THE GUIDE WINTER BREAKS 2018/19


WINTER BREAKS 2017/18 THE GUIDE


SKI 2018-2019 SELF-CATERING APARTMENTS CHALETS HOTELS


Skiing opens up a whole new altitudinous landscape of mountains and valleys Valloire (Alps) FRENCH ALPS


& PYRENEES WEEK STAYS


SHORT BREAKS WEEKENDS ABTA No. V554X


Nestled at the foot of the Col du Galibier mountain pass, Valloire is a ski resort that has all the charm of a village. This twinkling cluster of chalets and ski runs is beloved by families in particular, thanks to its facilities catering to all levels of ability, a variety of accommodation and some truly stunning views. There’s also a fiercely competitive tournament that takes place here every year called ‘Sculptures sur neige’. This year running from January 22-25, 2019, the unusual gathering sees competitors from around the globe go head-to- head in an enormous snow- sculpting battle, with exceptional results. There’s nothing quite like it! Galibier-Thabor area open from December 22, 2018 – April 19, 2019 www.valloire.net


SPAS 04 79 07 93 05


contact@maison-coutin.com www.maison-coutin.com


152 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Oct/Nov 2018


After all that excitement, you’d be forgiven for wanting to slip away somewhere quiet. Fortunately, France has its fair share of spas – both luxury and more affordable – in which to relieve those aching joints. Soothing baths in natural springs, saunas, hammams, blissful massages and beauty treatments abound in these kernels of warmth, so read on and plan the relaxing finale to your winter escape.


Bains de Dorres


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 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


Les Sources de Caudalie What could possibly be more French than basting oneself in wine? ‘Vinothérapie’, as it’s called, was coined by luxury brand Caudalie and can be enjoyed at its hotel Les Sources de Caudalie in vineyard- smothered Martillac. This approach to therapy blends spa treatments with the hallowed grape juice for ultimate refreshment – or, in the company’s own words, “combines the virtues of natural hot spring water drawn from 540m beneath the earth with the most recent scientific discoveries of the benefits of the grape and the grapevine”. www.sources-caudalie.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 in the Bourgogne-Franche- Comté region is famed for its


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