Travelling with 9 people (3 kids- 9-14 years old) and coming from Paris via train. We have three days to work with. Would you base yourself in Annecy with a day trip to Chamonix or base ourselves in Chamonix with a day trip to Annecy? We open to renting cars if we need to. Or, if anyone has other suggestions, I'm open!
I've heard Annecy is beautiful but I also want to try and take at least one hike!
Posted by
Bend, OR
1672 posts
I would stay in Chamonix because I like all the mountain activities but that’s just my preference.
Posted by
Chicago, IL
16 posts
I agree. There is so much to take in while in Chamonix. You can't go wrong with either city, however!
Posted by
128 posts
Our family of 5 adults have been to Chamonix in both summers 2024 and 2025. This past June, we based in Chamonix with the RS Alpine tour and took a day trip to Annecy. There is a very convenient bus (FlixBus) that we took from Chamonix directly to Annecy and back. It wasn't expensive and it was a very comfortable ride. I suggest Chamonix be your base. The mountains are there to explore whereas Annecy is really just enough to do for a day with an incredibly beautiful lake.
~Mitzi
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Great advice- thank you! Any hotel recommendations?
Posted by
Chicago
1062 posts
When is your trip? If summer, then I agree with the others completely - Chamonix
with a possible day trip to Annecy is the way to go. If spring or autumn (I assume
not winter because it would be a ski trip), then a bit less agreement since the
weather in the mountains is going to be more variable during those seasons,
and some of the lifts in Chamonix may close for seasonal maintenance.
Take the train from Paris to Geneva and then xfer to a bus or private shuttle to
get you Chamonix (or Annecy). The train to Chamonix is scenic but slow and
has connections.
As for accommodations, with 9 people, I would suggest you consider renting
a chalet - it is probably comparable and maybe less than 4 or 5 hotel rooms
and it is a whole different vibe since you are all together. Most chalets have
ensuite bathrooms and nice gathering areas. You have to learn the layout
of the valley to figure out places to stay. There are property management
companies as well as airbnb & vrbo options. In the summer, you can probably
rent a place for 3 nights (not winter, though).
Posted by
128 posts
brookersacco,
We've stayed at Hotel L'arve, Hotel Lyret and will be staying at Plan B. We've liked the first 2 quite a lot and have heard very good reviews about Plan B. None of them are fancy but are very clean, good service and YUMMY breakfasts!
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Thank you for all the replies! We're going in late June around the 24th. Would that be a pretty safe time to stay in Chamonix as far as weather is concerned?
Posted by
Chicago
1062 posts
Weather in the mountains is always subject to variations; in August, it snowed at the
top of the Aiguille di Midi. But in late June, you generally should be in good shape
in the valley.
Posted by
424 posts
Chamonix is paradise for is. Hiking, food, scenery….
Annency… meh.
Posted by
Normandie
548 posts
Not to pile on, but there's really no question here.
You're traveling with children. Not infants; young curious, and inquisitive children.
Chamonix. That's by far the best choice.
Annecy is great if you're older and haven't been around alpine towns along a lake. Those kind of folks love that stuff. But that's not exactly a rare combination of features. You can find it in many places.
But for kids, especially kids who are intellectually curious? Chamonix is the clear choice..
I would highly recommend you bone up on alpine glacial landforms before you go. Have them read it too. I'm providing you a link but I encourage you to look further.
The cable car from Chamonix to Aiguille du Midi and the téléphérique to Helbronner in Italy are life-changing experiences. You can see alpine glacial landforms as you go that are stunning and not as easily accessible anywhere else on the planet. The mountain peaks and needles are spectacular.
And taking the little train to Mer de Glace is another experience. Nothing drives home the reality of global warming better than walking down those endless steps past signposts that show where the glacier was at different times in the past. And in how many places can your children walk inside an alpine glacier and place their hands on that ancient ice?
If interested, Chamonix also hosts a good museum on the development of mountain climbing as an endeavor. It's quite interesting how that pursuit developed and changed over time, often at the personal risk to the individuals involved.
Annecy is a fine place for those who haven't been around an alpine lake, of which there are many scattered around the world..
Chamonix is a potentially life-changing experience for the curious and inquisitive.
Your choice.
They'll never forget it.