We're thinking about taking a vacation in France -- our length of stay would likely be a week or a week and a half. We really want to see both both Paris and the French Alps. Is this feasible for the same trip? How much travel time can we expect between Paris and the Alps, and what are the best routes/modes of transport?
Thanks!
The train is probably your best choice for getting to the Alps from Paris, but we need to know exactly where in the Alps you wish to go before we can suggest routes and estimate travel times.
That's very doable. Chamonix is a logical destination. It would be easy to rely on trains, and pick up a car once there if you want (not necessary though). Look at Rick's France guidebook for lots of Chamonix info.
We just completed our third trip to France- spending four nights in Paris and five nights in Chamonix and Annecy. It was great. Train connections are on time and easy to follow: we got our Eurail pass before we left home, went first class on both regional and TGV - you actually get the first class seats automatically when you purchase them ahead of time via Rick Steves. Read his France book - all the info you need is there. Annecy is a beautiful alpine city with a spectacular lake and many good dining spots. We stayed at Hotel Splendid- one of Rick's recommended places- excellent location in old town. The swans in the lake are beautiful. Took the train to Chamonix and stayed at the Hotel de L'Arve-great place right next to the river looking right up at Mt. Blanc. WOW. Took the cable cars- again WOW- well worth the price. We took the train to Paris- TGV was wxcellent. When they announce on the train if anyone wants a taxi to be waiting for them in Paris to take you to your hotel-do so. It is not expensive and the line for taxi cabs can be an hour or more. Stayed Hotel Londres de Eiffel- on left bank close to Eiffel Tower and several good places to eat. Great place to stay- will use them again- very helpful straff- they arrange for a car to take you to the airport when you leave- very reasonable. Paris is a magical place and you will want to return over and over- we have. Do not try to see or do too much- really drink it in- a great place to start is the Batoboat just floating up and ddown the river- a great hop-on hop-off water taxi. Happy travels-
Bob and Lisa
I second the recommendation for Hotel De L'Arve. It is very reasonably priced for the area, and the rooms are lovely. We had a view of Mt. Blanc in 2001, but this trip we cut back due to the dollars poor performance. Asked for a cheaper room, and were please to have a nice view of the river. Chamonix is a wonderful town (we have been there 3 times) and worth spending a day or two. Have a great trip
To save a little time, see some more of the Alps, and not have to backtrack to Paris, think about flying 'open jaw' into Paris & returning from Zurich (or the reverse). Zurich is 150 miles closer to Chamonix than Paris, and Geneva is only 30 miles away. A TVG train can get you between Paris & Geneva in less than 4 hours (I think it may also stop in Annecy). En route from Zurich to the French Alps you might want to detour over to Interlaken to see the Berner Alps. Trains are the way to go when you get there.
I'm flying to Paris at the beginning of June, then "training" to Amsterdam on the 13th, from whence I fly home...eventually.
Is it feasible to spend 2 days in the French Alps "on the way" to Amsterdam? Will there still be snow?
