| This
charming old spa town below Méribel in France's Three
Valleys has more to offer than hot steam.
Brides-les-Bains
is not just a spa town; it is also a ski resort. Located
right next to the La Vanoise Nature Park, at an altitude
of 600m, Brides-les-Bains has all the charm of an authentic
Savoy mountain village, to complement its unique qualities.
It was 'the Olympic Village' and home to the athletes participating
in the 1992 Winter Olympics. You get the 'real small town'
feel when you arrive at Brides-les-Bains and this greatly
contrasts with the internationally better known resorts
up the mountain which include arguably France's choicest
resort Courchevel, Europe's highest major resort Val Thorens
and Europe's ugliest resort - Les Menuires. One thing is
certain though; it also offers better value for accommodations
than the altitude resorts and is quieter in the evenings,
although it is the main administrative and shopping centre
of the Valley.
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It was
'the Olympic Village' and home to the athletes participating
in the 1992 Winter Olympics. You get the 'real small
town' feel when you arrive at Brides-les-Bains and
this greatly contrasts with the internationally better
known resorts up the mountain which include arguably
France's choicest resort Courchevel, Europe's highest
major resort Val Thorens and Europe's ugliest resort
- Les Menuires. |
One
thing is certain though; it also offers better value
for accommodation than the altitude resorts and
is quieter in the evenings, although it is the main
administrative and shopping centre of the Valley.
A ski car seamlessly connects Brides-les-Bains to
the Trois Vallées where qualified ski instructors
are ready to teach skiers of all ages and levels.
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The
unique quality of the resort is the slimming spa status
the town holds. This dates back to the last century
and continues to be a second string to its tourism
bow, with the emphasis today on health and weight
loss. The thermal resort at Thermes d'Orsi employs
specialists and professionals including doctors, masseurs,
dieticians and psychologists who can work out special
weight loss and fitness programs, often involving
a pleasurable dip in the 36 Celsius thermal pool at
Salins, a hydro massage and a visit to the mud bath.
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It is
a peaceful, quiet countryside that hasn’t been spoiled
and remains simple and accessible where you can gaze in
awe at the lakes and villages. From Lake Bourget to Lake
Annecy, from Mont-blanc to la Vanoise, passing through Les
Bauges Regional Nature Park on the way, and historic capitals
such as Chambéry or even Turin. At the same time
the town folks have managed to instill some nightlife into
the town.
Nightlife in the resort is generally
quiet and limited to hotel bars and a few other
small establishments in addition to a cinema and
two discotheques. If they wish, guests can choose
to stay up the mountain at Meribel after skiing
for a `full-on` action packed evening. However the
casino at Brides Les Bains casino draws guests back
down the mountain to play roulette, black jack or
the games machines. The resort also stages classical,
jazz and rock concerts as well as exhibitions and
other entertainments at regular intervals.
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Located
in the very heart of the Vallée de Tarentaise,
this outstanding Alpine village has managed to keep
intact the charm of a modestly sized resort with
a friendly atmosphere. In summer and winter alike,
you can enjoy mountain activities as well as slipping
into your bathrobe in a cutting-edge spa centre.
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Brides-les-Bains
is the only resort in France where there’s
truly something for everybody and for all tastes,
from the most sporting to the most thought-provoking.
And these surroundings will play a large role in
ensuring the success of your slimming course, if
like me you need one!
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How
to get there
Nearest airports are Geneva and Lyon. However you can also
travel by the ski train.
A winter weekend
in Tallinn, Estonia
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