The French Alps are particularly convenient for European snow enthusiasts. Many resorts are in close proximity to the Swiss and Italian border and specialise in catered chalets. It is only a short fly or drive away from all European countries. The country offers a variety of ski resorts with a good range of difficulty, the best off-piste action and traditional architecture.

Many resorts now boast a wide range of hotels and apartments, but nothing beats the authentic ski chalet experience. When imagining a ski holiday, the majority of people will visualise a picturesque mountain chalet with views of snow-capped mountains. The French Alps has them in abundance, so how do you choose which one to stay in? The surrounding area of the chalet and the nearby ski resorts play a huge part in your holiday, so read on for the best chalet destinations in France.

Argentière

If you want to visit the birthplace of winter sports, then head to the Chamonix valley for some serious skiing. With one of the highest altitudes, Argentière offers unparalleled snow quality all season and is the gateway to the famous Grand Montets ski resort. There’s plenty more to do here apart from ski too. With traditional architecture and day trips available to nearby Italy and Switzerland. The small village has a number of charming chalets to rent, with spectacular views of the Argentière glacier and other snow-capped peaks.

Chamonix

Chamonix town is one of the most visited ski destinations in Europe and the world. If you’re going to visit the French Alps, then why not stay at the foot of the mountain range’s most magnificent peak, the Mont Blanc. Chamonix has a long history of mountaineering and winter sports. It boasts one of the most exciting off-piste runs on the Vallée Blanche. As an established Alpine town, Chamonix has a lot of accommodation options to cater to its thousands of visitors, including a wide range of deluxe chalets.

Courchevel 1850

Located in the Trois Vallées ski area, this is an upmarket village with reputation for decadence. One of the best features of Courchevel is its novice appeal. There are loads of beginner slopes for non-skiers and children to try out. The nearby resorts of Méribel and Val Thorens accommodate the intermediate and professional skiers. Renowned for attracting the rich and famous, you have the pick of luxury chalets in Courchevel. but be prepared to pay for it.

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If you’re planning your next trip to Argentiere, take a look at these luxury mountain chalets nestled in the scenic French Alps.

Marmotte Mountain Retreat

This chalet is traditional alpine accommodation set besides a charming ski village. With four double bedrooms, this chalet sleeps eight people and provides a decadent atmosphere. The luxury interior is just the start – it’s the stunning private forest location and the outdoor hot tub that really seals the deal. The chalet also comes with a large open space for the children to play in the rolling hills so it’s the perfect setting for a quiet family holiday.

Marmotte Mountain Azimuth

This chalet has a reputation as one of the most luxurious rental properties in the Argentiere area. Guests can enjoy a minimalist and comfortable design, complete with an open log fire, a sauna and an outdoor Jacuzzi. The views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains, often snow-capped, are out of this world. The location is also unrivalled; the chalet is located off the main road but it’s only a fifteen minute walk into the centre of the village.

Marmotte Mountain Zenith (1) and (2)

Combining contemporary design with classic mountain chalet furniture, this property is completely unique. Two traditional chalets stand side by side, to create a huge space which can cater for 20-25 people. Large groups will love the luxurious facilities, including a large balcony, two state of the art entertainment rooms and a huge indoor sauna. Right in the heart of the village, guests can reach Argentiere’s shops, restaurants and bars in just a few minutes’ walk.  Perhaps the best thing about these chalets are the breath-taking panoramic views – from the balcony you can directly view Mont Blanc and les Grands Montets ski resort, in addition to the picturesque Aigulles Rouge mountain range.

Marmotte Mountain Petit Zenith

Sleeping up to eight people, this charming chalet is brand new and finished to an impeccable standard. It boasts luxury amenities such as underfloor heating, a coffee machine and state of the art TV and music system. Just a few minutes from the village centre, this chalet is ideally located and has south facing views of Mont Blanc and les Grands Montets.

If you’d like to find out more about Argentiere and the holiday rentals available, contact our team today.

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The Alps are one of the world’s most picturesque mountain ranges, and are beautiful during all seasons. If you want to make sure you see the best of the stunning views on offer, make sure you visit one of these places to take them in. Read on for our list of the top Alpine views in the whole of Europe.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Nestled in the Southern Alps is a quaint little town with breath-taking scenery – Cortina d’Ampezzo. It is popular with winter sports buffs but is also home to several museums and landmarks. The spectacular mountain scenery hasn’t gone unnoticed, and numerous films have been shot in the area including The Pink Panther and For Your Eyes Only. You’ll get a fantastic view here in all directions.

St Moritz, Switzerland

The natural beauty of St Moritz has the rich and famous flocking to the illustrious ski town. With mountain ranges for miles, the views here are majestic but they come at a cost – this is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world. Once again the scenery has been featured in film, during the opening scenes of Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much.

Argentiere, France

Argentiere is an old traditional French Alpine village, and is part of the large Chamonix skiing resort. As far as mountain scenery goes, this quaint Savoyard village is pretty much unrivalled in Europe. It offers panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, and les Grands Montets glacier. Marmotte Mountain offers a range of luxury chalets with magnificent scenic views from every window.

Zermatt, Switzerland

This town is on the list because it is towered over by one spectacular mountain – the Matterhorn. Zermatt is a car-free destination, which alone makes it a charming town, but coupled with the remarkable views it is definitely worth a visit.

Where have you experienced spectacular views in the European Alps? Let us know.

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Here is Marmotte Mountain’s top reasons to go skiing in France.

1. Easily accessible

There are lots of pretty ski resorts to choose from in France, and they are all easily accessible. Hop on a short flight to Lyon or Geneva, and you could be checked into your stunning chalet within two or three hours. Chamonix benefits from motorway access, and is just a one hour drive from Geneva international airport. Many of the country’s ski centres are also accessible by train if you prefer not to fly and drive.

2. Views of Mont Blanc

Most ski destinations have impressive mountain views, but nothing quite like Mont Blanc. The towering mountain lies on the border of France and Italy and stands 4,808m above sea level. As the highest mountain in the Alps, this imposing peak creates the perfect backdrop to your ski holiday.

3. Variety of slopes

The ski resorts in France really do offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for intense off-piste skiing, powerful runs with vertical drops or gentle beginner slopes, the French Alps has it all. If you have a large party with varying levels of expertise, the resort of Chamonix is ideal as it has such a wide range of slopes and powder fields.

4. Lots of snow

Because many of the country’s mountain ranges are over 2000m high, France offers some of the most snow-sure resorts in Europe. The ski terrain offers fantastic snow quality, which is the crucial ingredient for any ski trip! In particular the resorts in Argentiere are a great choice for snow all season – you can hit the powder right up until May.

5. Excellent cuisine

A ski holiday isn’t all about what happens on the slopes – you’ll also want to experience the local culture and cuisine, and see what else the location has to offer. France has a world renowned reputation for excellent gastronomy, and many of the ski resorts have a pick of exquisite fine dining establishments.

Are you convinced yet? Book your French ski holiday with us to experience the luxury trip of a lifetime.

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