With the pound shrinking in value and airline costs soaring, ski trips to France (or anywhere) are going to be fairly pricey from now on.

My tip is to do what I've been doing for a couple of years now and forsake the over-priced Alps for the lowcost splendor of the Pyrenees. Much cheaper and easier to reach the resorts (Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2 and Flybe all fly into Toulouse, Carcassonne or Pau), cheaper and friendlier accommodation and, a big plus, hardly any queues at the lifts!

Of course, the ski domains are smaller and the runs a bit shorter but for a weekend break at 250 euros it's hard to beat.

The resorts of Ax, St Lary, La Mongie, Peyragudes, Les Angles and Luchon are all within 90 minutes of a lowcost airport.

www.francealacarte.com and www.fly2ski.com offer weekend (three-night) or week-long packages with hotel, ski pass and hire car included.

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It is the countryside outside of Toulouse stretching almost as far as Carcassonne. In this area you will find the Canal du Midi, beautiful villages and stunning scenery. Markets, antique and reproduction furniture. Foie Gras and excellent local wines from the Corbieres, Minervois and Fitou.

You can fly into Toulouse or Carcassonne, exit the Autoroute A61 at Villefranche Lauragais and head in the direction of Revel where you will find a beautiful market every Saturday morning. Worthwhile stops are St Felix Lauragais. There is a 16th century farm doing B&B in Belesta Lauragais, a good base for exploring the Lauragais.

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You can visit the Airbus plant in Toulouse and actually see the new A380 jumbo being assembled. You also get to visit one of the Concordes on the site and the A340 assembly line if you're interested. And Toulouse is a very lively city for a weekend break!

Airbus tours are organized by FRANCE A LA CARTE, 6 Place St Sernin, Toulouse. Ph: +33 561 120 794. www.francealacarte.com. If you fly to Toulouse with easyJet you arrive on an Airbus A319 or A320 which gets you into the mood!

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A beautifully kept and secluded campsite overlooking the valleys of the Dordogne.

Particularly recommended for off-peak camping, the site also hires out "mini-chateaux". Very warm staff, great location with nearby watersports, medieval villages and superb local cuisine.

Camping les Hauts de Ratebout,
Ste-Foy-de-Belves,
24170 Belves
Dordogne
00-33-(0)5.53.29.02.10
www.hauts-ratebout.fr

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