Driving to Chamonix has much to recommend it — no worries about baggage, less prone to disruption, and quite a lot cheaper with a full car. It takes around 8 hours to drive the 900km to Chamonix from Calais. All but the last two or three kilometers are on the motorway, and the roads are very good and well signed.
The most usual route is Calais > Reims > Dijon > Geneva > Chamonix.
Calais to Chamonix route on Google maps
(N.B. This map is to the centre of Les Praz de Chamonix — full directions to the chalet will be sent on booking)
On the way back, it’s simplest to follow signs to Paris, and then to Lille before heading for Calais.
You should allow around 60 euros for tolls each way. The roads are cleared very regularly, but it’s a good idea (and a legal requirement in winter) to carry a set of snow chains in case of bad weather. You can hire these in the UK.
Michelin and The AA both have good route planners to help you plan your journey.
If you want to break the journey on the way, Troyes or Reims are good stop-off points. Reims has plenty of late-opening hotels in the centre. Take a look at our blog for more stops en route, with hotel suggestions.
Troyes
The chalet is very easy to access, and full directions with printable maps will be sent on booking. There is plenty of parking outside the chalet, which is located on a no through road. It’s very useful to have a car in Chamonix as the ski areas are quite spread out, though there are regular shuttle buses.
Eurotunnel is the fastest but also the most expensive — however, you can get some good deals if you book early. It’s worth checking the Eurotunnel site for special offers
The main ferry companies are P & 0 Ferries, Seafrance and Norfolk Line. Ferrysavers generally have good prices. The Dunkerque crossing is often less busy and just as good.
