hello all: going to Paris in 12 days i want to take a day-only trip to the alps by train: where is the best place to go see the alps? can only go by train. thanks!
Posted by
Marlborough, MA, USA
144 posts
well expect two basically make this a 2 day trip. over night trains are becoming few and far between, so even a jaunt to the alps will take 1/3 of your day in travel time....most here will probably tell you to hit up chamonix and iw ould agree having been there myself, but even places like grenoble are just outside the alps. but train only destination, chamonix will do but expect to travel there get there mid day or mid afternoon and spend the night somewhere, even a hostel, and then take a late train back to paris to get your time and moneys worth
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
Yes, the Alps are way too far for a day trip. Enjoy Paris and pick an Alpine destination next time you go to Europe.
Posted by
washington
837 posts
Jonathan, I agree that two days are required. With 12 days, it is certainly possible. You can take a train to Chamonix in 5-6 hours. In about the same time, you could go to Lauterbrunnen. As much as I love Paris, with 12 days, I would take 3 and go to Lauterbrunnen.
Posted by
OP
MIAMI!
75 posts
hello: i think you all are correct: it appears that it would be an overnight requirement. i am now thinking of just doing a day trip to either Avignon, Geneva, or Strasbourg. what do you all think about Avignon and Strasbourg? thanks!
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
A 3-hour train trip to Grenoble gives you easy access to the French Alps. Grenoble was the site of the 1968 Winter Olympics. There are numerous ski areas within an hour or two of the city.
Posted by
Columbia, SC
389 posts
Strasbourg is 2hr20min by TGV from Paris, Avignon is 2hr40min. The Avignon TGV station is a bit outside the city, requiring a bus or taxi ride to get to the center. So for me Avignon is well outside day-trip range. Not to mention the high cost of the TGV tickets. Strasbourg is a bit more doable, but again quite expensive. They are both fine cities; I especially like Avignon. But taking a day trip to the other side of the vast country of France is rather too much IMO.
Posted by
Lincoln City, OR
90 posts
A major consideration in your plan should be the weather, as if you were to go to either Chamonix or Lauterbrunnen the chances are that you would end up seeing nothing but clouds. A better plan is to go for a period of ten days or so to some place like Lauterbrunnen - most highly recommended - or Chamonix and then your chances are better that the weather will cooperate with you and give you a spectacular sight. A day only trip to the alps is highly chancey and not really feasible.