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French Alps Detour?

I'm wondering if we should add France to our Italy - Switzerland trip, because we're almost in France anyway, and apparently the French Alps are the highest and most spectacular.

We are ending our Italy trip with a visit to a friend in Aosta, Italy before heading toward Sion in Switzerland.

Is it worth our while to go via Courmayeur to Chamonix, France before heading to Martigny, Switzerland? Is the train better, or a bus?

This trip is about scenery, food, easy hikes, accommodation with views ...basically la vita dolce. We've been to Switzerland, Italy and France before, but never this corner, so any ideas are welcome.

Posted by
6783 posts

Definitely!
Bus from Aosta to Chamonix (skip Courmayeur if short on time), where you have a broad choice of hikes and mountain railway excursions, stay a couple nights, then train to Martigny.
By the way, are you staying in Sion? Unless you're visiting friends or family, you're better off staying in the mountains nearby. The Heremence (Evolene, Arolla) and Anniviers (esp Chandolin and St Luc) valleys are stunning and full of excellent accomodation (e.g. Chandolin Boutique Hotel).

Posted by
367 posts

Thank you! Haven't figured out accommodation yet -- I'm still trying to decide on our route.

Your answer is very helpful.