Best way Paris to Chamonix

pam,

For travel from Paris to Chamonix, I'd suggest using train to Geneva and then Shuttle to Chamonix. Using Dec. 15 as an arbitrary date, there's a high speed TGV departure from Gare de Lyon at 09:17, arriving Geneva at 12:15 (time 2H:58M, reservations compulsory). From Geneva a pre-arranged Shuttle will take about another hour or so to Chamonix.

As you've never been to Europe before, one point to mention is that Paris has about six rail stations. You'll have to get from the area where your hotel is located to Gare de Lyon using either Metro or Taxi. You may find it helpful to pack along a copy of the Pocket Paris guidebook, as that will be a valuable resource both for figuring out the transportation as well as the sightseeing in Paris.

Geneva probably wouldn't be my first choice to spend time in December. In order to provide advice, it would help to know more about your overall trip.

Do you mean "is it worthwhile to stop for a day or two in Geneva between Paris and Chamonix"?

Do you have time to spare? On a short trip, I'd eliminate "side trips." Since you've never been to Europe, it's very hard to know what will attract you and what won't. It could be that just about any place will be different in your eyes.

pam,

As you haven't been to Europe before, you may find it very helpful to read Europe Through The Back Door prior to your trip. You should be able to find a copy at your local Library or larger bookstores.