Go French this Christmas and save £100s with Pierre & Vacances

‘Noël’, derived from the term ‘les bonnes nouvelles’; literally translates as ‘the good news’ and skiers arriving in the French mountains this December will realise that’s what Christmas is all about. Lights illuminate the streets of the resorts and everyone is in high spirits in preparation for the arrival of ‘Père Noël’. It’s a fantastic way for children to experience a whole new side to Christmas. Snowsport enthusiasts can enjoy their own traditions and embrace the local customs to double the festive fun.

The especially good news this year is Pierre & Vacances has some incredible offers that will make Christmas in France seem like the best value way to celebrate the holidays. Often families can be deterred from skiing during peak season because of the cost but Pierre & Vacances is bucking this trend by offering children free lift passes in specific resorts when each adult purchases a pass, so that a Christmas in the Alps won’t break the bank.

For those who want to stay at home for Christmas but still get a taste of festivities in France, Les Arcs kick start celebrations from the first of December, when the Christmas lights are switched on. During the month there are Christmas concerts and markets and the festive feeling is evident throughout the resort. The village of Arc 1950 is completely pedestrianised, making it safe for children and families to explore and enjoyand at high altitude, it’s snow sure, so a great early season destination.

Alternatively, those set on travelling at Christmas will feel at home in Arc1950. New for this season L’Hemingway restaurant is offering a Christmas dinner option ideal for those looking to have a traditional British Christmas on the slopes. On the 25th of December, skiers will be treated to turkey with all the trimmings at L’Hemingway with an added French twist to the menu bringing together the best of both worlds. Prices start from £48 for adults and just £12 for children.

Nestled in the heart of the village is the ski in ski out Premium Residence Arc 1950 Le Village. For the week before Christmas Pierre & Vacances is offering a one bedroom apartment for four people from £707 (saving 14% down from £832) for seven nights accommodation arriving 13th December. Those travelling for Christmas week (departing 20th December) can save 15% on a 1 bedroom apartment for four people with prices from £1600 for 7 nights. This also includes a free lift pass offer for children.

Over in Les 3 Vallees, the picturesque resort of Meribel is famed for it’s enthusiasm at Christmas time. From torch lit descents to fireworks and more than a few Santas whizzing down the piste, the scent of sweet vin chaud lingers in the air and the atmosphere buzzes with excitement. ‘la Messe de Minuit’ (Midnight Mass) is still part of France’s rich Christmas history, where many attend before indulging in ‘Le Réveillon’, a huge feast similar to Britain’s Christmas lunch. However in France, feasters aren’t limited to just turkey; goose, capon, chicken, oysters and boudin blanc (similar to white pudding) are all available on the menu. To experience a traditional mass in Meribel get the free bus down to the pretty village of Les Allues and its beautiful ancient church. Families can follow this up with a home-cooked feast or dine out in one of the many Meribel restaurants.

Pierre & Vacances premium residence Les Fermes de Meribel houses spacious apartments which are luxurious yet homely, with fully equipped kitchens. The residence features balconies for all apartments offering breathtaking views of the Three Valleys as well as a Deep Nature Spa and indoor pool, ready to sink into after a day on the slopes. A week’s stay in Les Fermes de Meribel starts from £1675 for a one bedroom apartment sleeping 3-4 people for seven nights, arriving the 20th December.

For an activity filled week, heading to Alpe d’Huez will ensure that families have a fun packed Christmas experience. Twinkly lights, carollers and an abundance of Christmas trees ensure that festive atmosphere and whether you choose to ski, snowboard or Airboard (like body-boarding, but on an inflatable…on the snow) there are a multitude of ways to slide down a mountain and offset that heavy turkey-filled feeling. Pierre & Vacances’ residence L’Ours Blanc is ideal for families. When the children fancy trying something a little different to the piste, the cosy, homely apartments are located directly next to an ice rink and there’s a host of shops and restaurants just a few steps away, so families will have everything they need to make their stay feel like home. A week at l’Ours Blanc during Christmas starts from £736 (saving 20% from £920) for a one bedroom apartment for four people for seven nights arriving the 20th December.

With thousands of lights covering the resort, a Christmas in the quaint cobbled resort centre of Valmorel is all about the show. Highlights include the princesses and pirates ball, where children delve into a fantasy world and let their imaginations run riot, as well as more the more traditional story of Santa Claus, who in the heart of the street delights young and old with his tale. The big finale comes on Christmas Eve; a Christmas parade to celebrate the arrival of Santa and his elves, with everyone lining the streets to join in the festivities and celebrate in style. The residence Athamante et Valeriane from Pierre & Vacances lies just steps away from the resort centre on the edge of the forest. All apartments are tastefully decorated in a traditional Savoyard style, fantastic for a true winter wonderland holiday. Prices for the week of the 20th December start from £660 for a studio for four people.

Flights are available from London to Geneva from £149 return with EasyJet. For more information call 0870 0267 145 or visit: www.pierreetvacances.com.

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Francesca Trafford
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Pierre & Vacances – Center Parcs Group

Created in 1967, the Pierre & Vacances-Center Parcs Group is the European leader in local tourism. It has built its growth on an original business model of synergies between its two businesses: property development and tourism. Today, with its six complementary tourism brands – Pierre & Vacances and its two Premium and Villages Clubslabels, Maeva, Center Parcs, Sunparks, Adagio and Adagio Access – the Group operates a tourism network of more than 51,000 apartments and homes, located in almost 300 sites in Europe. In 2011/2012, the Group welcomed 7.5 million European clients and generated turnover of €1.419bn.

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