 Poster: A snowHead
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Hello...
Can anyone give me some advice for driving to the french alps? We sort of have a route plan and we know about the tolls and stuff. We're heading to Meribel, with a stop at Dijon. Anyone got any tips? How to avoid heavy traffic being that we're driving down on a Saturday ? (10th feb - also school holidays!!) Any help much appreciated. Thanks!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Was going to start by saying, not in the school holidays! But as yu are already committed, be prepared for a long (timewise) journey. If you are travelling during mainly daylight hours you are asking for delays. I also use hotels but always plan on a very early start. You'll be 4 or 5 hours from Meribel if you stay in Dijon. Hope you have booked.
This year I diverted via Dole, stayed overnight at the Ibis Dole. This meant I avoided the north and west Lyons area, and v busy peage. You end up to the east of Lyon. Also directional signs were clearer.
Get a Telepeage device. Each toll both has a reserved gate for telepeage customers. Car MUST be under 2m, steel barrier will adjust anything higher! At peak times this can save 30 mins at each peage. Been there, been held up, never again.
Road up to Meribel will be v busy at any time during that day, just hope that weather is not bad, you will need chains if it is. Dont rely on getting these locally.
Good luck, and let us know how you go on.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Vic_ski, AxsMan, at Dijon, if you take the road signed to Geneva (A39) you will miss the Lyon peage & chaos there. You then pick up the A42at Bourg-en -Bresse, signed to St Exupery. Its a much quieter road generally.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Vic_ski, don't know where you plan to hit France, but the route south from Calais is not as busy as the A6 between Paris and Lyons. I agree with geri, no need to go too near to Lyons. Another possible route is to take the Geneva signposting then head off the morway south towards Annecy/Albertville. Whichever way you go it will be a long trip. Have plenty of food and drink in the car, and warm clothes handy so that if you get stuck in a big jam you can get out and walk about a bit. Are you leaving Friday evening? Into accommodation Saturday? French apartments don't generally let you in until well into the afternoon, which can be a pain if you arrive early to avoid the crowds (one learns by experience; I once spent two hours in the rain in Meribel-Mottaret, waiting for keys, with three tired and impatient children...). Check weather reports at the last minute before leaving UK and if snow is forecast, practise putting the chains on.
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geri, That's the route I referred to earlier. A39 - A42. I agree, it works!
pam w, As you said, plan for delays, dont expect instant access in resort. I have experienced both, but was traveling alone. So no significant other or offspring in tow. First was, I was straight to room at 08:30 other was come back at 15:00, I dumped bags, went ski-ing came back later.
Also definately, practise the chains if snow forecast!
TTFN
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Much of it has already been said either here or in linked forums - I would strongly recommend skipping breakfast in Dijon and be on the road no later than 6am, will miss the worst of the traffic.
If you can I would drive further on the Friday and try to get to Macon - again an early start will see you comfortably in resort by lunchtime.
Would also recommend taking a cool box for the car and stocking it with sarnies - either that or stop early/late at lunchtimes. The service stations seem to get jammed between 12-1 as everyone has lunch at the same time!
Can't comment on Lyon bypass, we always go through it but always beat the jams by early travel and are past by 7.30am
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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My main tip:
The earlier you get to Albertville on the Saturday morning, the better.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Vic_ski, Hi, I'm heading from Calais to the Swiss Alps on the same day so don't hit me on the way out of the port!!
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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FAQ
) get the latest Harry Potter book on audio. we were all enjoying listening so much that we sat in the car for half an hour after we arrived to hear the ending 
