Want to spend one night in the Alps from Lyon

Our poster "K" has written several posts about the wonders of Chamonix (where I've never been), but one night is very risky if you hope to see the high-mountain views from lifts. Bad weather can roll in and sit a while. Are you prepared to drive through, and see, nothing besides drizzle and fog if that's the way it plays out? (I've had that experience in Switzerland, though I was sitting on trains at the time.)

What time of year is your trip?

Your success will depend on which time of the year. In August, you have a good chance of hitting good weather. Chamonix is just two+ hours away. You could go through the tunnel to Italy but it will just add cost and not really improve your views, if the Alps are your goal. Instead I would take the lifts in Chamonix, as long as the weather holds (not a guarantee due to the elevation of the peak). There are also lifts just opposite Mt. Blanc that have some great views, with hiking trails (and views) that start at altitude. There is a pass through to Martigny on the Swiss side that has some nice views at Lac Emosson (and throughout -- there are other locals as well). The route to Chamonix is a lowlands, so you need to take lifts or climb up the pass to really see some peaks. There is also a scenic train route.

You can also take the Swiss route through to Zermatt. This is a pretty long drive for an overnight trip.

If the plan is to go to Chamonix, stay the night, then get up in the morning and take the cable car. I think it's possible. I think I'd be worried about trying to get to Chamonix and ride the cable car the same day. They say the chances of clouds that obscure the view go up the later in the day.

From there you can drive to Turin in about 2 - 2 1/2 hours. The tolls, according to Via Michelin, are 67 euros.

I'm going in mid-September and plan on spending two nights with the day between dedicated to seeing Mt. Blanc and the Mer de Glace. I'm only staying one day so there's a chance weather will keep me from seeing Mt. Blanc. I'll start early for the best chance of clear skies. If the weather is socked in, I'll just go for a hike and Mer de Glace. If it's really bad, I'll see what's available.

It's a good point -- you can actually reserve your pass in advance and it's actually recommended in the peak season.

Yes, the clouds are more likely to come in the afternoon. Besides the forecast, you can see for yourself via the webcams. Many times in the Alps I've raced down the hill after a day hike as weather rolls in. And by September, the chances start to go up although even in August you will get plenty of clouds and sometimes storms.

The route through the tunnel can bit backlogged during the peak season -- it's been a while since I've taken it, however, as I no longer work near the lake.

Thanks to all. Great tips! I got Air B and B 15 miles SW of Chamonix. Will do the tram. I have 2 days to get to Gordes in Provence. Any suggestion on mind numbing scenery or towns to see along the way. I see Grenoble but I don't care to see anymore ski towns except for perhaps Megeve quickly. Thanks

Are you planning to go from Chamonix to Gordes directly? If so, Annecy is a worthwhile stop. The old town along the canals is truly beautiful, and have some tartiflette. Other recommendations really depend on your interest. A detour to visit Grenoble may not be worthwhile for you, unless you want to go through the mountain route.

Gooster Thanks for your reply. Thinking about Gap -- I will look at your suggestion.

My plan is to see Gordes either as an excursion from Arles or as a stop on the way from Arles to the Riviera.

My route is essentially from Chamonix through Grenoble, drive through the Gorges de Bourne, then through Valence and stopping for the night in Balazuc (the only one night stop of my trip). The next morning the plan is to see the Ardeche, Pont d'Arc and cavern, then maybe Orange and/or other stops (depending on time) before spending several nights in Arles.