A relatively modern, purpose-built
ski-resort, set out in a roughly triangular shape and terraced
down a gently sloping plateau. Relatively compact, the centre
is only about 1 ml sq and it is possible to walk the circumference
of the resort (including the newer area of Les Bergers) in
a few hours.
The old town is situated at the SW end of the village, where
the streets are narrower and more winding than those in the
more modern areas to the NE of the commercial centre. There
is quite a mix of building styles, with copious amounts of
wooden cladding on many of the modern hotels, added in an
attempt to maintain an alpine atmosphere. Despite the higgledy-piggledy
nature of the architecture, it seems to work successfully
in the setting, except for a few ugly ducklings like the church
(possibly the most unattractive place of worship in W Europe!).
Suitability:
Predominantly young people and families, with the majority
of visitors from Britain. All levels of skier are well catered
for and there is a selection of activities for the nonskier.
Solidly middlemarket with the emphasis on active enjoyment
on the slopes and surrounds rather than showing off the latest
designer labels. The up-beat atmosphere continues in the evening
as lively apres-ski crowds hit the streets.
Accommodation:
Variety of family-run hotels, larger impersonal aparthotels,
plenty of self-catering accommodation and several club hotels,
all giving the impression of a large town; only a very few
have genuine alpine appeal. Most are in the 2- and 3-star
categories, with quite high standards for these ratings. |
