 Poster: A snowHead
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Managed to convince g/f that another trip was necessary - thank god.
Off to Courchevel by train on 18 March, returning 21 March (3 days on slopes, 1 day out of office).
So my questions are:
1. how easy is it to just walk onto a bus at Moutiers and get to Courchevel? I have found the website for the bus company (€11 each, each way) but do I need to book in advance? If our train is delayed and i miss the bus that is due to leave 20 minutes after we arrive, I'd hate to have to pay again for the next bus.
2. on the return journey (early Tuesday morning) how easy will it be to get a cab from Austerlitz to Gare du Nord? I will have a snowboard bag with me. Should we just head directly to the Metro and not waste time trying to find a cab?
Any insights from people who have done this would be much appreciated - I won't hold you to your advice, obviously!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Tony Lane, depends on weather there are any estate car taxis outside Austerlitz, I went from Est to Nord last Wednesday morning arround 7 am with no problems but I'd left my skis in Switzerland, be aware you will probably be ripped off by the taxi driver, luggage early morning timing and so on, but it's easier than staggering up the stairs lugging luggage and snowboard on the metro
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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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Can't help with your questions I'm afraid, but I'd be grateful if you could say how much the train fare was and who you booked it with.
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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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Tony Lane,
As I remember it is very easy as the bus station is right next door and they are lined up to meet the TGV's. You just walk down the bus lanes looking for the resort of your choice. Obviously if you want Les Arcs, La Plagne or VD etc you would get off further up the valley at Aime or BSM. When I did this a good few years ago there did not seem to be any timetables they were just waitng for the trains. And as their sole purpose is the train traffic they aren't likley to leave untill the train turns up.
Things may have changed regarding the timetables, tho I would just turn up...Unless someone knows any different..!!
I wouldn't bother with the metro and would get a cab. Some people say that cabs are scarce from Austerlitz but I didn't find this so last year. Cost about 10 Eu inc tip but ask the driver first as he might not like the look of your bag. I have always found cabs the best way of getting around Paris.
The cab time in Paris should be about 15-20 min with the Metro double that, possibly.
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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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rob@rar.org.uk,
I have said this before but I use these people Rail Canterbury
Phone 0044 1227 450088. 29/30 Palace Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2DZ. Booking
form on site www.rail-canterbury.co.uk/. Or e-mail rail@rail-canterbury.co.uk/.
And the last price I got from them was £115, inc booking fee which was Eurostar from Ashford return, change in Paris to Aime and back.
French rail travel is much cheaper than we think. I have used TGV from Chamonix to Paris for 70eu, single 2nd cl onlt az few years back. That included the trip down the valley from Chamonix and the normal train to Annecy, I believe. I didn't like the timetable from St Gervais or I would have travelled from there. Mind you, I got shock when I turned up at Gare du Nord. Eurostar wanted £178 for a single to Ashford. I was fumimg. That is the only reason I book as Eurostar will charge what they like for weekday, ie, business travellers. Anyway, try these people and let me know what you think.
I have used them twice now and have bneen very impressed with their price and knowledge. They beat my company rates to Paris, albeit by one pound..
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Thanks JT, that's a good price. I will give them a call.
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rob@rar.org.uk, I found details on www.seat61.com and then contacted RailEurope (full details of how to book are on that website)
The price was exhorbitant because in order to convince my g/f that we could use the train as a proper night's sleep for 2 nights (and going straight into work from the train on the Tuesday) I had to book a private sleeper compartment rather than the standard couchette that I have used in the past. However, the RailEurope prices were only a bit more than by booking direct with SNCF - and the SNCF website did not give me any confidence that I would get the type of compartment I wanted, so I stuck with RailEurope. Also, I suspect that the prices were higher because of the strange dates. After that explanation, you may understand why the price was only just short of £300 each!!
RailEurope would have done London to Moutiers on those dates for £229 return, in a standard class 6 person couchette.
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Thanks for all of he replies, guys!
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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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rob@rar.org.uk,
I would be interested to know whether you thought they were any good, if poss'.
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Sleepers are much nicer than couchettes, however I hope you don't get the same carrige as I had on my way home this year, no heating whatsoever !
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