Beautiful French Destinations To Visit This Winter
By PAVLO FEDYKOVYCH
Surrounded by high mountains from all sides, Grenoble boasts a picturesque museum-filled Old Town, a romantic Isère river promenade, and plenty of winter fun attractions.
Grenoble
Ride a cable car to the 19th-century Fort de La Bastille, a breathtaking vantage point for the Alps. Bastille also has a series of defensive structures and dungeons to explore.
In the city's three mountain ranges, you can sled, ski, and snowboard. Also, check out the Museum of Grenoble, which is packed with world-class art from Monet to Warhol.
This town is known for its thermal baths, and winter is a wonderful season to indulge in spas. Get a classic hot springs experience at Valvital–Thermes Chevalley.
Aix-les-Bains
The historic downtown reflects its background as a prestigious spa town for the European wealthy. For skiing and snowboarding, visit the family-friendly Revard Ski Resort.
This seaside gem of a town is among the most beautiful destinations in Europe, and winter sees the French Riviera's capital at its most contemplative and atmospheric.
Nice
Accommodation is cheaper in colder months, and winter is a perfect time to embrace the rich museum heritage. Tour local superstars like Villa Masséna and Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Morzine and Avoriaz are part of the sprawling Portes du Soleil ski area. The latter is the second-largest ski area in the world, with nearly 400 miles of pistes.
Morzine-Avoriaz
Morzine is a traditional market town with alpine chalets, an idyllic valley river, and authentic mountain restaurants. Its gentle slopes are great for families and skiing newbies.
Linked to Morzine by shuttle and a cable car, Avoriaz is a 60s-built designated skiing village with 5,906 feet of elevation. It's best for experienced skiers and snowboarders.
This postcard-perfect French alpine village with breathtaking mountains is also an amazing ski resort thanks to its access to the Les 3 Vallées ski area.
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville
The ski area features more than 372 miles of runs, 158 lifts, 70 walking routes, 40 mountain bike trails, and 74 cross-skiing pistes, all set to the beauty of the French Alps.