There are many small communities spread amongst the higher reaches of the Alps, like this one in the Queyras. If you do manage to obtain a day-release from flying duties, there are worse ways to spend your time than driving up into the mountains to one of the more remote villages, such as St Veran. The scenery from ground-level is eye-popping, every corner revealing another visual treat. Other sightings on your trip may include chamois, marmots, grimly determined Tour-de-France competitors and middle-aged motorcyclists racing up to the next Franco-Italian col.