As well as entertaining countless winter sports fans all year round, the stunning French department of the Rhone-Alpes offers a variety of buzzing cities, wild scenery and a culture that you will not find at any other skiing destination. Holidays in Rhone Alpes offer something for the whole family, so if you’re looking to book a memorable skiing holiday in France choose from the range of Rhone Alpes holiday rentals today and book direct with the owners.
The region’s capital, Lyon, is becoming an increasingly popular location for city breaks and boasts a wide range of historical attractions and thriving nightlife. Situated on the river Saone, the wealth of architectural wonders in this city cannot be missed.
Usually considered the most recognisable landmark is the Fourviere Basilica, with its unique and awe-inspiring combination of Byzantine and Romanesque design. The Romans are heavily associated with Lyon and the ruins of one of their great amphitheatres can be found close to the centre. Many festivals and concerts are still held at this historic location.
Any culture enthusiasts are sure to fall in love with the small city of Annecy, which is located in the Haute-Savoie region. The narrow winding streets of the town follow the line of the Thiou River and in the old city is where you will find an impressive collection of medieval structures and landmarks that come right to the water’s edge.
Claiming to be one of the most photographed attractions in France, the Palais de l’Isle jail sits in the middle of the river and is truly an attraction that cannot be passed by. Also nearby the town are the stunning surroundings of the Annecy Lake, where you can discover plenty of activities such as hand gliding, hill walking and mountain bike riding. Renting Haute Savoie accommodation offers the perfect base to combine winter sports with cultural days trips into Annecy.
When you move further up the Alps, you will begin to see why this region is so popular for skiing holidays. As well as all the adventures of the dramatic landscape, the range of slopes that are on offer will be able to provide excitement and exhilaration for any level of winter sports enthusiast. If you are looking to combine a tranquil rural getaway with an exciting skiing holiday, the many resorts in the Haute-Savoie region will have you perfectly placed to experience the best of the action.
The largest and most famous of all the resorts in Haute-Savoie is Chamonix, a former host of the Winter Olympics that sits under the shadow of Mont. Blanc. Choosing to rent Chamonix accommodation offers the perfect base to enjoy a variety of winter sports activities for both complete beginners and seasoned professionals on the nearby slopes. For the chance to enjoy the rural and traditional atmosphere of this famous alpine town, there is no better way then renting one of the charming alpine chalets. Ski chalets in the Rhone-Alpes are suited to couples and families alike looking for excitement and adventure. Chamonix also caters for younger visitors, with amusement centres, toboggan rides and ski schools just some of the activities provided.
Should you prefer calmer surroundings than the buzzing centre of Chamonix, there will be many locations that will suit your tastes. Tignes is one resort that will have you immersed in the beautiful Alpine scenery and is also close to the celebrated slopes of the Motte Glacier. Well worth a visit is the 180 metre dam which is decorated with a huge portrait of Hercules, one of the biggest of its kind in the world. Les Houches is another charming setting that can provide plenty of tradition and idyllic ambience and will also be a good base for any hill walkers wishing to explore the wonders of the countryside.
But even if you have never seen a ski slope before, almost all the resorts will be able to cater for beginners with skiing and snowboarding lessons being easy to come by. Just in case you thought you had to come prepared, there are vast numbers of equipment rental outlets that can provide everything you need to get out on the slopes.
Getting to the action is quite straightforward with a number of both budget and charter operating flights to Rhone Alpes via the major international airports including Lyon and Grenoble as well as the smaller airports including Chambery and Annecy. Major highways also connect the major ski resorts of the region, which is perfect if you aim to hire a car.
When it comes to finding the right accommodation, there are plenty of options to suit, no matter what your requirements may be. You can find many charming locations right by the slopes or down in the foothills. As well as the traditional chalet accommodation, holiday apartments in Rhone Alpes will be another option to consider. There is so much to see and do in this captivating corner of France that it will be well worth your while choosing the right location for your Alpine getaway. And with the added attraction of French culture and cuisine, the Rhone-Alpes is sure to offer the perfect mix of excitement, inspiration and relaxation.