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- Destinations
- Europe
- France
- French Alps
- Val d'Isere
Val d'Isere
Val d'Isere is one of the best European ski holiday
destinations; it has some of the best and highest on- and off-piste
skiing in the world. The Val d'Isere resort is linked with Tignes,
and between them they have about 193 miles (310km) of marked runs
for every level of skier. Both holiday resorts were developed,
rather badly, in the 1970s and large square hotels dominate the
town, although recent developments have succeeded in creating a
more attractive feel.
However, a Val d'Isere holiday remains popular with the English
due to the great skiing and busy nightlife. There are also plenty
of good French restaurants to choose from. The Val d'Isere village
is becoming increasingly busy in the summer when tourists flock
there on holiday for walking or paragliding.
Information & Facts
Activities
A Val d'Isere holiday offers a variety of options for non-skiers
including an indoor swimming pool and an outdoor ice-skating rink.
Tandem paragliding and paragliding lessons can be arranged via the
tourist office.
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
Few Val d'Isere chalets are within walking distance of the
lifts, so skiers have to make use of the efficient bus service. Val
d'Isere is very popular and slopes get crowded during school
holidays. Val d'Isere developed quickly in the 1960s and 70s when
there were few planning controls, and this is reflected in much of
the town's architecture, however since the 90s all new buildings
have had to conform with traditional styles, in keeping with the
ancient village which the town grew up around.
Night Life
Après-ski on a Val d'Isere holiday is dominated by English
speakers and bars such as Dick's Tea Bar and the Moris Pub fill up
with Brits and Aussie skiers straight off the slopes. Many stay
until the early hours before staggering back to their quarters
still in their ski boots. Skiers can head to the four-star Hotel
Christiana's bar or Victor's for a more sophisticated drink. Dick's
Tea Bar gets going after midnight with loud music and plenty of
alcohol.
Restaurants
There are more than 50 restaurants in Val d'Isere, most serving
up a first-rate but pricey menu. Le Grande Ourse and Hotel
Savoyarde are among the best restaurants in Val d'Isere but fine
restaurants can be found on most streets. As is often the case, the
smaller more intimate restaurants generally offer the best fare and
it's best to ask a local for up-to-date advice. The same goes for
the mountain restaurants - those at the lift stations are not great
by French standards, but some real gems are tucked away and often
only found by chance.
Shopping
Val d'Isere has plenty to offer shopaholics on holiday,
particularly those with large wallets wanting to look their best on
the slopes. Prices are much more affordable towards the end of the
season as shops clear the shelves for next year's look. There are
mini-supermarkets and some wonderful delicatessens if you are
self-catering.
Time
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and
last Sunday in October).