The vast and changing landscape of the French Alpes provides the most fantastic scenery, clean fresh air, stunning mountains and crystal clear lakes. All the traditional holiday activities are on offer from high adrenalin rushes to gentle strolls. See below for some typical activities:

Walking - pedestrian trails are maintained by organisations in each area. Maps are available from Tourist Offices in resort.  ‘Walking in the Alps' from Guide publisher Cicerone is worth acquiring visit www.cicerone.co.uk

Mountain biking - mountain bikes make easy work of getting up hill, but ski lifts are better! Cycle round at altitude then off-road it home down some fairly serious ski pistes. Try resorts such as Les Deux Alpes and Les Gets which are renowned for excellent mountain biking areas.

Via Ferrata - a challenging and demanding combination of scrambling and climbing rockfaces with man-made courses of pegs and cables, fixed ropes, ladders and hand rails. They vary in length and difficulty to suit most people’s appetites for adventure, and some sites have special courses for children. Helmets and harnesses are provided for safety. Perhaps try Via Ferrata in Valloire, but most resorts in the French Alps will have Via Ferrata areas.

Paragliding - fly with the birds and see the Alps from a different view. Starting on top of a hill and running till airborne, paragliding is similar to hangliding, using an inflatable parachute to catch thermal air currents and gain height. Tandem flights, where you are strapped in front of an instructor are popular as a first experience flight. Lake Annecy and Chamonix are popular places to try this type of sport due to their spectacular scenery.