A stone's throw from the slopes of Meribel (a short 30-minute ride on the Olympe gondola or 12km by road), Brides Les Bains (altitualtitude 600m) also offers all the advantages of a spa town in the majestic surroundings of the Vanoise National Park, located in the heart of the Trois Vallées domain. Resort height: 600m-3200m.
CHILDREN Children:Meribel centre (BCG and healthcare records required) P'tits Loups nursery (Centre + Mottaret) (3-5years)- Tel. 0033 479 08 60 31 Les Saturnins (Centre) (18months-3years) - Tel 0033 479 08 66 90 www.esf-meribel.com
OTHER ACTIVITIES Local ski area: 150km of ski runs in Meribel, 2 snowparks. Brides gives you access to the whole of the Trois Vallees domain offering 600km of slopes and 200 ski-lifts. Beginners >>> Intermediates >>>>> Experts >>>> Snowboard >>>> 6-day lift-pass (including Olympe gondola - 07/08 prices): Adults: 187 euros Senior citizens: 159 euros (65-74 years inclusive) Child (5-12s): 131 euros Children under 5 and adults over 75 years: free. Ski schools: ESF Ecole du Ski Francais - Tel. 0033 479 08 60 31 www.esf-meribel.com ESI International Ski School (Magic in Motion) - Tel. 0033 479 08 53 36 www.magicinmotion.co.uk
Cross country skiing : length of cross country track 33 Km Cross-country skiing: 33km of trails (in Meribel).
THE AREA Leisure: Spa/fitness centre, cinema, restaurants, nightclubs, casino.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION For further information contact the Tourist Office (tel. 0033 479.55.20.64) or log on to www.brides-les-bains.com
Otherwise known as "The Roof of Europe", Savoie is an area rich in natural treasures and historical points of interest.
The flora and fauna of Savoie is varied and exceptional.
From tiny paths to steep trails, discover the Alpine peaks, the Alpine gastronomy, small villages with colourful stories and most importantly, breathe in the fresh and revitalising mountain air.
For visitors who want to experienceSavoie beyond the ski slopes, there is a wide range of other exciting winter activities to choose from, such as dog-sledding and snowshoeing.
Be a guest to one of the world's most exclusive tables. France, land of gourmets and culinary arts, offers a bewildering array of food and wines from delicious simple fare to exquisite haute cuisine. With over 340 sorts of cheese and 450 quality wines France will satisfy every palate. Beyond gastronomy, from North to South France sparkles with an incredibly rich cultural and historical heritage of famous castles, churches, cathedrals and museums carefully preserved and restored which makes it one the most sought afterand enthralling destination for holidaymakers from around the globe. France takes prides in the rich and diverse tapestry of its magnificent landscapes which have been celebrated throughout the centuries by its many famous writers, poets and artists in words and creations so many of which have become part of the world's cultural heritage and still inspire today's travellers to discover it for themselves. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday or want to commune with Nature, whether you wish to step back into history or are searching for an active sporting adventure, France will welcome you with open arms, seduce you with its warmth and entertain you with its wide range of attractions enabling you to achieve that perfect holiday.
A word of advice from Lagrange: French roads are excellent, but not free, so keep some euros handy.
THE 3 VALLEYS is one of the largest ski domains in the world and is shared between 5 resorts: La Tania, Courchevel, Meribel, Les Menuires, and Val Thorens. * Europe's finest snowsure resorts * Extensive skiing for all levels * Unlimited off-piste opportunities * Lots of snowboard- friendly lifts, and fun parks in Courchevel, Val Thorens and Les Menuires. www.les3vallees.com
Height: 600km of pistes. 52 green slopes / 131 blue slopes / 118 red slopes / 34 black slopes. 200 ski lifts and more than 1500 snow cannons.
6-day '3 Vallees' lift pass (04/05 prices): 232 euros/adult, 174 euros/junior (5-12yrs), 197 euros/senior citizens, children under 5 years and senior citizens over 75 years free.