5 cosy resorts for families in the peaks

Alps - Mont BlancNature and Outdoor ActivitiesMountainsWith Family

Istock Teo Leguay
© Istock Teo Leguay

Reading time: 0 minPublished on 26 August 2020, updated on 10 October 2022

Skiing with family, arguably best in a resort with a village atmosphere, is a wonderful holiday experience, away from the routine of everyday life. We’ve handpicked five authentic, peaceful spots where it’s great to take the children.

Sainte Foy Tarentaise

Montagne TV - SAINTE-FOY-TOURISME
© Montagne TV - SAINTE-FOY-TOURISME

In the heart of the Tarentaise Massif in Savoie, Sainte Foy is a unique, preserved and authentic site. Close to the major ski resorts located only a few kilometres away, Sainte Foy Tarentaise lives at its own pace and invites you to disconnect and take it slow. Nestled among the trees, the village is a jewel of traditional architecture with its columned houses, chapels and chalets made of wood and local stone. You can take your time exploring the listed hamlet of Le Monal and enjoy long snowshoe walks in the unspoilt forests of the estate, before relaxing in one of Sainte-Foy's three wellness areas.

Combloux

Marine MARTIN - OT Combloux
© Marine MARTIN - OT Combloux

Wondering where to be in awe of the Mont Blanc? Go to Combloux in Haute-Savoie to appreciate an exceptional panorama of Mont Blanc, from the centre of the village to the top of the ski area. This charming village located in the Portes du Mont-Blanc ski area will delight both ski fans and Baroque art enthusiasts: the starting point of the Baroque Trail, Combloux is the ideal village for a cultural stay to discover the architectural treasures of the Mont-Blanc region. The soul of the village is also to be found in its terroir, which you will enjoy discovering throughout your stay: select good Savoy cheeses at the Combloux market, to be tasted with the inevitable Savoy wine, and try the famous fondue and raclette, a must after long days of skiing!

Cauterets

David Courriades
© David Courriades

We're off to the Occitanie region to explore Cauterets, a village situated at 950 metres in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park. Nature is unspoilt and close by, and the resort's location means that you can quickly get away from it all on the surrounding trails without having to take the car. Situated 30 minutes from Lourdes, the village is at the centre of several of the Pyrenees' most important sites: Pic du Midi, Gavarnie, Val d'Azun, the Tourmalet... Cauterets has preserved and enhanced its heritage, with its typical 19th century architecture. In addition to skiing, themed walks are available to help you get to know the village and its region better: tasty walks to sample the gastronomy of the South-West, heritage and nature walks to marvel at the natural beauty of the Pyrenees.

Villard de Lans and Corrençon en Vercors

Carole Savary
© Carole Savary

In the Vercors massif, a beautiful natural environment for winter family holidays, the Villard-Corrençon area covers 125 km of downhill skiing and 153 km of Nordic slopes around the picturesque farming villages of Villard-de-Lans and Corrençon-en-Vercors. The Nordic site of Haut Vercors is exceptional and the choice of terrain is vast, from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to marked footpaths. The Nordic Park offers children's workshops for a fun introduction to Nordic skiing and biathlons in Isère.

Val d’Allos

R. Palomba
© R. Palomba

Situated in Verdon, in the Southern Alps, Val d'Allos is a mountain destination where nature and fresh air go hand in hand. The village, 16km from the summit of the Col d'Allos, has retained its authentic charm with its main street and shops. You stay in one of the pretty chalets that surround the village, where you can enjoy the sunrise before spending the day on the Espace Lumière, one of the most beautiful ski areas in the Southern Alps, linking the resorts of La Foux d'Allos and Pra-Loup, on 230km of slopes. A mountain village giving a very special Provençal flavour to your holidays.

Montclar

Montclar les 2 Vallées is a family resort in the Southern Alps which perfectly combines skiing and relaxation in complete tranquillity. The resort culminates at 2500 m and is divided between the Blanche valley and the Ubaye valley. Perfectly situated between the Alps and Provence, the village benefits from abundant sunshine. Ideal for family holidays: you can learn to ski, build igloos and discover the pleasures of snowshoeing under a beautiful sun which brightens the snowy summits!

By The editor

The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.