We are planning a trip through Switzerland and wanting to finish up in Paris where we will fly home. We would like to go through the mountains from Martigny to Chamonix, stay 2 nights in Chamonix and then travel through Annecy to Lyon, stay 1 night in Lyon and then head to Paris the next day. Our problem is figuring out the best way to do this. Apparently the train line between Martigny and Chamonix is having work done so some of this route will be on a bus. My first question is what station we can catch the bus? Will it connect with the train from Martigny and what is the cost? We understand that we will receive a guest card when we arrive at our accommodations in Chamonix that should cover the trip from Vallorcine to Chamonix but won’t be much good to us as we won’t have arrived yet and therefore we won’t have the card. I understand the tickets are cheaper if purchased at Octodure Voyages that is across the tracks from the Martigny train station. Is this correct? My next question is; does a Eurail Pass or Swiss Travel Pass cover this trip from Martigny to Chamonix? Lastly, when we leave from Chamonix and head for Annecy we would probably buy a bus ticket instead of the train because the train takes too long. Are the busses from there reliable? We will be connecting with the train from Annecy to Paris and do not want to miss it. Most of the information available is either in French or too difficult to follow. Has anyone else had this experience? If so, I would appreciate all the help I can get. I’m just about ready to give up on this whole idea and simply head to Paris through Lausanne. After days and days of research I am still in the dark and very frustrated. Please help. Thank you.
Posted by
Jersey Shore
339 posts
We did this trip in reverse in July 2022 (Paris, Lyon, Annecy, Chamonix, Martigny). But we spent 7 days doing it. I feel like Annecy and Lyon are not worth the hassle on this trip (they are just making it complicated for just a few hours of touring). I think the Swiss Pass would cover Martigney to Vallorcine. If there is track work, I'd assume SBB would arrange to get you to Vallorcine by bus. Vallorcine to Chamonix is probably just a few bucks, and the guest card won't cover it retroactively. Chamonix is well worth several days, maybe move the one night in Lyon to an additional night in Chamonix. Then take the train right to Paris (7 hours, but even if you drive it is 6 hours). If you really want Annecy and Lyon, consider renting a car for the day (one way). It's a 3 hour drive and you would have flexibility. Rome2Rio.com is a good source for travel options from A to B...