Visiting the French Alps

philiphurst
philiphurst Forum Participant Posts: 4
edited July 2017 in Overseas Campsites & Touring #1

We have booked a stay in Le Grand-Bornand in September this year. The plan is to take one overnight rest on the way there - service station, most likely - and on the return trip a two night stay somewhere approximately half way to Calais. 

I would be grateful for any recommendations of areas/places that might be worth a visit.

Thank you.

Comments

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,867 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2017 #2

    Philip

    Are you staying here? We have stayed there twice although it has been some time since we were last there. There is lots to do in the area and if you don't mind mountain driving (proper roads) there are many famous Cols thereabouts, many of them used at some time or another for the Tour de France. Annecy is within easy reach as is Chamonix. The Mer de Glace is nearby and there is a wonderful little train that takes you up there from Chamonix. It is a lovely area.

    David

  • philiphurst
    philiphurst Forum Participant Posts: 4
    edited July 2017 #3

    David, 

    Many thanks for this. Indeed, we are booked at the site you linked to. Seems to be well located. We're planning to do plenty of sightseeing and the Cols are on the list. 

    I've re-read my original post and see that I didn't explain that I am looking for suggestions for a couple of nights on the return trip to Calais. Somewhere approximately half way would be good. Any thoughts?

    Philip

     

  • MDD10
    MDD10 Forum Participant Posts: 335
    edited July 2017 #4

    Lac de la Liez and Au Bord de L'Aisne were both nice when we stayed en route and back from Le Grand-Bornand.  Lovely area but be prepared spend a lot more than the West side of France

     

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,830 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2017 #5

    Troyes is a fine historic city, about halfway back to Calais, and well worth a day there and a two night stay. The city campsite there is decent, respectable, popular, and conveniently placed. 

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2017 #6

    We stayed at the Troyes campsite last week and can agree with eurotravellers comments. It was surprisingly nearly full, but with a large daily turnover, so try and arrive early.

    Google the city and you will find a real treat.

     

    .

     

  • iansoady
    iansoady Club Member Posts: 419 ✭✭✭
    edited July 2017 #7

    That site looks lovely, and will be on the short list for next year!

  • Longtimecaravanner
    Longtimecaravanner Forum Participant Posts: 642
    edited July 2017 #8

    We have just returned from the French Alps and Lake Annecy. One day we drove to Le Grand Bornand to take a look and it looked good. For lots of information on what to see in the area please take a look at my blog about it. There is also information about where we stopped on the way to and from Calais.

    https://jennyandjohngocaravanning.wordpress.com/2017/06/19/2017-jura-alps-and-lake-annecy/

  • philiphurst
    philiphurst Forum Participant Posts: 4
    edited July 2017 #9

    Many thanks for the advice and suggestions. Troyes certainly makes sense for a stopover and the town looks beautiful. Will book one of the local sites for a couple of nights.

    Thanks again. 

  • Dave Nicholson
    Dave Nicholson Forum Participant Posts: 408
    edited July 2017 #10

    You won't need to book the municipal site in Troyes in September, there will be plenty of vacant pitches. Two excellent bread shops about 10 minutes walk from the site.

  • Rob501
    Rob501 Forum Participant Posts: 12
    edited July 2017 #11

    Try the Croix du Nivolet - if you like a good walk. Park at Le Sire just beyond La Feclaz and follow the Randonee sign posts. Near Chambery.

    Or

    The Dent du Chat overlooking Lac du Bourget.

    Both scenic and quiet in September.

  • Rob501
    Rob501 Forum Participant Posts: 12
    edited July 2017 #12

    For Troyes, try Lac D'Orient site. Easy to get to and very peaceful by the lake.

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,830 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2017 #13

    Lac d Orient is a good site  for anyone who wants to play by the lake, but it's an unecesssary 56km. round trip for anyone who wants a day in Troyes. 

  • philiphurst
    philiphurst Forum Participant Posts: 4
    edited July 2017 #14

    Once again, thanks to all of you for your suggestions. Will have a closer look over the weekend.

    First impressions are to use the lakeside site for our overnight stop on our way south and the municipal for a couple of nights on our way home thus avoiding the 58km round trip for sightseeing in Troyes.

    This has been an extremely helpful response to my first post on this forum. Very pleased I asked for help for once!

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