About France

Take some of Europe’s most elegant resorts and highly rated ski schools. Add sophisticated nightlife, friendly Gallic charm and fine food as only the French can prepare it. Then serve with superb skiing and snowboarding opportunities et voilá…. you’ve just been introduced to the recipe for an unforgettable winter sports holiday in the French Alps.

Long popular for its excellent conditions, superb facilities and a wide selection of resorts, this is a region offering something to enthusiasts of all abilities, from complete beginners to advanced skiers questing for a new challenge.

At many resorts you can ski straight from your doorstep to vast areas offering a huge variety of skiing challenges. It’s also possible to change valley and ski from resort to resort with the same lift pass in many areas. Renowned for their excellent standards of tuition, French ski schools are ideal for first-time skiers to learn the sport. Snowboarders are well catered for too, with a great selection of runs and dedicated parks for riders to enjoy.

When it comes to unwinding after a day on the slopes, it’s hard to beat the region’s après ski scene, offering a tremendous choice of bars, clubs, shops, leisure activities and of course, many restaurants serving the fine food and wine for which France is famous.

Skiset

Topflight is once again delighted to be working in our featured resorts with Skiset, the region’s leading provider of quality rental ski equipment. As the number one sports shop in the French Alps, Skiset pride themselves on stocking equipment only from top brands. This is tested both by expert skiers and local shop staff to ensure the highest standards, and again thoroughly checked after each rental. Safety is of paramount importance for Skiset, especially for children. Ski helmets are now available for all customers to pre-book. Prices are available on request. Skiset is committed to offering only quality products and service with a smile from English-speaking staff to all Topflight guests. Offering convenient opening hours, Skiset rental shops are centrally located within each resort to ensure they are as close as possible to all accommodation.

Local Information

Currency

The unit of currency is the Euro.

Banks generally open 0900-1200 and 1400-1600 Monday to Friday. Some banks close Monday and some are open Saturday. Banks close early (1200) on the day before a bank holiday; in rare cases, they may also close for all or part of the day after.

Food

Lunch is usually served from 12.00 noon to 2.00pm and dinner from 8.00pm to 10.00pm. French cuisine is world renowned, from simple, regional dishes to the gastronomic delights of haute cuisine restaurants.

Drink

Wine is by far the most popular alcoholic drink in France and there is an endless variety, from about €2.50 a bottle. Beer is also popular and cheaper than Ireland. Spirits, tea and coffee are comparative in price to Ireland.

Languages

French is the native language. English is widely understood.