France Travel » French Alps

Eco-Minded Skiers Take the Train

admin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 06:18:29 +0000

This ski season, if you’re planning to take a ski trip, skip the long, annoying security checks at the airports and take the train instead.

It’s no secret that air travel is less environmentally friendly than train travel. Eurostar train operators in Europe have decided to compete with airlines to transport travelers to The Alps.

Eurostar is the first operator in the world to offer ‘carbon neutral’ journeys for all its travellers – at no extra cost. Newly opened Ebbsfleet offers seven trains per day to Paris and five per day to Brussels. Trains travel as fast as 186 mph, making your trip as short as possible. And as economically friendly as possible to boot.

Eurostar plans to further reduce carbon dioxide emissions by twenty-five per cent per passenger by 2012 with their ‘Tread Lightly’ plan. A train trip with Eurostar generates ten times less carbon dioxide than an airplane trip. In addition to generating fewer emissions, Eurostar plans to offset the emissions they cannot eliminate. Travellers who travel with Eurostar may not realize it, but they are making the environmentally responsible choice.

‘We know that thousands of travellers want to be on the first trains on High Speed 1. We are expecting heavy demand from customers keen to enjoy even faster, shorter journeys to the Continent, and who want to see the stunning restoration of St. Pancras International Station,’ says Eurostar’s Chief Executive, Richard Brown.

Independent research commissioned by Eurostar has shown that a trip from London to the French Alps generates 24 kilograms of carbon dioxide per passenger. In comparison, a typical return flight London Heathrow-Geneva generates 191 kilograms of carbon dioxide while a round trip between Gatwick and Geneva generates 169 kilograms of carbon dioxide per passenger.

An increasing number of skiers are using high speed rail to ski in the French Alps. Since July 2006, more than 33,000 skiers, an increase of 43 per cent from the previous ski season, have used Eurostar to travel to the Alps.

Not only is it more environmentally friendly, it cuts back on transfer problems and lost baggage associated with flying. Travelling with Eurostar helps avoid lengthy coach rides and transfers travellers have to deal with when flying. Eurostar’s stations, located high in the Alps, require only a short bus ride to resorts.

For skiers convenience, Eurostar has travel packages that include round trips to The Alps. Some of their most popular travel incentive packages include overnight travel on Friday night to arrive Saturday morning, or Saturday trips that allow travellers to take in the beautiful scenery along the way.

Eurostar also offers select packages at a slightly higher rate. These select packages offer slightly more roomy accommodations, meals and drinks served at the passenger’s seat.

This ski season, weigh your options. The plane trip may be quicker, but then you have the worries of lost luggage, coach rides and transfers to and from the resorts. The train trip may take a little longer, but much less hassle.

Whatever mode of transportation you choose, have a safe and happy ski season!

By: Roger Munns

Chamonix, France – Holiday Property Rental

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 04:47:16 +0000

If you appreciate the great outdoors, then be sure to head to Chamonix, which is in the Haute-Savoie region of France.

This lovely alpine town and ski resort boasts a wealth of beautiful mountain scenery, fantastic skiing opportunities, sporting and leisure activities, as well as some great shops, restaurants and bars, nightlife and other tourist attractions.

Chamonix, which is situated at the base of Europe’s highest mountain Mount-Blanc in the French Alps, has long been a skiing destination. In fact, the first Winter Olympics in 1924 were held in Chamonix.

Chamonix is a superb destination, whether it’s for an annual family vacation or just a weekend break. What’s more, it’s an ideal location to take a holiday all year round. It doesn’t matter whether it is winter or summer in Chamonix, there is always plenty of things to see and do.

This area is also ideal for a holiday property rental, as there is a great selection of self-catering accommodation here.

Not surprisingly, in the winter Chamonix is a skier’s paradise. While in the summer there are numerous activities on offer here, such as hiking, climbing and mountain biking.

While you are in Chamonix (and you don’t fancy doing any climbing yourself!) you should take a trip on the Aiguille du Midi cable car, which you get from the centre of Chamonix. From the top station (3842 metres), the views of the Swiss, French and Italian Alps are simply stunning.

If you’ve got the time, be sure to check out the Montenvers Train, which climbs to the famous Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier.

The skiing here in Chamonix is first class. There is a fantastic mix of slopes for everyone, including beginner’s slopes, gentle runs, down-hill pistes and cross-country ski pistes.

There are five main ski area in the Chamonix valley. They are Les Houches (which has trails through the forest), Le Brévent (which is the closest ski area to the centre of Chamonix), Domaine de Balme (which is at the end of the valley), La Flégère (which is popular with snowboarders) and the well-known Agrentiere/Grands Montets (which is good for experienced skiers).

Even if you’re not a skier, but a keen on other sports, there are some great activities to be enjoyed in the summer months. There are hiking trails, mountain biking tracks, areas for mountaineering and climbing and you can try your hand at paragliding, too. Chamonix even has a golf course.

But if you don’t want a sporting holiday, there are numerous things to do in Chamonix – and that’s not just admiring the gorgeous scenery around this area.

It offers much more than just skiing here. The town offers a warm welcome to its visitors, whatever your age and interests. There’s a good selection of shops, restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as a good outdoor market on Saturdays. You will find this very useful to stock up on your food etc during your self-catering holiday.

Everything here is well thought out. The town also boasts a cinema, a bowling alley, a sports centre, an ice rink and other attractions. For example, visit the Alpine Museum, which will give you an insight into the history of Chamonix.

All in all, Chamonix is a charming place to spend a great holiday, whatever the time of year. Whether you’re interested in just spending some quality time relaxing and enjoying the amazing views or if you’re planning an adventurous holiday, you will have fun in Chamonix!

By: Karen Waller

Got Spare Time? Take a Long Train Journey

admin — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:22:05 +0000

Whether it’s your daily commute or your annual holiday, we all take the train to travel. In the UK, trains are notoriously unpunctual, overcrowded and often smelly. Yet despite these factors, more and more passengers are taking to the rails.

Train journeys are for relaxing. For staring out of the window into the countryside. For playing travel Monopoly. For putting the world to rights over a drink of tea. If you get time, spend a long time on a train and you’ll see what I mean.

In the UK you can travel between London and Inverness without changing trains. Not bad going for a 448 mile trip.

Crossing into the continent, you can buy a Eurostar ticket which – as of December 2007 – now connects 68 major cities and towns in the UK to France, Belgium and beyond.

In your looking for a winter journey, the longest direct Eurostar train journey connects London to Bourg St Maurice, the end snow train station for ski resorts in the heart of the French Alps. If you prefer warmer climates, the longest direct Eurostar journey connects London to Perpignan, close to the Spain border in the South of France.

But if that still doesn’t whet your appetite, why not hop on board the Trans-Siberian Express. Holding the title of the longest train journey in the world, the Trans-Siberian Express connects the Sea of Japan to the Kremlin in Russia, covering a staggering 6,135 miles.

And the ironic part? The condition of trains in the UK are probably much better than those in Russia, but we still want better for our 30 minute commute.

By: Robert Trains

Ski France In Style At The Courcheval 1850 Resort

admin — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:31:45 +0000

The Courchevel 1850 resort in France is one of the best ski resorts in the world if you happen to be a beginner. Yes, we were all beginners once, and no one knows better than the Courchevel 1850 resort, that if you get the beginners right, the intermediates and advanced will follow. With over 50% of all runs dedicated specifically to beginners, it is a haven for those learning to ski, or looking to refine their skills and expertise whilst on vacation.

Rumored to be the most expensive resort on the French Alps, this isn’t strictly the truth. You can find really good deals if you know where to look, and there are really good discounts for group bookings, although you get what you pay for, so don’t expect a cheap vacation. Courchevel is part of the Three Valleys resorts, and itself is divided into four distinct areas from the bottom to the top: 1300, 1550, 1650, and 1850.

In general, the further up you go, the more expensive your trip is likely to be, so it is wise to consider going slightly further down, where you can still find some amazing skiing, both off piste and cross country, as well as some great downhill runs. With an astonishing 65 ski lifts across the resort, the Courchevel is an enormous skiing resort, and attracts a wide variety of tourists from across Europe, and indeed the world.

The Courchevel 1300 is located right at the very bottom of the resort, and is truly beautiful in an unspoilt, picturesque sense. It is a fantastic challenge for beginners, and is ideal for those looking for some relaxation out of their skiing vacation. Alternatively, moving up, there is the 1550, which is seen as the playground of the locals.

Here you can benefit from some amazing self catering deals, whilst still managing to find great skiing, so this is perhaps a good consideration for those with families. Again, moving up there is the 1650, home of the famous ski school, and a number of top quality restaurants. With largely chalet accommodation, this is also a great resort to choose for your French skiing vacation. Finally we have the 1850.

The 1850 is home to the rich and the famous, and you’re looking at an arm and a leg if you want to ski there. Although the skiing isn’t that much better (unless you’re looking for off-piste), there are heftier queues, and the resort isn’t overly child friendly or family orientated.

Of the four resorts on the Courchevel, you are guaranteed to have a great skiing vacation whichever you choose. Each has the benefit of world class skiing, although the facilities may differ between each. It is important to decide what it is you are looking for, and then to base your choice around this, so you can make the most of your skiing vacation. Why not consider taking a few lessons in the world famous Courchevel ski school? Or how about sampling some of the extensive night life these resorts have to offer?

Whether you are a dedicated skier, or have never been on a pair of skis in your life, you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for on the Courchevel, and you are guaranteed a vacation to remember.

By: Albert Alexander

Choosing a Family Ski Holiday in France

admin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:14:41 +0000

France is an ideal destination for a family skiing holiday. After a short flight or scenic drive, you and your children can breathe fresh mountain air, learn to ski and enjoy dinner together at the end of fun-filled days on the slopes. There is a great choice of family friendly resorts in France, where facilities for young beginners and mixed ability skiing are generally of a very high standard and the welcome is warm. The wide open slopes are waiting for your family to explore and enjoy – so how to choose the right holiday for you?

First, check that your resort has the range of facilities you need. Many have a good mix of pistes for beginners and experienced skiers and some offer cross country and Nordic skiing. You may also want a school with English-speaking ski instructors and special courses for children. Bubble lifts – enclosed pods with windows – are modern alternatives to chair lifts, where a whole family can travel together, so children might prefer them. Off-piste, the bigger resorts have entertainment such as concerts, ice skating and firework displays. Eating out is great quality and value everywhere in France; some resorts specialise in hearty regional cuisine while others boast Michelin-starred restaurants.

What can you expect from accommodation? French holiday specialist French Connections lists everything from luxurious new apartments in a private gated complex in glamorous Chamonix to cosy, traditional chalets in authentic Alpine villages. Chamagny en Vanoise, at the gateway to the picturesque Vanoise National Park, is one example. Most properties are easily accessible to the slopes and have bright, spacious interiors with mod cons and dramatic views of towering mountain peaks. Both the above destinations are in the popular French Alps, home of Mont Blanc and Aiguille du Midi. Other family-friendly resorts in this region are Les Carroz, Morillon, St Gervais and Les Menuires. Transport links are good here, making it possible to visit Geneva and Montreux. In the south-west of France are the Pyrenees, with some good value family skiing resorts off the beaten track and a local airport at Pau. The largest ski resort in this area is Les Angles, a family destination particularly suitable for intermediate skiers. In North-East France, easily accessible from the channel ports, are the Vosges Mountains. St-Maurice Sur Moselle is a small mountain village and family ski resort located in the Hautes Vosges, set amidst gentle, forest clad slopes and mountain lakes. This is a relatively small resort, but with a good choice of pistes especially suitable for beginners.

With such great choice, it’s easy to ensure that your family ski holiday in France is full of exhilarating action, good food, breathtaking landscapes and the chance to make new friends.

By: Glynis Shaw