Italy to France border

There is frequent bus service from Aosta to Chamonix. You can travel twice a day by bus all the way from Milano to Chamonix. The last leg from Courmayeur to Chamonix goes through the Mont Blanc tunnel. See the timetables here.

Thank you for your reply re: travel to Mont Blanc via Chamonix and Courmayeur areas. If you happen to recall any specific information that may help us in planning our upcoming visit in October 2013 (cost of bus transportation, cable car/tunnel, etc.), please post--I'll check the site often. Is the cable car operating or is it still under renovations?
Linda

You're welcome. Bus fares are listed on the timetable link I gave you. I've read that the cable car renovation is scheduled to continue into 2015.

Where in Italy are you going to be located ? that would help to determine places in the northwest of the country that would be possible choices .

We will be spending the last leg of our trip in the north of Italywe have family in Parma and hope to find some relatives in Piacenza, Emilia-Romagna region. Our wish has been to explore the northwest corner of Italy and go into southern FranceAix-en-Provence, Avignon, and discover some of the smaller towns and villages. Any tips would be appreciated. And, yes, thank you for including that wonderful timetable & rates! I'll do more investigating with train schedules too.
Linda

Heading for Provence certainly sounds grand , the issue being time and expense . If you are equipped on those two counts , you could certainly do that en route to Chamonix . Here is another idea to consider ; From Emilia Romagna head north west to Lago Maggiore via Milan and land in Stresa for a few days . The lakefront promenade , the Borromeo Islands ,and the ambience of the place are gorgeous . Three days would be good . From there you can go via rail : Stresa - Domodossola - Simplon Pass - Brig , Switzerland - Martigny - Vallorcine , France - Chamonix . The trip will take you through the stunning Trient Valley and is is quite scenic . This is a more direct itinerary , but as I said , if you have more time ...

Thank you, Steven, for that info on a route through the Trient Valley. I'll start studying maps asap. I'm sure the views in this area are outstanding.