Courchevel

Courchevel is located in SE France, in the heart of the Savoie region (32 mls SE of Albertville, 70 mls SE of Chambery and its airport, 116 mls SE of Lyon and its airport, 90 mls SE of Geneva and its airport). Courchevel is an integral part of the famous Trois Vallees ski-area, comprising 4 villages (Courchevel 1300, 1550, 1650 and 1850) situated at different altitudes along the wide Bozel Valley, all connected by lifts and public transport.

The resort is one of the most popular and fashionable resorts in France because of the huge choice of runs and a sophisticated range of amenities and shops. The 4 centres differ dramatically when it comes to appearance, size and amenities. Courchevel 1300, about 700 yds in length (also known as Le Praz), is the only one that retains any genuine alpine character, with some traditional architecture and a low-key atmosphere. Courchevel 1550, about 800 yds in length, is a purpose-built village with modest local amenities and little charm, although it offers direct access to the extensive ski-lift network. Courchevel 1650, about 1,100 yds in length, is a larger, livelier version of 1550, with a significant commercial hub, abundant accommodation and plentiful restaurants. Courchevel 1850 is nearly 1 ml sq and is the throbbing, sophisticated heart of the resort, with myriad facilities, entertainments and shops; it has mainly aesthetically challenged 1950s architecture, although contemporary development is more sympathetic.