A high sunny resort in the southern French Alps, far from the famous names and priced accordingly. Apartments and small hotels cost less than you would expect for an area this size.

La Foux d'Allos is a small purpose built base right on the snow, and Allos village below is older and quieter, in a valley leading into the Mercantour national park. The two are linked to Pra Loup over the ridge, which gives a genuinely large area for the money.

The skiing is broad and intermediate with good easy terrain, and the pistes stay quiet even in French school holidays. The south facing aspect means sun most days, so February is a safer bet than April if you want the snow at its best.

Bring a car, because public transport into this valley is thin, and expect very quiet evenings.