Top 7 Winter Destinations: Excursion Ideas in the PACA Region

🏔️🎿 The Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region and its white coat 

Ski season is approaching! Looking to enjoy winter destinations for school, work, or family? Mountain excursions are perfect for a relaxing, exploring, and sharing experience. 

The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region offers a range of ski destinations that can provide you with an unforgettable experience. Located just a few hours' drive from Nice, the ski resorts Auron, Valberg, Isola 2000 and many others will allow you to flourish in a natural environment and enjoy a variety of activities during the white season. 

Francebus offers you different ski destinations in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region, accompanied by a optimized journey by van, minibus and coach with a professional driver. 

Why choose a destination near Nice? 

1. A journey less than 2 hours away

The PACA region offers a wide selection of winter destinations within a short radius. It's therefore advantageous to have ski resorts nearby and avoid long road trips. However, planning ahead is still required when you decide to share an excursion like this with others; Francebus undertakes to coordinate your journey according to your request. Discover our offers based on your needs here. 

2. Breathtaking landscapes 

The Alps offer you naturally spectacular landscapes with mountains as far as the eye can see. Between rocky peaks accompanied by meadows, dense forests and snow-capped mountains, the Alps graciously provide you with a diversity of landscapes to allow you to enjoy various excursions. 

Click here to view theNice Tourist Office. 

3. A doable day trip

Take advantage of this proximity to winter destinations for a short getaway to optimize your budget. Francebus offers its rental services minibuses and coaches by the day.

Click here for a free quote within 24 hours. 

⛷️ The ski resorts of the Alps, breathtaking places 

1. Valberg, a historic resort 

Nestled at an altitude of 1,700 meters, the resort Valberg is recognized as being a haven of peaceThe station was founded in 1936; Valberg is therefore the oldest winter sports resort in the Alpes-Maritimes.

Located in 1 hour 15 min Located on the French Riviera coast, Valberg continues to welcome a large number of holidaymakers and residents each year to a warm and unspoiled setting. Between a relaxed lifestyle and unspoiled nature, the resort welcomes its guests all year round, offering a variety of leisure activities. 

Valberg also has a coat of arms, representing a dragon, which recalls that the resort was placed under the protection of Saint Bernard of Menthon, patron saint of mountaineers, climbers and skiers. 

This resort is known for its breathtaking setting, numerous sporting activities, and a calendar of events, including hiking and tours of the Mercantour National Park. Valberg offers a wide range of accommodation options for your winter vacation, including chalets, hotels, lodges, and guesthouses. There are also numerous restaurants available to ensure you can enjoy a decent meal at the ski resort. 

In addition, vacationers have the option of renting ski equipment from various shops on site. 

Winter activities: 

• Alpine skiing
• Snowboard
• Nordic skiing 
• Snowshoes 
• Sled
• Snowmobile
• Snooc

There are 56 slopes, which provides a wide choice for skiers, beginners, amateurs and professionals. 

For any reservations or additional information, Click here. 

2. Gréolières-les-Neiges, a resort with an exceptional panorama 

Located in the heart of the Préalpes D'azur Park, 1,400m altitude, the ski resort Gréolières-les-Neiges opens its doors for the winter season from December 20 until the beginning of March.

The resort is renowned for its warm and friendly atmosphere, perfect for beginners, amateurs, professionals, and families. This destination offers spectacular views: on a clear day, you can see the Côte d'Azur, the Alps, and even Corsica.

Between the sea and the mountains, this destination offers you the opportunity to diversify thanks to numerous activities and leisure activities such as hiking or electric scooter rides, accompanied or not, tennis courts and pétanque grounds, paragliding, climbing and many others.

Winter activities: 

• Alpine skiing
• Nordic skiing
• Snowshoes
• Snooc 

The ski resort welcomes you from December 20 until the beginning of March with a course of 25 slopes. 

For all reservations and additional information, click here. 

3. Val d'Allos, a popular destination for customers 

In the heart of the Mercantour massif, located in the Alpes-De-Haute-Provence, The Val d'Allos is a very popular destination for customers, due to its landscapes and its authentic mountain charm.

The ski resort also opens its doors in summer, offering a variety of activities such as hiking and cycling along the Verdon. Connected to the ski area Foux d'Allos, this winter destination offers a vast ski area suitable for all levels, with a friendly family atmosphere.

You can find many places to eat during your excursions with the restaurants “Le Bercail”, “Le Clos Bertrand” and the bistro “Le Coin du goût”.

Perched at 1,400m altitude, its typical village, seduces with its traditional architecture and its warm atmosphere.

Winter activities: 

• Alpine skiing
• Sled
• Ice skating rink
• Snooc
• Seep riding
• Snow scooter 
• Bully discovery

For all reservations and additional information, click here. 

4. Auron, a welcoming village resort 

Nestled in the Mercantour massif in the Alpes-Maritimes, Auron ski resort is perched at an altitude of 1,600 m, with a ski area extending up to 2,450 m. It is important to note that it is the largest ski area in the Alpes-Maritimes.

Located less than 1.5 hours drive from Nice, Auron seduces with its warm village-resort atmosphere, its 360° panorama, which makes it a real gateway to the mountains while remaining accessible from the Côte d'Azur.

Divided into 4 sectors, the tracks: Las Donnas, Sauma Longue, Demandols, Lieuson are equipped with modern ski lifts, as well as a snowmaking system covering a significant part of the area to ensure greater reliability. This winter destination also offers other activities for its guests such as rides, indoor climbing, guided tours of the site and many activities for children such as trampolining and bungee jumping.

Winter activities: 

• Alpine skiing
• Cross-country skiing
• Ski touring
• Ice skating rink
• Sled
• Snowmobile 
• Snowshoes 
• snake gliss 
• Ice hockey 

For all reservations and additional information, click here. 

5. Les Orres, an exciting destination

Nestled on the heights of Lake Serre-Ponçon, the resort Les Orres unfolds between 1,550 m and 2,720 m above sea level. This magnificent destination offers breathtaking views of the Alpine peaks and the turquoise waters of the lake below. Surrounded by larch forests, the resort harmoniously blends unspoiled nature with modern amenities.

In winter, its ski area opens its doors from December to April with nearly 100 km of varied trails. This winter sports destination appeals to families and skiing enthusiasts alike, thanks to its northwest orientation that guarantees quality snow and excellent sunshine. The slopes wind through forests and ridges, revealing spectacular views of the Southern Alps at every turn.

In summer, Les Orres transforms into a real playground for nature lovers with hikes, mountain bike trails in one of the best bike parks in France, paragliding and numerous walks in the heart of the mountain environment. It is also entirely possible to participate in a day of "Live my life" as a ski patroller.

Winter activities: 

• Alpine skiing
• Snowshoes
• Sled dogs 
• Sled 

For all reservations and additional information, click here. 

6. Serre-Chevalier, a sensational destination 

Located in the Guisane Valley, in the Hautes-Alpes, the ski resort Serre Chevalier, often nicknamed “Serre Che”, is theone of the largest ski areas in the Southern Alps, extending from 1,200m to 2,800m above sea level. It welcomes its guests from December until April, offering them approximately 250 km of slopes spread over 410 hectares and served by nearly 60 ski lifts.

Serre Chevalier connects four municipalities: Briançon, Chantemerle / Saint-Chaffrey, Villeneuve / La Salle-les-Alpes and Le Monêtier-les-Bains, forming a skiable continuum.

In summer, the winter sports destination also becomes an adventure playground thanks to hiking, mountain biking trails, nature activities in the Écrins National Park, and a bike park to enjoy the sunny slopes.

With its magnificent panoramas, generous climate, and authentic mountain villages, Serre Chevalier offers a complete and lively experience in all seasons.

Winter activities: 

• Ski
• Snowshoes
• Night skiing 
• Nordic skiing 

For all reservations and additional information, click here.

7. Isola 2000, a mountain gem

Considered one of the jewels of the Mercantour resort chain, the resort Isola 2000, located in the Alpes-Maritimes in the commune of Isola, rises to an altitude of 2,000 m at its base and culminates at 2,603 m, making it the highest resort in the department. The Isola ski resort has a mountain charm accompanied by its old streets and its local heritage.

The ski area extends over approximately 120 km of slopes distributed between 7 green, 21 blue, 11 red and 4 black. They are served by around twenty ski lifts including cable cars, chairlifts, ski lifts and a funicular.

Located just 1.5 hours drive from Nice, its main advantage is its proximity to the Côte d'Azur, which allows you to combine sea and mountains in the same stay.

In addition, Isola 2000 offers summer activities such as mountain biking, hiking, nature trails and exploring the Mercantour National Park.

The resort is also renowned for its sunshine, particularly on the Lombarde slope, and its panoramic views. It is noteworthy that on a clear day, you can see the sea from the high peaks.

Winter activities: 

• Alpine skiing
• Snowboard
• Snowshoes 
• Sled dogs 
• Snake gliss 

For all reservations and additional information, click here. 

🗺️Organize your excursion in the PACA region

1. Define the type of excursion

First of all, you need to clarify your objective in order to organize your excursion: a relaxing, cultural, or sharing moment... Then, you need to define the surroundings, i.e. a family, professional, or school excursion. Finally, defining the destination is crucial in order to then define your itinerary.  

2. Define the route

To have a concrete organization, it is essential to plan a geographical loop, that is, a logical itinerary based on your excursion. Limit the stages to 3 or 4 per day to avoid spending more time on the road than sightseeing.

Take into account actual travel times, which are generally longer in summer due to traffic).

The excursion can be done in 1 day: Nice to Isola 2000 round trip

The excursion can be carried out as a single transfer: Nice to Isola 2000 

3. Choose your mode of transport

It is essential to choose your mode of transport, in an ecological but also economical way. To do this, Francebus responds to your requests by offering you different types of shuttle:

• Van with driver, ideal for groups of 8 people 
• Minibus with driver, ideal for groups and tailor-made tours 
• Coach with driver, practical for large groups for different events such as weddings, seminars and school events. 

4. Book in advance

Depending on your destination and the time of year you choose, it may be important to book in advance to ensure your trip. Winter travel, and therefore ski destinations, are very popular with customers. Booking accommodation, transportation, restaurants, and tourist attractions is therefore essential. For all Francebus reservation requests, click here. 

5. Adapt to the season

Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the coast, hilltop villages, panoramic circuits, or the Gorges du Verdon. Autumn is considered a quieter time, perfect for cultural and gastronomic tours. While winter is more reserved for the ski resorts of the Southern Alps like Isola 2000, Auron, Val d’Allos ; they are easily accessible in one day from the Mediterranean coast. 

✅ What are the advantages of choosing a Francebus service for your excursions? 

1. Comfort and safety assured 

Francebus ensures the comfort and safety of its customers through the cleanliness and comfort of its vehicles. In addition, having professional drivers ensures additional safety for passengers; there is no risk to fear during transportation. 

2. An interesting economic format 

Depending on your needs, Francebus will adapt to your request. Minibus and coach rental for skiing is an advantage for customers wishing to travel in groups. 

3. A peaceful excursion 

Punctuality is one of Francebus's many strengths. It is essential to respect the times requested by customers to guarantee them a worry-free excursion.