Looking for advice in regards to traveling from Provence (Luberon/Avignon) to Annecy. In late September will be renting a car in Avignon for touring the Luberon, but wondering if we should return the car to Avignon and take the train to Annecy or we should drive to Annecy and return it there, before ultimately taking the train back to Paris. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you.
Posted by
Chicago
8165 posts
Return the car in Annecy as it is not well connected by train to the Luberon area.
Posted by
California 🦋
5293 posts
We traveled this route in reverse; Annecy to Avignon via TER and TGV train with a change in Valence (back in 2016)
You can save money by booking your train tickets in advance.
I’ve not driven in France, so can’t tell you what’s best, but do consider the price of the rental, gas and tolls. If you consider driving to Annecy, you may want to stop somewhere along the way. Perhaps Grenoble?
Hopefully others who have driven this route will chime in with some ideas.
Wishing you a wonderful time in beautiful France!
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2703 posts
I did drive this some time ago. What I remember the most was that the roads were full of trucks, making progress painfully slow. How much time are you spending in Annecy and do you absolutely need a car there? If you do, I would drive it, but allow plenty of time for the trip.
Posted by
Paris
7301 posts
If you do decide to drive, keeping the car for at least your first full day in Annecy would be a good idea, as it would allow you to travel more easily around the lake, for example to the Col de la Forclaz viewpoint.
Driving-wise, there are two main routes:
- West to the A7 motorway then north to Valence, then north-east towards Annecy. All on big busy roads, especially up to Valence, with the possibility of a scenic side trip through the Vercors (Pont-en-Royans + Bourne Gorge towards Grenoble, allow ~3 hours to enjoy it).
- East to the A51 motorway at Manosque, then north to Sisteron, a relatively slow but very scenic road to Grenoble, and back on the motorway for the rest.
I drove option 2 last month, it is quite varied and I can recommend it if you're not afraid of a few curves on the road and of getting stuck behind the odd campervan.
Posted by
Paris
10199 posts
To find a good estimate of the cost of fuel and tolls, check Via Michelin -- put your Provence town/city from which you will be departing and Annecy in the trip planner function and it will tell you how much it will cost, how long it will take etc.