ART: The Three Valleys

Skiers are spoiled for choice at The Three Valleys in the well known Savoie region of the French Alps. Imagine seven outstanding resorts, each with their own USP, in one of the world’s largest ski areas! The Trois Vallees or Three Valley region of France is one of the most famous skiing vacation destinations in Europe.

it is difficult to fault any of the resorts; Courchevel, Meribel, Les Menuires, La Tania, Orelle, Val Thorens or Brides-les-Bains. Orelle turned out to be the most convenient, as in addition to having its own ski area, the Gondola provides a quick access to ski areas of The Three Valleys.

Val Thorens is the highest resort, surrounded by six glaciers and offers outstanding opportunities for intermediate and advanced skiers. Meribel is a picturesque typical Savoyard resort with traditional chalets which was founded by a Brit and is still so popular with the Brits, that you hear more English than any other language here. Méribel's biggest advantage is its location at the heart of the Trois Vallées. Les Menuires may be less attractive but is the cheapest. La Tania is a peaceful haven in the middle of a forest.

Courchevel is the jewel of The Three Valleys, built on four levels. It is a popular resort with the jet set and has the most vibrant nightlife. Courchevel is extremely cosmopolitan and was among the first purpose built ski resorts in France. It is a multiple ski vacation resort built at four levels and some of the resorts are known by a number. They share the same ski area but differ from one another in every way. You can theres find something to suit most budgets and styles.

Courchevel 1850 is the highest, largest and most famous. It has an ambience of sophisticated chic that makes it a favorite with the Paris jet set. Courchevel Le Praz is a charming traditional village and Courchevel 1550 a family ski resort.

Brides-les-Bains is actually a spa resort with hot springs but one can go higher up to get to the ski areas.

The ski season at The Three Valleys runs from December to April and besides skiing, the seven resorts offer every kind of sport on and off the slope. There was ice-skating, snowshoeing, hang-gliding and parasailing. One can go bowling indoor swimming, wall-climbing, to cinemas, concerts and libraries.

The Savoyard villages nearby are charming and if shopping is your scene they sell wonderful regional produce and crafts. The baroque buildings add an interesting flavor.

Examples of The Three Valleys Accommodation on Holiday Velvet:

» Chalet Jonquille: La Tania Chalet, 8 bedrooms, from Euro 249
» Chalet Covie: Meribel Chalet, 5 bedrooms, from £249
» B&B Chalet Argent: Les Menuires B&B, up to 12 people, from £359

ART: San Francisco

San Francisco is a city to be experienced, with or without flowers in your hair. Sitting on the tip of San Francisco Peninsula in North California, the city is the focus of the famous Bay Area. Recognize the silhouette of the famous Golden Gate and fall in love at once with the view of the shimmering waters, the skyline and the beautiful Golden Gate Park with its conservatory and botanical gardens.

The rolling hills, dipping streets and trolley of San Francisco are all familiar from the movies and so was China Town. Be prepared for the old world charm and friendliness of this lovely city, its wonderful laid back attitude that belies the serious academic and high tech business world it supports. Cosmopolitan to the hilt, just wandering through its different neighborhoods transported you to different parts of the world.

The architecture is a blend of Victorian and modern and typifies the city’s general laissez faire attitude. Everyone can do their own thing and find their own space here. No wonder it was the home of the Beat movement in the 1950s, the Mecca of hippies in the sixties and the prevailing gay capital.

South Beach, the Bay Area, the Bernal Height, Alcatraz and Fisherman's Wharf are legendary and diverse attractions of San Francisco. Make a visit to Nob Hill to pay homage to the hundreds of novels that have featured this upper crust neighborhood.

Alcatraz Island which can be reached by a ferry has the first US lighthouse and fort on the west coast. It is also the site of the infamous penitentiary from where almost no one has ever escaped. It is also significant in the history of American Indians who occupied the island for one and a half years in1969 claiming the unoccupied island as their own territory. The American Indians return to Alcatraz each year to pay homage to the veterans of the 1969 Occupation of All Indian Tribes, to reaffirm their struggle and to draw attention to their demand for self determination. In addition to a host of exhibitions that are held through the year, Alcatraz is home to exquisite gardens, tide pools where water birds nest. The views of the bay area are incomparable.

Fisherman’s Wharf is the historic waterfront area of San Francisco with the most delightful seafood restaurants. It also offers some fantastic shopping. The young and young at heart should not miss the Aquarium of the Bay or Pier 39. Take a bay cruise under Golden Bridge and watched the playful sea lions. The place is alive at all times of the day with street performers, live music and dancing.

A selection of San Francisco holiday apartments on Holiday Velvet:

» S.F Anza Suite: San Francisco holiday apartment, sleeps 4, from $100
» Mississipi St. rent: San Francisco holiday villa, sleeps 8, from $200
» Affordable Duplex: San Francisco holiday apartment, sleeps 3, from $100