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- Destinations
- Europe
- France
- French Alps
- Tignes
Tignes
Albeit a purpose-built resort with unattractive architecture,
the holiday destination of Tignes is one of Europe's highest
resorts and offers the best snow conditions in the Alps with
excellent snow cover and a place to ski almost year round thanks to
the high-altitude Grand Motte glacier. An excellent lift system
links the holiday resort of Tignes to its neighbour Val d'Isère and
together they form the vast ski area known as Espace Killy, with
193 miles (310km) of lift-linked trails and an area that is
regarded as one of Europe's best and most beautiful ski areas.
Tignes is made up of three villages: Val Claret is the highest
and is situated at the foot of the glacier; Tignes Le Lac with its
stunning setting on the lake is the largest, and the modern Tignes
Le Lavachet is further down. Two small villages below, Tignes Les
Brévières and Tignes Les Boisses, are directly linked to the ski
area and provide a more traditional atmosphere with charming
chalets, narrow streets and picturesque churches. All five villages
are connected by a free bus service.
Information & Facts
Activities
Non-skiing holidaymakers will find lots to do in Tignes,
including dog sledding, paragliding and hang gliding, ice and rock
climbing, horseriding, walking, mountain biking and iceskating.
There are also fitness and spa centres that offer jacuzzis, saunas,
a beauty parlour and swimming pools. In March and April scuba
diving tours under the ice (Tignes Le Lac) are run by the Adventure
School. Summer skiing is also available on the Grand Motte glacier
with over 25 miles (40km) of runs open.
Language
French is the official language.
Money
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in France. Currency can
be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some large hotels,
though you will get a better exchange rate at the ATMs. Major
credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques,
particularly in major tourist destinations. Foreign currency is not
accepted.
Negatives
Tignes is a purpose-built resort and those seeking a traditional
French-chalet style atmosphere will be disappointed. The resort is
popular and prices are accordingly high. The nightlife and
après-ski action is limited.
Night Life
The nightlife in Tignes is relatively quiet, and those seeking a
more active scene will have to head to neighbouring Val d'Isère.
Numerous bars and cafes cater to the off-the-slopes crowd, and
several discos shake until the early hours, but the village
authorities do not tolerate wild partying in the streets and
general rowdiness is likely to bring on a large fine or a visit to
the local jail. Tignes Le Lac and Val Claret are the liveliest
villages.
Restaurants
Numerous restaurants in Tignes cater to the different tastes and
budgets of all holidaymakers with a wide selection of international
cuisine and local Savoyard fare, from American-style fast food,
pizzerias and a taste of Mexico to crèperies and chicken cordon
bleu. Local specialities can be found at the Brasserie du Petit
Savoyard in Val Claret and Le Brasero in Le Lavachet. Gourmets will
be satisfied at Hotel Ski d'Or or Le Caveau in Val Claret.
Shopping
With over 150 shops, holiday visitors wanting to shop till they
drop will be able to find almost everything in the resort area from
upmarket French boutiques to sports equipment and tourist items.
Markets offer homemade goods with a traditional French flavour.
Time
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and
last Sunday in October).