Best places to visit in France this Winter

Are you a nature and mountain lover? As the cold weather approaches, you are wondering which are the best winter destinations in France. Here are the 12 best places to visit in France in winter. If you are a ski lover, here are the best ski resorts in France. If you dream of walking in the fresh air, you will also know which are the best mountain hikes in France thanks to this article. Let’s go!

Val Thorens: best ski resort in France

Val Thorens is the highest resort in Europe. It is the highest point of the 3 Valleys ski area, in the Tarentaise region of the Alps. Its high quality snow and top of the line facilities make this resort the best place to ski in France. 99% of the area is located above 200 m of altitude. It has the “Family Plus” label, which certifies the presence of facilities and possibilities for families with childcare facilities. Hiking trails are accessible from the Cime de Caron cable car. For skiers, there are many activities: off-piste, ski touring, snowpark, etc.

Courchevel: state-of-the-art facilities

Very trendy with its state-of-the-art facilities, Courchevel isone of the best ski resorts in France. With its exceptional panoramas between snowy slopes and pine forests, it is part of the 3 Valleys ski area and gives access to 600 km of slopes. If you come to ski, you will have excellent sliding sensations. Courchevel also offers a variety of activities for non-skiers. You can make beautiful walks with snowshoes at the lake of Rosière, dominated by the dent du Villard.

Méribel: the “Family Plus” ski resort

This resort of the 3 Valleys promises you ideal conditions of ski with a perfect snow cover! Méribel has many skiing activities: alpine skiing, freeride, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ski touring… The resort guarantees you the best skiing in France. With its “Family Plus” label, it is ideal for spending vacations with children and friends. For nature lovers, there are also possibilities of snowshoeing trips with or without a guide.

Val-d’Isère: a world-renowned resort

This world-renowned resort promises authenticity and excellence. It has 300 km of slopes, with the neighboring area of Tignes. The typical Savoyard village of Val-d’Isère is one of the most beautiful places to visit in winter in France. Its ski club is one of the most medal-winning in the world, thanks to its exceptional champions, such as Jean-Claude Killy or Clément Noël. The resort offers a variety of après-ski activities. Families will find quality play areas for the youngest.

L’Alpe d’Huez : the sports resort

Located in the Grandes-Rousses massif, Alpe d’Huez offers a wide range of sporting activities: alpine skiing, ski touring, microlighting, paragliding, etc. Lovers of hiking will also be delighted. The Alpe d’Huez guide office will give you all the necessary information. Let yourself be tempted by night snowshoe outings, Nordic walking or even snowshoe running. This resort is ideal for relaxing and disconnecting in winter!

Chamonix : a mythical resort

This emblematic winter destination in France promises you an unforgettable stay! At the foot of Mont Blanc and its famous glaciers, Chamonix is the cradle of new adventures. This is where the first mountaineers set off to conquer the peaks of Mont Blanc. And, they continue to write the history of the Mountain. This resort offers many varied activities: hiking, climbing, mountaineering and skiing of course. Are you a thrill seeker? Discover the Vallée Blanche. This high mountain itinerary, at 3,842 m, offers 4 to 6 hours of hiking for experienced skiers.

Megève : the elegant resort

Megève is located in the Evasion-Mont-Blanc ski area, which has 445 km of trails. This authentic mountain village has become one of the most chic resorts, with sumptuous chalets. Thanks to the quality of the snow and its beautiful slopes, it is a real paradise for skiers, but also for hikers. Many hiking trails are accessible on foot or with snowshoes from the Jaillet or Mont d’Arbois ski lifts. Families will find a moment of relaxation and fun with the 4 seasons sled, located at the departure of the Jaillet cable car.

La Plagne: the largest ski area

With its 6 resorts, La Plagne is one of the largest ski areas in France. Paradiski provides the best skiing experience for skiers. For après-ski, you can also take advantage of the many activities available in the resort: paragliding, snowmobiling, dog sledding… Hiking enthusiasts will also find some trails. New from Scandinavia, discover in La Plagne the ski joëring: a sport of sliding with traction by a horse which promises a new exceptional experience!

Les Arcs : family and trendy

This ideal resort created by the architect and passionate skier Charlotte Perriand is one of the most pleasant in France. Attached to Paradiski, it provides access to 425 km of slopes. The station is spread over 5 sites at different altitude levels. You can even cross the village of Les Arcs 1950 without taking off your skis. From its summits, it offers beautiful panoramas on the Mont Blanc. Take the Aiguille Rouge cable car up to 3,226 m and enjoy the 360° view from the footbridge above the ridge. The amateurs of ski touring, snowshoeing or walking will be filled with its various dedicated paths.

Saint-Lary-Soulan: the best skiing in the Pyrenees

This resort is the most frequented of the Pyrenees by the French. This 700-hectare ski area, with its 56 trails, has the “Family Plus” label. Perfect for intermediate skiers, the resort has 9 black runs and 14 red runs. It is perfect for beginners and advanced skiers. If you prefer walking or snowshoeing, you will find all the information you need about trails and activities at the Maison du randonneur.

The Jura Mountains: hiking and skiing

Located in the Haut-Jura natural park, the resort has 49 downhill ski runs, the highest of which are at an altitude of 1,680 m. The Monts Jura, accessible from Geneva airport, offers a magnificent view of the Écrins massif, Mont Blanc, Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps. Smaller and family resort, it also promises great sensations in cross-country skiing with 140 km of tracks in Vattay-Valserine. You can also enjoy snowshoeing and sledding.

Gérardmer: the most beautiful resort in the Vosges

Gérardmer is the most beautiful ski resort of the Vosges. Especially known for its hiking trails, it is the ideal meeting place for those who love to walk or snowshoe. It is one of the best places to visit in winter in France. Its 40 km of trails are perched from 800 to 1,150 meters. Located at low altitude, it is perfect for families. It even offers night skiing from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. on some Saturdays during the vacations, with lighted runs and a high-speed chairlift.

Book now your stay in the best ski resorts in France, to live great sensations in the mountains.