Travel to Les Contamines

Getting to Chalet Chovettaz is really easy.

We are only 1 hour from Geneva Airport.

Click to enlarge Chalet Chovettaz map

By Air

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Geneva is well served from the world over by all the major carriers and but especially by low cost carriers from within Europe. Easyjet, JET2 and Flybe have regular flights from major and regional airports in the UK. British Airways and Swiss Airlines fly only from London Heathrow and city.

We have scheduled our arrival and departure dates for Sundays in order that you may take advantage of lower cost air travel and avoid the hustle and bustle of Saturday travel (this also means you get to ski on Saturday when the slopes are really quiet!) However, as part of our flexible approach we are happy to welcome our clients on any day of the week. Should you wish to arrive on a day other than a Sunday, please check with us before confirming your travel arrangements.

Flights to Lyon, one of the major airports in France, could also be considered when booking your travel, but only if you are going to hire a car to complete the journey. Onward travel to Les Contamines is approx 2.5 hrs by road. (see notes below concerning winter equipment)

Geneva Airport flight information

Car Hire

Both Geneva and Lyon airports have excellent car hire facilities. Whilst prices for car hire are often cheaper if taken from the French sector of the airport we have learnt that this can be a false economy. Cars from the Swiss side of Geneva have to, by law, be supplied with snow tyres and a vignette for driving on the swiss motorway. Please make sure you have the snow package which includes chains - these are often supplied FOC by the Swiss. A car gives you added flexibility once in Les Contamines- it allows added flexibility for going to and from the pistes, allows you to visit the shops, market, friends or a more distant restaurant on the chefs night off! You may wish to check with us prior to making your travel plans so we can offer advice on special deals, rates and routings.

Transfer

Please contact Fiona or Chris for advice on our current favourite transfer company. We will be able to advise you on who provides the door to door, reliable, timely and cost effective transfer for your particular party. We then leave it to you, to book your out and return trips, since you have all the flight times,flight numbers and mobile phone contact number, that they will ask for. Our advice is based on recent experience; generally, for 4 or more a private transfer  (supplied by our local taxi company) is quicker, cheaper and much more direct ! 

By travelling on a Sunday you will hopefully maximise your savings on the low cost and scheduled flight prices, Normally the earlier you book your holiday and flight the lower the prices, especially during the school holiday weeks but more importantly, by booking earlier, flights are available at more sociable hours and hence your holiday does not have to start with a 4.30am wake up to catch a 6.30am flight in the middle of UK winter! The earlier you book the flight the more convenient time there will be.

Own Car

Some of you may wish to bring your own car and start your holiday by travelling through the beautiful and varied French countryside on roads and autoroutes that are a dream to travel along. www.mappy.fr. This site will give you door to door instructions on how best to travel through France, including typical cost of journey, toll fees etc. We are a short 20 minute drive from the autoroute A40 junction No 21. Bringing your own transport allows you endless possibilities to explore the area and because our holidays start and end on Sunday you’ll be able to enjoy your journey on uncluttered and lorry-free roads. For speed, ease, reliability and flexibility use Eurotunnel whose new website is www.eurotunnel.com. 

Whether in your own car or a hire car, you must have at least the following equipment: - Yellow Hi Viz vest, warning triangle, and snow chains in the mountains in winter (you can buy these in the services station on the A40, or at the "Roady" shop just after junction No21 in Le Fayet).  We have known clients who have bought the chains and then returned to the UK to use them at the end of the week!

If you have a diesel car please consider putting local fuel in when you get into the Alps. These contain an additive which reduces the temperature at which diesel gels up.

By Train

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Train services from the UK by Eurostar are well worth considering. Connections from Lille and Paris by high speed TGV run to nearby St Gervais and Geneva. We can arrange collection by transfer from Geneva, or by taxi from Le Fayet (Saint-Gervais Les Bains).

However you wish to travel to us, you can be assured of our special warm welcome and hospitality upon your arrival at Chalet Chovettaz and throughout your stay.

By Bus

There is a bus service from Geneva airport and town to Le Fayet (Saint-Gervais). A further service then comes up to Les Contamines.

If you arrive by train at Le Fayet, this is an option, Geneva is best done with a transfer.

S.A.T bus timetable