1000m fom Col Pers to Pont St Charles. Val d’Isère is the ideal village to be based in since, unlike nearby Tignes, it has retained some of its characteristic feel and it has a great nightlife, too.

Following the Tour de France's Grande Partenza in neighbouring Italy – featuring a scorching hot opening weekend through the Apennines and a comatose sprint stage across the Po Valley – the race hits ...