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Provence to Annecy then to Paris

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Traveling to France in August. We will spend a few days in Paris before taking the train to Nimes, where we will then rent a car and spend a week in Provence. Before heading home we would like to visit Annecy and Chamonix.

What would you suggest as the best means to travel from Provence to Annecy. A. drive or B. Take the train.

We have no issue with driving we actually love it because it does give us the freedom to stop when we want and side trips that ewer not expected and we can leave when we please. However if you don't feel we need to car and it is a waste of money and inconvient that is another thing.

Would you suggest an overnight in Lyon?

How many days would you spend in Annecy and Chamonix. ?

Best way to get back to Paris our flight in on Saturday night at 6;30p.m. We can leave from wither Chamonix or Annecy. Would you fly or take the train. Does the train go directly to airport or into Paris?

Thank you in advance. Everyones help has been so valuable !

Posted by
7349 posts

Hi,
A lot of it depends on how many days you have between leaving Provence and getting to Paris. To do the area justice, I'd aim for two nights in Annecy and three in Chamonix.

I would take the train to Annecy, rent car there (after visiting Annecy) to go to Chamonix, and drive back to Annecy for train back to Paris.
If this leaves time for an overnight in Lyon and Lyon appeals to you then yes, do it. Not in favor of driving because in August the A7 highway drive between Provence and the Alps can be nastily jammed. This said you could turn a Provence to Annecy / Chamonix drive into a road trip if you have time.

Posted by
54 posts

Balso

So you would recommend dropping our car in Provence and taking the train to Annecy and then spend a few days and rent a car to drive to Chamonix?

Is there a direct train from Annecy to CDG or do we have to transfer in Paris? and if so which station? With that being said. How much time would you leave for transfer and getting to CDG.

While in Chamonix what 2 experiences do you highly recommend?

Posted by
4132 posts

There are frequent direct-to-cdg trains from Lyon. Change there.

Posted by
7349 posts

Yes, a car is useless in Annecy (it's even a liability) but useful to get to Chamonix, and you don't miss much if you skip the highway between Avignon/Nîmes and Annecy. Plus you'll save a bit on dropoff fees, depending on who you're renting with.

Posted by
54 posts

Thank you so much. This information is invaluable.

We will go from Nimes/Pont du Guard/Uzes, Avignon not all in the same day to Luberon for a few days then St Remy/Arles for 2 days 1 night and to Cassis then head up to Annecy. So if we are in Cassis would you recommend drop off in Aix en Provence ?

Posted by
2459 posts

Hey hey ltref323
we are spending 6 nights in annecy, rest and relaxation vacation, middle September. we are booked on a train annecy to gare de Lyon station in Paris. Don’t know about arriving at CDG, I would look to see, we got a great early fare. look at loco2, trainline, sncf now for better fares and arrival times to Paris or airport. have fun and enjoy.
annecycitytour.fr for city bus tours
aloha

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