Hi, we are a three-generation family of 7 (including kids 8,6, and 3) who are spending a week in London a week in Paris this summer. For our final week, July 11-17, we wanted to go to the French Alps, but planning this week is proving very difficult. We thought that switching gears from mostly sightseeing to active, outdoor activities made sense for our last week (but we are a bit limited in terms of hiking and biking by the 3- and 65-year olds!). We are torn between Annecy and Chamonix and are wondering what is the best use of our week. We really want to take the cable car from Chamonix into Italy as my daughter really wants to step foot in Italy, but Annecy sounds lovely too. We prefer to rent a 2-4 BR apartment but don't know where to go beyond VRBO, and are not sure if this locks us into a one-week stay in one place. We also have read that it's high tourist season - will we be sorry we have even chosen this? We don't love crowds. Finally, we need to fly back to the US at the end and assumed Geneva would make the most sense, but I would love to hear other thoughts. We are hoping not to rent a car since we would need a van to fit us all, but maybe we should reconsider. I would greatly appreciate any and all ideas and resources! Thank you.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17439 posts
We (a family group of 9) spent a week very near Chamonix, in the next village (Les Praz) a couple of years ago and it was perfect. There is lots to do for all ages, including the summer luge, a large public pool coplex with waterslides, the various lifts and trains, and the Mer de Glace, even tennis on clay courts. Plus, of course, great hiking---not all of it severe or strenuous, but alwasy with great scenery. It was a very enjoyable 20-minute walk along the river to get to Chamonix and the grocery store. I can send you the details of the chalet if you like.
One day we walked up to a restaurant a bit above town and had lunch amid the flowers and a hummingbird hawkmoth. That was wonderful!
Posted by
Portland, OR
1124 posts
Heather,
Your trip sounds so wonderful! What a great way to spend time with family.
Last September I was on a RS tour and we stopped at Annecy for an afternoon, on our way to Chamonix. It was beautiful and we even took a boat ride. It was soooooo overrun with tourists though. It was nice to stop and see the lake and the village, but I wouldn't have wanted to spend more time there. I couldn't imagine what I would do for a whole week there.
Chamonix, or a nearby village, will give you far more options and breathtaking scenery as well. Be sure to try the Raclette and Fondue. :)
Posted by
Michigan, USA
162 posts
Last Fall we stayed 4 nights in Chamonix at Les Balcons du Savoy apartments. I booked thru www.booking.com but you could look up their website and book direct too. They have several sizes of apartments. We loved the view of Mont Blanc from our door and watching the parasailers land in the lawn outside. Chamonix would be a fantastic last stop for your family. There are so many things to do in the area. If I were you I would consider getting a car. It will make getting around so much easier. We took a wonderful day trip thru the Mont Blanc tunnel to Aosta Italy to see the Roman ruins and eat gellato and pizza then over the Grand St Bernard pass into Switzerland ( the place where the Monks used to rescue wayward travelers with the St Bernards -- yes it's true!) then back to Chamonix. This would give your daughter a wonderful tidbit of Italy!
The drive back to the Geneva airport is scenic too.
Annecy would worth a few hours visit one day too. It is lovely.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17439 posts
And the Tartiflette.