We have a trip planned in the fall where we will fly to Paris , take train to Geneva and then go to charmonix ( to climb MT blanc.) after which we will explore Italy . From Geneva ( 1 hr and 10 mins from Charmonix ) Does it make more sense to fly to Rome and Come back to Florence and Venice or fly
To Venice and go south from there . Our trip is sept 14- oct 2nd ( we will need at least 3 days to climb the mountains in charmonix and play to stay a few days (2) in good old Paris we will take overnight or rapid trains where ever possible . Suggestions and or insider information would be greatly appreciated?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32398 posts
A few thoughts on your plans.....
- Using the high speed TGV from Paris to Geneva is the quickest way to get there.
- When you arrive in Geneva, I'd suggest using one of the Chamonix Shuttles to get to Chamonix. You will need to pre-book that. The trip is about an hour, as I recall.
- For the next segment of your trip, use the Shuttle back to Geneva main station, to connect with the trains.
- I wasn't entirely clear on exactly where you're going in Italy, but if you can make it back to Geneva by about 07:30, there's a direct train departing for Milan, with a travel time of 3H:58M. There are numerous other trains, with somewhat longer travel times.
- If you're visiting Venice, Florence, Rome you could also use a budget flight from Geneva or Zürich to Venice and then work your way south from there. For flights from Geneva, have a look at easyJet, Swiss Air or Lufthansa. Flights from ZRH will provide more non-stop options.
- Don't bother with overnight trains, as they're becoming a lot less common. A budget flight or high speed train is a better use of travel time (IMO).
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you for your advice. We will take them into consideration.
Posted by
Austin, TX
110 posts
3 days is too short for Mont Blanc; you should plan 3-4 days acclimatizing and doing training climbs beforehand.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
My husband and his climbing partner will be climbing Mt , blanc . We like in Denver , co ( the mile high city) they are both expirened ( have climbed Denali , acrcauga anx killimanjaro ) and they will have a guide .
Posted by
Austin, TX
110 posts
If they are very experienced, and Italy is next on the itinerary, then climbing up from Chamonix and down to Courmayeur (Italy) would be an exceptional way to get there. You could meet them by sending bags via a luggage service and taking the cable car from Aiguille du Midi to Courmayeur (assuming it doesn't get stuck with passengers like in 2016, or suffer a broken cable like in January (out of season, not in service)). That'll bring you to Aosta Valley - see https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/sailing-over-french-alps.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
That’ sounds amazing , I would have to discuss with mybyavel conpanions , but do you think this is a real possibility at the end of September beginning of October ?