Days out in the French Alps
1. Grenoble
Grenoble is the capital of the Alps and a large bustling city with a population of over 150,000. The city has a long history and a strong connection with the French Revolution. The world famous cable cars offer stunning views across the city and the surrounding area. The museum of Grenoble is situated in the heart of the old town; the building itself is as a result of a collaboration of local architects and houses a massive range of ancient paintings, 19th and 20th century paintings and furniture. www.ville-grenoble.fr
2. Le Palais du Chocolat
Just next to Saint André you wouldn't think that you could stumble across a chocolate lovers heaven… not only will you find the chocolate shop to beat all chocolate shops but you'll also find the chocolate museum. You can either visit the museum at your leisure or take a guided tour, you'll discover the history and work of the creators of this wonderful chocolate. A must for chocolate lovers!
3. Cascade de la Pisse
This magnificent waterfall - typical of the French Alps - lies up the valley from Ceillac. It is 280 metres high and because of the gradient of its fall it hardly ever freezes in the winter. This waterfall really is a sight to behold.
4. Chamonix - La Mer de Glace
La Mer de Glace is an incredible glacier in Montnevers, Chamonix. It is 7km long, 1200 metres wide and 200 metres deep. Visit the 'grotte de glace', a cave under the glacier which is completely made of ice and contains several ice sculptures. Look out for the wildlife around the glacier and also pay a visit to the exhibition showing how the glacier was formed.
5. Bateau La Mira
This boat trip takes you down a beautiful turquoise river surrounded by cliffs, hills, mountains and incredible waterfalls. There is so much to see on this unique trip and some of the sights are only accessible by boat! Look out for the Brion Bridge, the Drac waterfall, the Drac caves and canyons and also the Vercors cliffs, you will be astounded.
6. Safari de Peagres
This safari park has two sections, the drive through safari and the pedestrian visit. In the car you will come face to face with nature's wildest animals; elephants, zebras and lions to name but a few. On foot you can take a walk through the zoological gardens for a breathtaking encounter with over 90 species of exotic animals. At the Manor of Montanet you can meander through the underground passage to meet up with the crocodiles, snakes and bats.
www.safari-peaugres.com7. Annecy
Annecy is a beautiful city which not only has a great deal of history and art but is also the perfect city for sports and leisure activities. The magnificent lake is an ideal playground; swimming, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and skin-diving are all available. The city itself also has a great deal to offer; take a guided tour of Annecy (The Art City) and then explore the Castle, the Alpine Miniature Museum and finally the wonderful Art Gallery.
www.lac-annecy.com8. Lac du Bourget
Le Bourget is the largest natural lake in France and covers over 4400 hectares, extending for 18km. Many watersports are available here including water-skiing, windsurfing, rowing, diving, fishing and swimming. It offers excellent hill walking and mountain biking. There are also many restaurants and cafés to relax in.
9. Le jardin des Fontaines Pétrifiantes
These gardens are thought of as being amongst some of the most beautiful aquatic gardens in France. With over 15000 flowers, trees and shrubs, these tropical gardens really are something special. The gardens themselves took three years to build and due to the exceptionally high amount of limestone in some of the springs, objects are covered with crystals and transformed into shining jewels.
10. Walibi - Theme park
This relatively new theme park is popular among children and adults alike. With 35 hectares of space you'll discover around thirty rides (of which four are water rides), numerous shows, games rooms, restaurants and shops. Walibi is also an aqua park so be prepared with your swimming costumes.
www.walibi-rhone-alpes.fr