Skiing in France
Ready for your next ski adventure? France is the place to be. The French Alps stand proud between Austria and France, providing a dramatic backdrop for skiers and tourists alike.
Whether you're an experienced skier or just getting started, our guide to skiing in France has you covered.
Learn about the best French ski resorts, destinations, and must-visit restaurants for a memorable holiday on the slopes.
Morzine
Ski area: 650 km (403 miles)
Between Avoriaz and Les Gets, Morzine is part of the Port du Soleil domain and among the best French ski resorts. It has 80 trails: 52 are for intermediates, 9 for beginners and 9 for expert skiers. It represents a classic Alpine village with traditional chalets, rustic lodges and upmarket boutiques. If skiing isn’t for you, don't worry! You can relax at a spa, go ice skating, or enjoy tobogganing with your kids.
Where to eat:
- La Chaudanne (££)
- Le Vaffieu (££)
- Le Colibri (££)
Val d'Isère
Ski area: 300 km (186 miles)
Val d'Isère is one of France's best ski resorts, with 300 km of slopes and 158 runs. This commune is part of the Espace Killy, named after the three-time Olympic gold medalist Jean-Claude Killy. The resort is famous for having hosted the World Alpine Ski Championships in 2009 and hosting the Critérium de la Première Neige competition every year since 1955. There's something for every experience level here, from the challenging Face de Bellevarde piste to the gentle slopes in the Solaise sector.
Where to eat:
- L'Etincelle (££)
- L'Edelweiss (££-£££)
- Le Peau de Vache (££-£££)
Tignes
Ski area: 300 km (186 miles)
This high-altitude ski resort enjoys some of Europe's most remarkable snow coverages. On a clear day, you can admire the spectacular U-shaped valley and its crowning jewel, the Grande Motte glacier. Tignes sits in the Espace Killy ski area and benefits from 300 km of pistes and 10,000 hectares of off-piste terrain. There are slopes for all experience levels and exciting activities for non-skiers.
Where to eat:
- L'ARTI - Restaurant & Lieu de vie à Tignes (££)
- Le Caveau (£££)
- Le Queue de Chochon (££-£££)
Les Deux Alpes
Ski area: 223 km (138 miles)
This high-altitude ski resort in southern France boasts one of the world's greatest on-piste vertical drops with a descent of 2,268 m. Le Deux Alpes also hosts one of the French Alps' largest snow parks and endless acres of off-piste terrain for all experience levels. Beginners can take the Jandri Express gondola to the blue slopes at the foot of the glacier, while expert skiers can reach the Diable 1 piste via the Diable chairlift.
Where to eat:
- Le Trappeur (££)
- Chez Le Gaulois (££)
- Le Petit Charbon de Bois (££-£££)
Chamonix
Ski area: 150 km (93 miles)
Nestled at the bottom of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is famous for having hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924. The area benefits from excellent snow conditions thanks to its altitude and the cooling effect of four glaciers. Its expert terrain and off-piste skiing make it a firm favourite among skiers, complemented by state-of-the-art facilities. Gentle pistes like Le Tour and Les Houches are perfect for beginners, while the Grands Montets offer an exhilarating experience for advanced skiers.
Where to eat:
- Chez Constant (££)
- La Cabane des Praz (£££)
- La Maison Carrier (£££)
Grenoble, Isère
Known as the capital of the Alps due to its proximity and size, Grenoble is a must-visit location. The city sits along the banks of the Drac River at the foot of the French Alps, surrounded by the Fort Rabot and the Fort de la Bastille. It combines a rich cultural heritage with spectacular natural scenery, offering visitors the best of both worlds.
Highlights include:
Annecy, Haute-Savoie
This picture-perfect city lies on the northern tip of Lake Annecy, surrounded by mountains and forests. Described as the 'Pearl of the French Alps' by geographer Raoul Blanchard, Annecy provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature. White swans glide around the Thiou River, which flows in and out of the old town, while colourful geraniums add a romantic feel. Stroll around its charming, cobbled alleys and along small footbridges to admire its fairy-tale look.
Highlights include:
- Palais de l'Île
- Château d'Annecy
- Cathédrale Saint-Pierre
Aix-les-Bains, Savoie
Fancy a relaxing retreat surrounded by unspoilt nature? Aix-les-Bains is hard to beat. This charming spa town was once a popular holiday destination among the wealthy; its natural hot springs have been used for curative purposes since Roman times. It's home to majestic architecture from the Belle Époque and organises exciting water sports competitions for all experience levels.
The best spa resorts in Aix-les-Bains include:
Chambéry, Savoie
Steeped in history, Chambéry is another popular spot in the French Alps. The town was the capital of the independent state of Savoy between the 13th and 16th centuries, and its location between the Bauges and Chartreuse Mountains makes it an important crossroad. The old town is a treasure trove of independent shops and restaurants framed by a picturesque backdrop.
Highlights include:
Driving to the Alps from the UK
The French Alps are a scenic drive from our ferry ports, the closest being Dieppe (7 hours). If you arrive at our Dunkirk or Calais ports, the journey is between 8 and 9 hours.
With DFDS, you can bring your vehicle and pets onboard our ferry crossings. Visit our passenger information page to find all you need to know about preparing for your journey. If you have other questions, contact us directly or browse our FAQs.
