TRAIN TO PEISEY-VALLANDRY

If you haven't heard of Peisey-Vallandry, this is a resort worth knowing about. Sitting between its famous neighbours, Les Arcs and La Plagne, the resort is well positioned at the heart of the huge Paradiski area.

Given its prime position, it's surprising that the resort of Peisey-Vallandry isn't better known.

The local slopes have excellent wooded runs and access to the slopes of Les Arcs and La Plagne is simple.

The villages, meanwhile, have a friendly, laid-back vibe and welcoming ambiance.

Peisey-Vallandry villages

The resort of Peisey-Vallandry is actually made up of several villages. Plan Peisey and Vallandry are two separate villages located at an altitude of 1,600m and less than a kilometre apart.

Each village is purpose-built, but designed in a sympathetic style with Alpine charm and each has a decent selection of shops and restaurants. Lower down, the village of Peisey is full of quaint old Savoyard buildings and chalets, and nearby the little village of Peisey Nancroix has attractive chalets.

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The slopes at Peisey-Vallandry

The location at the heart of the Paradiski means that you have a tantalising array of choices for where to ski.

Directly above the villages, accessed by fast chairlifts, is a network of blue and red runs that cut paths through the wooded terrain, such as Renard and Ours. To the left is Les Arcs, easily accessed via the Transarc bubble. To the right, via the Vanoise Express cable car, is La Plagne - another huge playground of terrain to explore.

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Peisey-Vallandry for families

Peisey-Vallandry is a favourite with in-the-know families, and from many points of view it makes sense. There are excellent high-altitude nursery slopes at the top of the Peisey chairlift, and a local snow garden for children.

Plan Peisey and Vallandry are convenient, virtually car-free villages. You can literally come off the slopes and be sitting in front of a hot chocolate or a plate of food within moments. Many of the self-catered residences, such as L'Orée des Cimes, also have swimming pools.

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Things to do in Peisey-Vallandry

You can try dog sledding, ice climbing and snow shoeing. Over in Peisey Nancroix there is a long cross-country ski circuit too.

Close by is the Mille8 development in Arc 1800, with its state-of-the-art toboggan run, aqua centre and igloos. A walk around the old village of Peisey is also a lovely activity in itself, such is the olde-worlde charm of the architecture.

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Eating out in Peisey-Vallandry

If you are looking for gourmet dining on the mountain, try the first-floor restaurant of Enfants Terrible, near the top of the Vallandry chairlift.

Blanche Murée, meanwhile, has a great sunny terrace and a good reputation for traditional food, and you can ski over to Le Rilax, which specialises in crêpes. Down the villages themselves, you'll find a range of restaurants, such as La Bergerie de Raphaël.

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Nightlife in Peisey-Vallandry

Peisey-Vallandry isn't famous for nightlife, so if you want to party hard, this isn't the best choice of resort. However, there are some good bars.

The renowned Bar Mont Blanc in Vallandry has live music, comedy and DJs and a fun, friendly ambiance. Around the corner, the stylish Mojo Bar is open until 2am and has a good cocktail menu with regular live music and DJ sets.

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Where to stay in Peisey-Vallandry

Families particularly will appreciate the range of high-quality apartments available here, such as L'Orée des Cimes and L'Orée des Neiges as well as a Club Med, always good for kids.

Most of the hotels are 3-star, while in Peisey Nancroix the 4-star Chalet Himalaya hotel has a hot tub on the terrace. You'll find plenty of independent catered chalets here, with some lovely old farmhouse buildings in Peisey and Peisey-Nancroix.

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