Love to ski? A skier’s repertoire can’t possibly complete without a trip to the French Alps. Unequalled by any other region in the world for linked terrain, it appears one can ski forever in the French Alps!
Located in Western Europe, France is sandwiched between Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain, with Great Britain just across the English Channel. France is a hub of refinement. Drink the best wine in the world, see the most famous paintings ever made, eat the most sophisticated cuisine, watch cutting-edge films, relax on the most pristine beaches… France appears to have it all.
Great places to study French are Bordeaux, Nice, Normandy, Montellier, and of course, Paris.
Paris, the capital of France, is known as the “City of Light”. It is also known as the most popular tourist destination in the world, and for good reason. Paris is home to the Eiffel Tower, which was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1889. The Louvre, a spectacular art museum, is home to such works as the Mona Lisa, Madonna of the Rocks, and the Venus de Milo. Famous artists whose paintings and sculptures are displayed at the Louvre include Leonardo da Vinci, Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Rubens. In total, there are over 35,000 works of art at the Louvre. Another art museum in Paris is the Musée d’Orsay, which holds an extensive collection of French Impressionist works. Major painters such as Monet, Renoir, Manet, Degas, Cézanne, Van Gogh, and Seurat have work displayed here. The Musée d’Orsay also has an exceptional collection of sculptural masterpieces and furniture design.
A short side trip from Paris will take
you to the Palace of Versailles, built for the Sun King, Louis XIV. Versailles
is one of the largest and most absurdly luxurious palaces in the world. Vast
formal gardens extend in all directions and include fountains, sculptures and
the Grand Canal. The Palace of Versailles has been an architectural inspiration
for many later buildings, including palaces in England, Russia, Poland, Sweden,
Germany, and even Rhode Island.
Another location in France that is a hotspot of activity is Provence. Located in southeastern France along the Mediterranean coast, Provence is known for its beaches, mountains, lavender fields, art, wine, and food. Popular destinations in this region are the French Riviera, known for its exclusive beaches; the town of Arles, known for Vincent Van Gogh’s tenure in its mental institution; the Cannes Film Festival, one of the most important in the world; the French Alps, with arguably the best skiing to be found; and proximity to Monte Carlo with its Grand Prix and casinos.
A true skier’s paradise, the French Alps include the largest ski areas in the world. Les Trois Vallees (the Three Valleys) are three interlinked valleys that can be skied on one ski pass. This is the largest ski area in the world connected by ski lifts and slopes, encompassing 410 square miles. Another famous ski area, Les Portes du Soleil, connects thirteen resorts between Mount Blanc in France and Lake Geneva in Switzerland. It covers 400 square miles and fourteen valleys. France… come for the culture, stay for the skiing!
Looking to study abroad in France? Try All Study Abroad, Languages Abroad, or AmeriSpan Study Abroad. Each has a wide selection of programs to help you find exactly what you are looking for.
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