Location: France

Bonneval-sur-Arc in the upper Maurienne is one of the most beautiful villages in France. The natural-stone houses with shingle roofs seem out of another time; antennas and visible cables are forbidden. The village lies at the foot of the Col de l’Iseran, the highest paved alpine pass, and borders the Vanoise National Park.HighlightsAuthentic natural-stone villageOne of the…

The Lac d’Aiguebelette in western Savoy is one of the largest natural lakes in France and known for its emerald-green water, pleasantly warm in summer. To protect nature, motorboats are banned. Two small islands and quiet bathing bays make it a tranquil destination away from the crowds.HighlightsEmerald-green, warm waterMotorboats banned to protect natureTwo…

Pralognan-la-Vanoise is a tradition-rich mountaineering village on the edge of the Vanoise National Park and a classic starting point for tours to the Grande Casse, the highest peak in the Vanoise. Unlike the big ski resorts, Pralognan has kept its original character; trails and huts open up the high mountains.HighlightsGateway to the Vanoise National ParkStarting point for the Grande CasseUnspoilt mountaineering villageDense network of trails…

La Clusaz is a tradition-rich ski village in the Haute-Savoie, set before the striking Aravis rock chain. Unlike the big purpose-built resorts, it has kept its Savoyard village character. The region is the home of Reblochon cheese; in summer, hikes and the nearby Col des Aravis beckon.HighlightsTraditional Savoyard ski villageAravis rock chain as a backdropHome of Reblochon cheeseCol…

Évian-les-Bains on the French southern shore of Lake Geneva is famous worldwide for its mineral water and an elegant Belle Époque spa town. The lakeside promenade, thermal baths and boat trips across the largest alpine lake shape the resort, with the Savoy and Swiss Alps greeting in the background.HighlightsWorld-famous Évian mineral waterBelle Époque spa town on Lake GenevaLakeside promenade and boat tripsView across the largest alpine lakeGood to…

The Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval near Sixt is one of the largest rock amphitheatres in the Alps: a horseshoe-shaped valley head over whose roughly 500 to 700 m high limestone walls dozens of waterfalls plunge in early summer. The area is part of a nature reserve with easy trails along the valley floor.HighlightsHorseshoe-shaped valley headDozens of waterfalls in early summerLimestone walls up to 700 m highEasy trails…