We will arrive in Geneva, but due to Switzerland being more expensive, we are seeking a good 3 night alternative in France before needing to be in Chamonix. Preferably a town that has restaurant choices, good sightseeing, but not necessarily museums, etc. The stay will be to get over jet lag before heading to Chamonix.
We will be traveling by train.
A "classic" choice is Annecy. It gets busy, but it is really beautiful and should check your boxes.
As an alternative smaller locale, or if your route already includes Annecy, Yvoire is a lovely lakeside village where I highly recommend Hotel du Pré de la Cure. The village is super cute and there are some good lakeside walks. A day trip to Switzerland is an option as well (there are ferries on the lake). There is no train station but bus and boat connections are pretty good.
Note that this is a relatively expensive part of France, so you might not find "bargains" either.
Thank you Balso.
Not expecting bargains, but maybe a little less expensive than Switzerland?
I will look into your suggestions. Train/bus to Les Houches/Chamonix from Geneva seems tricky-train especially. I know there is a transport that specifically goes from Geneva airport to Les Houches, so that may end up being what we have to do. Lots of time to figure it out though. I like lots of suggestions.
EDIT: Like the idea of Yvoire and ferry service from Geneva looks really good! Nice!
Yes, cheaper than Switzerland, especially hotels - you can usually find good rooms around 120-150€/night in that part of France.
As for getting to Chamonix: not that "tricky". From Geneva, you just always have to change trains in St Gervais due to a break-of-gauge. From Annecy, you usually also have to change trains at La Roche sur Foron. And from Yvoire, I'm not too familiar with the
options. One of them involves crossing the lake to Nyon, walking up (steep) to the station, then train to Martigny and change there for trains to Chamonix (via Vallorcine). It's very scenic, but not cheap. Otherwise, a taxi to Annemasse for trains to Chamonix would not break the bank.
Geneva to Annecy - 30-45 minute bus ride, easy. Bus station in Annecy is easy
walking distance to just about everything.
Annecy to Chamonix - train as mentioned, but takes 2+ hours and 2 changes. BlaBlaBus
or Flixbus are better options IMO.
Chamonix to Geneva - train possible, but shared or private shuttle is probably easier.
Thank you again Balso.
This is a huge headstart as the trip isn’t until fall of 25, but…….since it’s connected to the TMB, I want to know as far in advance any minor details we need to make the trip as smooth as possible.
Thank you shoeflyer. Indeed, if we decide Annency will work, BlaBlabus looks to be a good bet.
