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French Alps Holiday Cottages

The French Alps are among the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. They are known for majestic scenery consisting of awe-inspiring snow-peaked mountains, rolling green foothills and high altitude lakes and rivers. Despite their popularity, there are many parts of the Alps that remain unspoilt. For French Alps cottages info see below.

Skiing is the main activity in the region with resorts like Chamonix and Val d'Isere catering for thousands of skiiers a year. But there are a number of attractions that lead away from the crowded slopes. Castles and stately homes can match anything the rest of France has to offer. The Medieval Montrottier's Castle in Annecy and The Chateau De Septeme in Grenoble are notable examples.

The Hot Springs at Aix-le-Baines also provide historical attraction and consists of Roman remains such as the Temple of Diana and Arch of Campanus as well as impressive thermal caves. Towns such as Grenoble are popular among young people due to its cultured nightlife and sophistication. The Bastille overlooks the town and is covered in 19th century fortifications.

Other towns of note include Annecy, with its picturesque gardens and surrounding lakes. The French Alps offer scenery and mountain-scapes that are hard to find anywhere else in Europe. As well as skiing, the region offers so much to the visitor in the form of historical attraction and escape. Book holiday cottages in the French Alps cottages/self-catering holidays in the French Alps.

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French Alps self-catering attractions

The Alps, one of the most spectacular regions of France cannot fail to delight cottages holiday makers and is one of the most popular venues in both summer and winter. See below for admission prices and entry times for some of the most notable attractions.

Outdoor activities
The ski season begins in early December and ends in April. Resorts offer both down-hill and cross country skiing, toboganning, snow- mobiling and snow-boarding. In spring and early summer, the flower-strewn pastures are ideal for hikers and walkers and there is a huge number of well-marked paths and trails. The area boasts two of the most beautiful nature reserves in the whole of France.

There are also many other outdoor activities to be enjoyed such as climbing, cycling, riding, golf and tennis. Water sports such as white-water rafting, canoeing and canyoning are growing in popularity and Lac d’Aiguelette, a pretty lake with sandy beaches is ideal for fishing and is popular with sailing enthusiasts. Lake Annecy, arguably France’s purest and most beautiful lake, offers paragliding, water-ski-ing and rafting as well as the usual winter sports.

Rotunde

Food and drink
The region is famous for its traditional dishes such as Quiche Lorraine, tartiflette and fondue and also for its wines: Beaujolais and Cotes du Rhone. L’Arbina at Tignes is a pleasant and reasonably priced restaurant with a varied French menu. Jack’s bar at Meribel is popular for après-ski and on the edge of the nursery slopes is Bananas, young, trendy and specialising in Tex Mex.

For good locally produced food, try Le Loup Blanc in Plague and for a really special celebration, make a reservation at La Rotunde in Annecy and sample Savoie piglet leg or pigs feet with truffles. The panoramic views from the dining room are spectacular.

Castle of Chillon

History and Culture
The French Alps region has a long and interesting history. Early settlers lived here from 12000 BC. and were mainly hunters. By 900 B.C. the tribes were farmers and then from 121- 61 B.C. Romans controlled the whole area. Perouges, one of the most beautiful towns in France is a 14th century walled town and contains a fortified church. The 17th century Chateau de Vizille is the site of the meeting in 1788 which laid down the principles of the French Revolution and sealed the fate of its monarchy.

Another town worth a visit is Grenoble, the capital of the French Alps which has an art museum which exhibits over 1500 contemporary and modern works. The Fort de la Bastille offers magnificent panoramic views and is a good place to get a glimpse of Mont Blanc. Chambery, dominated by the magnificent castle of the Dukes of Savoy is an elegant and dignified city with an Italianate atmosphere. Just over the border, south of Montreux, is the Castle of Chillon immortalised by Lord Byron. Get the best views by arriving by boat. Open daily from April to October 9close at 5.30) and from October to March.(closed 4.30)