The area is surrounded by acres of forests, historic towns backing onto picturesque villages and all this within easy traveling distance to the suburban centres, which serve the bustling Paris commuters.

Chateaux and Museums

The majority of chateaux are open to visitors who can enjoy their opulent décor and exquisite gardens. Some of the houses remain family owned while others have been converted in period regional and national museums.

The Chateau d’Ecouen has superb examples of 16th century tapestries and is now the National Museum of the Renaissance. It features numerous artworks and items from 16th century France. Possibly Val d’Oise’s largest chateau is the Chateau d’Epinay, built by a king’s adviser in the 18^th century. It has since been the domain of notable writers and poets over the years.

River Oise
On the river there are numerous guided tours available and many water activities. The idyllic river cruise is perfect for romantic couples or families wanting to relax after the treading the busy city streets.  There are also speedboats and pleasure boats for hire.

Forests and Walking
The Val d’Oise offers ample unspoilt countryside and forest ideal for hiking. The ancient Montmorency Forest has remained beautiful for hundreds of years. Deep in the forest are the ruins of Chateau de la Chasse, the 13th century masterpiece of architecture and well worth a visit.

Related posts:

1. The Alsace region of France The area where the borders of Germany, France and Switzerland...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

There are three national parks in the area and lots of mountains with a great deal of open space. Even in the busy summer months you will find that the area is so large you will have lots of room for your own activities. There are many cultural and historical attractions in the area of Vienne and Grenoble.

From the south coast of France all the way up to the Grenoble runs the Napoleon Road which is named because it is the route that Napoleon took when he came back to France after his exile. The route runs past a historic chateaux and three areas of exquisite natural beauty. The Domaine de Vizille is a great place to stop for a breath of fresh air and even a picnic if you are driving from the South up to Grenoble. If you want to spend a longer time here there are plenty of water sports, hiking trails and beautiful beaches to enjoy.

Grenoble is regarded as the city which is the gateway to many of the best ski resorts in this part of France. Even if you are there in the winter and plan on exclusively skiing, there are plenty of other activities that you might enjoy and are well worth checking out during your time in France.

The old town and Grenoble is completely pedestrianised and there is a beautiful cathedral from the 13th century. In the city there are a great number of museums covering everything from automatons to archaeology. The highlight of Grenoble must be the Bastille fort which is located high above the city, if you’re feeling adventurous you can walk up to the Fort but there is also a cable car for those who are not up to this challenge.

In the summer months you will find a theme park called Walibi Rhone-Alps which your children will certainly love if you have been dragging them round museums in the town for a week. The theme park is vast and has a great deal of attractions including waterslides and rollercoasters. The park has a lot on offer for young children.

Related posts:

1. Chambery the essence of the French alps Travellers wishing to experience the beauty and magnificence of the...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The concept of these short breaks is to enjoy the natural beauty of the French Alps in summertime and use this as a stimulus for creative writing. Guests will receive one-to-one tutorials as well as small group and workshop sessions; to enhance their writing skills.  Attendees will receive an individual assessment of their writing style and will be given tailored feedback to help develop style and skill.  Other areas of the writing world will covered – from developing synopses through to approaching publishers.

Each day will encompass a couple of hours of leisurely hill walking, accompanied by a professional mountain guide.  The guide will provide guests with an interactive and entertaining narrative on the landscape, geology, points-of-interest, local history, fauna and flora.  Each walk will culminate in a gourmet lunch hosted in an extraordinary location.

One of the luncheon spots is a mountain refuge formally used by monks as a summer retreat – it overlooks the awesome snow-capped Mont Blanc.  Another spot is a traditional wooden tree house high up in the fir trees – where mountain shepherds used to shelter from wolves. Every day will provide something new to capture the budding writer’s imagination and provide inspiring scenery to get those creative juices flowing.

Pip Watkins, managing director of Adventures In The Alps said:  “Nothing is more inspiring than walking along a mountain path in the summer. Sunlight dances on the leaves throwing dappled shadows and the voice of the mountain’s streams literally calls you. Our guests frequently say how they feel their minds become freer.  We have combined a writing retreat with hill-walking – to create an uplifting luxury experience that will help budding authors reach new heights.”

Writer’s Retreats cost £675 per person.  This price includes; three night’s luxury accommodation in an alpine chalet, all meals, snacks, unlimited wine & soft drinks. It also provides guests with the use of the chalet’s spa facilities, a massage session, dietary advice, general fitness tips and return airport transfers.

Further details on their website:  www.adventuresinthealps.com

Related posts:

1. Chambery the essence of the French alps Travellers wishing to experience the beauty and magnificence of the...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The city itself also has many interesting and beautiful places of interest. These includes the historic residence of the Savoie dukes, the cathedral built 500 years ago, a fine arts museum and an attraction called the “Fontaine des Elephants” that was built to honour the Comte de Boige, a very generous benefactor of the city in the past. Chambery is also close to Lac du Bourget which is a beautiful lake surrounded by the majestic Alps.

Chambery also has a reputation as a shopping destination and local French products are readily available, especially on market day. One of the best things about the city is that it is small enough that it can be walked comfortably by most visitors. A walking tour through the city is a fantastic way to spend one’s time. However, there is public transport available to those who don’t feel like walking.

One of the most popular activities in the area is, of course the skiing. Chamberly has proven to be a very accessible and popular base for skiers and some fantastic ski resorts are within easy driving distance. These include Albertville, La Clusaz, Alpe d’Huez, Val d’Isère and others.

During the summer months, the city is a fantastic base for hikers and backpackers looking to explore the Alps. Close to quite a few national parks including Parc national de la Vanoise and Parc Naturel Règional, Chambery offers some excellent hikes for the more active traveller. There are some beautiful lakes to visit including Lac d’Aiguebelette and Lac du Bourget. Other lakes are a short drive away and worth the visit.

Accessible from most major European cities via a modern airport, Chambery is very easy to get to. The airport is serviced by some very economical airlines so getting there is also inexpensive. Of course, one could also drive there or travel there by train. Regardless of how you get there, Chambery is a destination that should be high on any travellers list of places to visit.

Related posts:

1. Chambery both ski and summer destination Located in the French Alps is Chambery once the capital...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

The Chateau was once home to the dukes of Savoie and is the current center of Chambery’s old town that includes a fine arts museum and a 15^th century Cathedral. The Comte de Biogne bestowed upon the town much wealth therefore a Fontaine des Elephants or Elephant Fountain was built in his honor and since most of his wealth was from India they made the elephant fountain.

French goods are available in the many shops that are in the center of Chambery and there is a local market where you can buy fresh local produce. Chambery is like many French cities it is not only quite charming it is also not very big and can be walked quite comfortably and seeing the center can be accomplished without getting sore feet.

But not to worry, there is a train for those that are in fear of tiring out and the train goes through the center of town making it easier to do as little walking as possible. Chambery is great to make as a base for your explorations of the Alps and even more so in the winter due to its easy driving distance to and from wonderful ski resorts towns like Albertvillem Grenoble, Clusaz, Alpe d’Huez, Chamonix and Val d’Isere.

Outdoor activities are possible in the summer including camping and hiking since Chambery is close to three national parks Parc Naturel Regional du Massif Bauges, Parc Naturel Regional de Chartreuse and Parc national de la Vanoise. There are other beautiful natural wonders in the area for example Lac d’Aigubeleete and Lac du Bourget and the beautiful world renowned Lake Geneva is only a two hour drive.

Arriving in this wonderful city in the French Alps is easy because of a modern airport. No frill airlines are flying to Chambery like Flybe and Jet2.com and they fly from European destinations such as Amsterdam and Brussels and UK destinations such as Exeter, Manchester, Birmingham and Southampton.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Megeve boasts 445 km of marked trails, served by 81 integrated lifts, (and no t-bars) offering extensive terrain for skiers of all levels. Since opening in 1913, the resort has played its part in the development of the sport of skiing and regularly hosts World Cup races. Two snow parks and a half-pipe are available for snowboarding. In addition the resort has ice rinks, a swimming pool, acclaimed restaurants that are mentioned in top gastro guides. The resort is served by a modern, high-speed lift system that ensures a quick ride to the top. With an average of 200cm of snow falling every year, the trails are well covered. On the occasion when the snow cover is lacking, the resort has invested in more than 278 snow cannons to ensure that you can enjoy your skiing holiday. The skiing is wonderful and challenging on a huge domain called the “Espace Mt.Blanc” and the “Evasion” lift pass is valid in all of these areas. The domaine has a great majority of its runs cut in the trees which makes it the area to be in when there is a bad storm or “whiteout” conditions. In most ski areas above “treeline” one would have to stop skiing for safety in bad weather conditions but not in Megeve.

Because Megeve is in close proximity to Geneva, as well as Chambery, ski weekends and short breaks are extremely popular and this means that mid week breaks of 3, 4 or 5 days can be offered at greatly reduced prices, so why not look out for ski deals of this nature at your online ski holiday provider?

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

For example, book a long ski weekends or midweek breaks at a farmhouse in authentically French St Gervais Mont Blanc, new for 2008-09.

La Vieille Ferme is an authentic 1860 Savoyard farmhouse, now restored and modernised by French-English couple Marie and Jeremy Ransom. It overlooks the traditional French spa village of St. Gervais, with a stunning view of Mont Blanc and the Chaine des Fizz.

Says Jeremy, “St Gervais Mont Blanc is part of ‘Evasion Mont Blanc’, with 450 kms of pistes, but is far from being a mass-tourism resort. Out of high season, you can feel that the pistes are groomed just for you! People who have discovered this area don’t want to ski anywhere else.”

In January, late February, March and April the Ransoms are taking advantage of their proximity to Geneva airport, with its regular budget flights, to run long skiing weekends and mid week short breaks. Ski breaks are from £70 to £79 per person per night, with a single room supplement of 35 %, and include airport transfers, daily lift transfers and half-board accommodation. Available through www.frenchconnections.co.uk, property ID 3638.

Another picture book chalet improved for 2008-9 is available at the lesser known French resort of La Clusaz, a pretty Savoyard village that oozes charm, tradition and a sense of community.

It has grown organically into a ski resort popular with the French but less well known by the British. There is a superb variety of skiing, especially for beginners, so this is a great family destination.

In La Clusaz, Chalet Sophia is a spacious, light-filled, picture book chalet that sleeps 14 on a self-catering basis, and even features a jacuzzi where visitors can relax after a day on the slopes. Prices are from £1,295 to £2,995 a week for the whole property. available through French Connections at www.frenchconnections.co.uk, property ID 3660.

The traditional French alpine village of Cordon remains largely unspoilt and still has many working farms combined with spectacular mountain scenery dominated by Mont Blanc. It is situated at 915m (3000ft) above sea level and, in addition to good skiing, its charms include a historic Baroque church and a Michelin starred restaurant. The local ski school is very well respected and especially good for beginners and the village hosts skiing events, dog sleigh racing and hot air ballooning conventions, along with spectacular firework displays on some public holidays.

Chalet les Cerises in Cordon has stunning views of Mont Blanc and its friendly owners offer spacious, comfortable accommodation on a flexible B& B basis. There are two apartments, each sleeping five people, and evening meals are available cooked with fresh local produce. Chalet le Cerises can be booked through French Connections at www.frenchconnections.co.uk, property ID 618.

Dicover these properties and more at http://www.frenchconnections.co.uk/en/activity/property/302-skiing.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

This French part of mountains can boast of renowned resorts and towns like St. Gervais, Chamonix, Grenoble, and Albertville. Grenoble was proud enough to host Olympic Games in the year 1968. Annecy was also party to these games.

Get In

The French Alps have been connected to rest of France very well. The area adjoining Grenoble contains an international airport. Every city, inclusive of Lyon is linked with Paris through a direct fast train, i.e. TGV. These trains provide a safe passage to small towns as well. There are highways passing through many valleys. The international airport located at Geneva (Switzerland) is easily accessible. Let some of the mountains encompassed by the French Alps be studied.

Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc can be referred to as the uppermost summit of Europe’s western area in French Alps, adjoining Chamonix. The literal meaning of Mont Blanc is ‘White Mountain’. It is said to be climbed for the first time by Dr. Michel Paccard and Jacques Balmat in the year 1786, and by H.B. de Saussure the year after. Reaching the French Alps is pretty easy. There’s transfer service through air on a regular basis between Geneva airport and accommodation of yours in Chamonix, Argentiere, and Les Houches. This service is mainly provided by Chamexpress.com.

On foot

Getting on to Mont Blanc is not all that tough, if thought from the technical point of view. It however requires proper equipment and training. Thousands of people do it every year. Numerous accidents occur due to improper preparation. It’s advisable to go for mountain guide, if you are coming over here for the first time. The months of August and July form the best period to travel to Mont Blanc. A stopover at Gouter refuge is recommended.

Ski

Getting on to Mont Blanc through ski has been reserved for professionally trained skiers. Glacier skiing is the name given to it. Skiing can be carried out between March and June. It completely depends on snow coverage. The other aspects are the same as above.

Cable Car

Getting on to Mont Blanc could be traversed through a chain of trams between Italy and France. Every facility, right from restaurants to accommodations is available on the way. You are advised to bring the clothes which would keep you warm. You can return through bus that travels via a tunnel below the mountain. The Skier’s Lodge is the best place to overstay.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.