Language
Currency
The Northern Alps is regarded as one of hte finest ski regions in the world. The decision to visit is an easy one to make. But which of its fabulous regions is the best option for renting your luxury chalet is a question of personal taste. Villanovo presents a short guide of the different regions of the Northern Alps, to help you choose where to visit on your next winter break.
Annecy, with the greenish-blue waters of its lake and its charming old town, along with the Aravis massif and the Semnoz mountain, which are suitable for both winter sports and summer tourism, offer a wide variety of cultural activities and outdoor leisure between the lake and the mountains. Annecy, the "Venice of the Alps", has many surprises in store in its labyrinth of canals and narrow streets, and its lake is a haven for water sports. To the north of the Bauges, the Semnoz is a great place for family or active excursions with views as far as Mont Blanc. To the east of the lake, the imposing Aravis mountain range, which is very popular in winter, is just as pleasant in summer.
Since its first successful ascent by Jacques Balmat and Michel-Gabriel Paccard in 1786, the Mont Blanc massif and its legendary peaks have continued to attract visitors from all over the world. The boldest will choose mountaineering, while others will take to the summits in cable cars, or on board the small trains that traverse the region, for breathtaking panoramic views without effort. There is no shortage of activities: mountain biking, snowshoeing or sledging, hiking, white water sports, trail running, paragliding... all offering unique experiences in the heart of an exceptional alpine massif.
In the north of Haute-Savoie, the 53 km of French shores of Lake Geneva invite you to swim and relax. The "Savoyard Riviera" also exudes elegance. The spa resorts founded in the 19th century (Evian, Thonon-les-Bains) still retain their original atmosphere. The Portes du Soleil, one of the largest ski areas in the world, is 30 minutes to the south. The Chablais Valley is also home to some quieter resorts. In summer, mountain biking, white water sports, hiking and climbing are on the agenda. In the Abondance valley, tourists will feel as if they are in neighbouring Switzerland. Further down, the Fer-à-Cheval cirque and its waterfalls are an unmissable sight.
Lakeside landscapes and mountain streams, vine-covered hillsides, quiet forests... This is a region that entices visitors with the rich diversity of its landscapes. In its centre, less than 20 km apart, the towns of Aix-les-Bains and Chambéry complement each other perfectly. The spa town of Aix-les-Bains is located on the banks of the Bourget, the largest natural lake in France. Chambéry, with its medieval centre, will enchant history and heritage lovers. To the east of these two cities are the Bauges, a medium-altitude massif with immense Alpine meadows that become a paradise for cross-country skiers in winter. To the west of Chambéry lies Lake Aiguebelette, which is an ideal place for a swim.
As a major link with Italy for centuries, the Maurienne has been transformed to accommodate a sensible form of tourism that has not damaged its landscapes or its cultural heritage. Skiers of all levels enjoy its ski areas and cycling enthusiasts will be thrilled to find themselves on trails through the heart of these beautiful mountain landscapes. Between Haute Maurienne and Tarentaise lies the Vanoise massif: unspoilt landscapes and hiking.
What a contrast between the Beaufortain and the Arly valley, two bucolic mid-mountain massifs, and the Haute-Tarentaise, with its lively ski resorts! The traveller will undoubtedly be dazzled, whether they choose the 400 km of downhill slopes of the Trois-Vallées or the 400 km of marked trails of the Vanoise National Park, whether they prefer the glitz of Courchevel and Méribel or the authenticity of the towns of Champagny and Pralognan. Valleys and glacial ledges, cliffs, waterfalls, summits and mountain pastures complete the picture of the spectacular geography of the Tarentaise.
