Travel to Le Grand Massif

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Le Grand Massif, Rhône-Alpes

The area covered by the Grand Massif, between Geneva and Chamonix, in the northern part of the Haute-Savoie department, is in fact a natural reserve home to 5 resorts: Samoëns, Morillon, Flaine, Les Carroz, and Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. The villages located at a lower altitude are welcoming, lively, and inhabited all year long. Reaching an altitude of up to 2,500 metres, the mountains that surround the ski resorts provide a sprawling playground for fans of all types of snow sports. This area boasts many peculiarities: Samoens is the only mountain village classified as a historical monument, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval has an impressive cirque with several waterfalls, and cars are not allowed in Flaine, a resort which displays a mix of old buildings and works by contemporary artists such as Picasso, Vasarelly, and Dubuffet. Many find this resort lacks charm, but in order to really be appreciated, it needs to be considered from an architectural point of view. Finally, Les Carroz has earned the 'Famille Plus Montagne' award for the quality of its family-oriented facilities!
The region boasts authenticity and tradition, both in winter and in summer.

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pros

•  The small resorts
•  The familial atmosphere
•  The low altitude of the villages

cons

•  Flaine's lack of charm for some
•  In spring, it is necessary to go all the way to the top to find snow

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Visit Le Grand Massif

• To see

  The Fer-à-Cheval ('horseshoe') cirque boasts magnificent landscapes both in winter and in summer, including the Rouget waterfall and the Tines gorges.
  The Jaÿsinia botanical gardens in Samoens were created in 1906 by Marie Louise Cognac Jaÿ, founder of La Samaritaine, a Parisian department store.
  The view of Mont-Blanc from the summit of the Grandes Platières (Flaine), at an altitude of 2,500 metres.
  A vast expanse of snow, the Désert de Platé (Flaine) is a unique geological site, constituting a massive 40 million-year-old calcareous glacier!
  Old-fashioned chalets.

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  To do

  Skiing on the 137 slopes that stretch over 160 miles.
  The numerous cross-country skiing trails, particularly around the Fer-à-Cheval cirque.
  Try your hand at Afghan walking, with or without snowshoes, which involves a breathing technique in rhythm with your steps.
  Spotting chamois, alpine goats, and birds of prey in the Sixt area and the surrounding forests.
  If the weather isn't that good, you can always head for the skating rink.
  Pay a visit to a cheesemaker's cellar to bring back a local speciality.
  This is also the perfect place for paragliding.

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  To think about

  Always take a map when heading off for a walk on one of the mountain trails.

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• To avoid

  Regardless of the season, don't go into the mountains alone or without telling anyone where you're going.
  Always take a survival kit with you (phone, map, food, blanket and water).

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  To try

  As is often the case in mountain villages, tartiflette, fondue, raclette and diots are some of the traditional dishes to be enjoyed after an exhausting day spent hiking or on the slopes. The best local cheeses are Comté and Beaufort, which you can try at one of the local cheese cellars as you learn about their production and storage.

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  To bring back

  Sausages, cheeses, and other local specialities, such as sweets and jams. Otherwise, save your money for excursions, as there is little other than carved wooden trinkets to bring home as souvenirs.

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Country guide

France, All you need to know!

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• Culture and traditions 
• Useful Addresses 
• Events 
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• Souvenirs 

Le Grand Massif in pictures

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Share your opinion

Kyriad Lyon Centre Perrache

 

Score 10/10

Marie-Jacqueline Ballagh 28/09/2011 : "Geared for business conferences, this stylish chain hotel offers cheap rates at the weekend.Easy access to the main tourist attractions."

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