Val d'Isère
France > Alps > Vanoise > Tignes and Val d'Isère

Val d'Isère

TIGNES is an unattractive, purpose-built resort near the artificial Lac de Chevril, which has little to offer aside from foot access to the Parc National da la Vanoise via the GR 5, which passes through town, and a hostel, Les Clarines (tel 04.79.41.01.93, [email protected]; closed first three weeks in June). Linked to Tignes by ski-lifts, the resort of VAL D'ISÈRE sits in the shadow of the Col de l'Iseran on its north side, twelve kilometres further up river and best reached by bus from Bourg-St-Maurice. Once a tiny mountain village, Val d'Isère is now a hideous agglomeration of cafés, supermarkets, apartments and chalets – but with some of the finest skiing in Europe. It also makes a convenient centre for walking – details from the tourist office (daily 8.30am–7.30pm; tel 04.79.06.06.50, www.valdisere.com) – but staying here will certainly lighten your wallet. One of the cheapest options is the Sakura (tel 04.79.06.04.08, www.sakura7.com; summer €55–70, winter €85–100), while there's a campsite nearby on the edge of the resort at Le Laisinant.