A high plateau in the Hautes Alpes formed by two linked resorts, Superdévoluy and La Joue du Loup, sitting in a limestone bowl that looks quite unlike the granite peaks further north.

The skiing is high, snow sure and mostly intermediate, with a broad range of easy terrain and pistes that stay quiet even in French school holidays. The altitude means the season is more reliable than the southern location suggests.

La Joue du Loup is built in wood and stone and is much the more attractive of the two bases. Superdévoluy is functional but puts you straight on the snow.

Prices are among the lowest for an area this size in France, and Grenoble is around ninety minutes away.