My husband and I and our two sons and wives are headed to the Alps region of France this summer (late June to early July). We're spending a couple of days in Lyon and then planning to head to Annecy and Chamonix. If you have any suggestions for homes/apartments/B&Bs in either place, we'd appreciate your sharing them with us. Also, if you have an opinion about whether to drive to Annecy/Chamonixi or take the train, we'd appreciate hearing that, too.
Thanks!
Joan
Chamonix and Annency are both very walkable and a car in not really necessary if you are just going to those places only.
If you choose to drive, there is a huge parking lot in Chamonix, right behind the Aguille du Midi station (the gondola that goes up to the view of Mont Blanc). From that lot you can easily walk to everything.
Not sure about parking in Annency.
Thanks. I guess I wasn't clear about my question about car versus train. I was talking about traveling between Lyon and Annecy or Chamonix, and then between Annecy and Chamonix.
Thanks!
Joan, I had a similar question, so is it okay if I hang around for the answer?
Were you successful in finding an apartment? I'm still looking. If I find anything interesting, and narrow it down, I'll be sure to let you know.
Ginger--
We haven't really started looking. Tomorrow is our "plan our itinerary" day, so if we find any helpful links, I will post them. Feel free to hang around.
Joan
I'm partial to train travel over cars so I'm biased, but we took the train from Lyon to Annecy, then to Chamonix and that ride was breath-taking and exquisite. Cutest train cars I've ever seen, up close and personal with the wildflowers along the way and the majestic peaks above. Enjoy!!
Trains are frequent and would be my choice, especially if 6 adults don't fit well in one rental car. Trains run direct from Lyon Part Dieu station to Annecy, take two hours, don't require reservations, and don't offer advance-purchase discounts. Train connections from Annecy to Chamonix alternate between one change and two changes, so you might prefer a departure with one change. 2nd-class tickets cost €45 per person for the whole route when you buy them at the station.
How to Look Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you the DB train schedule link and tips for using it.
Thanks to both Dorothy and Laura. So far we've found only one house meeting our requirements and it's about 5 miles outside of Annecy, so we'll likely be renting a car. If anyone has any suggestions for homes/apartments for rent in Annecy, I'd love to hear it.
Thanks.
Joan
I spent a couple months in Annecy as my boyfriend is from there. I found that there are many hotels/BandB's in Veyrier du lac, which is about a 5 minute drive from downtown Annecy. It is right on the beautiful lake. Maybe check it out there. So many gorgeous lake spots and cute restaurants along the water. Train or vehicle will work. Obviously a car would be more helpful and easier. Parking is very easy to find in Annecy. You can't drive in some parts of the downtown core, but there are tons of parkades that are very inexspensive. You can get by without one though! Hope this helps :)
Marisa--
Thanks so much. that's very helpful information. We have, in fact, booked a house in Veyrier-du-Lac, and it's good to know that there are a lot of restaurants nearby. And it's also helpful to know that there is lots of inexpensive parking in Annecy.
Thanks!
Joan
