French Alps

Ional
Ional Forum Participant Posts: 50

Need to plan for September. We usually stick to Western france/N Spain. This year fancy some lakes and mountains!

Suggestions please for sites, in French Alps, Annecy?? Afterwards the Auverne volcanic area?

At that time of year not all will be open, makes it a bit tricky!

Any ideas? Just 2 of us, no animals or kids and love walking.

 

Comments

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,830 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2018 #2

    French Alps? Chamonix every time.  Camping les 2 Glaciers is open all year except 15 Nov to 15 Dec. 

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,866 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2018 #3

    We have stayed a couple of times a Le Grand Bornand at a campsite called Camping L’Escale. Easy stroll into the town. I am pretty sure that in the summer the ski lifts will take you up to some high level walking but obviously check online to see if that is still the case.

    David

  • Longtimecaravanner
    Longtimecaravanner Forum Participant Posts: 642
    edited July 2018 #4

    We stayed last year near Chamonix and Lake Annecy and this year near Bourg D'Oisans. There is a lot of information about all of them in my blogs

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

    https://jennyandjohngocaravanning.wordpress.com/2018/06/13/2018-ardeche-and-the-alps/

     

  • JohnM20
    JohnM20 Forum Participant Posts: 1,416
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    edited July 2018 #5

    We've just come back from 11 days at L'Escale, our fourth visit there. A fantastic location for a site. It now has new and very good sanitary facilites.

    The cable cars and ski lifts up to the top of Mont Lachat opened two weeks ago. Several others at La Clusaz (4 miles away) were also open.

    For those that follow the Tour de France, it will be in Le Grand Bornand on Tuesday 17th July for the stage between there and Annecy the route taking the riders over the Plateau de Glieres for those that know the place. It should be interesting to watch with innumerable hair-pin bends on the recently resurfaced roads up and down but the route actually across the plateau is an unmade track although they were rolling it last week !!

  • IanTG
    IanTG Forum Participant Posts: 419
    100 Comments
    edited July 2018 #6

    We had 3 nights at Annecy in June. We stayed at Rives du Lac, a few miles out from the town of Annecy, with good cycle ways in both lakeside directions. Site a little tight in terms of pitch size, but that seemed typical of most of the (several) lake side sites. Sanitary facilities ok. 

    Its a spectacular area, lots to see and do such as the town itself and boat trips. Weather in June a little changeable with some thunder storms.

    Also have a look at the campsite at Lalley, further south than Annecy. Delightful family run with spectacular scenery. Pool and restuarant.

  • Lutz
    Lutz Forum Participant Posts: 1,564 ✭✭✭✭
    edited July 2018 #7

    We're just back from a couple of nights at Camping La Colombière in Neydens while on our way back from Tuscany. Can thoroughly recommend the campsite, especially for anyone wishing to visit nearby Geneva.

     

  • Ional
    Ional Forum Participant Posts: 50
    edited July 2018 #8

    Thanks all. From Caen, would you agree its a 2 or 3 day trip with a caravan?

     

  • Rob501
    Rob501 Forum Participant Posts: 12
    edited July 2018 #9

    Just my two penneth! Annecy is fabulous in September. Two days from Calais (Chunnel). We usually stop at Troyes (Lac D'Orient) for an overnighter and then to Le Coin Tranquille. Lovely sites, lovely people. Easy reach of Lac Du Bourget, Chambery and Albertville for days out. If you enjoy walking and views, try the Dent du Chat or Croix du Nivolet. Stunning scenery. Enjoy.

    From Caen, I guess you'll be round the other side of Paris so much further. And no Autoroute Des Anglais! May be three days is safer.

  • Rob501
    Rob501 Forum Participant Posts: 12
    edited July 2018 #10

    Oh, forgot Grenoble and La Grand Chartreux!

  • Rob501
    Rob501 Forum Participant Posts: 12
    edited July 2018 #11
  • Longtimecaravanner
    Longtimecaravanner Forum Participant Posts: 642
    edited July 2018 #12

    If you are starting early morning from Ouistreham both Annecy and Chamonix are 555 and 529 miles if you go via Tours and Bourges and I would stop for two nights in Bourges to see the wonderful old town. That splits the journey into 266 miles and 290 miles. Only you know if you are up for doing that milage. We would regard it as a long day but perfectly doable.

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,675 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2018 #13

    I agree entirely with Lutz.  One of our favourite sites.  Jean Busset is a great chap - always enjoys hosting the 'Raclette/ Savoie Evening, and years ago took us to see his vineyard.  His English is not always spot on, but he tries very hard.  A great site - we always get a warm welcome.  Plenty to see and do round and about, including Geneva, Mt Saleve, Crouxeilles, Evian, Yvoire and even Annecy.

    David