In central Europe there are the Alps, an impressive and beautiful mountain range whose highest peak is Mont Blanc, with 4810 meters of altitude. It is around this trail of mountains that some of the most beautiful French Alps villages.
They are vacation or leisure destinations in both summer and winter, so today we will look at some of these picturesque towns and villages.
Pralognan-laVanoise
Only about 700 people live in this mountain village. It is a lovely place is located in the Vanoise National Park, at the foot of Grande Casse and its glaciers. The houses are made of wood and stone, the narrow streets and the unforgettable natural surroundings.
What can be done in winter? For the whole village is one family ski resort where the white of snow covers the green of nature. You can do new racket rides, cross-country ski trips or practice skiing.
Alpine skiing and Nordic skiing are also practiced. there are spas where you can take thermal baths inside or outside, you can take dog sled rides, or ride a horse or pony. Also in winter, two-seater paragliding is practiced, survival courses or, with children, learning to make igloos.
What can be done in summer? It does hiking, climbing, fishingpractice too paraglider contemplative, get to know the flora and fauna of the place, go through Le Cristal and enjoy the swimming pool, the water slide, the bowling alley, the climbing wall or the Olympic skating rink.
The bike rides can be on electric bikes, there are zip lines, canyoning, horse or pony rides and much more. This summer 2022 there is a Pralo'Pass, the activity card which provides a week of unlimited access to the ski lifts, Olympic ice rink and swimming pool.
Aix les Bains
This is a real destination, literally. In other words, long ago it was the vacation destination of the famous Queen Victoria and the French super star Edith Piaf. The Belle Epoque he gave his best to the travelers in this town.
El thermal resort rest in the shadow of Mount Revard on the shores of Lake Bourget, the largest lake in France. The truth is that the town is a beautiful place, with magical thermal waters that can be enjoyed in the Thermes Chevalley spa. The waters are rich in calcium, bicarbonates, and other minerals that are said to help arthritis, stress, and tendinitis.
But, obviously, if hot springs aren't your thing, the town offers much more. Its streets are great, a walk back in time there is a Roman arch from the XNUMXst century, gothic castle from the XNUMXth century, lots of flowers on the balconies of houses and buildings... And if you want an example of Belle Eporque, nothing better than the Grand Cercle casino.
Annecy
A town known as "The Venice of the north". If you go in summer there is no better way than to dive into the waters of the Lc d'Annecy, surrounded by mountains, beautiful to swim in peace. You can also walk through the cobbled streets of the old town or Vielle Ville, with its restaurants by the canal, its food and antique markets or its craft shops.
Annecy also has a former XNUMXth century prison, turned into a palace, the Palais de LÎle, an iconic local construction that looks out over the main canal. The Rue Filaterie also offers an unforgettable stroll.
The photo that cannot be missed is that of the Pont des Amours or Lovers' Bridge that connects the Espalanade du Paquier with the European Gardens. Legend has it that if you kiss with your partner on the bridge, your love will last forever.
Saint-Veran
One of the villages of french alps most picturesque is Saint-Véran. surrounded by Queyras Regional Natural Park, on the border with Italy, has no equal. It is 2 meters above sea level and its architecture is a treasure that fascinates visitors all the time.
The village has charming chalets with wooden walls and pebble roofs. Its church is also worth a visit as it is the oldest building in the area, built in 1641. Today it functions as a museum of crafts and local traditions.
Beaufort sur Doron
Small but popular in both summer and winter. It is in the region of Beaufortain, in the Savoie. It has a beautiful natural setting and is really close to top-notch ski slopes.
Thus, many people go directly to the ski resorts but the truth is that the town cannot be overlooked. If you go in summer you will enjoy the bridges with stone floors, the picturesque houses, the atmosphere away from the madding crowd.
In Baufort-sur-Doron cheese is made and you can see how at the Cooperative du Beaufort. It's only 20 minutes from town and the cheese it makes, Beaufort cheese, has Designation of Origin since the '60s of the last century. So if you happen to eat this cheese anywhere in the world, what you put in your mouth was made here. A good way to try them is to go to eat at a restaurant and enjoy them in a plate with pasta or in a fondue.
Chambéry
Chambery is another french alpine village charming, near Lake Bourget. In winter it is a world-class ski destination and in summer the waters of the lake become a water sports track.
In the town you can visit the Fountain of the Elephants from the XNUMXth century, which with its 18 meters high honors a local hero, General Boigne. There is also the Chateau des Ducs de Savoi, from the XNUMXth century, a curious mixture of medieval and Gothic architecture surrounded by gardens.
Chambery is the home of the philosopher who, if you went to university and pursued a career in the social sciences, you must have read: Jean Jacques Rousseau. Today you can learn about his life at Le Musèe de Charmettes, with its XNUMXth-century gardens.
Chamonix
It is close to Mont Blanc and is one of the top destinations for international skiing and also alpinismo The first Winter Olympics took place here. It has a typical alpine architecture, with super panoramic views of the magnificent mountains all around.
Tourism arrived in the 1924th century. The Chamonix Guides Company was then founded to control and regulate what was done on the mountain slopes. The monopoly of this association lasted almost until the end of the XNUMXth century. Those Winter Olympics we mentioned above took place in XNUMX.
Of course, in the French Alps there are many other towns, villages and even places that due to their number of inhabitants are already small cities. France is all beautiful, but spending a few days in the mountains, breathing fresh air, sometimes in the clouds, is an unforgettable experience. More skiing or hiking and eating a lot of French cheese.