If you are somewhere in between the two extremes, there are so many options that you’ll need to narrow your search down to specifics or end up scratching your head in indecision until the snow melts.  Remember also that the earlier you book your accommodations, the more likely there will be special deals, even freebies, such as day-care for the kids.

First you need to decide on when you want to go and how long you want to stay; because that’s going to affect the rates you’ll pay.  Then there’s the question of whether you’re taking the family or just a friend, or taking no one and hoping to meet up with a kindred soul.

All these factors and many more should be taken into account when making a decision amongst the plethora of options for France ski holidays.  You will find that almost all of them offer at least a few bunny slopes, but a limited number can provide a glacier with lifts.  Some are geared more to nightlife than to exhausting daytime adventures, but you will probably want some of both.

Try not to be confused by nomenclature.  Some of the ‘summer villas’ become ‘ski chalets’ when the snow falls.  There are ski villas in France, ski chalets, ski resorts and some that just expect you to know them by name, such as Chamonix.

This area has five separate ski areas and is world-renowned for its stunning scenery and variety of terrain, crowned and dominated by the massive Mont Blanc.  Here the skiing is arguably the most challenging in the world, but you will also find heated indoor swimming pools, tennis and squash courts, sunbeds and saunas and enough lively nightlife to satisfy the most diverse tastes.

The same is true of so many places that offer ski holidays that you need to narrow your search even further.  Some are ‘fully catered’ chalets where the price includes such perks as a private chauffeur, private lessons, a personal masseur or masseuse and the daily newspaper of your choice, to name but a few of the luxuries available.  The great thing is that the opportunities are endless, if money is no object or if the budget is your main concern, you will find plenty of options from which to pick and choose.

It will pay to make a list of your favourite activities, but first check out the possibilities:  climbing frozen waterfalls, dog-sledding and bobsledding, ice skating and skidoos may not even have entered your mind, but these and just about anything else you can think of, with the possible exceptions of camel rides in the sand dunes or cactus-watching, will be on offer on France’s ski holiday smorgasbord.

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Orange is currently the largest mobile phone provider in France and it is a brand that is largely owned and operated by France Telecom. It operates using a number of universal network technologies and this included high speed 3G networking with HSPA connectivity for unrivalled mobile internet access and seamless downloads. Orange provides a number of deals for customers and it is a key partner for smartphone manufacturer Apple, bringing the iPhone to consumers before any other network. A variety of price plans including pay monthly and pay as you go options are available from Orange and if you are after entry level mobiles rather than high end smartphones it has great value handsets on offer.

SFR is France`s second largest mobile phone provider and it is partially owned by Vodafone, which means it acts as a partner network for any UK customers arriving on the continent. It supports 3G networking for high speed data transfers via mobile phone and it champions a number of different smartphones, including those which use the Google Android operating system. Amongst its price plans of the pay monthly variety you can pick up deals which give you the first few months of the service free of charge and this is applied across a wide range of contracts as long as you sign up for a minimum of 12 months. Delivery on all of its new mobiles is free of charge and if you are not satisfied with your purchase or service there is a conditional money back guarantee.

Bouygues Telecom currently services the third largest mobile user base in France and it has competitive pricing and offers which allow it to stack up against its larger rivals. Its motto is that the mobile user should not only have freedom of movement, but also freedom of choice and as such it has a number of customisable packages and price plans to examine. Many of its offers are exclusively open to online transactions, so it is worth keeping tabs on its website if you want to get the best possible deal. Each package includes a set number of inclusive minutes and texts each month, starting with one hour of talk time on the cheapest deal and going right up to 40 hours or more depending on your needs. you can choose either a 12 or 24 month contract and the longer commitment period will get you a cheaper monthly price.

Choosing one of these three major French providers or one of the smaller alternatives can be difficult, particularly if you are looking to make cheap calls abroad by picking up a locally sourced mobile phone and contract. However, if you use price comparison online you will be able to seek out the ideal plan for you.

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With a wealth of mountains and quality facilities found on them, France has so much to offer every type of ski and snowboard enthusiast, as well as those who enjoy the myriad of other winter sports that are available across France’s Alpine regions.

Along with a wealth of skiing opportunities there are also a wealth of ski chalets available as holiday rentals, to offer home comforts for tired skiing muscles.

A good place to start your search for the ultimate ski chalet is with The Chalet Experience, an owner operated small but flexible chalet accommodation company run by qualified resort managers.

One of their many offerings is Chalet St Martin, which is described as the perfect place for any skiing enthusiast. Just a couple of years ago to adjoining chalets were brought together and totally refurbished to make one great destination accommodation for a group of skiers.

Located on the mountain looking down over Les Gets village this is an idyllic and tranquil location. This does not mean that this home away from home does not offer the very highest quality of facilities including a bath for every ensuite, as well as separate children’s and adults lounges, and an additional lounge styled like a bar, as well as a boot room which is heated and a larger size ski locker.

There are of course British TV channels available on the high end flatscreen TV as well as DVD and PlayStation facilities, as well as old-fashioned board games to while away the evenings.

Another well-known company offering ski chalet accommodation is Chalet 1802. They specialise in offering chalets that are in the very best locations and finished to the most luxurious standards, all of which are fully catered by top quality chefs.

Staff are picked for their friendliness and their attention to the finest details in order that they will be able to serve your every need while relaxing and skiing.

One example of their quality ski accommodations is Chalet Sous Les Bois, regarded by many as one of the best quality accommodations to be found in Chaminix. It offers every facility including the very finest in contemporary Italian furnishings as well as a bathroom that bears the Starck brand name.

This three floor chalet offers a huge 350 m² of accommodation, which includes no less than five very generous master bedrooms capable of being home for up to 10 people, each of the bedrooms is of course ensuite.

On the third floor there is 100 meters of luxury living area with the centrepiece being a large log burning fire as well as gigantic floor-to-ceiling picture windows offering stunning views. There is even a bar as well as a TV snug. The Chalet offers a driver at any time of day to take you anywhere in the area at your convenience.

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A must-visit for any walking or cycling fanatic, Canvas Holidays’ Brittany site ‘Camping L’Atlantique’ is the ideal base for exploring the beautiful region of Fouesnant. Famed as a haven of nature and peace, the area offers visitors the opportunity to explore windswept deserted beaches, verdant groves of Cyprus trees and sea pine, and marine lakes and grassland packed with wildlife.

A wide selection of well-trodden local tourist routes of between seven and eleven kilometres snake past the campsite and offer visitors a perfect day out in the fresh Atlantic air. Popular trails include ‘Autour de Beg-Meil’, which winds its way between the headlands of Beg-Meil and Mousterlin via stunning sandy beaches, beautiful coves and dunes.

As you venture further, beaches become more remote and are increasing flanked by the fertile bogs and swamps of Penfoulic – settle down and bask in the sun or wander carefully so as not to disturb the abundant flora and fauna that calls this place home.

Cyclists can head off on the 33 kilometre circuit ‘Le Tour de Fouesnant’ which encompasses all the main sights and spectacular scenery the region has to explore. Or, for those looking for a more leisurely stroll, ‘Le Marais de Mousterlin’ is an easier flat cycle route, perfect for beginners. Bikes can be hired from the campsite from 13 € per day.

In the pretty town of Fouesnant, look out for the myriad artisans still producing the tiny lace strips renowned as the finest in Brittany, or clamber back in time with a visit to Romanesque Saint-Pierre. Don’t leave without sampling the famous local cider – so good it even has its own festival in July.

Camping L’Atlantique offers guests the opportunity to order a picnic lunch for 8€ per person and half board from 18€ per day for those who want to put their feet up once back on site.

A long-time favourite with Canvas Holidays visitors, Camping L’Atlantique makes a relaxing base with a friendly atmosphere, first class facilities and accommodation ranging from tents to luxurious mobile homes.

A visit in May or June is ideal for couples, groups of walkers and young families with July and August enjoying a lively atmosphere perfect for older children with Canvas Holidays’ innovative FamilyExtra activity programme in full swing.

Stay seven nights at Camping L’Atlantique, Fouesnant, Brittany from £571 per family based on arrivals on 21 June 2010 with two adults and up to four children sharing a three bedroom select mobile home with decking. Price includes a midweek Dover to Calais ferry crossing for a car and passengers.

For more information on Canvas Holidays see www.canvasholidays.co.uk

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In fact in France alone, there are over 1,000 different kinds of cheeses made, that range from Camembert to Époisses and of course the well known goat’s cheese which delight’s everyone’s palate.

This creamy cheese comes in lots of flavours and textures from the mildest soft cheese to the hardest strong cheese and tastes great when baked in the oven and spread on bread. Made all over France and especially in the Loire Valley and Poitou regions, goat’s cheese is great tasting and also makes a fantastic alternative for those that are allergic to cow’s milk.

In this video, chef Sophie Wright shows you just how easy it is to create a simple but tasty goat’s cheese log slice, roasted beetroot and parsnip salad that you can enjoy anytime.

For more delicious goat’s cheese recipe ideas visit www.frenchgoatscheese.com

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Many tours start and end in Paris allowing you a few days at the beginning or end to explore the `City of Love`, which is highly recommended for all visitors. Some of the most popular tours focus on Provence and the French Riviera region and you can even choose one customised to your own interests, whether you have a passion for photography, cooking or history. You can visit the baroque city of Nice, the celebrities` playground of Monaco and a selection of idyllic coastal villages and scenic natural beauty. Alternatively, you might prefer to focus on the north west of France and take a tour of Normandy and the Loire Valley. Here you could discover miles of dramatic coastline, visit World War II landing beaches, soak up the atmosphere in the vibrant port city of Rouen or spend a night in a Château in the Loire Valley.

If you are interested in taking a tour in France, it is always a good idea to shop around before departure; some careful research will give you an idea of what you should be getting for your money. Also invaluable are the many online sources of independent reviews from previous visitors. These tell you so much more about a tour company and its destinations than the marketing material ever will. If you are short of time, booking in advance is the best way to ensure you really make the most of the time you spend in France as you can arrange to set off almost as soon as you arrive. If you have a little more time to spend, it is often useful to take a tour of your chosen region at the beginning of your visit. This will give you a chance to get your bearings and figure out what aspects of the area most appeal to you then you can spend the remainder of your holiday revisiting the places you liked best.

Scheduled tour departures can be a fantastic way to increase the amount of sightseeing you can fit into a short trip; however there are alternatives for those travelling in groups of friends or family. If your companions generally have similar interests, a good alternative is to choose the main sights you want to visit and book a private hire coach to transport you between them. This way you can enjoy the freedom of planning a customised tour without the hassle or expense of organising several separate rental cars.

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Cannes hotels are amongst some of the most sought after in Europe and the more luxurious ones in particular attract visitors from all around the world. From hotels on the seafront to those slightly out of the city centre in the beautiful countryside, there is accommodation available to suit every visitor. Many people expect Cannes to be a place of indulgence, in which your money won’t go far, but there are a range of hotels to suit all budgets and good value accommodation in a convenient, central location is still available.

Deciding where to stay and what hotel in Cannes to select is largely down to what you want to do when you visit the city. A central location close to the Promenade de la Croisette is ideal for taking advantage of the vast amount of designer shops and intimate restaurants that are on offer. If you want to explore the natural beauty of the Provence, then a hotel on the outskirts of the city will allow you easy access to the natural delights that the French countryside has to offer.

There is plenty to do if you are planning on going on an adventure holiday in Cannes, with the nearby cities of Saint Paul, Nice and Antibes all charming in their own way and the historic cities are full of cultural heritage and stunning architecture. Slightly further afield is the principality of Monaco, with a cultural visit of the medieval hill-top village of Eze and the luxury casinos of Monte-Carlo covering both ends of the attraction spectrum on an enthralling day tour.

The top hotels in Cannes such as Hotel Martinez and Hotel Chateau De La Tour become highly sought after during the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival, taking place in the city annually duiring May. The festival is one of the world’s most historic and prestigious film festivals and is held at the Palais des Festivals et des Congress on the Promenade de la Croisette. Actors, directors and film fans alike descend on Cannes for a fortnight every spring to watch the latest films from Hollywood and across the world, as well as seeing the awards handed out and finding out who picks up the Palme d’Or.

The Mediterranean resort of Cannes is quite a spectacle and the crystal blue seas set against the clear blue skies is something to behold. From stunning architecture, to interesting museums and top restaurants that serve gastronomic delights, Cannes is a bustling city that can also act as an urban retreat within the beautiful French Riviera. Ideal for sightseers and star seekers, Cannes’ climate and array of attractions sees holiday makers visit the charming city in huge numbers every year.

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The new terminal has almost doubled the airport’s surface area and brought its passenger capacity level to 8.5 million passengers, with the new terminal handling both European and Long-Haul destinations.

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Opening on March 10th, the retrospective will present an overview of Freud’s output including his almost obsessive treatment of his portraits and the nude being drawn, and his desire to make his paintings to look like flesh.

in addition to aboutabout 50 large works of art, visitors will also be able to peruse photos of the artist’s London studio and a selection of graphic works. The exhibition sees some of his most famous paintings, such as Leigh Bowery and Big Sue, arranged around a 900 metre squared space in a studio theme.

Freud, who is still alive today at 88 years old and is the grandson of the famous psychiatrist Sigmund, has not had a retrospective at the Centre Pompidou since 1987 and this show is a real tribute to an important artist.

Tickest for the Freud exhibition can be bought online online or at the box office for €12 (£10.84), with the doors opening at 11:00 and closing at 21:00 (local time) every day except Tuesdays until July 19th.

Website – http://www.centrepompidou.fr

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The warm Mediterranean waters and golden sand beaches are well-known for their sunbathing as well as water sports such as sailing, water skiing, and fishing. It is easy to rent the necessary equipment for canoeing, windsurfing, jet biking, power boating, and more. If you happen to be there in October, there is a special regatta that draws many yachts to the area.

The Quartier de la Ponche is the most beautiful section of St. Tropez. You can stroll through its cobblestone streets and admire the tall historic buildings with their unusual large lanterns as well as shops, homes, restaurants, and hotels.

The restaurants are unique with both local and international cuisine. Chez Joseph may be small and tucked away, but is very popular and requires reservations. The view of the city from its glassed-in porch is spectacular. Three brothers own the Caprice des Deux, and they boast of their authentic cuisine including Duck Comfit With Rosemary and the classic Creme Brulee dessert. For elegance you can go to the Cafe de Paris with its red velour sofas, gold-framed mirrors, and excellent food.

The Citadelle is hexagon-shaped and was built in the 16th century as a defender. Now a naval museum which holds cultural events, it also offers a spectacular view from its main terrace.

Built in the 17th century, the Chapelle de la Misericorde in the old town has amazing high stone walls which are topped by a tiled roof with swirls of greens, blues and gold accents.

Accommodations go anywhere from small villas in St Tropez to large ones that can sleep 10 to 14 people. Many of the latter are restored buildings from the 18th century set in vineyards, manicured gardens, wooded hills or pine forests. There are refurbished farmhouses and seafront luxury mansions available for rent, also. Some of the castles have their quarters made into smaller apartments for rental.

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