WINTER BREAKS 2017/18 THE GUIDE


Cimalpes offers luxury rentals in Courchevel, Méribel, Megève and Val d’Isère


chalets to guests in the French resorts of Val d’Isère, Tignes and Tignes les Brévières. There is a range of properties to suit different groups, families, couples and single travellers of all skiing abilities, all affording a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with the best standards in service, food and wine.


The chalets all offer a hot tub, sauna or even access to spa facilities, so downtime is guaranteed. Each chalet is also in an ideal location with easy access to the slopes, as well as to all the ski school meeting places, restaurants, bars, local amenities and alternative activities. www.skibonjour.com


SPAS Vichy


Arguably the most famous spa town in France, Vichy has been providing soothing thermal waters since the Roman era but was brought to the fore when Napoleon III invested in its development during the 19th century. Beauty, health and well-being are the main focuses in the many spas punctuating the cityscape, each providing a range of treatments; from facials and anti-cellulite treatments to North African hammams and sought-after thermal cures. The five-star Vichy Célestins Spa Hôtel is perhaps the most renowned of them all, and certainly lives up to the town’s stellar reputation, incorporating as it does a grand 7,500m2


the premises. www.vichy-spa-hotel.com


Salins-les-Bains Two hundred million years ago, what is now the town of Salins- les-Bains was completely submerged by water. As the water levels gradually fell, layers of rock salt were formed, which mixed with the water to create saline springs. Today, Salins-les-Bains, which is in the Bourgogne-Franche- Comté region, is famed for its spa drawing on this natural water source. A brand new spa has opened up this year, offering hydrotherapy, a 29°C salt-water swimming pool, two Nordic-style saunas, a hammam steam bath and deckchairs for a truly relaxing break.


There is also a choice of beauty treatments on offer, including scrubs with Dead Sea salt or fig, facials, essential oil baths, hand care, and wonderful things like cocoa, honey and marine algae wraps. Prices for the various treatments do vary, so head to the website to check out all the available packages. www.thermes-salins.com


Bains de Dorres spa on


The hot springs of Bains de Dorres in the Pyrénées provide a beautiful setting for an open-air dip, even in the heart of winter. With a constant temperature of around 38°C, the sulphur waters in the outdoor granite pools offer a chance to relax whatever the weather. They’re open daily all year round, apart from a brief closure from the end of November to early December. www.bains-de-dorres.com


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Giving people the chance to participate in snow sport activities regardless of their disability, additional need or life-challenging condition


Embrace the mountains Feel the freedom Be empowered!


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IMAGE © CIMALPES


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