Camping Caravaneige de Lanslevillard

Make the most of Alpine getaways by spending as much time as possible in the early days of stays soaking up the gorgeous views from as many spots as possible. Start at Lac du Mont Cenis, 25 minutes’ drive from the site, for scenic walks and bikes during warmer months and dog sled rides during colder. Travel next to the highest paved point of the Alps, Col de l’Iseran, which is a spectacular ride for cyclists and motorbikers (or drivers) – it’s a two and a half hour bike ride away, or a 55-minute drive, and worth every second for the hair pin bends and mountainous views. If hols aren’t complete without a splashing swim (presumably during the warmer days), 30 minutes will bring paddlers to Base de Loisirs Aquatique la Norma where there’s a waterslide, a grass and wood beach, and lots of space to emulate Olympic athletes. When mountain and lake views no longer appeal, leave Vanoise for the cities – it’s about two hours to Grenoble on the French side and Turin on the Italian, and each has museums, palaces, cathedrals and gardens to explore.