Later this month, we are taking a train from Paris to Geneva and then a shuttle to Chamonix (either same day or next day). In Chamonix we will spend 2 nights at the Montenvers Refuge and then plan to go to Annecy and Lyon, where we plan to take the train back to Paris. My question is whether it is possible to rent a car in Chamonix and drop it off in Lyon or if we should just just take a train to Annecy and then Lyon. If the answer is "rent a car", does it make sense to keep the car for the final leg to Paris instead of taking the train? Thanks!
Posted by
California 🦋
5294 posts
If your plan is to travel from Chamonix to Annecy, then on to Lyon, there’s no need to rent a car. Your intended route is easily done by trains.
Lyon to Paris is via TGV (high speed train) and you may want to book these tickets in advance. Not sure if there are discounted tickets still available but it’s worth a try.
If you like gelato, make sure you go to Glacier des Alpes in Annecy!
We loved out time in Chamonix and
Annecy!
If you want some delicious food in a unique setting in Chamonix, make sure you check out Le Caveau, it’s a restaurant built in a cave!
Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
OP
Massachusetts, USA
6 posts
Thank you. I'm getting hungry already! ;-)
Posted by
Paris
7304 posts
Chamonix to Annecy is faster and easier by direct bus. Ouibus plies the route several times a day, perhaps Flixbus as well.
Posted by
OP
Massachusetts, USA
6 posts
That's an option we hadn't thought about. Thank you!
Posted by
stevens point, wi, usa
1194 posts
Hello from Wisconsin,
I am a big fan of mass transit, but sometimes a person wants to drive and be able to putz along the way. I would phone Autoeurope and see what they say about your plan. It is my belief that in France there is no dead head charge when renting cars. I could be wrong, but I have done this repeatedly and the rates I have paid have been between $12 - $16/day without insurance. As for insurance, I use a credit card that provides coverage as a freebee. You must reserve the car and pick it up using the SAME card. Don't lose it in the mean time.
wayne iNWI
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Chamonix doesn't have many car rental offices. The one major company that I see on Google Maps is Europcar, which is the one I often use, having found them with the best rates when I search through AutoEurope.com. Agree that any second-city drop off fee is usually minimal or none within France.
Of course, if you don't have additional stops planned along the way, then bus and train are simpler.
Posted by
OP
Massachusetts, USA
6 posts
Wayne, you definitely struck a chord when you referenced the joys of "going rogue" on a planned trip from one point to another. And thank you Laura for the logistical details. I'll definitely check out autoeurope.com.