Top Winter Destinations in France: 5 Must-Visit Spots (EN)

Are you hunting for the best places to visit in France in winter? We got you! From young and dynamic Avoriaz to wild and authentic Cantal, our French Adventure Crew members have the spots and know what to do, what to see, what to eat and where to party.

Marion Hearty’s top 2 destinations in France:

1. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)

At the foot of Mont Blanc, in the French Alps, near the Swiss and Italian borders. It’s an iconic winter destination known for high-mountain terrain, freeride, its alpinism heritage and legendary descents like the Vallée Blanche.

What to do
Ski and snowboard from gentle piste to serious off-piste. There is the Vallée Blanche 23 km off-piste glacier descent you should do – with a guide! Then, of course, ice climbing, mountaineering, snowshoeing, climbing. And take the Aiguille du Midi cable car for panoramic views of Mont Blanc.

What to see – off the snow:
The Montenvers Railway and the Mer de Glace glacier. The Alpine and Crystal museums. And there is a lot of shopping and many spas in town…

Where to eat, to drink, to party:

La Cabane des Praz – alpine gastro
La Cremerie – mountain food
Le Moo – a cool local spot
Le Roster – quality fast food
La Rose Du Pont – excellent trendy café with crepes
Après-ski bars: Chambre Neuf, Microbrasserie de Chamonix, Le shouka (a coffee shop )
Nightlife: Le bar du Moulin, Discopic, La folie douce

Where to park
There are large paid parking lots near town center (Montenvers, Parc des Gorges). Camping sites: Les Arolles, Le Grand Champ, Glacier d’Argentière.

2. Avoriaz, Portes du Soleil (Haute-Savoie)

Avoriaz is a car-free ski resort located right in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, above Morzine at 1,800 m altitude. It is one of the largest ski areas in the world linking France and Switzerland. It’s known for its 100% ski-in / ski-out access, its strong snowboard, freestyle and freeride culture, reliable snow conditions throughout the season, the unique cliff-integrated architecture and a fun, creative and lively atmosphere. It’s a resort that feels young, dynamic and rider-driven, without losing its mountain authenticity.

What to do
The cool thing is the easy freeride accessibility right off the lifts. There are snowparks and freestyle zones (one of the best freestyle hubs in France). You can do splitboarding and ski touring as well as snowshoeing and scenic winter walks. The terrain can be complex so mountain guides are highly recommended. Pick your guide from ESF and Evolution 2 or We Snowboard School.

What to see
There is the Aquariaz indoor water park – great for rest days. Sunset views over Hauts-Forts and surrounding peaks. And the village of Morzine below for more traditional alpine vibes.

Where to eat, to drink, to party:

- La Folie Douce: The most iconic après-ski spot. DJs, live performances, dancing on the slopes from early afternoon.
- Les Trappeurs: Popular terrace for end-of-day drinks, often with DJ sets and a fun après-ski crowd.
- Le Shooters: One of Avoriaz’s most famous party bars. DJs, shooters, cocktails and a lively crowd from après-ski until late night
- Village Igloo: An ice bar built entirely from snow and ice. Fun, photogenic and perfect for a different après-ski experience.
- Why Not 1800: Relaxed but festive bar, great for cocktails and warming up before heading to a party.
- The Place: Central bar, good for casual drinks, live music and social vibes.
- Le Globe Trotter: Bar-restaurant that often turns into a party spot in the evening with DJs or live music.

Adventure Crew Member Valentin Anouilh suggests

3. Cantal (Auvergne)

Cantal is super underrated. It’s wild, quiet, affordable, and you don’t have crowds like in the big Alpine resorts. You can literally ski in the morning and go biking in the afternoon if conditions are good.

What to do
Ski touring and resort skiing is both great. And as a MTB pro I have to say: the mountain biking is fantastic even in winter – well depending on the snow. You can also just go hiking and explore the volcano landscapes.

What to see
There is this massive volcanic scenery as well as small authentic villages and a wide open nature – it’s just very peaceful.

Where to eat & to drink:
Local food is cheap, generous, and perfect after a cold day: cheese, truffade, aligot… simple and very good.

Where to park
Easy everywhere — no stress, no crazy parking fees.

4. South of France (near the Italian border)

Here, winter is mild, way warmer than in the Alps, and you get an amazing mix of sea, mountains, and southern vibes.

What to do
Mountain biking, hiking, trail running, just about any more summery outdoor activity with sun and without freezing.

What to see
The sea views combined with alpine landscapes. Quaint, sweet villages – it’s just in general super scenic.

Where to eat & to drink:
You will find plenty of great small restaurants, cafés, and bars with a real southern vibe.

Where to park:
Usually it’s easy outside the more touristy towns.

5. La Grave

For me, this is the ultimate winter spot. It’s raw, it’s authentic, and all about the mountains. No fancy resort vibes – just pure skiing.

What to do
It’s 100% freeride skiing. The best place for it. Then, ski touring of course. BUT highly, highly recommended: ride with a local mountain guide!

What to see
It’s a small village with an incredible mountain mood and a strong freeride culture in the midst of one of the most impressive alpine landscapes in France.

Where to eat & to drink
Find simple bars, good food, great people. Après-ski is about sharing stories, not about champagne spraying.

Where to park
It’s straightforward and easy compared to big resorts.