The Savoie region, in the central part of France

 "May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds." -- Edward Abbey

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(in the Savoie region of the French Alps) The Savoie region is found in the central part of France along its eastern edge, nestled beneath the Alps and along the borders of Italy and Switzerland. This is a highly visited region of France; while the winter months draw skiers from all over the world, the summer months bring nature enthusiasts who frolic atop the wildflower-covered hills and swim in the region’s pristine lakes. The five villages that make up Courchevel. located in the skiing area known as Les Trois Vallees (The Three Valleys) in Savoie, include the Saint-Bon, Les Allues and Belleville valleys, and together they make up the biggest ski area in the world. There are 600 kilometers of slopes connected by 173 ski lifts and ski runs. Depicted here is the center of the Courchevel ski resort, with a view of the grand bec peak in Parc National de la Vanoise and la Pointe du Vallonnet. Almost as pleasing is Savoie's traditional cuisine, a farmhouse menu of melted cheese, saucisson sec (dried sausage) and herbal liqueurs-- which can be burned off rapidly by vigorous mountain adventures.