Travel guide – tignes
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Overview
Albeit a purpose built resort with unattractive architecture, Tignes is one of Europe's highest resorts and offers the best snow conditions in the Alps with excellent snow cover and a place to ski almost year round thanks to the high-altitude Grand Motte glacier. An excellent lift system links the resort to its neighbour Val d'Isère and together they form the vast ski area known as Espace Killy, with 193 miles (310km) of lift-linked trails and an area that is regarded as one of Europe's best and most beautiful ski areas. Tignes is made up of three villages: Val Claret is the highest and is situated at the foot of the glacier; Tignes Le Lac with its stunning setting on the lake is the largest, and the modern Tignes Le Lavachet is further down. Two small villages below, Tignes Les Brévières and Tignes Les Boisses, are directly linked to the ski area and provide a more traditional atmosphere with charming chalets, narrow streets and picturesque churches. All five villages are connected by a free bus service.
Shopping
With over 150 shops, shoppers will be able to find almost everything in the resort area from upmarket French boutiques to sports equipment and tourist items. Markets offer homemade goods with a traditional French flavour.
Restaurants
Numerous restaurants cater to different tastes and budgets, with a wide selection of international cuisine and local Savoyard fare, from American-style fast food, pizzerias and a taste of Mexico to crèperies and chicken cordon bleu. Local specialities can be found at the Brasserie du Petit Savoyard in Val Claret and Le Brasero in Le Lavachet. Gourmets will be satisfied at Hotel Ski d'Or or Le Caveau in Val Claret.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Tignes is relatively quiet, and those seeking a more active scene will have to head to neighbouring Val d'Isère. Numerous bars and cafes cater to the off-the-slopes crowd, and several discos shake until the early hours, but the village authorities do not tolerate wild partying in the streets and general rowdiness is likely to bring on a large fine or a visit to the local jail. Tignes Le Lac and Val Claret are the liveliest villages with places like the Wobbly Rabbit, Crowded House and Harri's Bar. Sub Zero and Blue Girl Disco have excellent DJ's and throbbing music until the early hours.
Activities
Non-skiers and boarders will find lots to do in Tignes, including dog sledding, paragliding and hang gliding, ice and rock climbing, horseriding, walking, mountain biking and iceskating. There are also fitness and spa centres that offer Jacuzzis, saunas, a beauty parlour and swimming pools. Summer skiing is also available on the Grand Motte glacier with over 25 miles (40km) of runs open.
Climate
The French Alps offer lots of sunshine, but cold weather from November to April when the ski season is in full swing. The resorts are generally high and the snow is excellent, although the weather is relatively mild in comparison to the North American resorts. During the summer months the cool, sunny weather attracts hikers and climbers, particularly from July to September when the weather has settled and the high snows have melted.
Health
French hospitals and health facilities are first class. British, and visitors from other EU countries, are entitled to heavily discounted medical treatment and medicines on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Otherwise doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Medical insurance is advised. Pharmacies will provide some first aid, but charge for it. There have been increased reports of hantavirus (caused by rodents) in the Ardennes, Aisne and Jura regions. Rabies also occurs occasionally. In February 2006, France confirmed its first cases of bird flu; all affected birds have been culled and precautionary measures taken. The risk is low for travellers, but close contact with domestic, wild and caged birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked.
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