Shops

The larger resorts all have a wide choice of shops including skiwear, boutiques and souvenirs.  Many shops still close for lunch  - resort shopping hours are usually 9.00 to 12.00 and then 14.00 to 19.00 Monday – Saturday, with some shops opening on Sunday mornings.

Large French supermarket chains include Super U, Carrefour and Intermarche which stock a wide range of groceries and household goods.  Most resorts will have one or two smaller convenience stores (eg Sherpa, Casino, Spar) which are handy for essentials such as milk etc and are often open from early til late 7 days a week.

Every resort will have a ‘boulangerie’ where you can buy baguettes, croissants and pastry treats – these usually open from around 7.30am every day and quite a queue can build up!  Assorted meats are available in high street ‘boucheries’ and ‘charcuteries’ and you may find also find specialist shops selling locally produced cheese from Alpine pastures.

Banks

Bank and post office opening times vary depending on the size and location of the branch.  Normal opening times are Mon – Fri between 9.00 and 17.30 (closed lunchtimes), with some branches opening on Saturday mornings.  Most resorts will have a 24 hour cash machine.

Other services

Most resorts have a launderette and some larger supermarkets have washing/drying facilities so you can get the job done whilst  stocking up with your groceries.  You will also find hairdressers, beauty salons and other services depending on the size of the resort.

If you need to fill up your car, fuel stations at supermarkets often have the longest opening hours but you may need to ‘pay at pump’ with your credit card outside the  store opening times.  Fuel stations in ski resorts will sell ‘winter diesel’ which is essential in very cold conditions.  Supermarkets/fuel stations also tend to sell logs for woodburning stoves and calor gas bottle exchange for gas cookers, which may be needed if you are staying in an independent  chalet.

Internet Access

There will usually be somewhere to get internet access, eg in an internet cafe or at the resort Tourist Office, whilst plenty of bars now offer free wi-fi for customers with laptops.  Ask at Tourist Information.

Tourist Information

Visit your local Tourist Office at the beginning of your stay for lots of helpful tips and information.  There should be English-speaking staff and literature is usually provided in English, Dutch and German as well as French, including weather forecasts, brochures and information leaflets.  They will also display a programme of events for the week which may include welcome parties with vin chaud, free firework displays, concerts, night skiing and children’s entertainment.  Christmas and New Year is always celebrated in style wherever you are, so don’t miss out on the fun!

Some French holiday towns and villages have been awarded the new ‘Famille Plus Montagne’ label, in recognition of the hospitality and services they provide for families with Children.  This award is recognised by the French tourism ministry.

Please contact us if you require contact details for the relevant Tourist Office for your resort.