The Perfect Resorts to Book for a Last-Minute Winter Escape to France

Blending in with the mountain scenery, this 10-floor Méribel resort doesn’t scrimp on amenities, and guests can glide from breakfast to the slopes thanks to the handy piste-side location with ski-in/ski-out access. Whether you choose a room in the hotel or book one of the two private chalets, there is plenty to do when you’re not frolicking in the snow, including unlimited access to the pool, steam room, sauna and games room.

The four-star, ski-in/ski-out Écrin Blanc offers a chic take on alpine living, situated in the south of Courchevel with direct access to a ski lift. When you’ve exhausted the slopes and want some R&R, the cosy lodgings are also conveniently positioned next to the Aquamotion Park, which you can access via a private passage in your bathrobe and slippers! Take advantage of the 11 pools and lagoons, water slide and indoor surfing, or get pampered in the wellness area, which features a jacuzzi, spa, salt grotto and 20 treatment cabins.

The Hôtel Mil8 is the ideal base for exploring the thrills of Portes du Soleil, as its ski-in/ski-out capability means you can beat the queue for the lifts. With only 42 rooms and suites, the boutique hotel has a luxe-relaxed vibe, with top-notch products and a contemporary design. You don’t have to go far for an après-ski tipple, as you can enjoy a glass of wine and the blazing alpine sun on the spacious terrace bar, or bliss out in the wellness area that features an infinity pool, sauna, fitness room and massage room.

Starting life as a cable car station, Le Refuge de Solaise is now the highest hotel in France. We love that the conversion has kept much of the industrial feel, with the original lift entrance glassed over and converted to bedrooms. Elsewhere, exposed stone and rustic wood interiors combine with tartan carpets and log fires. This is the ideal choice for skiers wanting to be first and last on the piste, and romantics who like to stargaze and want to enjoy the couples massage room, steam room and sauna.

The family-friendly apartments that make up the Résidence Pierre & Vacances Premium Les Hauts Bois have got everything covered if you are bringing the kids. Built in traditional alpine style, they offer direct access to the piste at Aime-La-Plagne and are just a short stroll from the resort’s centre. Whilst on site, you can chill out at the pool, sauna and steam room, and your mini-mes can join the kids club and participate in ski lessons, sledging, snow scooters and organised games.

Whether you are travelling as a couple or a larger group, the Hotel Carlina Belle Plagne will be able to accommodate you in its spacious rooms and self-catering apartments. Situated with a south- or west-facing vista, you can enjoy a hot chocolate or a cold beverage on your balcony offering unrivalled views of the Alps. When you’ve hung your skis up for the day, ask the friendly staff to fix you up with a snowmobile, tyrolean, quad or bobsleigh and do something out of the ordinary on your winter adventure.

You won’t go hungry at the Mercure Les Arcs 1800, as the international restaurant Le Jardin Alpin offers hearty lunches and evening meals, which have been carefully tailored to guests’ needs. This family-friendly hotel offers spacious rooms suitable for two adults and two children, or four adults, and has plenty of leisure activities if you don’t want to snow-boot up. Take advantage of the indoor heated swimming pool and full-service spa, or just kick back and enjoy live music in the cosy Les Allobroges bar.

Offering a traditional slice of France, the swish apartments at Résidence Odalys Le Panoramic all come with stunning views of the historic Flaine Forêt village. Just 100m (330ft) away from the Grands Vans chairlift, you will have easy access to the ski area of ​​the Grand Massif, and you can stock up on groceries from the village supermarket. Up to eight people can share the self-contained apartment, and don’t forget to check out the indoor pool and sauna, or book a rubdown from an experienced masseuse.