France Things to Do

Some people live for those few months of the year when they can strap planks of wood to their feet and slide down a slippery slope. Personally I’m still on the beginners’ slopes but I do love a bit of time in the mountains – the views are stupendous, the air is crisp and clear, and the cold is a great excuse for hot chocolate and soaking in a hot tub. So, here are five top spots to hit the slopes in France this winter.

Lille is one city on the edge: it’s architecture hints at its closeness to neighbouring Belgium, it’s a major French student town (always cultural edgy…) and it’s a major intersection in the European rail network with Eurostar coming through from England with links to Brussels, Paris and the southern cities of France. Lille is the fourth largest city in France after Paris, Marseille and Lyon.