Alps in France on the map. Mountains of France. caves and gorges of france. Description of the mountain ranges of France. The main resorts of the French Alps

Map of ski resorts in France with attractions

Alps on the map of France

Detailed map of the French Alps

French Alps Map

The French Alps on the world map are located in the southeast of the country. This chain is part of the Western Alps. The geographical map of the French Alps will show that the total length of the highlands reaches 330 km. Geographically, the chain is divided into southern and northern. A detailed map of the French Alps will show that in the north there are mountain-glacial uplands. The highest point in the region is the Mont Blanc peak, reaching over 4.8 km. The southern part of the chain, as the map of the French Alps will show, belongs to the Mediterranean type of landscape. Proximity to the sea determines the appropriate climate.

The map of the French Alps with attractions contains both unique natural areas and architectural monuments located in resort towns. Of course, ski tourism is the main industry in the region. A map of the French Alps in Russian from Arrivo will help you navigate the resorts and slopes.

France is far from the last place on the world map. It is the largest in Europe. Due to the considerable size of the country, its landscape is quite diverse. The French Alps are one of the most remarkable parts of it. How were these mountains formed? What country are the Alps in? What attractions and resorts are there in the French Alps? Let's find out about it.

Geography of France

The French Republic is one of the five permanent members of the UN, is a member of the G7, and is also one of the founders of the European Union. It is a one-national highly urbanized state. France is home to 66.7 million people, most of whom are French. About 80% of the population lives in the republic - the city of Paris.

Next to the country are Spain, Andorra, Italy, Monaco, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Germany. It is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. In terms of political geography, France is located in Western Europe. More precisely, most of it is located there, because the country is located not only on the continent. It owns more than twenty island territories near Africa, North and South America.

Together with the overseas territories, France on the world map is the second largest state in Europe. It occupies one fifth of the European Union. Its total area is 674,685 square kilometers, and the sea borders of the republic stretch for 5,500 kilometers.

Relief of France

The relief of the state is heterogeneous, there are plains, mountains, as well as ancient plateaus. The plains mainly cover the territory from the northern to the southwestern part. The North French and Aquitaine lowlands stand out most clearly. The lowland in the southeastern part is located between the Massif Central and the French Alps.

The plateau on the territory of the country is nothing more than the remnants of the more ancient Hercynian mountains. They are represented by the small Armorian and Central French massifs, the Vosges and the Ardennes. The Armorian Massif and the Vosges are heavily indented by river valleys, while the Massif Central is dotted with long-extinct volcanoes.

In the southwest, France is separated from Spain by a mountain range. The Pyrenees stretched along the entire border there. The countries are connected only in a few narrow passages between the mountains. In the south-east of the country, the Jura and Alps mountains are located with the highest point in France - Mont Blanc. These massifs share the country with Italy and Switzerland.

french alps

The Alps are located not only in France. They cover the territory of Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Monaco, Slovenia, Germany and Liechtenstein. This is one of the most studied mountain ranges in the world. The length of the mountains is up to 1200 kilometers, and the width is 260 kilometers.

The Alps are the longest and highest mountain system, which is entirely located on the territory of Europe. The highest mountain in height is Mont Blanc. In addition to it, there are about a hundred peaks in the Alps, exceeding four thousand meters. The mountains stretch in an arc and are divided into Western, Eastern, Northern, Southern, Central.

The French Alps are Western. They stretched for 330 kilometers. The height of Mont Blanc, the highest point, is 4808 meters. The Alps of France are also divided into several parts: northern and southern.

Both parts differ from each other in climate and landscapes. The north is dominated by glaciers and higher peaks. The Southern Alps are influenced by the sea, as they are located very close to the coast, covering the Maritime and Provencal regions.

Alpine climate

Beginning at the sea, the Southern French Alps have a subtropical climate. Their heights are small compared to the rest of this mountain system. Deviating to the north, they fall into the temperate zone. Of course, their mode largely depends not only on their location, but also on their height. There are five belt zones in the Alps:

• lowland - up to 1000 meters,
• temperate zone - from 1000 meters,
• subalpine belt - from 1500 meters,
• alpine meadow - from 2000 meters,
• nival - above 3000 meters.

The weather in the French Alps is changeable. The hottest time is before lunch, then it gradually gets colder. Quite a lot of precipitation falls in the mountains (up to 1000 mm / year). The snow lasts for a long time, until the end of June.

In the northern parts of the Alps, the climate is colder, but humid, but in the southern part, on the contrary, it is dry and warm. Fog often occurs in winter, and the weather can change abruptly to cold.

Above 3000 meters, ice and snow do not melt for years. It is cold here and almost nothing grows. Below begins or mountain tundra with a less cold temperature, shrubs and low grasses. In the subalpine zone, the temperature does not rise above 25 degrees, frosts occur even in summer.

In the two lower belts, the climate is most favorable for both animals and humans. It is possible to farm and live here. There is a wide variety of plants and animals in these belts.

local winds

The Alps are characterized by the appearance of so-called local winds (boron, foehn, etc.). They are somewhat different from the standard for this area, but are regular. One of the Alpine local winds is the hair dryer. It arises in the tops of the mountains and descends down into the valleys.

The hair dryer blows strong gusts of dry hot air. Every hundred meters the wind gets hotter. It can last from one to five days.

The appearance of a foehn in the mountains generally helps agriculture. The wind creates a mild microclimate necessary for a number of heat-loving plants. However, it can be harmful and even deadly. By heating the air in spring, the hair dryer helps the snow melt quickly, which causes avalanches.

Plants and animals

In the French Alps, there are completely different natural complexes, which, of course, depend on the height. Great heights are desert treeless territories. Only a few plants "climb" to the peaks, for example, the glacial ranunculus, which is found even at an altitude of 4000 meters.

Alpine meadows - steep slopes and rocky hills covered with herbs and flowers. The plants of this belt are low, but very bright. Typical representatives are alpine edelweiss, strawberries, alpine sleep-grass, tar, poppy, red lily, forget-me-not, orchid, aster, etc. Livestock grazes here and marmots, mountain goats, chamois, jackdaws, choughs, swifts and golden eagles live here .

The trees start in the subalpine belt. These are mainly larches, pines and spruces, below there are oak, beech forests. Birds like to settle on the border of the forest and rocks: lemon and snow finch, stone and motley thrush, tits.

In addition, in the Alps there are salamanders, hares, upland owls, red deer, tundra partridges, and hickeys. Moufflons boldly walk along the rocky slopes and red-winged wall-climbers run - small birds with a long beak and red stripes on their wings.

Alpine tourism

The Alps have prepared a lot of exciting things for travelers: dense forests, rocky peaks, unique landscapes and wildlife. And France, in turn, made it all accessible and convenient.

There are many routes in the mountains with specially equipped places for parking. On the way, you can always find shelters or lonely huts where tourists stop for the night. Detailed itinerary plans for avid travelers are easy to find at local tourist centers.

However, not all routes are designed for long trips. There are a large number of trails made for simple day trips. They are easy to make, living in one of the mountainous regions, such as Aravi, Vercors, Chablis.

The most popular time in the Alps is winter (December to April) and midsummer (July). During these periods, the bases are filled with vacationers. However, it is not always possible to bypass such a hype. The rest of the time, the weather is very unpredictable, and due to snow, some passes are often closed until the second half of June.

Resorts

The resorts of the French Alps offer hiking in the summer, snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing and skiing in the winter. Mountaineering, surfing and yachting in local lakes are developing in the region.

In the resort town of Chamonix, you can admire the beautiful Mont Blanc at least every day. At an altitude of 3840 meters is the White Valley - the highest point of the resort and a place for one of the most extreme descents in France. Paragliding, canyoning (descent along river canyons without swimming aids), rock climbing, skiing and snowboarding are possible here.

The largest region for skiing and snowboarding is Three Valleys. It has more than six hundred kilometers of high-altitude slopes and hundreds of ski lifts. The region includes several world-famous resorts at once: Courchevel, Meribel, Val Thorens. Here are located not only tourist, but also Olympic tracks, open-air glacial arenas, hockey rinks and much more interesting things.

Unique Alps

The French Alps are unique nature and breathtaking landscapes. They are part of the Western Alps and stretch straight from the Mediterranean coast of the country in a northeasterly direction.

Within their limits there are dozens of national parks and protected areas. The most famous of them are Vercors, Chartreuse, Keira, Bauges, etc. Popular resorts and picturesque mountain villages are located in the region. The highest mountain town, Briançon, is located near the Queira Park.

The French Alps is a place where active holidays with extreme sports and a relaxing pastime are possible. There are green flower meadows, swampy forests and bare rocks covered with glaciers, and cold high-altitude lakes with clear blue water. It is simply impossible to remain indifferent to these places.

- these names are known not only to avid skiers or snowboarders, but also to people far from sports. In this article we will tell you about the best resorts in France, where in winter it is pleasant not only to relax, but to ride with the breeze.

Chamonix, overlooking Mont Blanc

The town of Chamonix is ​​located in a great location overlooking the highest peak in Western Europe - Mont Blanc. Height above sea level - 1035 meters. Chamonix is ​​a mecca for climbers in summer and skiers in winter.

In addition, the natural reserve Mer de Glace (Sea of ​​Ice) is nearby, one of the most visited in the world.

Near Chamonix you will find a bunch of not only ski activities. You can go to the town of Annecy, climb Mont Blanc by train, take walks in the caves and a lot more.

Three Valleys (Les Trois Vallées) - the largest ski resort

The Three Valleys (or le Trois Valais) is a huge resort that combines several bases at once in the Vanoise mountain range. This includes:

• Courchevel (Courchevel - hotels at this link),
• Meribel (Meribel - hotels),
• Les Menuires (Les Ménuires - hotels),
• Val Thorens (Val Thorens - ),
• La Tania (La Tania - hotels),
• Brides (Brides - hotels)
• and Orelle (Orelle - hotel offers).

Avoriaz - calmness

Situated at an altitude of 1800 m above sea level, Avoriaz is a modern resort in the heart of the Portes du Soleil. Between the forest and the mountains, the village, completely closed to cars, fits perfectly into the alpine nature. After skiing on the ski slopes of Portes du Soleil (total length - 650 km), you can visit Aquariaz - hot springs center, with a temperature of 29°C.

Although you will not see a single car in Avoriaz, there are other modes of transport. The proximity of the resort to nature is its main advantage.

Avoriaz resort official website: www.avoriaz.com

Les 2 Alpes - the largest snowpark

In the Oisans Mountains, on the border between the Southern and Northern Alps, is the dynamic resort of Les 2 Alpes. This is the largest chain of ski slopes in Europe. The resort is located at 3600 m above sea level. So the snow lies here almost all year round, so you can meet skiers here both in winter and in summer.

The station also continues to develop its snowpark: a large playground, snow tube, wall, slide area for beginners and large cushions (a huge 15m mattress) are installed at the bottom of the slopes.

Chamrousse - a real Olympic village

On the southern edge of the Belledonne mountain range is the resort of Chamrous, built in the forest. It offers an exceptional view of the Grenoble valley. The station was used during the 1968 Winter Olympics. Many future Olympic champions have performed or trained here.

Official website of the resort Sharmus: www.chamrousse.com

Saint-Dalmas le Selvage - cross-country skiing

Saint-Dalmat-les-Selvages is the highest village in the Alpes-Maritimes (1347 m - 2916 m). The place is an ideal resort for lovers of cross-country skiing. In the heart of nature, with unspoiled landscapes such as the Isthmus of Braïssa (2599 m), Mount Aunos (2514 m), Cross Carl (2529 m), Isthmuses of Moutière (2454 m), the icy waterfall of Gialorgues, you must find your happiness.

Great place for snowboarding too.

Official website of Saint-Dalma-les-Selvage: hiver.saintdalmasleselvage.com

Le Sauze - family resort

A ski resort located in the Ubaye Valley. Soze has become famous as a family resort. In addition to the joy of skiing, don't miss the Igloo Inuksuk village tour, a real village with six igloos and Inuit traditions!

Official website of Les Sauzes: www.sauze.com

Megève - the most exclusive resort

Megeve has retained its charm of an authentic mountain village. Surrounded by three mountain ranges with gentle slopes and green forests, stands a fourteenth-century medieval village with luxurious shops, cobbled streets, a unique atmosphere and, of course, wonderful trails.

This is a fashionable resort where chalets, hotels and restaurants tirelessly fight for their prestige.

Megeve resort official website: www.megeve.com

Serre-Chevalier - the sunniest resort

It is one of the largest ski resorts in the Alps with 250 km of ski slopes. Located at altitudes from 1200 to 2800 m above sea level. At the foot of the highest peaks lies the sun-drenched Ecrins National Park.

Serre Chevalier is one of the sunniest places in the Alps, with 300 days of sunshine a year!

Serre Chevalier official website: www.serre-chevalier.com

Enjoy your holiday in the French Alps!

Which are located in the department of the Alps, represent a whole branched network of superbly equipped spaces for skiing. Often from one resort there is an opportunity to drive to another.

Here are the highest mountains and slopes in Europe(the top of Mont Blanc - 4807 meters) and the largest number of lifts, so there are always short queues.

These tracks have hosted professional athletes, world championships and Olympics in various winter sports disciplines. Now they can accept you, provide a great active holiday, leisure and entertainment.

Skiing in the ski resorts of France in period from December to May. The resorts are known for stable and favorable weather for skiing.

Besides, in some resorts there is also the possibility of summer skiing.

Resort rating

three valleys

Let's not be afraid to be a little banal and start our review of the resorts with the brightest diamonds shining on the winter snow of the French Alps - three valleys, resorts that hosted the Olympics and are considered the best in France.

In fact, Three Valleys - a multi-level system of resorts. Here they distinguish:

• Lower level where resorts with slopes up to 1700 meters are located: La Tania, Courchevel and Meribel;
• average level, with altitudes between 1700-1850 meters, where the higher part of Courchevel, Mottaret and Les Menuires are located;
• high level, where the height is 2300 meters and the resort of Val Thorens is located.

This is where the 1992 Olympics were hosted.. The resort in the heart of the Three Valleys is very popular. There is a refined and unique atmosphere, magnificent slopes and nature.

Accessible by bus who go by transfers or by car along the tracks. Nearest bus stations:

• railway stop Moûtiers fifty minutes by bus;
• Chambéry an hour away (about 70 kilometers);
• the city of Lyon 200 kilometers away;
• Geneva is 120 kilometers away.

The resort consists of two zones:

• meribel center– classic French style;
• Méribel-Mottarey- More modern architecture.

From entertainment it should be noted major center of La Chaudanne with a variety of pools, spas and the like. For only a hundred euros, you have the opportunity to fly over the Courchevel valley on a paraglider.

In addition, there is the opportunity to ride in a hot air balloon and dog sledding.

In the ski area, the elevation difference is 1450-2952 meters, there are trails of different levels, the longest is five kilometers. Snowboard half pipes, 60 lifts.

Courchevel

Perhaps many have heard the name of this resort, which known not for the height of the slopes, but for its prestige. The skiing here is of high quality, but the heights are not the highest and the tracks are not the most outstanding.

People come here for a high degree of comfort and excellent service.

Hotels, restaurants, a variety of entertainment - the resort is the leader in these parameters. Many people come here not to ride, but to hang out.

Can be reached from Geneva(a little over a hundred kilometers) or the city of Lyon, which is about two hundred kilometers away.

Despite the fashionable orientation, the resort provides an opportunity not only to drive along the gentle and smooth green and blue slopes, but also to take advantage of the high peaks of Solir and Wiselle.

Wherein there are excellent conditions for training beginners in particular at Courchevel 1650.

Called the roof of the three valleys, has the highest point of the Cime de Caron resort. From this peak it is possible to enjoy the magnificent panorama of Mont Blanc. Thanks to the network of lifts, it is possible to bypass the Three Valleys from here completely.

The resort is distinguished by high-rise buildings and the absence of chalets, familiar to Alpine resorts. During the skiing period, the slopes are always snowy, as they are not only at an altitude of more than two kilometers, but are also provided with snow cannons.

Get there closest, as for previous resorts from Geneva, Lyon or Chambéry.

Given the connection with the rest of the resorts of the Three Valleys, we will not describe the entertainment. Let's finish the brief review 3 Valleys hotels:

• Des neiges;
• Oxalys;
• Annapurna;
• La Sivoliere;
• Le Sabot de Venus;
• Merily's Residence;
• Alpen Ruitor Mottaret;
• Le Kilimandjaro;
• Le Mottaret;
• Les Balcons de Val Thorens;
• Agence de la Saulire.

Tignes

The resort on the slopes of which every November the stages of the World Cup in downhill skiing are held. Skiing is possible throughout the whole year, as the height of the peaks reaches about 3700 meters.

Located three and a half hours from Geneva. Includes many restaurants, bars, cinemas and other entertainment venues, many winter activities, paragliding and hang gliding.

In terms of entertainment, the resort is fully equipped. In terms of trails, it gives an opportunity to have an interesting rest not only for beginners, but also for experienced skiers. Hotels:

• Hotel Village Montana;
• Hotel le Refuge;
• Hotel Les Campanules;
• Club Med Tignes Val Claret.

Chamonix, France, somewhere at the foot of Mont Blanc

The resort is located in the valley of the same name. has great natural beauty and amazing landscape. Included in the world heritage of landscapes.

Known for White Valley- the highest (3842) ski point with twenty kilometers of off-piste skiing. Activities include: paragliding, canyoning, rock climbing, winter rafting, mountain biking, ice climbing.

Get there closest from Geneva, which is just under 90 kilometers away. Vacationers can stay in hotels:

• Hotel Le Faucigny;
• Hotel l'Heliopic;
• Le Morgan;
• Hotel Mont-Blanc;
• Grand Hotel des Alpes.

Avoriaz

The original resort in the north, which is distinguished by its magnificent Art Nouveau architecture, the absence of cars, magnificent apartments with access to the slope, a cozy atmosphere, horse-drawn carriages that drive through the streets.

Get there the resort is possible from Geneva (80 kilometers) or from Thonon Les Bains station. The entertainment includes a full resort package:

• from discos and hot tubs to saunas and gyms;
• there is an opportunity to ride a snow car;
• dog sledding;
• snowboard trails;
• There are cinemas and more.

The height of the resort is 1800 meters, slope differences: from 1100 to 2277 meters. There are trails for cross-country skiing. Hotels:

• Hotel des Dromonts;
• Club Med Avoriaz;
• Pierre & Vacances Residence Saskia Falaise;
• PV-Holidays Residence Maeva Multivacances;
• Residence Sirius.

Skiing in the French Alps- elite and prestigious entertainment. Many resorts here are imbued with the history of modern sports, no less have sophistication and their own original style in everything.

Snow-capped peaks and picturesque valleys, turbulent rivers and lakes of indescribable beauty, mountain streams and waterfalls sparkling in the sun, rich colors of plants and amazing wildlife - all this is the Alps, the largest mountain system in Western Europe. The mountains form an arc with a length of more than a thousand kilometers - from the Mediterranean in the west to the Adriatic in the east.

The mountains start from the French Cote d'Azur, then arch to the north along the border with Italy. Further, they form a kind of barrier that protects Italy from the north, and go east along Southern Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The Alps are conditionally divided into Western, Central and Eastern.

The Western Alps lie west of the Great St. Bernard Pass, the Central Alps are located between the Great St. Bernard Pass and Lake Constance. The Eastern Alps extend east of Lake Constance.

An interesting fact: it was on the St. Bernard Pass, which even in the days of the Roman Empire connected Northern Italy with the rest of Europe, a breed of dogs was bred, trained to search for people caught in avalanches. Lovely, seemingly phlegmatic St. Bernards have saved and continue to save more than one hundred lives.

The summit of Mont Blanc in the Western Alps is considered the highest point in Europe (4810 m). When the French climber Henriette d'Angeville climbed Mont Blanc in 1838, exhausted on the last meters of the ascent, she asked her companions: "If I die, carry me to the top." And when she got there, she ordered to raise herself to brag about that that was higher than any person in Europe.

The highest peak in the Eastern Alps is Bernina Peak. Mount Matterhorn is considered very difficult to climb. It has the shape of a pyramid with steep slopes. The characteristic profile of the Matterhorn is immortalized on almost all varieties of Swiss chocolate.

The Dolomites, located in Italy, are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. They captivate with their unusual beauty. Many believe that the most breathtaking landscapes can be seen here: snow-covered plateaus against the background of brown-pink rocks.

Excursion into history

Jean-Jacques Rousseau was the first to describe the Alps as a place of amazing attraction and beauty. Thus, the French writer dispelled the widespread idea of ​​​​the mountains as a hellish wasteland inhabited by demons. With the light filing of Rousseau, Albrecht von Haller sang the magical purity of the amazing Alpine region.

At the end of the 18th century, the first wave of romantics (Goethe, Turner, Schiller) drew inspiration from the Alps, admiring the mountain landscapes. But, only after the famous crossing of Suvorov and the end of the Napoleonic Wars, the influx of tourists to the Alpine countries began. True, at first it was mainly a bohemian audience (poets, artists, musicians), who appreciated the local beauties that filled them with sublime feelings. Later, the famous Arthur Conan Doyle, struck by the grandeur and beauty of the Reichenbach Falls, sent Holmes to fight Professor Moriarty in these very places.

The Alps - the tourist center of Europe

The tourism industry begins to develop from the beginning of the XIX century. The Alps are visited by foreigners, admiring the picturesque landscapes, relaxing in spa resorts. At the beginning of the 20th century, large hotels, funiculars, a rack railway were built, which delivers tourists to high-mountain resorts. During this period, winter sports competitions begin to be held in the Alps: in 1882, the first figure skating championship started in St. Moritz. Alpine skiing is becoming popular, in 1908 the first ski lift was built in Grindelwald.

By the way, back in 1894, Winston Churchill climbed to the top of the Wetterhorn near Grindelwald, then a rather slender twenty-year-old youth.

Enchanting landscapes, as well as tremendous opportunities for mountaineering and winter sports, attract many tourists to the Alps. These mountains are often referred to as the "central square of Europe". Now the Alps are the most important recreational area in Europe, uniting eight countries. The population of the region is 14 million people. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Many resorts, such as Oberstdorf in Bavaria, Saalbach in Austria, Davos in Switzerland, Chamonix in France, receive about a million tourists a year. And in total, more than 120 million people have a rest in the Alpine resorts every year. Moreover, not only ski areas are popular, but also summer holidays with hiking and cycling, sightseeing and admiring the unique alpine nature.

Tourism is an integral part of the economy of the Alps, but the locals continue to engage in traditional crafts, unchanged since the Middle Ages: carpentry, wood carving, cheese making. Pastoral landscapes, intoxicating salubrious air, crystal clear rivers, fresh rural food, thermal springs - rest here is pleasant.

Transport connection

And not only pleasant, but also convenient. Movement is organized and thought out to the smallest detail. Automobile routes, high-mountain railways, many kilometers of tunnels, of which there are a great many in the Alps. They link cities and countries, pass under passes, shortening the path. The Frejus and Mont Blanc Tunnels connect Italy and France, the Gotthard Tunnel, the largest in the Alps, is laid under the Saint Gotthard Pass, the Simplon Railway Tunnel connects Switzerland with Italy. In the coming years, the Gotthard Base Tunnel, 57 kilometers long, will be completed.

Some highland villages (Avoriaz in France, Zermatt in Switzerland) can only be reached by cable car or funicular. Other alpine resorts are car-free zones, which provide a delicate natural balance in this mountainous area.

French Alps, with their snow-capped mountain peaks, green valleys and crystal clear lakes, are part of the European mountain range. First of all, they are attractive for outdoor activities: skiing and mountaineering. Mountain biking (cross-country), rafting, paragliding are very popular in summer. The region is also famous for the stunning beauty of the alpine lakes. Lake Geneva (Leman Lac), Annecy Lac and Lac du Bourget are suitable for year-round recreation and numerous water sports.

Mont Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps

The highest point in Western Europe is in the French Alps. Mont Blanc attracts climbers from all over the world. The famous peak, which is considered one of the symbols of France, was first climbed in 1786 by Jacques Balma and Michel Packard. It is interesting that the future US President Theodore Roosevelt, during his honeymoon in 1886, led an expedition to climb Mont Blanc.

Now it is easier for skiers and even climbers: many lifts have been built. For example, one of the highest cable cars in the world can reach the top of the Aiguille du Midi from Chamonix. The climb is breathtaking: here is the largest elevation difference, and the upper station is located at an altitude of 3777 meters.

The main resorts of the French Alps

The French Alps are famous resort towns that attract tourists from all over the world. Annecy (Annecy), located on the shores of the lake of the same name, is the capital of the Haute-Savoie region. The city is called the "Venice of Savoy". Numerous canals, decorated with flower pots in summer, perfectly decorate the resort. Annecy was built around a medieval center and a 14th-century castle.

The city is considered the paragliding capital of the Alps. On any fine day, you can watch paragliders soaring high above the lake. Amazing spectacle!

Perhaps the most famous resort town in the French Alps is Chamonix. In this mountain oasis, you can ski down the steep slopes, see the Mer de Glace (Sea of ​​Ice) - one of the largest glaciers in continental Europe, admire the picturesque surroundings, go for a walk along the numerous mountain trails. And, of course, Chamonix is ​​famous for the fact that in 1924 the first Winter Olympic Games were held here.

Saint-Gervais is a popular resort near Chamonix. It can be called an ideal recreation base, because it is not only a ski resort, but also a place with natural hot springs and stunning scenery. In fact, the town arose around the hydropathic. By the way, the Rothschild family allocated money for its development.

Now Saint-Gervais is a famous spa resort. Near the town, over a deep gorge, you can walk along the famous "devil's" bridge.

Grenoble is the largest city in the French Alps, the site of the 1968 Winter Olympics, a research and scientific center, and Stendhal was born here. This greatest French novelist wrote: "Life is too short, and the time we spend yawning and doing nothing will never be returned to us." Maybe that's why Stendhal's countrymen live so richly and interestingly: cafes are crowded, students are having heated discussions, scientists are arguing. The city is surprisingly lively and cheerful.