The Cities to Visit in The French Alps
Ahh, the French Alps! Is there a place more beautiful than this one? A magical scenery that belongs in fairytales, classic stories, and the like, it’s safe to say that there’s no place quite like this one. Despite the low temperature here, people grin and bear it just to stay and live in this part of the country. But before you come up with your own idea of what the French Alps are really like, you really ought to see and visit the region yourself. Most especially the towns and cities here!
Annecy
A serene lake that infiltrates within the city. One where white swans would gracefully land and float about as spectators hold their breath while they marvel at such a spectacle. That’s pretty much the idea of Annecy in the French Alps. Looking very much like a storybook setting, it’s as charming a city as one can get on this side of the country. Though it’s not the most modern nor the liveliest place in the region, it’s definitely one of the most picturesque. And while public transport in Paris is made up of taxis, buses, and an underground metro system, you’ll only really need a bike to travel around here in Annecy.
Aix-les-Bains
Located along Lake Bourget, beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe Aix-le-Bains. Internationally known as a spa town by the French Alps, it’s definitely one of the most breathtaking parts of the region. As well as, of course, the most relaxing. Though the area is known to typically have cold climates, the modern thermal baths in both the natural pools and the five-star resorts are definitely worth warming up to. As are the beautiful structures, not the least of which is Musée Faure. Housing works by Rodin and Monet, the place can almost rival the museums in Paris!
Chambéry
Beautiful structures dominate the city of Chambéry in the French Alps. Looking like a setting for a period film, this beautiful hillside town offers similarly stunning architectural marvels that complement the surrounding natural wonders. The most popular of which, the Château des Ducs de Savoie, is definitely one worth checking out. It used to be the home of the Dukes of Savoy from centuries ago. The church of Sainte-Chapelle, on the other hand, is a marvel of Gothic architecture that stands out in the best way. And if you’re more into museums, the Musée des Beaux-Arts is definitely right up your alley!
Chamonix
A ski resort town located at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is the type of town you’d most expect to see and visit in the French Alps. Beautifully juxtaposed against the stunning mountainous scenery, it offers all sorts of fun activities to ensure your visit here wouldn’t have been in vain. From mountaineering, hiking, and skiing, to playing golf or enjoying a relaxing day in a spa, there are so many things to do here that you won’t know where to start. And don’t worry. Even though it’s near the mountains, you can still get great coverage from your mobile network while you’re here!
Evian-les-Bain
Situated along the banks of Lake Geneva, Evian-les-Bains is a spa town that’s as beautiful as it is relaxing. Its beauty stems from the preserved Medieval aesthetic that the city still exhibits even to this day. And against the backdrop of the stunning French Alps, the view becomes even more breathtaking. But the relaxation it offers, on the other hand, is arguably second to none! It also helps that many of their spas are housed in beautiful structures. Case in point: the Palais Lumière. Here, thermal pools await locals and tourists who tire of the cold and want to warm up.
Grenoble
While most French countryside cities have preserved their Medieval styles, the ski town of Grenoble, on the other hand, exhibits a Renaissance aesthetic. The former capital of the Dauphiné region, most of the beautiful structures here served as the seat of power among the region’s — at times, even the rest of the country's— politics. The Palais de Justice stands proudly as a relic of that time. It’s a 15th-century building that never really changed its classic look after all these centuries. Beyond the city’s look, however, Grenoble remains a classic ski town that the world’s elite continue to retreat to when they want some wintry fun!
Megève
Skiing, snowboarding, sleigh-riding, and mountain-climbing — these are just some of the exciting winter sports on offer here at Megève. The premier sports town in the French Alps, this should be the number one destination for all you adrenaline junkies and athletes. Yes, the looks of the city are just as charming as the already-mentioned towns, but the real ace of this place is the natural arena for winter sports that’s all on offer. Think of it as a European version of Canada’s Whistler ski town. Like the latter, Megève has enough ski resorts, warm cottages, and cafés that are ready to offer you a cup of coffee when you’re done playing!
Val d’Isère
Ski, ski, ski! That’s what practically defines the town of Val d’Isère in the French Alps. Having said that, you pretty much get a good idea of what to expect here, right? Ski resorts, warm cafés, luxurious spas, and more! But what’s truly worthwhile about going to the city is it’s near one of the most beautiful parts of the region. While the other mountains by the other cities and towns still have a good shade of green to them, the ones here are fully covered in snow. It’s the winter wonderland you’ve always imagined!
Though the French Alps is a pretty popular winter destination, it’s still a bit underrated as compared to the country’s capital city of Paris, the French Riviera, and more. So perhaps knowing more about the towns and cities here would enlighten you and entice you enough to go here?
When you do go here, pick a luxury rental for your home! You’ll feel a lot more comfortable in one!
*This post was originally published on the All Luxury Apartments blog page.
