Travel to la Plagne, France: flights, trains, taxis and self-drive

Travel to La Plagne

However you travel insurance is vital when on a skiing holiday, we recommend Fogg Travel Insurance. Alternatively, check out Ski Travel Insurance from Norwich Union Direct. When travelling in Europe it is also suggested that you take an EHIC (this has replaced the form E111), full information can be found on the Department of Health website.

Nearby airports: Chambery airport is just 1.5 hours away from la Plagne if travelling mid-week. At weekends it suffers the same traffic problems as the other airports. Facilities are limited and can get very crowded. It is the most likely airport to suffer from fog problems and diversions to other airports. Grenoble airport is 2 to 2.5 hours from la Plagne. It is probably the best compromise for short transfers, reasonable facilities without getting too crowded. Geneva airport is 2.5 to 3 hours from la Plagne. It has the best all round facilities and choice of flights. The charter flight terminals can get crowded at the weekend. Lyon airport is 2.5 to 3 hours from la Plagne. The charter section is probably the most notorious in the Alps and often referred to as the cattle shed. If using Lyon for a charter flight, once you have checked in walk across to the main terminal: there is a lot more on offer. Lyon St Etienne airport is the wrong side of Lyon for the Alps. Transfers are inconvenient and expensive.

Airlines and flights: For flights to Chambery from Gatwick, Manchester or Bristol try, There are many airlines flying into the airports nearby la Plagne. When going into any of their websites do not forget that many airlines add supplements to their advertised prices. The no frills airlines (so called low cost) and some tour operators charge substantial amounts for ski carriage; the no frills seem to have come up with a new trick of charging for luggage and even checking in. You could try Easyjet, Bmibaby, Flybe and RyanAir (beware airport tax and other charges) - in each case beware insurance that might be added: you need to opt out. BA is one of the easier sites to use and is less prone to strange add ons and supplements than the no frills airlines. Few people are aware of the fact that airlines offer no financial protection in the unlikely event that they stop trading, booking with an ATOL protected company protects your money. We recommend BCP for airport parking. BCP has secure car parks at most major UK airports; it can offer other services such as pick up and drop off as well.

Trains: Eurostar trains are available direct to the Alps, either daytime or overnight. Sleeper/ snowtrains commence either from Paris or Calais. All trains can be booked with Rail Europe although it is incredibly frustrating to find that trains in France can only be booked 60 days or less in advance. Most tour operators will offer these trains as part of their packages. Satellite Travel may be able to find seat only for you. When booking a train it is often easiest to say you are going to Bourg St Maurice: it is the same price and the tickets will often show this as the destination. Do not forget to get off at Aime la Plagne! You should note that the direct trains do not allow for boarding at Aime: Bourg St Maurice is easier than Moutiers for this purpose.

Transfers to resort: Doing your own thing can seem like a good idea until you try to arrange the transfer to resort. This has become a lot easier with transfer companies but can still add significantly to your costs: do not forget that some of the airports are almost 100 miles from la Plagne. Public buses are available from the airports (see the links above) and the railway station (see the la Plagne tourist office link below.

Taxis: A full list of taxi companies is available from the la Plagne tourist office.

Car hire: Holiday Autos offers car hire in most of the main airports in the Alps.

Driving: The easiest way from Calais is to follow the A26 autoroute for Reims that passes Troyes and Dijon. South of Dijon it joins the main Paris/ Lyon autoroute, the A6, at Beaune. Lyon is by-passed by taking the A46 and A43 to Chambery. NB At the toll 15km before Lyon keep to the right-hand lane as the turn-off is 2km on the right. From Chambery follow directions for Albertville.It is motorway from Calais to Albertville; tolls are €60-65 each way. At Albertville the motorway leads directly onto the dual carriageway to Moutiers. Follow the signs for Bourg St Maurice unless you are going to Champagny in which case initially follow the signs for Courchevel. For the high altitude villages in La Plagne and for Montalbert head towards Bourg St Maurice, turn off at Aime and follow the signs for la Plagne. For Montchavin - Les Coches continue on the road towards Bourg St Maurice, there is a turn off soon after Aime. Essential Motoring Information Registration Document & Licence - under French law you must carry them with you as well as your insurance policy. Insurance - any policy issued in the UK automatically provides a minimum level of third party cover within the EU. A Green Card is recommended, as is comprehensive cover. Obtain a European Accident Statement from your insurance company before you leave. Also, check that your policy covers damage in transit Eg ferry/ tunnel. Winter Driving/ Chains - Conditions can be treacherous on the roads to the resorts and snow chains are a legal requirement in the Alps. Chains are cheaper to buy in France than the UK but expensive in resorts. We recommend the supermarkets at Chambery and Albertville; they also sell cheap petrol. Snowchains, ski boxes, etc can bought in the UK from Polar Snowchains on 01892 519 933. For a discount mention Ski Beat or Snow Hounds. Equipment regulations - in most European countries the following items are compulsory: Fire Extinguisher; First Aid Kit; Warning Triangle; Spare Bulbs. Please consult your motoring organisation. Young children are forbidden to ride in the front seat in France and rear seat passengers must use seat belts (if fitted). Make sure you have beam deflectors fitted before you leave so that the lights shine to the right instead of the left. You should also make sure your vehicle has enough anti-freeze. We suggest you carry a de-icer, scraper and lighter (for frozen locks). Beware: minor motoring infringements will attract on the spot fines of at least €100. Please note that the French Gendarmes now enforce speed limits vigorously on all roads and any infractions are severely dealt with. If using diesel we suggest only using winter grade fuel: it does not go waxy at low temperatures - this is readily available in France, particularly in or near the mountains. Accommodation En-Route There are many small, family-run hotels and "logis" located close to the autoroute but situated in charming villages and towns. We recommend the "Logis de France" guidebook, which is very comprehensive. NB many of these places will not serve food after 7.30pm.

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