Brides les Bains, France

Brides-les-Bains was the old spa town 'the Olympic Village' and thus home to the athletes participating in the 1992 Winter Olympics. Its 'real small town' feel contrasts with the internationally better known resorts up the mountain which include arguably France's choicest resort Courchevel, Europe's highest major resort Val Thorens and Europe's ugliest resort - Les Menuires. It also offers better value for accommodations than the altitude resorts and is quieter in the evenings, although it is the main administrative and shopping centre Valley.