Tignes

Albeit a purpose-built resort with somewhat unattractive architecture, the holiday destination of Tignes is one of Europe's highest resorts and offers some of the best snow conditions in the Alps, with excellent snow cover and a place to ski almost year round thanks to the high-altitude Grand Motte glacier. An excellent lift system links the holiday resort of Tignes to its neighbour Val d'Isère and together they form the vast ski area known as Espace Killy, with 193 miles (310km) of lift-linked trails and an area that is regarded as one of Europe's best and most beautiful ski areas.Tignes is made up of three villages: Val Claret is the highest and is situated at the foot of the glacier; Tignes Le Lac, with its stunning setting on the lake, is the largest; and the modern Tignes Le Lavachet is further down. Two small villages below, Tignes Les Brévières and Tignes Les Boisses, are directly linked to the ski area and provide a more traditional atmosphere with charming chalets, narrow streets and picturesque churches. All five villages are connected by a free bus service.