French Alps Guide
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Tourism
The most unique collection of ski slopes in the world
Three times host to the Winter Olympics (Chamonix in 1924, Grenoble in 1968 and Albertville in 1992), this region boasts the biggest collection of fully equipped ski slopes in the world. From Mont-Blanc and the Alps to the snow-covered slopes of the Massif Central and the Jura, this unique collection of ski slopes has gone from strength to strength. Haute-Savoie, Isère and Savoie are the main departments, the latter playing a leading role in one third of regional resorts and boasting the highest number of ski-lifts.
Key figures:
- 200 ski resorts spread over fifteen or so sites.
- 2,328 ski-lifts (2.2 million skiers an hour), which, if placed end to end, would stretch from Lyon to Cairo.
- 3,700 slopes, i.e. a collection of fully-equipped and well-marked ski slopes (excluding cross-country skiing) covering 1,000 sq.km..
- 02/03 ski-lift revenue: 715 billion €, i.e. 77% of the revenue for the whole of France.
Water, the vital force
The region's lakes and inland waterways cover 35,000 hectares. 2,500 km of streams and the many rivers and torrents conspire to make this one of the best-equipped regions for water sports.
Lakes Léman (Geneva), Annecy and Bourget are favourite spots for water sports. Lakes Aiguebelette, Mont-Cenis, Roselend, Grangent and Villerest are also very popular with tourists.
Country holidays
The perpetual quest for authenticity, diversity and natural beauty spots have made country holidays a strong growth sector. This latter relies on the ever-expanding wealth of accommodation available. Land of leisure activities and relaxation, the region is a paradise for discerning hikers and tourists with the National Parks of Vanoise and the Ecrins, and the Regional Nature Parks of Vercors, Pilat, Chartreuse and Bauges...
The region is also very popular with golfers: there are over 60 courses, some of which, located around Mont-Blanc or by the lakeside, provide the ideal location for millions of golfing fans.
Health tourism
With 16 thermal spas and 7 health resorts, the Rhône-Alpes is the leading water-cure region in France. It welcomes over 98,901 visitors seeking its waters a year and its facilities cover all ailments that can be treated by hot mineral springs. At Aix-les-Bains, the national thermal baths specialise in the treatment of rheumatology and the after-effects of osteoarticular traumatism. Evian water has three therapeutic applications: diseases of the urinary system, metabolic and digestive disorders and rheumatology. Thonon is increasingly prescribed in nutritional disorders.
A region renowned for its great chefs
Next to Lyon, the world gastronomic capital with its internationally renowned chefs (Georges Blanc in Vonnas, Paul Bocuse in Lyon, Pierre Troisgros in Roanne, Marc Veyrat in Annecy, etc.), the Rhône-Alpes region and its wines and regional produce, boasts the finest tables in France. The region has turned the art of fine food into a genuine tradition.
A privileged heritage
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Lyon, with its Roman theatre, Renaissance districts, silk, fine art and contemporary art museums... The historical site of Lyon (the old city, Fourvière, Presqu'île, Pentes de la Croix-Rousse) has been listed as one of Humanity's World Heritage sites since December 1998, having won the official approval of UNESCO. - Vienne, the temple of Augustus and Livia, the mosaics at Saint-Romain-en-Gal...
- Pérouges, medieval village
- Brou and its Gothic church
- Vizille, birthplace of the French Revolution
- Grenoble and its museums
- The Grande Chartreuse Convent where, for centuries, the monks have produced their famous liqueur
Business tourism
As a conference host, the region, with more than 30 congress venues ranks second in France. Lyon is the third best equipped French city for holding international congresses.
Travel
This region has one of the best transport systems in France, its rail and road connections are at the centre of a main European transport interchange and provide rapid and direct transportation to and from major French and European cities. Flying to the French Alps couldn't be easier, most major and some low fare airlines fly to Geneva and Lyon. Popular regional airports include Chambéry and Grenoble, all airports are conveniently located and provide excellent access to the French Alps.
Road journey times between locations and airports
| French Alps Locations | Airports |
|||
| Geneva | Lyon | Grenoble | Chambéry | |
| Aix Les Bains | 1 h | 1 h 2 m | 1 h 5 m | 15 m |
| Albertville | 1 h 38 m | 1 h 27 m | 1 h 25 m | 44 m |
| Ambérieu-en-Bugey | 1 h 8 m | 35 m | 1 h 12 m | 1 h 19 m |
| Annecy | 45 m | 1 h 14 m | 1 h 17 m | 33 m |
| Arêches-Beaufort | 1 h 47 m | 1 h 48 m | 1 h 47 m | 1 h 5 m |
| Bourg-Saint-Maurice | 2 h 14 m | 2 h | 1 h 58 m | 1 h 17 m |
| Bourgoin-Jallieu | 1 h 35 m | 24 m | 34 m | 41 m |
| Chambéry | 1 h 8 m | 54 m | 57 m | 11 m |
| Chamonix | 1 h 7 m | 2 h 8 m | 2 h 12 m | 1 h 28 m |
| Cluses | 39 m | 1 h 41 m | 1 h 45 m | 1 h |
| Courchevel | 2 h 14 m | 2 h | 1 h 58 m | 1 h 17 m |
| Grenoble | 1 h 43 m | 55 m | 32 m | 46 m |
| La Clusaz | 58 m | 1 h 49 m | 1 h 53 m | 1 h 9 m |
| La Plagne | 2 h 6 m | 1 h 52 m | 1 h 51 m | 1 h 9 m |
| Le Bourget du Lac | 1 h 12 m | 58 m | 1 h | 7 m |
| Les Arcs | 2 h 14 m | 2 h | 1 h 58 m | 1 h 17 m |
| Les Menuires | 2 h 11 m | 1 h 57 m | 1 h 56 m | 1 h 14 m |
| Les Saisies | 1 h 40 m | 1 h 52 m | 1 h 50 m | 1 h 9 m |
| Lyon | 1 h 38 m | 34 m | 1 h 6 m | 1 h 13 m |
| Megève | 1 h 7 m | 1 h 54 m | 1 h 53 m | 1 h 11 m |
| Méribel | 2 h 5 m | 1 h 51 m | 1 h 49 m | 1 h 8 m |
| Modane | 2 h 13 m | 1 h 59 m | 1 h 57 m | 1 h 16 m |
| Morestel | 1 h 45 m | 47 m | 59 m | 49 m |
| Morzine-Portes du Soleil | 1 h 17 m | 2 h 19 m | 2 h 22 m | 1 h 39 m |
| Moûtiers | 1 h 53 m | 1 h 39 m | 1 h 37 m | 56 m |
| Nantua | 50 m | 1 h 2 m | 1 h 39 m | 1 h 28 m |
| Pontcharra | 1 h 19 m | 1 h 5 m | 56 m | 22 m |
| Seyssel | 45 m | 1 h 21 m | 1 h 40 m | 1 h |
| St Jean de Maurienne | 2 h 5 m | 1 h 51 m | 1 h 50 m | 1 h 8 m |
| St. Julien en Genevois | 15 m | 1 h 20 m | 1 h 39 m | 55 m |
| St Laurent du Pont | 1 h 34 m | 1 h 8 m | 49 m | 37 m |
| St. Pierre d 'Albigny | 1 h 28 m | 1 h 14 m | 1 h 13 m | 31 m |
| Thonon-les-Bains | 50 m | 2 h 6 m | 2 h 9 m | 1 h 26 m |
| Val d 'Isère | 2 h 51 m | 2 h 37 m | 2 h 35 m | 1 h 54 m |
| Val Thorens | 2 h 11 m | 1 h 57 m | 1 h 56 m | 1 h 14 m |
| Valloire | 2 h 12 m | 1 h 58 m | 1 h 56 m | 1 h 15 m |
Traveling time to major European cities
| Cities | Transport to and from Chambéry |
|||
| Road | Train / Tgv | Air (Lyon) | Distance (km) | |
| Lyon | 1 h 15 min | 35 min | N/A | 98 |
| Paris | 5 h | 3 h | 1 h | 560 |
| Marseille | 3 h 30 min | 1 h 45 min | 1 h | 350 |
| Geneva | 1 h 8 m | 35 min | N/A | 90 |
| London | 10 h | 6 h | 1 h 40 min | 1030 |
| Amsterdam | 9 h 30 min | 8 h | 1 h 40 min | 900 |
| Frankfurt | 6 h | 8 h | 1 h 20 min | 800 |
| Turin | 2 h 30 min | 2 h 30 min | 1 h 20 min | 240 |
| Rome | 8 h | 11 | 1 h 30 min | 950 |
| Barcelona | 6 h | 3 h | 1 h 15 min | 700 |
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Cities and Towns
Books
Facts & Figures
The Rhône Alpes is one of the largest regions of the European Union, be in terms of area, population or of the creation of wealth. It benefits from powerful assets: a strategic position at a European crossroad, the proximity of significant markets, a remarkable living environment together with a young and active population. The high educational level of its inhabitants and a strong potential for research and innovation complement the dynamism of the region’s economic activities and its attractiveness.
- Surface area: 43,698 km2 or 8% of France.
- Population: approx. 6,000,000
Higher Education
The Rhône-Alpes is recognised as one of France’s most dynamic regions in Higher Education and Research.
- 236,000 students,.
- 8 universities.
- 35 elite Schools.
- 15% of France’s engineers are trained in the Region.
Research and innovation
The region boasts strengths in many fields of research: health and biotechnologies, the environment, chemistry and materials, digital technology, physics, nanotechnology, power, etc.
Rhône-Alpes is ranked tenth among the regions of the European Union for the number of European patent applications.
Transport
The Rhône-Alpes is serviced by excellent transport facilities:
- Lyon and Geneva international airports.
- Annecy, Chambéry, Grenoble, Saint-Etienne and Roanne regional airports.
- TGV network: approx. 24 million passengers to or from Rhône-Alpes yearly.
- 1,300 km of first class motorways linked to the Swiss and Italian networks.
Economy
In terms of GDP, Rhône-Alpes is the second French region and the sixth region in the European Union. It has a solid industrial base as well as a substantial tertiary sector, with strong tourism activity. The region is well endowed with centres of economic decision-making, making it attractive to foreign capital.
- 225,000 industrial, commercial and service establishments.
- GDP: 173,682 M€, Per capita- 28,792€ (Source: Insee, 2006)
Agriculture
The region distinguishes itself by its production of quality wines, the richness of its orchards and its speciality cheeses. It occupies the national leading position for organic produce.
Tourism
Rhône-Alpes has extensive natural and cultural assets for tourism.
It is the region of France most visited by the French themselves.
The region offers a wide and rich variety of centres of interest catering for all tastes.
- Largest equipped skiable area in the world, with more than 150 resorts.
- 2 national parks, 6 natural regional parks, lakes, rivers and mountains.
- 16 spas and seven climatic resorts.
- 350 festivals and a wide range of events.
- 30 congress venues.
Thonon-les-Bains Haute-Savoie
Picturesque spa town located on the south shore of Lake Geneva, the largest natural lake in western Europe, perfect for all nautical activities (sailing, surfing, diving...). At 15 km from Evian-les-Bains, home to the famous Evian mineral water, and It has a ferry service to Lausanne, Switzerland. Explore Thonon-les-Bains | Back to map
Morzine-Les Portes du Soleil Chablais Haute-Savoie
Les Portes du Soleil is the biggest internationally linked ski area combining 8 french and 6 swiss resorts, in different styles, both traditional and contemporary. The french side includes the resorts of les Gets, 'Abondance' and at the heart, the village of Morzine, which combines authentic charm with all modern facilities.
Explore Morzine-Les Portes du Soleil | Back to map
Geneva Switzerland
The chic Swiss city of Geneva is conveniently situated and well worth a visit. Its international airport is a great hub with a hundred or so destinations world wide. From the airport the whole region is easily accessible with good transport links either by rail or road. Back to map
St Julien en Genevois Haute-Savoie
Border town with Switzerland. The area is surrounded by mountains and known for its lush green countryside. Its geographical location makes it a wealthy and constantly growing town.
Explore St Julien en Genevois | Back to map
Cluses Haute-Savoie
Halfway between lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, a favorite tourist and winter sports destination, near to a number of popular ski slopes. Known for its Alpine setting and its watch-making industry and it also continues to serve as a high-tech centre for precision engineering and design of advanced technical products.
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Seyssel Ain and Haute Savoie
The town is situated in two departments, which is unique in France; on the right bank of the Rhône River in the department of Ain, and the left bank, in the Haute-Savoie. Both the old suspension bridge and modern stayed girder bridge are famous, the latter received first prize for the best work of steel construction one year after it opened in 1987. The surrounding area is one of the oldest wine regions in France, dating back to the 14th century.
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Annecy Haute-Savoie
Capital of the Haute-Savoie. This pretty university town on the north shore of Lake Annecy attracts many tourists and has a reputation for culture. Primarily its a Commercial centre, but its inhabitants take great pride in keeping their 'Venice of the Alps'.
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La Clusaz Aravis Haute Savoie
Traditional ski resort in the in the Aravis mountain range near the Swiss border. An old village, La Clusaz has been hosting winter sports since 1907. Its name comes from the word cluse, meaning a narrow path between two mountains. Also offers mountain-biking, fishing and other activities. Also in the Aravis area : Le grand Bornand.
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Chamonix Mont Blanc Haute Savoie
One of the most popular resorts of the alps with about 5 million visitors a year. The area is a haven for almost all types of outdoor activity, especially in their more extreme variants (ice climbing, rock climbing, extreme skiing, rafting, canyoning...). As the highest mountain in alps (4808m), the Mont Blanc is in the summer months a mecca for alpine mountaineers. Also in the Mont Blanc area : Megêve, Combloux, Les Houches, Praz de Lys Sommand.
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Lyon Rhône
France's lively and modern third city and culinary capital is a major centre for culture and commerce. Its historical areas are well preserved and some are now included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The old centre with its narrow cobbled streets lined with colorful apartments buzz with bistros, bars and boutiques.
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Megève Mont Blanc Haute-Savoie
Known as the classy and glam resort of the french alps, it combines a rustic setting with upmarket shopping and dining. Plenty to do apart from the skiing/snowboarding; there is an ice rink and a sports centre, activities for kids, helicopter- and balloon-trips and more. Also in the Mont Blanc area : Chamonix, Combloux, Les Houches, Praz de Lys Sommand.
Explore Megève | Back to map
Morestel Isère
Halfway between Lyon and Chambéry, a charming art loving town where concerts and exhibitions are held year-round. It has an old town centre, a medieval tower and great mountain views.
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Aix-les-Bains Savoie
Situated on the east shore of the Lac du Bourget, the largest natural lake in France. This chic spa town has a long history dating back to Roman times, its main attractions are the spa, casino and small port.
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Les Saisies Val d'Arly Savoie
Family orientated sunny ski-resort between two valleys, offers beautiful mountain scenery and panoramic views of Mont Blanc. Summer activities include mountain walks, horse-riding and paragliding. Also in the Val d'Arly area : Crest-Voland Cohennoz, Espace Diamant, Flumet, Notre Dame de Bellecombe, Praz sur Arly, Val d'Arly.
Explore Les Saisies | Back to map
Bourgoin-Jallieu Isère
50 kilometers southeast of Lyon, at the heart of the 2nd economic region in France. Commercial centre rather than touristic, the town benefits from its strategic position close to main motorways, airports and rail connections. Twin town of Luton, United Kingdom since 1950.
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Chambéry Savoie
The capital of the Savoie, set in the heart of the Alps has the best transport links in the area. From here you can reach Geneva, Lyon and most parts of the region within an hour. This former seat of the 'dukes of Savoy' has a palatial feel. It has a classy shopping area and very pretty medieval centre with picturesque alleys and faded pink and ochre facades.
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Albertville Savoie
Situated on the Arly River at the beginning of the Vanoise mountain range. The town is best known for hosting the 1992 Winter Olympics. Some of the sports venues were later adapted for other uses. Although more industrial than touristic, the town was labeled in 2003 a "Town of art and history".
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Arèches Beaufortain Savoie
At the heart of the Beaufortain massif, 25 km from Albertville with a view of Mont Blanc. 1300 m of varying altitudes with pistes running through forests. The town of Beaufort is famous for its cheese, the herds of cows graze the surrounding mountains. Also in the Beaufortain area: Les Contamines.
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Le Grand Revard Bauges Savoie
One of the very first ski-areas created in France and one of the most popular for cross-country skiing. Second most visited resort in the Savoie department, and conveniently located near the towns of Chambéry and Aix-les-Bains and airport. Includes La Feclaz, le Revard and st François. Also in the Bauges area : La Sambuy, Le Margériaz, Le Semnoz, Les Aillons.
Explore La Feclaz,
Explore Le Revard | Back to map
Bourg-Saint-Maurice Savoie
Starting point of the Paradiski skiing area, linked to the ski resorts of Les Arcs by funicular railway. Also a popular summer destination ; The slalom course on the Isère river is used for international canoe and kayak competitions and the surrounding mountains are good for walking and mountain biking.
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Paradiski Vanoise Savoie
Modern 'mega-resort' in the Tarentaise valley. This is a vast area of great diversity at high altitude, so skiing is possible until late in the season. The resorts are linked by cable car and have 239 runs, totaling 425 kilometers, as well as 153 km of cross-country trails. Includes Les Arcs, La Plagne and Peisey-Vallandry. Also in the Vanoise area : Champagny en Vanoise, Les 3 vallées (Courchevel, Meribel, la Tania, Brides-les-Bains, les Menuires, St Martin de Belleville, Val Thorens, Orelle), Montchavin, les Coches, Pralognan la Vanoise. Back to map
Les Arcs
Les Arcs, part of Paradiski is an all round resort in a scenic setting, particularly family friendly, but also for the advanced skier, offering reliable snow and a great choice of runs at all levels. Les Arcs is linked by lift to La Plagne, Peisey-Vallandry, Champagny en Vanoise, Les Coches, Montchavin and Plagne Montalbert. Together they comprise 148 lifts, 236 slopes and 153 km of cross-country trails.
Explore Les Arcs
La Plagne
La Plagne, made up of 11 resorts at different altitudes, each self contained. Rated average for architecture, shops and restaurants, but top marks for scenery, variety of runs and its efficient lift system. La Plagne is linked by lift to Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry, Champagny en Vanoise, Les Coches, Montchavin and Plagne Montalbert.
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Peisey-Vallandry
Peisey-Vallandry is made up of five villages, Peisey, Vallandry, Nancroix, Landry and Plan-Peisey. Peisey-Vallandry is ideally situated on the sunny side of the valley with more than 200 kilometres of ski slopes and linked by lift to La Plagne, Champagny en Vanoise, Les Coches, Montchavin and Plagne Montalbert.
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Pontcharra Isère
Between Chambéry and Grenoble, on the edge of the Charteuse national park. A commercial centre with good transport connections, as it lies on the crossroads of Lyon, Turin and Grenoble. The château Bayard, birthplace of the mystic knight Bayard (1476-1524), is privately owned, but houses a small exhibition.
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Moûtiers Savoie
Capital of the Tarentaise valley and start of the Vanoise national park. Access point to the 3 Vallées ski area and nearby spa-towns 'Brides-les-Bains' and 'Salins les Thermes'. The town's two museums and cathedral offer an insight of the area's rich history.
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Val d'Isère Tarantaise Savoie
Prestigious, internationally famous resort. Linked to Tignes by first class lift system, forming the extensive 'Espace Killy' ski area. There is a buzzing après ski scene and great choice of restaurants. World cup events are held here every year. Also in the Tarantaise area : Espace Kelly, Espace San Bernado, la Rosière, Sainte foy en Tarentaise, Tignes, Valmorel.
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St Laurent du Pont Isère
In the heart of the Chartreuse National park, with its panoramic views and vineyards is popular for hiking, mountain-biking and horse-riding. The nearby resort St. pierre de charteuse (alt 900) offers summer as well as winter activities and the monastery de la Grande Chartreuse is one of the treasures of the Isère department.
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Les 3 vallées Vanoise Savoie
Les 3 Vallées includes 8 resorts at different altitudes and is the largest linked ski area in the world. It offers a range of landscapes and a diversity of skiing, on all levels. Courchevel's couloirs are renowned as some of the most difficult black runs in the world, while Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe (2300m), and because of its altitude has a very long skiing season. Includes : Courchevel, Meribel, la Tania, Brides-les-Bains, les Menuires, St Martin de Belleville, Val Thorens, and Orelle. Also in the Vanoise area : Champagny en Vanoise, Montchavin les Coches, Paradiski (Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry, La Plagne), Pralognan la Vanoise. Back to map
Méribel
Méribel lies in the Three Valleys, the resort is made up of of five separate parts in a picturesque setting. The two main areas are Méribel-Centre and Méribel-Mottaret, known for their stylish chalets, restaurants and bars. Meribel is linked by ski lift to Courchevel, Les Ménuires, Saint Martin de Belleville, and Val Thorens. Together they comprise 200 lifts and 274 pistes.
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Courchevel
Courchevel is made up of 5 villages / resorts, all at different altitudes. At 1100-1300m lie the traditional villages of St Bon and le Praz. Next is Courchevel 1550, the more family orientated of the resorts. Then Courchevel 1650, popular with young skiers and snowboarders. The highest, Courchevel 1850, is the chic resort, famous for its shopping and night life. They all offer good access and great skiing at all levels. The higher resorts have more amenities / activities, while the lower ones may be less crowded. Courchevel is linked by ski lifts to Méribel, Les Ménuires, Saint Martin de Belleville and Val Thorens.
Explore Courchevel
Les Menuires
Les Menuires is a buzzing modern and functional resort with a great range of skiing and all the amenities you would ever need. Close by is the pretty traditional village of St Martin de Belleville. Both Menuires and St Martin are linked by ski lift to Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens.
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Val Thorens
Val Thorens high (2300m) altitude guarantees a long season, reliable snow and excellent skiing. Especially popular with more advanced skiers, with a great range of runs and good off piste as well. Val Thorens is linked by ski lift to Courchevel, Méribel, Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville. Together they comprise 200 lifts and 274 pistes.
Explore Val Thorens
St Jean de Maurienne Savoie
Principal town of the Maurienne valley, situated at the confluence of the Arc and the Arvan River. The popular Opinel knife is manufactured here since the 1890s, and has its own museum. The nearby high mountain pass Col de la Croix de Fer has been included in the Tour de France 14 times.
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Grenoble Isère
Capital of the Isère, situated on the Drac and Isére rivers and surrounded by mountains. This is a lively thriving city, home to four universities with more than 35,000 students. It has eleven museums, an exhibition centre and all the modern amenities you would expect.
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Valloire Maurienne Savoie
The largest resort in the Maurienne valley at the foot of the famous Col de Galibier at the border of the Northern and Southern Alps. The ski area is made up of Le Sétaz, Le Crey and Valmeinier, offering 150km of skiing which cater for all levels of skiers. Valloire is North-facing and consequently has a particularly good snow record. Also in the Maurienne area : Aussois Bessans Val D'Arc, Bonneval sur Arc, La Norma, La Toussuire, Le Corbier, Les Karellis, Les Sybelles, Saint Sorlin d'Arves, Val Cenis, Valfréjus, Valmeunier.
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