The French Alps

A popular area loaded with vacation opportunities, the French Alps were sculpted by glaciers, giving the corresponding valleys a mild climate and rich soil. There are a lot of towns in the area, for what at first glance might seem like an inhospitable and isolated section of France. In fact, the French Alps are loaded with well connected towns, and are popular year round, making them ideal for vacations in France. Divided into two providences, Savoy in the north, containing Mont Blanc, and Dauphine in the south, home to Grenoble, the main city of the alps, the French Alps are a popular and diverse region.

Inspiring craggy peaks and snowcapped mountains rise up in the French Alps, where there are fantastic opportunities for skiers and snowboarders. There are over 200 resorts in the Alps, with Chamonix, Megeve and Val d’Isere being the most popular. Chamonix features the world’s highest cable car, and Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe, is near Chamonix. Annecy has lantern lit lanes, Chambery contain the most history, and Grenoble is the largest city in the French Alps.

Weather gives way very rapidly and varies from summer to winter. With pleasant weather in the summer the valleys open up to lush green fauna and fields of wildflowers. Hiking, as well as rafting, mountain biking, and canoeing are popular. Paragliding and skydiving are also possible. There are three national parks and four regional parks within the Alps--Vanoise, Ecrins, and Mercantour.

In addition, France tourist attractions are varied and wide including Marseille to the south, with its charming street markets, old port, and historic sections. Stout supporters of the revolution, Louis the XIV built two fortresses on the port, with guns facing the city. In addition, France’s national anthem is called La Marseilles, named from the soldiers chanting the tune as the marched to Paris. Normandy is an historic area of France. Home to the D-Day beaches, as well as many charming and picturesque towns. Joan of Arch was burned in Rouen, an ancient, inland town with superb medieval buildings and museums. Mont-St-Michael bay contains a beautiful seascape, with a 264 feet granite wall. The French Rivera is a popular France tourist attractions. It has a plethora of jet set towns including Nice, Cannes, and Saint Tropez. Of course, the most famous of French towns is Paris. Paris is a center for museums, restaurants, monuments, and shopping. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre museum, and Notre Dame cathedral all reside in Paris. Bordeaux is home to amazing French wine and Lyon is a historic and well located metropolis, perfect for blitzing into Switzerland, Italy, and the Alps. Plenty of cities hold great France tourist attractions, and the French Alps are a beautiful and athletic place to spend a French vacation.