The Berkeley Guides:
Berkeley Guide to Europe:
France:
The Alps
How do you introduce the Alps? "Majestic snow-capped peaks," "craggy ledges and rocks," "flowery wooden chalets," "rugged mountain people" . . . all the clichés apply. You can still find traditional villages framed by massive granite peaks rising up in the background, but the Alpine landscape has changed over the past 20 years. The lifestyle in many towns has gone from agricultural to tourist industrial, thanks to the explosion of skiers, mountain climbers, hikers, and bikers who make the Alps their playground. Change isn't always for the worse; along with condo-filled ski stations comes a plethora of budget accommodations and a raging nightlife.
Some of the best skiing in the world is done at Chamonix, Les Arcs, and Val d'Isère, but big prices (at least 150F for a lift ticket) reflect the big operations. For better prices (about 100F), head to a smaller station like Valloire or St-Véran. Cross-country skiing might be the most enjoyable way to really see the Alps. All it takes is equipment (75F100F per day) and a strong set of lungs. In the summer, mountain bikers take over the cross-country ski trails. Look for the little yellow bicycle sign pointing you toward a VTT Circuit (mountain biking trail), or ask for maps at any local bike shop, where bikes go for 80F120F a day. For the truly short of funds, hiking is the best way to see the Alps. Two major routes, the Grande Randonnée (GR) and the Grand Traversée des Alpes (GTA), lead from town to town.
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