Megeve

If it’s a rustic yet chic winter holiday town you’re looking for, Megève is the answer. With a beautiful medieval church dominating the pedestrianised centre, this traditonal, purpose-built French ski resort is perfect for those looking not just for great skiing and snowboarding, but for atmosphere and ambience in abundance. It has a beautifully preserved medieval centre with narrow cobbled streets, tastefully restored buildings, fountains, a pretty church, horse-drawn sleighs, and a market on Friday mornings.

There are three different ski areas offering access to over 400kms of piste: Mont d’Arbois, Rochbrune and Le Jaillet. All three boast varied and extensive skiing, with a vast array of advanced slopes. Another advantage of Megève is the easy access to other resorts such as Chamonix and Argentière; just a short drive away. The town's micro climate (created by its proximity to Mont Blanc) means consistent, brilliant snow cover. A large majority of Megève’s runs cut in to the trees, onyl adding to the resort’s diversity and beauty.

The après-ski in Megeve is as enticing as the skiing, evidenced by the large number of visitors who stay for an all-round winter holiday. The wide selection of facilities and activities ensure that boredom is permanently kept at bay: ice skating on an open-air ice rink, snow-shoeing, horseriding, paragliding, taking a sleigh ride, indoor tennis, rock-climbing and helicopter rides. If you ever feel like a break from all this activity, the fantastically smart shops are a good excuse.

Megève is considered one of the smartest French Alp towns and after just a few minutes in its chic and lively atmosphere, one can see why.