The French Alps lie to the north of Provence and the French Riviera and are easy to reach from Lyon, Geneva, Grenoble and Nice. The region is one of the most popular skiing destinations in the world as the "snow-capped roof" of Europe. Located in the European southwest and southcentral regions and formed thousands of years ago by glaciers, the French Alps are the highest mountain range on the European continent. Introduction to the French Alps - Overview - Culture - Location & Orientation - Climate & When to Visit - Sightseeing Highlights - Skiing in the French Alps - Chamonix - Aiguille du Midi - Mont Blanc - Recommended Ski Resorts - Courchevel - La Tania - Méribel - Val Thorens - Tignes - Morzine - Grenoble - La Bastille - Musee Dauphinoise - Archaeological Museum - Café de la Table Ronde - Château de Vizille - Annecy - Recommendations for the Budget Traveller - Places to Stay - Le Vert Hotel - Residhotel Grenette - Hotel Le Cottage - Chalet Hattiers and Chalet Chardons - Alexandra Hotel - Places to Eat & Drink - Lodge du Village - Chez Meme Paulette - Annecy - The Marmot Arms - Dotty's Coffee House - Places to Shop - Shopping in Chamonix - Food Shopping in Grenoble - Other Speciality items in Grenoble - Shopping in Annecy - Shopping at Courchevel 1850