These days, it seems everywhere is full of charm. Our clothes, our houses... if you believe John Motson it can even be found on the inside of Beckham's right foot. But to experience real charm, a charm free from cliché and hyperbole, is to spend time in Morzine.

Morzine's blessing is that it was a town before it became a resort. This is no purpose built beast, conceived solely as a feeding mechanism for the mountain. Rather it is a place rich in tradition and character; a working town still very much at one with its slate mining past. The result is all manner of interesting architecture, restaurants and artisans. So when you find yourself sipping a genepi eau-du-vi in a bar, you know that you're also enjoying the taste of authenticity.

But Morzine's charm extends beyond this rich culture. Set in a wooded mountain valley, it enjoys an enviable location along the dramatic Dranse, a river which provides the backdrop to the beautiful Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Church in the heart of the town.

The mountains that surround it on every side are home to marmot, chamoix, wild bore and a good number of Abondance cows. Although fortunately there's a good deal more room for your own explorations too.