Driving to the French Alps

[Seabag]

I'm driving solo to work in the French Alps for a short stint

I'm taking my VW Transporter via the Euro Tunnel train thingy, has anyone driven this route

Any tips for a relatively stress free trip, stop off points etc

I've got winter rated tyres + snow chains sorted

Destignation is Courchevel 1650, then a few 'ski/work' days in Val Thorens

[pablogrande]

I drove to megeve last year but this was in spring. The toll roads were great if you can try to do the motorways at the weekends as they are deserted.

One thing I found is that the mobile and data reception was crap when on the road so if you need this just be aware, the wifi at motorway services could be flaky too.

Have fun

[Jeremy]

Could do a lot worse than a stopover in Dijon. Should be there in time for dinner. A good sleep, and then a half day drive to Courchevel the next morning.

[Seabag]

Jeremy Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Could do a lot worse than a stopover in Dijon.

> Should be there in time for dinner. A good sleep,

> and then a half day drive to Courchevel the next

> morning.

Thanks Jeremy

'Mustard' advice there

[goosey-goosey]

Another vote for Dijon. The right size to get into, get a good meal, strole a bit, and get out quickly.

[DirtyBox]

Get a token for the tolls from Sanef Tolling then you don't have to fumble about for change and get out to put it into the machine at every toll, just sail through the Telepeage lane at 30kph

[johnie]

I've done this route many times over the years. I definitely break the journey at a Formula One Hotel or Mr Bed. I haven't done it for a few years but I think we might have stayed here a couple of times:

http://www.hotelf1.com/gb/hotel-2323-formule-1-hotelf1-reims-tinqueux/index.shtml

It's right beside a Carrefoure hypermarket that has a very good canteen restaurant. Also a good place to stock up on provisions.

If you don't do that there, on the last stretch of road, the D915, before hitting the drive up the mountains proper is another supermarket, a Super U, just before the road splits to Meribelle / Courcheval. Definitely stop there as as soon as you're past the treeline everything doubles in price.

Don't be tempted to stop at the hypermarkets in Albertville as there are often car break-ins in the car parks, as people are on the lookout for UK cars loaded with luggage.

[Seabag]

For stuff like this the Forum is great

Thank You

Now, what about short stay ski passes, any tips there ?

I see it snowed at 2,300m over the weekend

[johnie]

It can be tempting to just buy single valley passes, but it is so much more fun to hop over into Meribelle and Val Thorens. Also if you do cock up and end up in the wrong valley taxis are bout 120 euros between the valleys. I'm very jealous, I'd love to be going.

[Alan Medic]

If you need to buy any more euros Seabag, let me know. Still about 700 of my son's stash left.

[Seabag]

Alan Medic Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> If you need to buy any more euros Seabag, let me

> know. Still about 700 of my son's stash left.

Sheeesh Al, are you money laundering or sumfing

Actually, might take you up on that

[Alan Medic]

Let me know. That will be the last of my sons Euros.

[flocker spotter]

To add, check out Les Routiers around your planned route / stops - good ones make a stop something to look forward to

[pablogrande]

I stopped in Dijon too on my journey, if you can pay a bit more I'd avoid the F1 chain, pretty grotty and been a last resort for me, the ibis in Dijon has underground parking and was about ?40 a night