Megève

When people talk of posh French resorts, Courchevel 1850 usually sits at the top of the list. But before Courchevel was Megève, the original glamour resort, frequented by royalty and stars alike. Now it's on the comeback trail. Very much a traditional French resort, Megève is an old town that oozes charisma and traditional Alpine charm. It boasts gastronomic delights, as well as some of the most varied nightlife of any Alpine venue: clubs, concerts, ice shows and a casino. Megève is exclusive and certainly pricey, with a fantastic range of top-class hotels. It ain't the place to visit if 'budget' features high on your criteria…

What about the skiing, you ask? As part of the fragmented 'Evasion Mont Blanc' ski area, there is all the skiing you could ever need, with coverage by road including Chamonix and Argentière. On site, the skiing is excellent for the majority, but advanced skiers will have to search for the best stuff. There is good skiing at Mont d'Arbois and Rochebrune in particular, with lovely skiing below the tree-line. Boarders will enjoy a park all to themselves. Restaurants on piste are good but expensive, while the ski school and childcare facilities are first-class.

This is a classy place, only 70km from Geneva and with a long tradition as one of France's exclusive venues.