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GETTING TO COURCHEVEL |
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Getting to Moutiers by train from the UK
From London St Pancras or Ashford International to Moutiers , the nearest town to Courchevel, Eurostar offers regular direct train services over the week-end. These ski trains operate from late December until April. There are two Direct Eurostar Ski Trains to choose from:
- A night service which leaves on Friday evening and arrives first thing on Saturday with a return the following Saturday, so you could get seven and a half days on the slopes.
- A High-speed day service which arrives in just 7 and a half hours, travelling through the day on Saturday.
Times for 2010/2011 season
Friday overnight train/ Saturday day train
Leaving from the UK
London St Pancras 20:31/ 10:00
Ashford International 21:15/ 10:47
Arriving in the Alps
Moutiers next day, 5:37 same day, 17:30
Saturday overnight train /Saturday day train
Leaving from the Alps
Moutiers 23:09/ 10:27
Arriving at the UK
Ashford International next day, 6:34 /same day, 15:36
London St Pancras next day, 7:16/ same day, 16:11
Driving from the UK to Courchevel
If you plan to drive from the UK or anywhere else to Courchevel, you can plan your route using our Courchevel location map.
Driving from Calais to Courchevel
The distance from Calais to Courchevel is about 600 miles and the drive can takes as little as 9 hours. Depending on traffic and if you take a few breaks, you should allow 10 to 11 hours for the trip. There are four separate Peage tolls along the route, and the total cost is 68.90 euros. (Payment can be made by credit cards or cash).
Route Plan:
Take the Autoroute A26 outside Calais, heading towards Reims. (You will pass through St Omer, Arras, Cambrai, St Quentin and Laon).
From Reims, look out for signs to Lyon (East). (You will pass through Chalons, Troyes, Chaumont, Dijon, Tournus, Macon and Villefranche).
After the Peage toll booth just before Lyon, follow the signs for Chambery (A43) and follow the autoroute to Albertville.
Arriving nearby Albertville, you will be then less than 1 hour away from Courchevel. From Albertville take the N90 to Moutiers.
Arriving nearby Moutiers, follow the signs for Courchevel (D915). After driving 9,5 kms, you will get to a roundabout called "Le Carrey".
At this roundabout, take the first exit on the right and continue along D91A. On the way up, you will pass through the village of Saint Bon and Le Praz (courchevel 1300).
Once through Le Praz, keep following the signs for Courchevel 1850, 1650 and 1550.
A few things you should know about driving in France:
- Winter tyres are recommended in mountainous regions, but are not compulsory.
- Carrying snow chains in your car is essential in mountain resorts, as driving conditions can change suddenly. However, if you do not fit them when conditions demand, the police can prevent you continuing your journey.
- Children under 10 are not allowed in the front. However, a very young child can be in front only in an approved rear-facing safety seat and if the passenger airbag is disabled. In the rear, they must use a proper restraint system appropriate to their weight, which means a child seat if they weigh between 9 and 18 kg. Over this weight they can use seat belts with a booster cushion.
- UK registered vehicles displaying Euro-plates (a circle of 12 stars above the national identifier on a blue background) no longer need a GB sticker when driving in European Union countries.
- Seat belts front and rear are obligatory everywhere.
- Because the French drive on the right, it is compulsory to place converters on your headlights to ensure that your dipped beams won’t dazzle oncoming traffic.
- Minimum age to drive in France is 18, not 17
- France has strict drink driving laws. Blood alcohol levels are stricter than in the UK (0.5 g/l rather than 0.8).
- Speed limits in France:
Driving in rain
Motorways 130 km/h (80mph) 110 km/h (68mph)
Dual carriageways 110 km/h (68mph) 100 km/h (62mph)
Outside built-up areas 90 km/h (56mph) 80 km/h (50mph)
Built-up areas 50 km/h (31mph) 50 km/h (31mph)
- 8 Road Signs you should be aware of and their meanings:
°You Have Right of Way at Next Intersection.
°Yield Right at Next Intersection.
°Yield at 150 Meters.
°Yield.
°Stop at 150 meters.
°Stop. Always come to a complete Stop at STOP signs. It is illegal not to, even if you cannot see any traffic on the approach.
°Priority Road. It means you're driving on a priority road.You don't have to give way to anybody coming out of a side-turning on the right.
°End Priority Road. After you pass this End Priority Road Sign, you must give way to anybody coming out of a side-turning on the right.
°Without any road sign, you must give way to anybody coming out of a side-turning on the right. Be careful, especially when driving in Built-up areas.
Parking in Courchevel
Metered street parking is available in all levels of the resort.
In 1850, there are 6 underground's car parks to choose from:
- two offer pedestrian access to the slopes and shops and a first hour parking free of charge:
° P1 Parking de la Croisette
320 places
Tel: +33 (0) 479 08 17 08
Hourly rate, weekly and season subscription available.
° P2 Parking de Bellecôte
220 places
Tel: +33 (0) 479 00 08 78
Hourly rate, weekly and season subscription available.
- 2 other underground car parks:
P3 Parking des Chenus
90 places
Tel: +33 (0) 479 08 17 08
Hourly rate, season subscription available.
P4 Parking la Porte de Courchevel
200 places
Tel: +33 (0) 479 08 17 08
Hourly rate (first hour free of charge), season subscription available.
- 2 other underground car parks only accessible to those with season subscription:
° P5 Parking des Lugeurs
140 places
Tel: +33 (0) 479 08 17 08
° P6 Parking de la Gendarmerie
38 places
Tel: + 33 (0) 479 08 17 08
There are also free uncovered parking places all along Jardin Alpin road (rue du Jardin Alpin), past the Hotel "Le cheval Blanc" on the left hand side.
In 1650, there are 2 underground car parks to choose from:
° P7 Parking des Cimes Blanches
60 places
Tel: +33 (0) 479 08 26 00
Pedestrian access to slopes and shops. Hourly rate (first hour free of charge), weekly and season subscription available.
° P8 Parking de la Station Service
95 places
Tel : +33 (0) 479 08 2600
Only accessible to those with season subscription.
In 1550, there are 2 underground's car parks to choose from:
° P9 Parking du Dou du Midi
220 places
Tel: +33 (0) 479 08 25 19
Pedestrian access to slopes. Hourly rate (first hour free of charge), weekly and season subscription available.
° P10 Parking des Grangettes
170 places
Tel: +33 (0) 479 08 25 19
Pedestrian access to slopes and shops. Hourly rate (first hour free of charge), weekly and season subscription available.
In Le Praz (courchevel 1300), there is one underground car park:
P11 : Parking de l'Or Blanc
50 places
Tel: +33 (0) 479 08 48 78
Only accessible to those with season subscription.
In addition, there are 4 free uncovered car parks in Le Praz. 2 on the left as you leave the village on the way to 1850 (Parking de Jean Blanc et du Lac), another one situated at the bottom of the Olympic Ski Jump (Parking des Tremplins and finally a last one (Parking du Tal) situated on the right as you leave the village on the way to La Tania.
Flights to Courchevel
The quickest and cheapest way to travel to Courchevel is certainly to get a Flight to Geneva, Chambery or Lyon airport. These airports are the closest to Courchevel. Courchevel is approximately 2.15 hours drive from Geneva (85 miles), 1.30 hours from Chambery (70 miles) and 2.30 hours from Lyon (115 miles).
Snowjet offer cheap flights to Chambery.
The Airports:
Geneva Airport is also Known as Geneva Cointrin International Airport (IATA code: GVA). There is a French and a Swiss side.
Chambery Airport is also known as Chambery Aix Les Bains Airport (IATA code: CMF).
Lyon airport is also known as Saint-Exupéry International Airport (French: Aéroport Lyon Saint-Exupéry) or Lyon Satolas Airport (IATA code: LYS).
From the Airports to Courchevel:
There are 8 main ways to travel to Courchevel:
Tour Operator: you can book your Transfer to the resort in a package which includes your accommodation and/or your flight. You will be picked up at the Airport by a rep.
Private Transfer: by far the easiest and the fastest way to get to the resort. Usually transfers are made by Minibus. Your transportation from the airport to your accommodation in the resort is direct.
Shared Shuttle: some companies run shared minibuses which take you door to door for those travelling alone or in small groups.
Taxi
Car Hire: Car hire can be arranged from each of the airports. It can be a reasonable option especially if you have 3 or 4 people to fill the car and share the costs.
Scheduled bus: The bus companies operating are Alpski-bus from Geneva Airport, Altibus from Chambery Airport and Satobus from Lyon Airport.
Train: not really a option for those who want to get quickly to the resort but you can save money as prices are reasonable.
Helicopter transfers are also possible. Various companies offer this service. Please note these transfers are subject to weather conditions. Each transfer can only be confirmed 100% the evening before.
From Geneva Airport to Courchevel:
Various companies offer airport transfers to Courchevel and can drive you by minibus from door to door or to wherever you like. Some of these companies are offering good value services.
Another option is to hire a car. You can do this from the French or Swiss sides of Geneva airport. You might want to take into consideration a few things before hiring your car:
- hiring a car on the French side is usually slightly cheaper.
- if you choose to hire a car on the French side, don't drive back to Switzerland, otherwise you will have to pay a vignette (a tax disc to allow you on Swiss motorways).
- if you're hiring from Geneva, fill up here as Petrol is quite a bit cheaper than in France.
- consider asking for ski racks and snow tyres or chains if you think you need them.
There is a train station at the airport. You can choose to take a train to Moutiers which is the nearest town to Courchevel but 2 changes are required. The first is at Geneva Central and the second one is at Chambery. Trains leave daily from Geneva.
Buses and Taxis are an alternative. A taxi for up to 4 people will cost approximately €275. The bus service operating from Geneva is Alpski-bus. There are about 7 to 8 buses per day and it takes round 3.15 hours to get to Courchevel with 1 change in Moutiers. One Way tickets cost 70 euros and a round trip ticket costs 118 euros. One way & round trip tickets are half price for children from 4 to 12 years old. The group fare is available for 4 adults travelling together both ways (tarrif 105 euros/person). Reconfirm your return 2 days in advance at the Tourist Office. Tel Altibus +33 (0)4 79 68 32 96.
-Timetable 2010/2011
10.00 11.00 12.15 13.30 14.30 15.30 16.45 19.15 Dp Geneva Airport (Geneva's international sector)
12.00 13.00 14.15 15.40 16.30 17.30 18.45 21.15 Ar Moutiers, SNCF Train Station
13.00 14.00 15.15 16.45 17.30 18.30 19.45 22.15 Ar Courchevel –La Tania
From Chambery Airport to Courchevel:
By train: Be aware that the Chambery train station (also know as Chambery Challes Les Eaux train station) is not on the airport site. However, it doesn't take more than 20-30 mins to get from the airport to the train/bus station with the regular shuttle bus service. To book your train to Moutiers online, Visit Rail Europe, the official SNCF distributor in the UK.
By bus: Altibus run one bus per day and the journey takes 2.15 hours. Tel +33 (0)4 79 08 54 90.
Car hire: there are many companies to serve your car hire needs at the Chambery Airport.
Like from Geneva and Lyon Airports, there are many companies offering shared and private transfer to Courchevel.
By Taxi, for one to four people the approximate cost will be 215 euros.
Driving From Chambery Airport to Courchevel
There is 1 toll peage along the route which costs 4,70 euros.
Route Plan:
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit and follow the N201 toward Chambery.
Continue on A43 and follow signs for Albertville.
After 40 km drive from the airport, take the exit heading toward Albertville.
Then, enter the A430, continue on this motorway right through to the end.
As you leave the motorway, you're now on the N90. Continue along the N90.
Passing close to Albertville, take the exit toward Moutiers. Arriving nearby Moutiers, follow the sign for Courchevel.
From here, the mountain road is well signposted to Courchevel.
From Lyon Airport to Courchevel:
Satobus offer scheduled coach services between Lyon Airport and Courchevel. The regular service is available from December to April. One way tickets for an adult cost 64 euros, 33 euros for a child from 4 to 11 years old and 49 euros for a junior from 12 to 24 years old. One round trip ticket for an adult costs 97 euros, 49 euros for a child and 83 euros for a junior. The group fare is available from 4 to 10 adults travelling together one way (49 euros per person) and round trip (83 euros per person).
Tel: 00 33 (0)4 79 68 32 96
Timetable 2007/2008.
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport > Moutiers > Courchevel
Monday to Friday
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport 10.45 15.45
arrival Moutiers* 12.45 17.45
départure Moutiers 13.45 18.15
Courchevel 1550 14.40 19.10
Courchevel 1650 14.45 19.15
Courchevel 1850 14.55 19.25
Saturday
Aéroport Lyon-Saint Exupéry 09.00 11.30 14.00 16.30 19.15
arrival Moûtiers* 11.15 13.45 16.30 18.45 21.15
departure Moutiers 12.00 14.30 17.00 19.30 21.15
Courchevel 1550 12.40 15.10 17.40 20.10 22.15
Courchevel 1650 12.45 15.15 17.45 20.15 22.20
Courchevel 1850 12.55 15.25 17.55 20.25 22.30
Dimanche / Sunday
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport 11.30 15.45
arrival Moutiers* 13.30 17.45
departure Moutiers 15.00 18.30
Courchevel 1550 15.55 19.25
Courchevel 1650 16.00 19.30
Courchevel 1850 16.10 19.40
* Transfert
Monday to Friday
Courchevel 1850 07.40 15.00
Courchevel 1650 07.45 15.05
Courchevel 1550 07.50 15.10
arrival Moutiers* 08.35 16.10
departure Moutiers 09.00 16.45
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport 11.00 18.45
Saturday
Courchevel 1850 07.35 08.35 09.25 11.05 14.35
Courchevel 1650 07.40 08.40 09.30 11.10 14.40
Courchevel 1550 07.45 08.45 09.35 11.15 14.45
arrival Moutiers* 08.30 09.30 10.30 12.00 15.30
departure Moutiers 08.30 09.30 10.30 13.45 15.45
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport 10.30 11.30 12.45 16.00 18.00
Sunday
Courchevel 1850 11.35 14.20
Courchevel 1650 11.45 14.25
Courchevel 1550 11.50 14.30
arrival Moutiers* 12.20 15.30
departure Moutiers 12.30 16.45
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport 14.30 18.45
If you wish to take a taxi to the resort, the approximate cost is 335 euros for up to 4 people.
The Lyon Saint Exupery Train Station is directly connected to the International Airport of Lyon Saint Exupery, so if you purchase a train to Moutiers it won't take you for too long to walk from the Airport to the Train Station. To book your train to Moutiers online, Visit Rail Europe, the official SNCF distributor in the UK.
Driving from Lyon Airport to Courchevel
There are 2 separate Peage tolls along the route, and the total cost is 14,50 euros.
Route Plan:
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and continue along the D29.
After 1,5 km drive from the roundabout, enter the A432 motorway.
After 4 km drive, enter the A43 motorway toward Chambery.
After "Tunel de L'Epine", take the exit 13 toward Chambery-Alberville.
You're now on N201. After a few kilometers, continue along A43 motorway heading toward Albertville.
Then, after round about 22 km drive take an exit toward Albertville and enter the motorway A430 toward Albertville.
Continue on this motorway right through the end.
As you leave the motorway, you're now on the N90. Continue along the N90.
Passing close to Albertville, take the exit toward Moutiers. Arriving nearby Moutiers, follow the sign for Courchevel.
From here, the mountain road is well signposted to Courchevel.
From Moutiers to Courchevel:
It takes by taxi approximately 25 minutes to get to Courchevell 1850, a little less to the other resorts below. Depending on the company, taxi prices from Moutiers to Courchevel range from 50 to 75 euros for up to 4 people. You can also choose to pick up a bus from Moutiers station. One way ticket to Courchevel cost 12,50 € for an adult, 6,30 € for a child. Phone Transavoie +33 (0)4 79 24 21 58 for information during the week, on the week-end: +33 (0)4 79 24 24 46 or e-mail them at infos@transavoie-moutiers.com.
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