Val d'Isere, France
Boy, I was expecting more from a ski resort that has been around
since the 1930's as the place seems to be lacking character--then
again it is a winter and not summer resort. Getting here requires
navigating through a string of tunnels,
each varying in length and age. As a cyclist I mention this because
some tunnels are brand new and others look like they were built
in the early 1900's with their poor lighting and narrow pot-holed
roads. There's the main street through town and that's about
it. Not much in the way of shopping.
My options for cycling, walking
and hiking seem limited. Several
new apartment complexes have the
alpine chalet look but, many still sport the 1970's concrete
box look. This cool looking funicular
whisks skiers up through the mountain.
Is this place
hopping or is it dead in the summer?
Not much
going on.
Is there a lake and/or golf course in town?
No.
Arriving by
car the only option?
You can
take a train to the valley floor town of Bourg St. Maurice (where
the train dead ends) and then catch a bus (it's a one hour drive).
Does the place feel claustrophobic?
No.
Lots of choices
for acccomodations (hotels/ chalets) and do I have recommendations?
Very few
hotels to choose from but, I imagine many of the apartment complexes
have rentals.
Could I spend a whole summer here or would I get bored?
A week would be the max. |