’re probably going to learn a whole lot more before the week is out, as well!
If you’ve got the skills, Tignes has got the thrills…

Val Thorens

Go Wild On and Off the Slopes in Val Thorens

14 March, 2017

If you’re looking to wring the dregs out of winter with one last week of shredding the pistes in the French Alps, Val Thorens has got everything you need and more. Along with some awesome slope action, this power-packed resort has a pretty heavy après scene as well. From hitting the dance floor on the highest open-air club in Europe to downing pints in an authentic British pub, if you think you’re ready for the ultimate party to send out the season, Val Thorens is ready for you! Oh, and don’t forget your skis…

Annecy

Get Animated in Annecy at the International Animation Film Festival

9 March, 2017

Each year, the alpine city of Annecy in the stunning Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps becomes the global centre of animated films for the much-anticipated International Animation Film Festival, drawing over 8000 industry professionals.

All the big names in the world of animation come together in a celebration of the industry, where festival-goers can marvel at the most recent animated masterpieces and even get to interact with filmmakers, producers and other creative forces.

Extending your stay in Annecy? Check out our guide to the highlights.

Châtel

Go Cross-Country for the First Time in Châtel

8 March, 2017

Set in the beautiful Alpine landscape of France’s Vallée d’Abondance, a valley which follows the river Dranse through stunning mountainous scenery, Châtel is a resort which could have been designed for cross country skiing.

The long valley creates the perfect flat terrain for exploration on Nordic skis and the resort certainly makes the most of its natural advantages with a network of 40km of tracks spreading out from the resort.

Part of the Portes du Soleil ski area, the Nordic tracks at Châtel link with those of neighbouring resorts Abondance and La Chapelle Abondance. The result is an extensive network of tracks suitable for a range of different levels, making it the perfect place to try cross country for the first time.

Those who are new to the sport will enjoy the range of easy tracks including 2.8km of green routes, 9.6km of blue, and 11.4km of reds. And for those who really want to push themselves, there’s the notorious Noire du Moulaz, a 1.9km black level route.

Largely undiscovered by the Brits, this remains a reassuringly French resort in which many of the hotels and restaurants are family owned and many of the buildings along the valley are still being used as farms and to house cattle. Exploring the area on Nordic skis gives a unique insight into the traditional Alpine culture of this beautiful area.

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