France is a brilliant holiday destination because it has something for everyone. From stunning mountains to Mediterranean beaches, plus heaps of culture and art. And did we mention the food? The varied French landscape beckons you outdoors, so fill a baguette with some great cheese and get into nature and explore! Today Netferry the French Alps as both a summer and winter destination. 

The French Alps in the summer 

We start at the highest natural wonder in France: Mont Blanc, towering at 4,800 meters, it'll give you plenty to do! We usually think of snowsports during the winter, but also try Haute-Savoie in the summer too, where it is equally, if not more, beautiful. You can climb, mountain bike, hike and swim in the beautifully clean lakes in the valleys. Annecy is a magnificent town to visit, and with its lake beach and historic town centre, it won't disappoint. 

For those looking for something more extreme, try climbing. There is plenty to choose from around Chamonix, for example, Les Aravis and the limestone massif above and south of Sallanches offers at least 20 quality sites. There is everything from bouldering to grade 6 and 7 routes. Alternatively, in the Maurienne Valley, you have via ferrata, which is a more accessible form of climbing involving metal cords to attach you to a lifeline and metal footings and bridges to get across some sections. There are also some excellent mountain biking routes in the Maurienne. Another brilliant family activity is white water rafting. If you enjoy mountain rivers, then the Guil rapids are a must in the Alps: they cross the Queyras valley and have become a hotspot for whitewater sports in Europe. Choose from kayaking, rafting or hydrospeed. There's something for everyone in this unspoilt region of the Hautes-Alpes!

Canyoning is another mountain sport you may not have considered. The Vallon du Fournel, above the village of Argentière-la-Bessée, is a playground for canyoning enthusiasts, you can slide into the pools naturally carved into the rocks, jump into water holes, walk and swim in mountain streams! 

Winter adventures

As for winter adventures, there are loads of resorts available depending on what you're looking for. If you want guaranteed snow, then stay at high altitude or opt for a resort on a glacier. Tignes, Val d'Isere, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Les Deux Alpes and Europe's highest, Val Thorens are all great choices.

If its a luxury family holiday you are looking for then head to resorts such as Meribel and Courchevel in The Three Valleys or La Plagne and Les Arcs in the Paradiski ski area. These resorts have plenty of runs for all abilities and a large number of catered chalets, where the staff will pamper you with freshly cooked meals every day. Les Gets, and Avoriaz in the Portes du Soleil ski area there are also some great family-friendly resorts, with brilliant child care facilities and ski-in ski-out accommodation. 

For people who are looking for some apres-ski fun, there are many resorts with great après ski and nightlife in France, but the best of the bunch has to be Val Thorens, Meribel, Val d'Isere, Tignes, Les Deux Alpes and Alpe d'Huez. There are bars, restaurants; nightclubs packed full of revellers every night of the week. If you can handle it after a hard day on the slopes - then go for it!

Ferries to France 

Visit NetFerry and discover the ferry routes to France. The Netferry booking site allows you to save your quote and confirm the ticket a few days later. Netferry always helps you find the boat or ferry to best suit your needs. Rates, times and ports of departure and arrival are just a few clicks away with Netferry.

Netferry: a sea of ferries