A fairy-tale town Annecy is situated at the northern tip of the gorgeous Lake Annecy and overlooks the snow-capped mountains. This charming town is the capital of Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. Annecy is a wonderful city to visit in France, above all because of its lake, the old town, the pastel colored houses and the flower boxes surrounding the town.
Annecy is also known as the ‘Venice of the Alps’ because of the network of canals that run through the old town. These canals are not particularly deep and are really utilized for boating. Therefore, the town retains its attractiveness. A walk through the cobbled streets of the old town decorated with flower boxes between medieval colorful buildings gives you a unique treat. You may sip hot coffee while taking in ravishing views of the mountains and the lake, savor a delectable meal at one of the sidewalk cafés and restaurants, or taste some gelato at an ice cream shop.

Mountains in Annecy

Annecy is home to Europa’s purest lake as well as to the mesmerizing French Alps. The best way to enjoy this beautiful region, whether for sightseeing or an adventure, is to climb the mountain peaks around Annecy. There are about 18 peaks and summits around Annecy and here we have mentioned some tops from the list for you.

La Tournette (2351 m, 7713 ft)

This mountain is in the Bornes Massif in French Haute-Savoie and this is the highest mountain peak overlooking Lake Annecy. Once you reach the summit you will enjoy all the peaks around Lake Annecy on one side and the Aravis mountain range and Mont Blanc on the other. The ascent trail takes about 3-6 hours to reach the peak and about 2-5 hours to descend. This time depends on the hiker. Both trails are quite hard due to steep roads as well as fog. But most people who are reasonably fit can do the hike without special hiking gear other than good hiking shoes.

Mont Veyrier (1291 m)

Located in the French Alps of Haute Savoie, this magnificent peak gives you an amazing view of Annecy and its lake as well as snow-capped Mont Blanc. This is a good choice for a hike with the family or as a warm-up for harder hiking.

Semnoz (1699 m)

This is another mountain in Haute-Savoie, France. Semnoz is one of Annecy’s icons as well as a protected natural area close to the western shore of Lake Annecy. The mountain is a small ski resort and the perfect place to enjoy a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding mountains. You can reach Semnos by a 30-minute drive, a gondola lift or an easy hike.

Parmelan (1856 m)

This is one of the peaks you must visit in Haute-Savoie, France. Grand Montoir is a steep and narrow road and the ascent is quite challenging, but you are completely safe by ramps and chains. Once you reach the summit you will be amazed by its breathtaking limestone plateau and its lapiaz and the panoramic view of the lake and the Alps.

Winter in Annecy

Great choice! Winter in Annecy is amazing. It’s the perfect season to experience the holiday markets, savor the delicious and rich Alpine foods, as well as enjoy the many winter sports in the Annecy ski areas.
The first thing you should consider before visiting Annecy in winter is the weather. During the day, the city rarely dips to freezing temperatures, but still you should definitely pack your winter clothes.
In December, it gets -1ºC at night and 4ºC of temperature during the day. The sun rises in the morning around 8 am and sets in the afternoon between 4.50 and 5 o’clock. In January, the temperature drops to -2ºC at night and 3ºC during the day. As in December the sun rises around 8 am, and sets around 5.45 pm. In February, the night temperature is around -1ºC and rises to 6ºC during the day. Sunrise is between 7.15 – 8 am in the morning and sunset is between 5.40 pm to 6.20 pm.
Around 9 days of precipitation are to be expected in December and January, and 7 days in February. The average precipitation is around 8 cm and 7.4 cm respectively. Despite the fact that Annecy is located in a valley and that it may snow quite a bit in the mountains, on average, it rains more than it snows throughout the winter.
In Annecy, it snows for 32 days on average each year, totaling 177 cm (5.8 feet). The city experiences frequent snow. Outside of the city, especially the mountains around the lake, it also gets blanketed with snow. According to weather reports for the last 5 years, January has recorded the highest snowfall and November has the lowest snowfall.

Things to do in Winter in Annecy

Here are the best things to do in Annecy, from Christmas to skiing in the Alps!

Explore the old town Annecy

This is one of the best things to do in Annecy. A walk along the Thiou river exploring the city will be interesting for everyone. Discover the museum Palais de L’ile, in the middle of the river. That medieval palace once served as a jail, a royal home and an administrative hub before becoming a museum. In summer, the narrow cobbled streets of the city center are completely packed with tourists, but in winter, a stroll around the old town is a delight with its deserted streets and peaceful atmosphere. In addition, Admire the gorgeous canals, Annecy Castle, the Pont des Amours and the stunning historic churches including Annecy cathedral.

Visit the old town markets

Unlike most farmer’s markets that are only open during the summer, this market in Old Town is open throughout the year. Stroll around the market finding the best seasonal fruits and vegetables, local cheeses and nougats, as well as textiles and other goods.

Christmas markets and Christmas light show

The two Christmas markets in Annecy open from late November to early January. One is in the Old town and the other is in the Village des Alpes. Wandering around Des Alpes village, Annecy’s largest market, will be a great experience with its cider bars, craft beer, delicious local food and live music. At the Old Town Christmas Market, you can find special Christmas gifts, a variety of drinks and food, and more Christmas decorations.
Moreover, you can enjoy the Christmas light show in the center of the city. The town hall gives a free fantastic light show for the whole family. Not only the town hall, but many places such as the bridges, facades and monuments of Annecy are illuminated during winter nights.

Stroll around lake Annecy

Lake Annecy is perfect for boating in summer and its beauty in winter is second to none, especially when you see the snow-covered mountains around the lake. Without the usual crowds like in hot summer days, the shore is often peaceful. You can walk on the car-free road from the beach to the Palais de Menton.

Taste the hearty French Alpine dishes

It is a must to taste the traditional alpine foods like fondue,crozets, tartiflette and raclette if you are in Annecy. It would be a great apres-ski treat or a wonderful way to warm up after being outside, with a glass of wine. Raclette is a typical Alpine dish in which a big wheel of cheese is melted by a heater and scraped over meat and potatoes. Tartiflette is made of potatoes, lardons, onions and reblochon cheese. Fondue is a bowl of melted cheese that you can dip bread, dried meat or potatoes into using a long pick. Crozets is a special type of pasta that is entirely square and flat, cooked with lots of cheese.

Take a Snowshoe Hike

Going snowshoeing is a great way to pump your adrenaline. Put on your snowshoes and take a trip on the snow on one of the best hikes in Annecy like Semnoz, Le Chateau de Menthon, Le plateau des Glières, Le Massive des Bauges. You can rent snowshoes in many of the ski gear shops in the city, for around 6€ per day. This will be a completely different experience for you, and you will be able to enjoy the absolutely stunning landscapes.

Outdoor ice skating

An outdoor ice rink is constructed each winter at the Place François de Menthon, a 10-minute walk from the lake Annecy. Entry is free and you will be able to rent skating equipment on the spot. A pair of ice skates will cost around 5€. In addition to this outdoor ice rink, there is also an indoor skating rink available such as Patinoire Jean-Régis.

Have a ski experience

Annecy is really close to several ski resorts, and it is very easy to go for a day trip of skiing from the city. Le Semnoz is the closest ski resort and located 25 minutes away from the city. You can reach there by bus or by a private taxi service from Annecy. The price of a ski pass for the entire day (10 hours) is about 16€ per person. The resorts of La Clusaz, La Sambuy and Le Grand Bornand are also close to the city and can be reached by bus or taxi. We’ve covered more about skiing below.

Popular Ski Resorts around Annecy

La Clusaz Ski Resort

This is a traditional market town located in Bornes Aravis and the altitude of the winter sports area is between 1,050 m and 2,485 m. La Clusaz’s ski history began in 1907, when the town welcomed visitors for the first time. The resort is based around a main town square and a 19th century church. There are traditional wooden buildings, sport gear shops, boutiques, restaurants, live bars and a few nightclubs around the resort town. The general ski season starts in mid-December and lasts until early March.
The resort consists of five mountains offering a good combination of runs. Beginners will enjoy La Clusaz since it has several nice nursery slopes and easily accessible green runs higher on the mountain. The resort offers some excellent slopes for intermediates with a good range of blue and red pistes benefiting from the five linked ski areas. There are not many official black runs in the area but still you can find perfect fast pistes to adventures. The resort is a hub for freestyle and has two areas where beginners to experts can practice.
Etale Mountain offers a difficult red and few steep blacks, among which Tetras, becomes quite challenging. La Balme is perfect for advanced skiers and it has some speedy red runs with very difficult descents. La Clusaz’s highest point, the large sheltered bowl, reaches to a height of 2600 m and offers breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. Due to its height and aspect, it receives the finest snowfall in the ski area.

Elevation : 1050 m – 2485 m
Total ski slopes : 125 km
Number of slopes : Green – 18, Blue – 30, Red – 29, Black – 7, Free rides – 23
Ski lifts : 1 tramway, 4 gondola, 6 cable cars, 2 gondola + chair lifts, 14 chair lifts, 27 drag lifts, 1 rope lift
Top lift : 2400 m
Distance from Annecy : 31 km
Duration : 44 minutes (* Please note that time may vary significantly due to weather or road conditions)

Here are some top rated accommodations in the La Clusaz ski resort,

Hotel Beauregard

A traditional Savoyard chalet-style 4 star hotel located at the base of the ski slopes close to the village La Clusaz with easy access to many ski runs. It offers a heated indoor pool, a spa & well-being services, and a large dining area serving delicious food & beverages with a friendly staff.

Address – Sentier du Bossonet, 74220 La Clusaz, France

Hotel La Montagne

A budget friendly chalet-style hotel, situated in La Clusaz, 150 meters from the ski slopes with a panoramic view of the Aravis mountains. Hotel La Montagne offers buffet breakfast with regional cuisine and comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi.

Address – 9, Route De La Piscine., 74220 La Clusaz, France

Hotel Alpen Roc

A 3 star hotel situated in La Clusaz, about 150 meters away from the nearest ski lifts. It offers a heated swimming pool, a steam room, a sauna and a fantastic second-floor bar with open fire as well as ski and bike storage facilities. Each room has a private bathroom, a satellite TV and free Wi-Fi.

Address – 388, route des Grandes Alpes, 74220 La Clusaz, France

Le Grand Bornand ski resort

This is a traditional mountain village in the middle of the Aravis Mountain range in the Haute Savoie between Lake Annecy, Month Blanc and Switzerland. Le Grand Bornand is the perfect destination for you if you want an intermediate skiing experience with true Savoyard mountain surroundings and beautiful backdrops. It’s a favorite place for people looking for great skiing and more thoughtful activities. Le Grand Bornand is a popular ski resort among generations of French families because of its Accessibility, charm, and Authenticity. Many of the British skiers who are aware of it learnt to ski on this excellent, safe, and comforting terrain.
The resort is divided into two villages. The Grand-Bornand village at 1000 m of altitude, is a typical Savoyard village with a central square, church and shops. The other village, The Grand-Bornand Chinaillon is situated at 1300 m above sea level. It is the main departure gate for the ski slopes. This ski resort offers something for everyone: young or old, small or big, beginner or experienced professional. The general ski season starts in mid-December and runs through mid-April.

Elevation : 1000 m – 2100 m
Total ski slopes : 86 km
Number of slopes : Green – 16, Blue – 13, Red – 16, Black – 4, Free rides – 12
Ski lifts : 2 gondola, 10 chair lifts, 11 drag lifts, 1 rope lift, 2 carpet lifts
Top lift : 2100 m
Distance from Annecy : 24 km
Duration : 36 minutes (* Please note that time may vary significantly due to weather or road conditions)

Here are some top rated accommodations in the Le Grand Bornand ski resort,

Le Rookie Mountain

Located 27 km from Rochexpo, this 2-star hotel features mountain views and some units have city views. Guests of Le Rookie Mountain can enjoy activities in and around Le Grand-Bornand like skiing, hiking and cycling. The hotel offers free private parking, a shared lounge & a terrace and rooms with private bathroom & a flat-screen tv.

Address – 108 Chemin des Télécabines, 74450 Le Grand-Bornand, France

Best Western Chalet les Saytels

Situated 350 m from the ski slopes in Le Grand-Bornand, this hotel offers a lounge with a fireplace, a bar, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa with hot tub and sauna as well as an indoor pool which is open all year. Each room with timber walls and a mountain-themed décor, has an LCD TV, a telephone connection and free Wi-Fi.

Address – 33, route de la vallée du Bouchet, 74450 Le Grand-Bornand, France

L’Alpage

This hotel is situated 10 minutes drive from the Le Grand Bornand city center, in the Le Chinaillon ski resort village. Each Alpage Hotel room features a private balcony, a private bathroom, a telephone, a TV and a free Wi-Fi connection. Guests can sit on the hotel’s south-facing terrace and enjoy traditional French cuisine or can relax with a drink in the lounge. L’Alpage also provides a games room and storage facilities for bikes and motor bicycles.

Address – 7151 Rue de Chinaillon, 74450 Le Grand-Bornand, France

Top cities along the way to Annecy from Paris

Beaune

This is a walled town at the heart of Burgundy’s famous vineyards in France. Beaune is famous for the annual wine auction held at the Hôtel-Dieu (Hospices de Beaune). This 15-century former hospital, recognized by its colorful, geometric patterned tile roof, is now the Hôtel-Dieu Museum. If you visit this cobbled town, you will be able to taste wine, attend wine auctions and enjoy a delicious meal. There are many restaurants, hotels, bed & breakfasts open for online booking too.

Dijon

This is one of the main wine making areas of France and it is the capital of the historic Burgundy region of eastern France. It is famous for its traditional mustard, vineyard tours, gastronomic fair in autumn and eye-catching building styles ranging from Gothic to art decor. This town is 16 minutes away from the main route.

Fontainebleau

This is another town, 11 minutes off the main route and located southeast of Paris. This town is famous for the opulent Fontainebleau palace built by French royalty.

Some top stops along the way to Annecy from Paris

Théâtre Romain

Take a free entry to visit this second largest theater in the Roman world, built around 70 AD. It is located east of the old city and is designed for dramatic performances. Its diameter is 148 meters and can accommodate 20,000 spectators. The theater is in the classical style and leans on the ground’s natural slope.
(Location : 2 Rue de la Maladière, 71400 Autun, France)

Saint-Lazare Cathedral

This cathedral is located in an area with charming traditional French houses and sidewalk cafés. It is a national monument of France and commonly known as Autun Cathedral. Saint-Lazare Cathedral is a medieval church known for its decorations by the famous French sculptor Gislebertus.
(Location : Pl. du Terreau, 71400 Autun, France)

The Owl of Dijon

On the north outer wall of Notre-Dame Church, there is an owl carved stone. According to tradition, if one makes a wish by touching it with the left hand, those wishes will come true.
(Location : 11 Rue de la Chouette, 21000 Dijon, France)

Museum of Fine Arts, Dijon

One of France’s greatest and oldest museums which is located in the heart of Dijon’s historic old town. The museum also houses the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy, as well as some 130,000 works spanning from the Renaissance to the contemporary era.
(Location : 1 Rue Rameau, 21000 Dijon, France)

Abbaye de Cluny

In Cluny, Saône-et-Loire, France, there formerly stood a Benedictine monastery known as Cluny Abbey. It was dedicated to St Peter. On its walls are several sculptured components from the old monastery and town.
(Location : Rue du 11 Août 1944, 71250 Cluny, France)

Royal Monastery of Brou

The Flemish architect Loys Van Boghem created this extravagant Gothic-styled religious complex (a sort of dynasty burial site). It now houses an art gallery with works by several French, Italian, Belgian, and Dutch painters, from from the 17th century to the present, as well as a sizable library with more than 12,000 books on the history of art.
(Location : 63 Bd de Brou, 01000 Bourg-en-Bresse, France)

Touroparc Zoo

A zoo around 12 hectares area where more than 700 animals live. There are also other more attractions nearby, including a water park, carousel, railroad, and museums.
(Location : 400 Rue du Parc, 71570 Romanèche-Thorins, France)

Abbaye Saint Philibert

The Abbey of St. Philibert, a former Benedictine abbey, is now simply the medieval church in Tournus, Saône-et-Loire, France. It contains masonry murals, blind arcades, and bands with patterns. As an example of Romanesque architecture, it has national significance.
(Location : Pl. de l’Abbaye, 71700 Tournus, France)

Lac du Bourget

The deepest and largest lake in France, is this natural year-round body of water. To take in the breathtaking views, you may ascend to the viewpoints situated surrounding the lake.
(Location : France)

Walibi Rhône-Alpes

A French theme park Walibi situated in the Isère department’s Les Avenières commune. This is the largest theme park of the Rhône-Alpes region covering an area of 35 hectares. It contains more than 33 rides. Walibi Rhône-Alpes has so many attractions such as airboats, hurricanes, carousels, and monorails.
(Location : 1380 Rte de la Corneille, 38630 Les Avenières Veyrins-Thuellin, France)

Transform from Paris to Annecy

Thanks to its location, Annecy is easily accessible by air and land. Whether you come from Paris or anywhere else in France, getting to Annecy will not be a problem. There are several modes of transport you can follow to reach this charming rural town. The straight line distance between Paris and Annecy is 435 km (270.2 miles) and the road distance is about 555 km.

By Air,

The air distance between Paris and Annecy is 433 km (268 miles) but there are no direct flights between Paris and Annecy. So there are several ways to get to Annecy by air. One option is to fly from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) or from Paris Orly airport (ORY) to Geneva airport (GVA) and then take a bus to Annecy for 45 minutes. The second option is to fly to Lyon (LYS) from Paris CDG airport and take a bus. It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Annecy from Lyon.
So there is a downside to choosing a flight, as there are no direct flights between Paris and Annecy and the trip can be more expensive.

By Bus,

Most buses to Annecy leave from Paris Bercy Seine bus station, while some also come from stations like CDG airport. There is only one direct bus per day and the journey will take less than 8 hours. So book your tickets as early as possible to avoid paying much more. If you don’t get a chance to catch this direct bus, you will have to change in Lyon. This can extend the journey time to about 11 hours. The cheapest bus ticket can be found between €17 – €20.

By Train,

When you travel from Paris to Annecy by train, it covers a distance of about 434 km (270 miles) and takes an average of 5 hours and 40 minutes. There are about 21 trains a day and a direct train leaves Paris every four hours. And this direct journey takes approximately 3 hours 46 minutes. Ticket prices start from €25 if you book the train seat in advance, otherwise it costs between €170 – €310.

By Taxi,

The road distance between Paris and Annecy is about 559 kilometers (347.6 miles) and the drive time in normal traffic and fair road conditions is approximately 4 hours 47 minutes. Many private taxi services around Paris offer their services to Annecy. So, it is easy for you to find the best taxi service according to your travel plan. The journey may be a bit longer than by train or bus, but you’ll be able to stop at picturesque towns, scenic views and popular restaurants along the way. Among the many types of vehicles offered by taxi companies, you are free to choose a suitable vehicle depending on the number of members in your group and the amount of luggage. And you can make your journey more comfortable.

What is the best mode of transportation?

Among the many modes of transportation to get from Paris to Annecy, the best one in terms of time is to take the train. It takes 3 hours and 46 minutes and costs around €170 – €310. In terms of cost, the best option is to travel by bus, which takes about 7 hours and costs €17 – €21.
Both modes are perfect if you are a solo traveler or your group size is small. But if your group size is big, going by public transport will be more expensive. And if there are any transfers in your mode of transportation, handling your luggage will be more difficult. As private taxi services calculate fares on a per-taxi basis, you don’t have to pay for each person in your group separately. And this will save your money to ski more.

The other advantage of going by taxi is that you can plan the journey midway. You are free to ask the driver to stop at a scenic spot mid-way to take some snaps. or else you can ask for a detour to a picturesque town or a famous restaurant. Another thing to consider is that traveling to high altitudes is not comfortable for all passengers. Therefore, you can ask the driver to stop the taxi to adjust the seat or the temperature, or ask to stop at a restaurant to get something hot.

So, considering these kinds of things, I suggest that the best method to get from Paris to Annecy is by taxi.

What is the best private taxi service in Paris?

Among the many private taxi services in Paris, the Paris Private Shuttle Taxi service is known for its flexibility and affordable prices. Our drivers are more friendly, helpful and punctual. So you can get fair service for what you pay.
So, don’t delay to enjoy this ski season with your loved ones in the enchanting mountains of Annecy. We promise to get you there safely from Paris.

What is the world’s most fascinating hobby? The answer must be traveling, right? The next question is, “Where is the best location to travel?”. Europe should be the answer. Many travelers throughout the world place Europe at the top of their bucket list. It just offers wonderful experiences and breathtaking vistas throughout the year. With 44 nations, Europe is the second-smallest continent in the globe.

Switzerland is a beautiful country to visit in western Europe. It is a wonderland filled with mesmerizing alps, scenic lakes and beautiful villages. Among the many Swiss cities, Geneva is one of the super gorgeous destinations you should visit. It is situated at the southern tip of great lake Geneva and surrounded by the stunning mountains of Alps and Jura. Geneva is a global hub for diplomacy and banking as well as it is the base for some largest organizations in the world such as World Trade Organization, World Health Organization, World Bank, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Headquarters of Europe’s United Nations. The best watch making companies including Rolex, Chopard, Patek Philippe and many more are based in this city. Geneva is a true gem in Europe, with its super delicious chocolate & cheese, stunning mountain range of Alps and very extensive history.

Among many tourist attractions, the Swiss Alps are on the top of the list. The Alps lie to the east of the city and the Salève mountain located at the southeast. Meanwhile, Mont de Sion is situated to the south of Geneva, the Vuache Hills are to the west and Jura Mountains located to the northwest.

There are many mountains around Geneva, and below we have listed some of them in a nutshell.

Mont Salève (1097 m)

This is a mountain in the French Alps and it is located near the city of Geneva. Therefore it takes less than 20 minutes to reach by car and around half an hour by bus. Ideal for a day trip.

Chaumont (1087 m)

The mountain is located in the canton of Neuchâtel, which encompasses three lakes Biel, Neuchâtel and Murten. There is a 100-year-old panorama tower near the station, and if you visit it, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the three lakes and the Swiss Alps.

Mont Tendre (1679 m)

This is the highest peak of the Jura Mountains in Switzerland. There is a bus service that goes through the Parc Jura, or you can trail to Mont Tendre from Col du Mollendruz then down to Col du Marchairuz. It is a 16 km train and takes about 4.5 hours. When you reach the peak, you can see a 360 (degree) panoramic view from the Bernese Alps to the Savoy Alps.

Rochers de Naye (1968 m)

Visit this summit to see the stunning views of Jura mountains, Lake Geneva, Savoy Alps and Lausanne. There is an Alpine garden named La Rambertia and a small marmot park called Marmot’s Paradise. The entire train journey from Geneva takes about 2 hours.

Le Moléson (2002 m)

You can reach the mountain by car or train. The most convenient way is by car which usually takes 1 hour 46 minutes. But sad to say, the train network takes around 3.5 hours with six transfers. The summit of Le Moléson offers different activities for its guests such as climbing, hiking, mini-golf and downhill as well as playground and bouncy castles for children.

Berneuse (2041 m)

This mountain is situated right about Leysin. When you reach the top, you can enjoy the stunning views of Diablerets, Mont Blanc, Eiger and Matterhorn. Not only that, it also has the only rotating restaurant in Western Switzerland called Kuklos. it completes a single (one) turn every hour and a half. There is a play area and animal park for children as well as bike and hike trails and Le Temeley, which makes Alpine cheese. To reach Berneuse, you can use a car for 132 km or a train and a gondola. Both methods take about the same time, around 2 hours and 8 minutes.

Crêt du Midi (2326 m)

This mountain is located in the small picturesque village of Vercorin. This old charming village is a ski resort too. When you reach the Crêt du Midi, you can see the breathtaking views of Pennine Alps. You can also enjoy the magnificent views of Diablerets, Wildhorn, Dent de Morcles, Wildstrubel and Bietschhorn.
It takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes to reach Vercorin by train connections with a few changes, but the journey by car takes around 2 hours and 14 minutes. There are modern cable car facilities that take you from Vercorin to the Crêt du Midi in 15 minutes. It offers a beautiful vista across the forest. You can enjoy the panoramic view of the summits of the Pennine Alps higher than 4000 m.

Les Diablerets – Glacier 3000 (2950 m)

This mountain is located at the village, Les Diablerets in Ormont-Dessus. It is also a ski resort. It will take around 2 hours to reach the village by a connecting train. From there, you can use a bus to Col-du-Pillon which takes 18 minutes and then cable cars can be used to go to the Glacier 3000 mountain station. At 2950 m high, Scex Rouge offers a fantastic view of higher mountains such as Mönch, Jungfrau, Eiger, Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Blanche and Jura as well as Lake Geneva. The Vaud Alps and Savoy Alps can be seen too. The Glacier Plateau has a ten-curve Alpine coaster which is the world’s highest situated toboggan run.

Winter in Geneva

planning to visit Geneva this winter? What a fabulous idea.

The snow-dusted old town with French-style streets, picturesque lake Geneva and Swiss mountain views sets the scenery for a fairy-tale. The winter season in Geneva starts in mid-December and lasts till mid-March.
In December the temperature varies from 0°C to 6°C and there might be some snow. January is the coldest month in Geneva. The temperatures range from -1°C in the morning to 5°C in the evening. Most of the days are gray days and can be quite sunny but there may be some rain or snow. In February, the temperature ranges between 1°C in the morning to 8°C in the afternoon. As in January, a fair amount of sunshine can be expected with some gray-days.

Things to do in winter in Geneva

Winter in Geneva offers a unique feeling like no other season. Here is a rundown of the best things to do in Geneva.

Try Geneva Christmas markets

Many amazing Christmas markets open around November and until the end of December. These markets include hot and delicious food and beverages, unique gifts and ornaments, jewelry, fairy lights and beautiful carols.

Stroll around Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva rarely freezes over completely. So water usually flows all year long. You can take a 1-hour cruise on the lake or you can stroll around to see the spectacular views with a hot chocolate.

Try some Swiss cheese fondue

You cannot skip Swiss fondue when you visit Geneva in winter. After a long day of sightseeing in the Geneva winter, fondue is the ultimate comfort meal you require. So, do not forget to dip your bread, dried meat or potatoes into the cheese pan with a pick.

Explore the museums

Geneva is home to many great museums. So, don’t worry if the weather is too gloomy to spend some time outside in winter. You can stroll between these museums. The Ariana Museum, the most-renowned decorative art museum in Switzerland presents a collection of beautiful ceramic and glass pieces from all over Switzerland and other parts of Europe. Visit the largest contemporary art museum in Switzerland, MAMCO (Musée d’art moderne et contemporain), you will be able to find many exciting concepts and innovative exhibits.

If you love sculptures and works of artworks from various artistic eras, you will love taking a walk in the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire, one of Geneva’s most well-known and largest museums. If you like to learn about different cultures visit the fascinating ethnographic museum. It was awarded the European Museum of the Year 2017. Explore the Patek Philippe Museum to discover the history of Swiss watchmaking. Patek Philippe is one of the world famous luxury watch brands. If you are interested in learning about the various human rights topics and critical issues that the Red Cross works on, visit the Red Cross Museum in Geneva.

Take a day trip to Chamonix

Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps mountain range, neighboring Switzerland and France. There is a train service from Geneva to Chamonix, which takes about 2 hours. Or else you can choose a guided tour . The train travels to the village of Chamonix while passing over rivers and through gorgeous Alpine scenery. There is a cable car that runs to the top, so if you like to enjoy the breathtaking vistas of snowy mountains, just use a cable car.

Go ice skating

Ice skating on a cold day while enjoying a view of lovely Geneva will be a perfect winter experience for everyone. There are multiple ice skating rinks open up for free during the winter in Geneva. Furthermore there is a little town called Courage, which offers a fantastic large ice arena, ideal for winter adventures. You can reach there in 15 minutes by car or train.

Go for winter sports at Les Diablerets

This ski resort area is not far from the city of Geneva. It offers several pistes for snowboarding and skiing and you can also do cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on flatter routes. Les Diablerets is a home to the Glacier 3000 and Tsanfleuron Glacier. If you reach the Scex Rouge you can enjoy the stunning view of Tsanfleuron Glacier. The 1st suspension bridge in the world which connects two mountain peaks, is located at Glacier 3000. It is 107 m (351 ft) long. You can explore the Glacier 3000 area by reaching Les Diablerets via a guided tour or using public transportation.

Ski in Geneva

If you’re searching for incredible slopes, beautiful vistas, and a ton of après-ski fun, Geneva is a popular skiing destination. There are a lot of ski areas and resorts nearby to Geneva because of the city’s proximity to Swiss and French mountain ranges. Here are some great ski areas in Geneva, Switzerland.

Portes du Soleil Ski Area

This is one of the largest ski areas in Switzerland with the slopes of 600 km and three valleys. It has 286 ski slopes, 196 lifts, 30 terrains and around 99 restaurants on the slopes. 12 resorts are in Portes du Soleil from Lake Geneva through to Mont Blanc in France. It offers so many activities to choose for each ability level. You can reach there only 1 and half hour from Geneva city. Many ski resorts have snow parks with hand rails and half-pipes, so snowboarders and skiers will love this area.

Ski resorts in Vallée d’Aulps

Avoriaz Ski Resort

This is a paradise for free-stylers and advanced skiers with many winter activities including snow mountain biking, husky sledding, and ice-diving. It is the most modern and most snow-sure French resort located on a south-facing plateau high above the Morzine valley. Avoriaz has 650 km of direct access to the Portes du Soleil and 130 km of local slopes, 4 snow parks and 4 snow-crosses.

Resort Height: 1800 m
Total Ski Lifts: 36 lifts
Total KM Pistes: 70 km in Avoriaz – 650 km in Portes du Soleil
Piste grades: 25 blue runs; 13 red runs, 4 black runs, 8 green runs
Distance from Geneva: 82 km
Road trip Duration from Geneva: 1 hour and 12 minutes
(* Please note that time may vary significantly due to weather or road conditions)

Morzine-Avoriaz Ski Resort

A really authentic French Alps experience is ensured by the 120 km of skiing at Morzine-Avoriaz and its nearby Les Gets. Both resorts Located close to the Swiss border, have spas offering massages and relaxation treatments. There are three main sections of the Morzine pistes. Pleney is ideal for beginners while there are various blue ski pistes just for them. Nyon’s red and blue pistes are more suitable for experienced skiers and fans of freestyle can cross the Eagle Park Border. Chamossières, which is higher up, has fantastic off-piste skiing.

Resort Height: 1000 m
Highest ski lift: Chamossiere at 2002m
Total Ski Lifts: 48 lifts
Total KM Pistes: 107 km in Morzine – Les Gets
Piste grades: 5 greens, 29 blue runs, 29 red runs, 9 black runs
Distance from Geneva: 75 km
Road trip Duration from Geneva: 1 hour and 15 minutes
(* Please note that time may vary significantly due to weather or road conditions)

St. Jean d’Aulps Ski Resort

This is another French ski resort in the Vallée d’Aulps. It is situated at the base of Roc d’Enfer and has 50 km of slopes with a variety of options for skiers of all abilities and disciplines. Montriond has the longest ski run in the Portes du Soleil ski region as well as renowned ski slopes. Its village is also a favorite among food lovers.

Resort Height: 950 m
Total Ski Lifts: 1 cable car, 3 chairlifts, 10 drag lifts
Total KM Pistes: 51 km
Total Ski Slopes: 8 green runs, 9 blue runs, 13 red runs, 2 black runs
Distance from Geneva: 58.6 km
Road trip Duration from Geneva: 1 hour and 50 minutes
(* Please note that time may vary significantly due to weather or road conditions)

Ski resorts in Vallée d’Abondance

Abondance Ski Resort

This is a mountain village French resort rich in local traditions and scenic beauty. In addition, a variety of winter activities, including cross-country skiing, snowshoe hikes, ice driving, husky sledding and ice driving are available. There are also kids’ parks suitable for children’s winter activities.

Resort Height: 1000 m
Total Ski Lifts: 81 rope lifts, 1 cable car, 7 drag lifts, 1 magic carpet
Total KM Pistes: 16 km
Total Ski Slopes: 4 green runs, 8 blue runs, 1 red runs, 1 black runs
Distance from Geneva: 30 km
Road trip Duration from Geneva: 1 hour and 30 minutes
(* Please note that time may vary significantly due to weather or road conditions)

La Chapelle d’Abondance Ski Resort

This is a traditional French village resort that is a part of the Chablais alpine massif, and the resorts of Châtel and Abondance are directly connected. Many winter activities are available for beginners as well as experts, such as snowboarding, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, telemark skiing, and dog sledding. Guests have access to 6 designated green, 12 blue, and 5 red slopes.

Resort Height: 1020 m
Total Ski Lifts: 1 cable car, 8 chairlifts, 12 drag lifts
Total KM Pistes: 50 km
Total Ski Slopes: 5 green runs, 15 blue runs, 11 red runs, 1 black runs
Distance from Geneva: 67 km
Road trip Duration from Geneva: 1 hour and 30 minutes
(* Please note that time may vary significantly due to weather or road conditions)

Châtel Ski Resort

This is a lovely French village resort in the Chablais area, close to the Swiss-French border. You can take advantage of the 83 kilometers of skiing in the Portes du Soleil ski region if you enjoy both skiing and wide-open expanses. This resort also offers several activities such as snowboarding, ice skating, cross-country skiing and sledding just like other resorts.

Resort Height: 1200 m
Total Ski Lifts: 2 cable cars, 13 chairlifts, 24 drag lifts, 1 magic carpet, 1 rope lift
Total KM Pistes: 117 km
Total Ski Slopes: 7 green runs, 16 blue runs, 14 red runs, 6 black runs, 10 free-rides
Distance from Geneva: 81 km
Road trip Duration from Geneva: 1 hour and 30 minutes
(* Please note that time may vary significantly due to weather or road conditions)

Ski resorts in Vallée d’Illiez

Champéry Ski Resort

The village of Champéry, the first Valais Olympic site, is rich in a centuries-old tourism legacy and is located in the center of the Région Dents du Midi. It is a charming Swiss alpine town with excellent eating and sports opportunities. You should try to climb the renowned “Swiss Wall” if you enjoy difficult, technical slopes. This slope, which is one of the hardest in the world, is 1 km long, and has a gradient of more than 70%. It is just for experts who are not afraid of the cold.

Resort Height: 1037 m
Total Ski Lifts: 1 tramway, 3 chairlifts, 18 drag lifts, 1 magic carpet, 2 rope lifts
Total KM Pistes: 100 km
Total Ski Slopes: 23 blue runs, 17 red runs, 6 black runs
Distance from Geneva: 127 km
Road trip Duration from Geneva:1 hour and 40 minutes
(* Please note that time may vary significantly due to weather or road conditions)

Morgins Ski Resort

It is a magical Swiss resort in the canton of Valais, Switzerland, at the Dents du Midi region’s entrance and not far from the Abondance Valley. It is a home to world-renowned sports champions. The restaurants in Morgins always serve quality food using local products. Views of the Cornettes de Bise, one of the highest peaks in the Abondance Valley, and the magnificent Dents du Midi are can be seen from the summit of the Foilleuse. Slopes that open into the Portes du Soleil and the Rando-Parc created for ski touring give a unique character to the resort.

Resort Height: 1350 m
Total Ski Lifts: 3 chairlifts, 14 drag lifts
Total KM Pistes: 100 km
Total Ski Slopes: 14 blue runs, 11 red runs, 1 black runs
Distance from Geneva: 129 km
Road trip Duration from Geneva: 1 hour 38 minutes
(* Please note that time may vary significantly due to weather or road conditions)

Torgon Ski Resort

The Torgon is a Swiss resort which is also called “The Balcony of the Chablais”, is located at 1085 m above the sea level. It has breathtaking views of the Vaud and Valais Alps, Lake Geneva, the Dents du Midi and Mont Blanc. Torgon is the first resort in the Portes du Soleil ski region. The resort provides a variety of nature trails for ski touring and snowshoeing in addition to its ski slopes. Torgon offers 83 km of ski routes with 15 blue runs, 9 designated green slopes, 15 red-marked slopes, and 6 diamond runs.

Resort Height: 1150 m
Total Ski Lifts: 2 cable car, 13 chairlifts, 24 drag lifts, 3 magic carpets
Total KM Pistes: 50 km
Total Ski Slopes: 15 blue runs, 15 red runs, 6 black runs
Distance from Geneva: 122 km
Road trip Duration from Geneva: 1 hour 40 minutes
(* Please note that time may vary significantly due to weather or road conditions)

Les Crosets and Champoussin Ski Resorts

These two are neighboring Swiss resorts in the Dents du Midi region but offer two different views. The resorts are 1660 m above sea level. Champoussin gives you a full authentic view of Dents du Midi while Les Crosets offers a panorama of Dents Blanches massif and Dent Jaune corridor. The ski resort Les Crosets is a great place to start exploring the Franco-Swiss Portes du Soleil region.

Ski gear shops along the way to Geneva from Paris

It is easier if you collect all the things you need for skiing before you reach your ski resort. So, here we have listed the top-rated ski and snowboard gear shops en route from Paris to Geneva.

Magasin Blue Tomato Genève

You can discover anything you need to do skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports at this shop.
Address:- Rue De-Grenus 7, 1201 Genève, Switzerland
Open:- Monday – Friday: 10 AM – 7 PM, Sunday: closed

SportXX

Find materials, textiles and accessories for all winter sports from all the leading sports brands with your passion in mind.
Address: Av. Louis-Casaï 27 1211, 28 Genève, Switzerland
Open:- Monday – Wednesday: 9.30 AM – 7 PM, Thursday: 9.30 AM – 9 PM, Friday: 9.30 AM – 7.30 PM, Saturday:9.30 AM – 6 PM, Sunday: closed

Chaussures Aeschbach SA

A huge collection of sports equipment, clothes and shoes from prestigious brands such as Rossignol, Dynastar, Salomon or Head and they also offer rental service for ski gears and clothings.
Address:- 40,Rue du Marché, 1204 Genève, Switzerland
Open:- Monday – Wednesday: 10 AM – 7 PM, Thursday: 10 AM – 8 PM, Friday: 10 AM – 7 PM, Saturday: 9.30 AM – 6 PM, Sunday: closed

Coquoz Sports

A tiny ski shop run by a family. This is the right place to go if you want quality service and attention.
Address:- Rue de Villereuse 10, 1207 Genève, Switzerland
Open:- Monday: 1PM – 6.30PM, Tuesday – Friday: 10 AM – 6.30 PM, Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM, Sunday: closed

Transportation options from Paris to Geneva

If you still haven’t had a chance to visit the gorgeous Geneva yet, this winter is the right season to make your dreams come true. There are several modes of transport that will take you from Paris to Geneva.

Paris to Geneva by Air,

The flying distance between Geneva and Paris is just 408 km (254 miles). Both cities have famous airports which are connected by many airlines like EasyJet, AirFrance, Swiss and Darwin. There are about 19 direct flights per day and one-way ticket prices start at €50.

Paris to Geneva by Train,

Between Paris and Geneva, the train distance is 409 km, and if you choose the high-speed TGV Lyria train service, it takes just about 3 hours to cover this distance. 14 trains per day provide their services to passengers and the first train starts at 6.18. First class and standard class compartments are available and ticket prices start from €25.

Paris to Geneva by Bus,

The distance between Paris and Geneva is 540 km by normal road and about 520 km by highway. One bus and two buses are operated daily, respectively, by public bus services like FlixBus and BlablaBus. The direct route takes 7 hours and 5 minutes, and the least expensive ticket is 80 euros per person and the longest journey takes on average 9 – 10 hours with one change.

Paris to Geneva by Taxi,

The transfer from Paris to Geneva takes about 5 – 6 hours in normal traffic and fair road conditions. But the time and distance may vary depending on the trip you plan and the route you choose. Nowadays, most taxi companies charge flat rates or metered fare. It can be quite expensive compared to other forms of public transport, but unlike them, you don’t need to buy a ticket for each passenger in your group. You and your group can take only one taxi and the fare is calculated on a ‘per taxi’ basis. This means that taxi service is cheaper when you are traveling in a group. And you have many types of vehicles to choose from depending on the number of people in your group and your bags.

What is the best transport method?

The simple answer is that taking a taxi is the most convenient and reliable mode of transport you can use to travel from Paris to Geneva. Safety and comfort are the first things that come to mind when one thinks of private taxi services. Private taxis are certainly safer and more comfortable than the environment of public transport. And the other fact you need to keep in mind is that the COVID-19 pandemic is still not completely eradicated from the world and other viruses like Monkeypox are still spreading. So, health and safety are essential when you travel across countries via public transport. Hence, it is a very good idea to opt for a private taxi service when thinking about issues like the above.
The most important thing is the cost. For instance, if you are a group, getting into a taxi is the cheapest way because the fare is calculated per taxi, not per passenger. If a taxi company is providing it, it is a good idea to choose a larger vehicle such as an SUV. Because the cost is high but there is enough space for at least 6 passengers with luggage.

What is the best private taxi service in Paris?

Paris Private Shuttle taxi service is among the best taxi companies in Paris. Our drivers are route experts and very friendly. They will arrive at your pickup location wherever in Paris and take you safely to your desired destination in Geneva. You are free to ask the driver to stop to take photos of a beautiful view, sip a hot coffee, shop at a ski gear shop or to stop elsewhere on the way to Geneva.

Do you wish to spend time on the slopes of majestic mountains and picturesque landscapes this winter? If so, there is a place on earth where you must travel in order to have these experiences. That is Switzerland.

Switzerland is a small Alpine country in the heart of Europe which is in between France and Italy. This mountainous country is a home to the majestic peaks of the Alps, picturesque lakes and charming villages. Switzerland is world famous for luxury Swiss watches, delicious cheese and scrumptious chocolates as well as beautiful scenery, skiing and hiking. Switzerland is on many people’s wish lists because it has lovely flower valleys and wonderful hiking routes in the summer, as well as majestic snowy mountains, attractive Christmas markets, and some of Europe’s best skiing experiences in the winter.

While Bern is the capital of Switzerland, Zürich is the largest one. Bern has 114 Swiss heritage sites and Old Bern Town is recognized as a UNESCO world heritage. Lucerne (or Luzern) is the prettiest  Swiss city and one of the most attractive travel destinations in Europe. Lucerne is a mesmerizing medieval town located on the edge of beautiful Lake Lucerne and surrounded by some of the highest mountain peaks in Switzerland.

Among the stunning landscapes of Switzerland mountains are a major attraction for tourists. Matterhorn (4,478 m) is the most famous mountain in the pennine Alps, easily accessible to the public. Anyone can reach the summit by cable cars or elevators. Out of many Swiss mountains, Finsteraarhorn (4,274 m) is the most prominent peak, Monte Rosa (4,634 m) is the most elevated and Piz Bernina (4,049 m) is the most isolated mountain.

Winter and Ski in Switzerland

Visit Switzerland in winter? Obviously that’s a good idea. One of the greatest seasons to visit Switzerland is winter. From December to January is the official winter season in Switzerland. The coldest months of January and February are perfect for festivals and winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. (add few line about resorts) At elevations above 2000 meters, the Swiss Alps are home to some enormous ski areas. This implies that the Swiss ski season starts in mid to late November at high altitude resorts like Andermatt and Saas-Fee and lasts until the end of April.

By November, most ski resorts in high altitudes begin their operations but most only on weekends and with limited areas/lifts. Some of them are Laax, Andermatt, Davos, Verbier and Lenzerheide. Zermatt and Saaf-Fee are open too with some themes. By the end of November, it is just getting chilly enough for snow to fall into the low valleys in Switzerland.

Massive snow falls can be seen in early December. In the higher elevations, you can often expect good snow. Christmas in Switzerland will definitely be a magical time for everyone. Arosa and Lenzerheide will be a good combination for an amazing christmas experience for more energetic skiers.

January is the greatest time to ski at both famous ski resorts and those with low altitudes. Although the snow quality might be better and the temperatures are icy-cold, avalanche threats are also higher. In January all the Swiss ski resorts are open to travelers who need to have a fantastic skiing experience. Resorts at lower elevations, such as Gstaad, Leysin, Adelboden-Lenk and others can be wonderful too.

Lovely February, the busiest skiing month of the year, is a fantastic time for forgotten Swiss destinations such as Bivio, Arolla-Evolene, Klewenalp, Torgon, Leukerbad-torrent and many other ski resorts. Free riders can enjoy fantastic slopes from the snowy Säntis (2,502 m) summit in north eastern Switzerland. As February marks the beginning of various school vacations, the crowds increase and the price of lift tickets and accommodations are higher even in smaller resorts.

At the start of March, everywhere is marvelous, but the high-elevation Swiss Alpine areas are superb in the last two weeks of the month. Long free-ride routes around Verbier, Davos, St Moritz, Saas-Fee, Zermatt and others are just getting fabulous.

Winter, Switzerland’s busiest season, ends in April. Higher elevations may see significant snowfall, but expect snow on ego corn and warmer temperatures. In the first two weeks of April, many of the ski resorts will close. Ski fun parties are in each and every Swiss resort to welcome spring.

Slope conditions may change day by day and from Verbier, Klosters, Davos, Andermatt, Zermatt and Saas Fee have recorded some of the most reliable good piste conditions in recent years. However,  weather, snow and road conditions may change quickly at any ski resorts as well as other operational limitations so actual operation times may differ from those anticipated. Prior to traveling, it is always important to confirm the most recent weather conditions.

Some greatest ski areas in Switzerland

Arosa Lenzerheide

This is one of largest ski areas covering Arosa, Lenzerheide, Valbella, Parpan and Churwalden, Graubünden in switzerland. It started with the merger of the existing ski areas of Arosa and Lenzerheide in the years 2013 and 2014 with a  total of 225 km of terrain. The ski area’s altitude ranges from 1230 m to 2865 m and the highest point in the resort is the Rothorn peak, with an elevation of 2865 m (9399 ft). In summer also, there are numerous recreational opportunities available in Arosa Lenzerheide such as bike or hiking trails and activities on the mountain lakes.

This winter paradise is available for every type of skier. If you are a beginner, you will find simpler practice slopes in both skiing areas: Tschuggen West and Reid lifts in Arosa as well as Fastatsch and Fadail in Lenzerheide lifts are particularly ideal for those initial tries at skiing. Beginner-level skiers also can try slopes like Hintere Piste or Leichte Maran in Arosa with their appropriate level of difficulty. For children there are several kid-friendly parks with thrilling obstacle courses and magic carpet lifts. Lifts like Lavoz, Cumascheals, and Pedra Grossa in Lenzerheide are your best choice if you feel brave enough to try the steep slopes.

Andermatt-Sedrun Sports AG

In the area of Andermatt, Sedrun and Disentis with 180 km of slopes and 33 lifts that reach elevations of 3000 m is a powder and off-piste paradise for free-riders. You can easily reach Andermatt-Sedrun ski area by the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn train, the world’s biggest lift, terrain, and the expansion of connectivity in recent history. For sure, it will be a fantastic journey and a beautiful destination in the winter as well as summer.

Andermatt-Gemsstock is a home in the Gotthard region, to top skiers and free-riders with an elevation of nearly 3000 m. It has very steep slopes with a 1,500 meter vertical drop and perfect deep powder so free-riders will find the perfect routes on these deep-snow slopes from November to May. And it is an ideal destination for those who love off-slope rides. You will be able to enjoy stunning views of 600 mountains around the Gemsstock at over 3,000 meters above sea level.

Visit Disentis for a wide range of Alpine winter activities which are combined with breathtaking mountain scenery, deep powder, and spectacular winter landscapes. There are child-friendly lifts in Andermatt, Sedrun and Disentis so,  this is the perfect destination for everyone looking to experience winter with their families in its full glory.

This is the largest ski area in central Switzerland’s features 180 km of pistes for every level of difficulty and for all levels of ski, including the beginner level. 47.5 km of blue pistes are more suitable for beginners as they offer leisurely descents and are less steep. Red pistes have an average degree of difficulty and a maximum incline of 40 degrees with a distance of 84 km. 37 km of black pistes with difficult descents are specially designed for top-skiers with excellent technical skills. There are also 16.5 km of yellow pistes deep-powder trails for free-riders. Avalanches are prevented on these slopes.

Ski resorts in Switzerland

The history of winter sports tourism in Switzerland is the longest in the world. The first holiday was celebrated in St. Moritz a century and a half ago. The Kulm Hotel, the first hotel opened in St. Moritz in 1856, became popular quickly. Since then, more than 400 ski resorts have opened around Switzerland, many of them in popular tourist destinations. Europe’s highest ski slopes/lifts are at Zermatt with an elevation of 3899 m. Around 51 lifts are open 365 days a year for ski lovers. The concept of car-free ski resorts was also introduced by Switzerland. There are a number of resorts that follow this concept such as Zermatt, Saas Fee and Wengen. Get away from your busy and noisy everyday environment and can get a unique experience by resorting to this green concept.

When it comes to prices, it is worth knowing that, although lift tickets for adults might be pricey, children can get them for some of the lowest costs in Europe in Switzerland. In fact, more than 50 resorts do not charge any fees for children up to the age of 8 or 9. So in this way, as they gradually get older, they can get more affordable price plans for their lift tickets compared to France.

Travel from Paris to Switzerland – Transportation methods

If you want to travel from Paris to Switzerland, it only takes a few hours and there are different travel options that you can try. The straight line distance from Paris to Switzerland is 495 km.

If you use a train, the 488 km trip takes on average 4 hours and 6 minutes. The first train leaves Paris at 7.15 am and the last train at 8.25 pm. 18 trains per day provide their services to the passengers to reach Switzerland. If you choose the TGV Lyria train service, 1st class ticket prices start from €20 and 2nd class from €16.

Flying from Paris Airport, the average flight time will take 1 hour 16 minutes to land at Zürich Airport, Switzerland, covering a flight distance of 489 km. And the cheapest flight ticket can be found for around €160. Among the many airlines that fly from Paris to Switzerland, Swiss Airlines offers a high-quality service to ski lovers. Once you land at Geneva or Zürich airport, there is a very efficient train and bus service that runs directly to the ski resorts.

You can also try a bus service like FlixBus, ALSA or Union Ivkoni. The distance between Paris and Zürich bus station is 668 km and it will take about 9 hours to reach Zürich as soon as possible. You can find the cheapest bus ticket for €25.

When you travel by taxi, the distance between Paris and your desired Swiss destination may vary depending on the route you choose. Many skilled taxi drivers who know shortcuts and back streets may take longer but avoid road construction and traffic jams. You can travel from Paris to Zürich in around 6-7 hours and to Geneva in around 5-6 hours.

Popular cities along the way to Switzerland from Paris

Here are a few common cities to visit on your taxi journey from Paris to Geneva or Zürich. You must visit these cities to experience the uniqueness and charm of it.

Beaune

This is a walled town at the heart of Burgundy’s famous vineyards in France. Beaune is famous for the annual wine auction held at the Hôtel-Dieu (Hospices de Beaune). This 15-century former hospital, recognized by its colorful, geometric patterned tile roof, is now the Hôtel-Dieu Museum. If you visit this cobbled town, you will be able to taste wine, attend wine auctions and enjoy a delicious meal. There are many restaurants, hotels, bed & breakfasts open for online booking too.

Dijon

This is one of the main wine making areas of France and it is the capital of the historic Burgundy region of eastern France. It is famous for its traditional mustard, vineyard tours, gastronomic fair in autumn and eye-catching building styles ranging from Gothic to art decor. This town is 16 minutes far from the main route.

Fontainebleau

This is another town, 11 minutes off the main route and located southeast of Paris. This town is famous for the opulent Fontainebleau palace built by French royalty.

Apart from these common cities there are several other famous cities on the route from Paris to Zürich like Marne-la-vallee, Colmar, Basel, Freiburg im Breisgau, Besancon, Mulhouse and Gerardmer.

Marne-la-Vallee

The The most popular city on the route, which is less than an hour from Paris city. Marne-la-Vallée is a new town in eastern Paris. There are many tourist attractions including Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney Studios Park, Golf Disneyland La Vallée Village, and Château de Champs-sur-Marne.

Colmar

This is a city in northeastern France’s Grand Est region, close to the German border. Colmar is famous for vineyards, medieval and early Renaissance structures as well as Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines.

Basel

This city in northwest Switzerland close to the borders of France and Germany. Basel is situated on the picturesque border of the river Rhine. The 12th-century Gothic cathedral of Basel contains the tomb of Erasmus, a 16th-century Dutch scholar.

Sports gear shops on the way to Switzerland

In winter, the Swiss Alps are an adventure paradise where you can enjoy various snow activities like skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and tobogganing. You will need specialized clothes and equipment, such as skis, poles, and ski boots, especially if you want to skiing in Switzerland. But don’t worry, you can purchase sporting goods on your route from Paris to Switzerland. There are many sports equipment shops on the way and options to buy new or used equipment or rent ski equipment. Below we listed some top rated stores for you,

Decathlon Dijon Quetigny

A big area full of a wide variety of snow sporting gear and other equipment at very attractive prices with friendly and supportive staff.
Address: 1 Rond Point Des Sports, 21800 Quetigny, France
Open:- Monday – Saturday : 9 AM – 7.30 PM and Sunday : 10 AM – 6 PM

S’Cape Fontainebleau

They have all skiing and snowboarding clothing, shoes and ski equipment for men and women.
Address: 21bis Rue Paul Séramy, 77300 Fontainebleau, France
Open:- Tuesday- Sunday : 10 AM – 7 PM and Monday : Closed

EASYGLISS

They offer the rental and sale of new or used winter sports gear as well as the maintenance of your equipment. The shop has a wide range of accessories for skiing or snowboarding.
Address: 1 Rue Edouard Belin, 25000 Besançon, France
Open:- Monday – Tuesday : 2 PM – 6 PM, Wednesday – Saturday : 10 AM – 6:30 PM and Sunday : Closed

Skimium – 100% SKI

You can find ski and snowboard equipment from the biggest brands like Atomic, Rossignol, Burton, Salomon, Dynastar etc. They offer rental and repairs and maintenance of skis and snowboards.
Address: 302 route D’Épinal, 88400 Gérardmer, France
Open:- Monday- Sunday : 8 AM – 7 PM

SportXX

You can easily and quickly purchase or rent the ski and snowboard equipment adapted to your needs, at very affordable prices. They will give you expert advice for choosing your winter sports equipment.
Address: Münchensteinerstrasse 200, 4053 Basel, Switzerland
Open:- Monday- Saturday : 8 AM – 9 PM and Sunday : 1 PM – 6 PM

The best travelling method to go to Switzerland from Paris

Among the many ways travelers have to move from Paris to Switzerland, public transport is very pocket-friendly but it has some disadvantages when considering private transportation methods. If you choose a private taxi service, the journey will be much more expensive than public transport, but you can plan a flexible journey according to your desires. Paris Private Shuttle Taxi Service is ideal for this kind of road trip. Our road experts, familiar with back streets and shortcuts, can prove Google Maps false. We assure that we are one of the cheapest, punctual, comfortable, safe and quick taxi services you can find around Paris. Our friendly drivers will take care of you and your luggage till the end of the journey.

The nicest part of choosing our taxi service is that you can ask the driver to stop at a cafe or restaurant or even make a quick detour to snap a few pictures of stunning views while traveling from Paris to Switzerland. Yes, our drivers will give your request priority!

If you haven’t seen the thrilling viewpoints of the French alps yet, this ski season is perfect to pack your bags. France has 7 of the top 10 interconnected ski areas in the world. This variety of ski lifts are suitable for seasoned skiers as well as beginners and children. Many of France’s ski resorts are at high altitudes so the snow is better and lasts longer. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is one of the most sophisticated ski areas in France that offers a range of slopes, altitudes and orientations and you can enjoy the uniqueness in stunning viewpoints in Chamonix Valley.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is the highest point of the Alps and also in Western Europe at an altitude of 4804 m (15,778 ft). Mont-Blanc is called the White Mountain because it is always covered with snow. If you are going to Chamonix from Paris, there are several travel options like by train, by bus, by car, by flight or by taxi.

If you get into the train, the 471 Km (293 miles) to Chamonix will take an average of 8 hours 9 minutes. This average time may be longer on weekends and holidays. There are normally 13 trains per day and train tickets start from €49.30. As a popular commuter service in Europe, many train services increase their ticket prices during the peak hours (Generally on weekdays, between 6:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00). There are no direct trains from Paris to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc so you might have to take connecting trains with a minimum of 2 changes.

When you travel by bus, the cheapest ticket price will cost around €32. The 470 km long journey takes on average 9 hours 15 minutes time but travel time may vary on weekends, holidays and specific dates, such as when traveling by train. Normally there is only 1 direct bus a day from Paris to Chamonix with BlaBlaCar bus service.

There are 9 direct flights that leave from Paris to Chamonix valley everyday, covering 474 km of flight distance in an average of 1 hour 5 minutes time. The ticket price will cost around €300 but the cheapest price can be found only for €73.

If you choose a taxi service as your traveling option it will take only 5 hours 43 minutes time in normal traffic to pass the 613 km and reach the snowy Chamonix valley.

Some popular towns along the way to Chamonix from Paris.

Beaune

This is a walled town at the heart of Burgundy’s famous vineyards in France. Beaune is famous for the annual wine auction held at the Hôtel-Dieu (Hospices de Beaune). This 15-century former hospital, recognized by its colorful, geometric patterned tile roof, is now the Hôtel-Dieu Museum. If you visit this cobbled town, you will be able to taste wine, attend wine auctions and enjoy a delicious meal. There are many restaurants, hotels, bed & breakfasts open for online booking too.

Fontainebleau

Fontainebleau is another town, 11 minutes off the main route and located southeast of Paris. It is famous for the opulent Fontainebleau palace built by French royalty.

Dijon

Dijon is one of the main wine making areas of France and it is the capital of the historic Burgundy region of eastern France. It is famous for its traditional mustard, vineyard tours, gastronomic fair in autumn and eye-catching building styles range from Gothic to art deco. This town is 16 minutes far from the main route.

Lyon

This town is the capital of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in France and located in a spectacular area where the Rhône river meets the Saône river. Lyon reflects the architecture of 2000 years of history. You can see this most popular town if you pass 29 minutes from Paris to Chamonix.

Lausanne

This city is a french-speaking region of Vaud, Switzerland which is on Geneva Lake. Lausanne is known for the International Olympic Committee headquarters, Lakeshore Olympic Park and the Olympic museum. This city is 45 minutes off the main route and 77% of the way to Chamonix. Away from the Geneva Lake, this hilly old town has a 12th century Gothic Cathedral with an ornate facade, 19th century Palais de Rumine houses fine arts and science museums as well as many shop-lined streets.

Montreux

This is a traditional resort type town on Lake Geneva and this town is known for the Montreux Jazz Festival, held in July. Montreux is located between the steep mountains and the lake. If you ask your taxi driver to divert the car from the main route and spend another 44 minutes to reach this town you can feel its mild micro climate and witness the beauty of mediterranean trees, sculptures and grand Belle Époque buildings as well as the medieval island castle offshore.

Annecy

The Thiou river empties into Lake Annecy in the alpine town of Annecy, which is located in southeast France. This city is famous for its Vieille Ville (old town), cobbled streets, winding canals and pastel coloured houses. Overlooking the town, you can see the medieval Château d’Annecy which was bought by the town, restored and transformed into a museum. Once it was a home to the Counts of Geneva, now containing regional artifacts such as religious arts and Alpine furniture. You can reach this town in 20 minutes from the main route.

Geneva

This is a Swiss city at the southern tip of crescent-shaped Lac Léman (Lake Geneva), shared between France and Switzerland. Geneva is the largest French-speaking city in Switzerland. It is surrounded by the Jura mountains and Alps, so the city has a view of dramatic Mont-Blanc. Switzerland’s second most popular town, very closed to Chamonix, can be reached in 11 minutes from the main route.

Some attractions along the way from Paris to Chamonix

Here are list of top stops along the way from Paris to Chamonix with short detours

• Château de Savigny-les-Beaune – Centuries-old castle, today a home to a rare collection of aeroplanes, fighter planes, motorbikes and Fiat Abarth prototypes as well as an exhibition of fire engines and high-clearance tractors.
• The Owl of Dijon – On the north outer wall of Notre-Dame Church, there is an owl carved stone. According to tradition, if one makes a wish by touching it with the left hand, those wishes will come true.
• Museum of Fine Arts, Dijon – One of France’s greatest and oldest museums which is located in the heart of Dijon’s historic old town. The museum also houses the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy, as well as some 130,000 works spanning from the Renaissance to the contemporary era.
• Abbaye de Cluny – In Cluny, Saône-et-Loire, France, there formerly stood a Benedictine monastery known as Cluny Abbey. It was dedicated to St Peter. On its walls are several sculptured components from the old monastery and town.
• Abbaye Saint Philibert – The Abbey of St. Philibert, a former Benedictine abbey, is now simply the medieval church in Tournus, Saône-et-Loire, France. It contains masonry murals, blind arcades, and bands with patterns. As an example of Romanesque architecture, it has national significance.
• Touroparc Zoo – A zoo around 12 hectares area where more than 700 animals live. There are also other more attractions nearby, including a water park, carousel, railroad, and museums.
• La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière – The basilica of the nineteenth century, is devoted to the Virgin Mary and named as a historical world heritage site by UNESCO. It features distinctive architecture with Gothic, Byzantine, and Romanesque influences. There are four 48-meter-tall towers, which stand in for the four cardinal virtues.
• Musée Cinéma et Miniature – This is a private museum situated in the middle of Lyon’s historical centre, a home to a collection of more than 1,000 replica locations, props, crafts and pieces of artwork.
• Royal Monastery of Brou – The Flemish architect Loys Van Boghem created this extravagant Gothic-styled religious complex (a sort of dynasty burial site). It now houses an art gallery with works by several French, Italian, Belgian, and Dutch painters, from from the 17th century to the present, as well as a sizable library with more than 12,000 books on the history of art.
• Cascades du Hérisson – The cascades du Hérisson are a very photogenic series of waterfalls, within four kilometers, in the scenic river Hérisson. A number of trails are available from several starting points to walk following the river Hérisson and you may stroll all the way to the waterfall’s base.
• Lac du Bourget – The deepest and largest lake in France, is this natural year-round body of water. To take in the breathtaking views, you may ascend to the viewpoints situated surrounding the lake.
• Lausanne Cathedral – One of Switzerland’s most significant Gothic structures. Once, it was a home to the miraculous Golden Virgin. For stunning views of Lausanne’s rooftops, you may also climb the tower (it has 153 steps).
• The Olympic Museum – This museum is the world’s biggest source of knowledge about the Olympic Games and it reflects the nations’s spirit of sports. It is home to over 1500 exhibits such as interactive objects, documents and films dating from Greek antiquity up until present plus a park with sporting facilities for athletes.
• Aquariaz – Aquariaz is an aquatic haven with a lazy indoor river that includes amenities including a Slide-winder, a Chill-out area, and a Water Playhouse and a 34 degree heated outdoor spa.

Restaurants and Cafes along the way from Paris to Chamonix

While traveling from Paris to Chamonix, you can enjoy delicious food from various restaurants and cafes in France and Switzerland and stay in luxury to low-budget hotels. Here are some of the cafes and restaurants on the way to Chamonix.

Agastache Restaurant (134 Rue Duguesclin, 69006 Lyon, France)
They offer instinctive cuisines for affordable prices. If you are in Lyon this should be a must dining experience.

Coffee Shop Sleepy Bear (Rue du Simplon 3A, 1006 Lausanne, Switzerland)
The best place to have a coffee in Lausanne with an amazing staff. Their blends are really good and you also have coffee selections such as Oat and almond milk.

Cafe Bunna Annecy – coffee shop Italien (17 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 74000 Annecy, France)
You can enjoy delicious fresh coffee plus sandwiches, homemade cakes and sweets at a small wood-beamed cafe (Italian Espresso) with outdoor seating in a beautiful location in the center of Annecy.

L’ Aparté (Rue de Lausanne 43, 1201 Genève, Switzerland)
If you want an outstanding dining experience in the heart of Geneva, this gastronomic restaurant L’ Aparté at the Hôtel Royal is the place to be.

Le Comptoir des Alpes (151 Av. de l’Aiguille du Midi, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France)
A nice restaurant for French-Italian cuisine with very polite and friendly service in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc with a romantic atmosphere.

Sports equipment shops in Chamonix valley

There are a lot of ski, snowboard and other sports equipment shops in Chamonix valley. Here are few of them,

Technical Extreme (200 avenue de l’Aiguille du Midi, 74400 Chamonix)
This is the biggest independent sports shop in Chamonix. They offer a range of items from big brands to “no name, no fuss” brands which are easy on the eyes and the bank balance too.

Snell Sports (104 rue du Docteur Paccard, 74400 Chamonix)
Snell Sports offers sportswear, skiing gear, hiking kit, and also rock climbing essentials too. They are the official stockists of almost all the big brands as well as little items. So will be able to compare prices across brands under one roof with expert advice.

Desailloud Sports (521 Rue Joseph Vallot, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France)
This shop offers a better service at cheap prices. They have a variety of snowboard brands and many other ski and snowboard equipment, shoes, boots and clothing. Desailloud Sports also has a sports equipment rental service and online booking service for them.

Rossignol Store (101 Av. Michel Croz, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France)
In this store you can find a collection of ski and other sports clothes, accessories and shoes. This shop is near the Chamonix – Mont-Blanc train station.

Skiset les Aiglons (270 Av. de Courmayeur, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France)
Skiset les Aiglons is in the center of Chamonix. Renting your ski equipment at Skiset les Aiglons is a good way of saving time and money. You can also book your equipment online before going there.

From experience we know that public transportation could be quite hard, slow and even really complicated with your luggages, but if you choose a taxi service your journey will be more comfortable. Paris Private Shuttle taxi service is a perfect solution if you are looking for a flexible taxi service. Our drivers are so friendly and route experts so using our service you can visit the places of your interest, famous shops or outlets to do some shopping on your way to Chamonix.

We assure that we are one of the cheapest, quick, safe and comfortable services you can find in France and our service is available for 24 hours all the days of the week. Our online booking system makes it easy to book the taxi service of your choice.

Hotel Vienna House Magic Circus is a Disney hotel situated closer to Disneyland Paris. But it is not too closely to the Park. However, Hotel Vienna House Magic Circus is also will be a good choice for Disneyland Paris visitors, who looking for staying at a Disney hotel, during their Disneyland Paris tour. Let’s checkout something about Hotel Vienna House Magic Circus and checkout, how to get from Paris airports to Hotel Vienna House Magic Circus.

Hotel Vienna House Magic Circus and its facilities

It is another hotel of Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle. Hotel Vienna House Magic Circus also a 4-star hotel as well as Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle. Hotel Vienna House Magic Circus is 7.4 km away from the Disneyland Paris resort. It spends 10 minutes to get by shuttle bus service. You can pick a privet taxi as well for this short journey. It is not a walkable distance. Because it may spend over 30 minutes.

Hotel Vienna House Magic Circus is also comprising with all facilities you want. There is a picturesque surrounding there. Out of the main facilities, there are hot indoor pool, massage centre, Beauty centre, indoor and outdoor playing area for kids, video game arcade etc. They facilitate extra services such as baby cots, special kids’ menu, rooms with disabled guest access, etc.

Paris airports and transportation methods in Paris city

There are three main airports in Paris city. Charles de Gaulle airport, Orly airport and Beauvais airport. Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport is the main airport among them. And it is the busiest airport in Paris and Europe.

Beauvais airport is operating as an airport that facilitates for Budget airlines. And it is the farthest airport from the Paris city canter. However, Both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airport also operates Budget airlines and other international airlines as well.

You have three transportation options to get from these airports to Hotel Vienna House Magic Circus. So, you can pick a privet taxi from airport and Catch a shuttle bus or train from the airport terminal or nearest station. As a privet taxi service, Our Paris Private shuttle service provide the most comfortable service to our passenger. However, Let’s check out one by one.

How to get from Charles de Gaulle airport to Hotel Vienna House Magic Circus

Distance from Charles de Gaulle airport to Hotel Vienna House Magic Circus is 39 km. it spends 35 min to 50 min duration to transfer by train or shuttle bus. This time may longer than that if it is not a direct train or shuttle bus. However, if you get by private taxi, it spends only 35 to 45 minutes to the total journey. It spends 60£ for the total journey to get from Charles de Gaulle to Hotel Vienna House Magic Circus with our Paris Private Shuttle service.

How to get from Orly airport to Hotel Vienna House Magic Circus

Distance from Orly airport to Hotel Vienna House Magic Circus is 50 km. You have to spend approximately 1 hour to 2 hours duration to transfer by train or shuttle bus. In here also, if it is not a direct train of bus, you will spend more time. However, it spends only 35 min to 45 min duration to get from Orly airport to Hotel Vienna House Magic Circus by a private taxi. We have the cheapest price for this journey too. With our Paris Private Shuttle service, it’s only 70£.

How to get from Beauvais airport to Hotel Vienna House Magic Circus

Beauvais airport is 115 km away from Hotel Vienna House Magic Circus. To get from Beauvais airport to Hotel Vienna House Magic Circus by train or bus, it spends at least 2 hours and 30 minutes or more. And you have to face changes to another train in train stations. So, it is most comfortable with a private taxi. You can reach the hotel within 1 hour and 30 min journey. With Paris Private shuttle taxies, you can transfer by 130£.

You can easily pick our taxies form any of the above airports. We are available there 24/7. Enjoy the best and cheapest service with us.

Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle is another Disneyland Paris hotel. So, Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle is in the list of hotel options for Disneyland Paris visitors. Let’s get to know something about Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle and looking for a comfortable transportation option to get from Paris airports to Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle.

Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle and its facilities

As mentioned in the Disneyland Paris official web site, you can spend the life of a royal family in this Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle. It is a 4-star hotel with all common facilities. It is 7 km away from the Disneyland Paris resort. It spends only 10 minutes with a free shuttle bus. You can pick a privet taxi as well to get from Disneyland resort to Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle. Because Shuttle service will not available throughout the day. However, it is not a walkable distance. It will spend over half-hour.

Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle is situated in an attractive area. You can spend your leisure and walk-in Stunning surroundings of Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle. It is a mix of traditional theme and modern comfort. Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle also comprises with all main facilities such as slandered and comfort rooms, Swimming pool (indoor), restaurants (Buffet breakfast and dinner) and bars etc.

You can relax your body and mind there with Whirlpool, sauna and steam bath, the Dream Castle Spa and Massage canter. And also, they provide extra service such as rooms with disabled guest access, currency exchange, baby facilities, etc.

Paris airports and transportation methods in Paris city

There are three main airports in Paris city as Charles de Gaulle airport, Orly airport and Beauvais airport. Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport is the main airport among them. And it is the busiest airport in Paris and Europe. Because millions of passengers including travelers use the Charles de Gaulle airport in every minute.

Beauvais airport is operating as an airport that facilitates for Budget airlines. So, if you are a budget traveler, your airport may be Beauvais airport. However, Both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airport also operates Budget airlines and other international airlines as well.

You have three transportation options to get from these airports to Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle. So, you can pick a privet taxi from airport and Catch a shuttle bus or train from the airport terminal or nearest station. Let’s check out one by one.

How to get from Charles de Gaulle airport to Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle

Distance from Charles de Gaulle airport to Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle is only 33 km. it spends 30 min to 50 min duration to transfer by train or shuttle bus. However, if you get by private taxi, it spends only 35 to 45 minutes to the total journey. It spends 60£ for the total journey to get from Charles de Gaulle to Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle with our Paris Private Shuttle service.

How to get from Orly airport to Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle

Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle is 49 km away from Orly airport. It is a bit long-distance than transfer from Charles de Gaulle. But shorter than Beauvais. You have to spend approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes duration to transfer by train or shuttle bus. However, it spends approximately 35 min to 50 min duration to get from Orly airport to Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle by a private taxi. We have the cheapest price for this journey too. With our Paris Private Shuttle service, it’s only 70£ for, get from Orly airport to Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle.

How to get from Beauvais airport to Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle

Beauvais airport is 115 km away from Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle. It is the longest distance among a Paris airport to Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle. To get from Beauvais airport to Hotel Vienna House Dream Castle by train or bus, it spends at least 2 hours and 30 minutes or more. And you have to face changes to another train in train stations. It is not easy with your baggage and kids. And it may spend more time to wait for another train. So, it is most comfortable with a private taxi. You can reach the hotel within 1 hour and 30 min journey. With Paris Private shuttle taxies, you can transfer by 130£.