flights, trains, taxis and self-drive to les Arcs, Paradiski, France

Travel to les Arcs, Paradiski

However you travel insurance is vital when on a skiing holiday, we recommend Fogg Travel Insurance. Alternatively, check out Ski Travel Insurance from Norwich Union Direct. When travelling in Europe it is also suggested that you take an EHIC (this has replaced the form E111), full information can be on the Department of Health website.

Nearby airports: Chambery is just 1.5 hours away from la Plagne if travelling mid-week. At weekends it suffers the same traffic problems as the other airports. Facilities are limited and can get very crowded but that is true of all the airports near the ski resorts. Grenoble airport is 2 to 2.5 hours from les Arcs. Further than Chambery from the resort and none of the advantages of Geneva. Geneva airport is 2.5 to 3 hours from les Arcs. It has the best all round facilities and choice of flights. The charter flight terminals can get very crowded. Lyon airport is 2.5 to 3 hours from les Arcs. The charter section of this airport is probably the most notorious in the Alps and often referred to as the cattle shed. If using Lyon for a charter flight, once you have checked in walk across to the main terminal: there are a lot more facilities available. Lyon St Etienne airport is the wrong side of Lyon for the Alps.

Airlines and flights: For flights to Chambery from Gatwick, Manchester or Bristol try, There are many airlines flying into the airports nearby les Arcs. When going into any of their websites do not forget that many airlines add supplements to their advertised prices although many supplements are illegal. Watch out for charges for taking luggage, checking in, insurance and using either credit or debit cards. Few people are aware of the fact that scheduled and no frills airlines offer no financial protection in the unlikely event that they stop trading, booking with an ATOL protected company protects your money. For flights try British Airways; Easyjet beware the insurance charge that you will need to opt out of; Flybmi again beware any insurance charges; Flybe beware insurance charges Ryanair charge for just about anything they can get away with and still add airport taxes. BCP is recommended for airport parking: it has secure car parks at most major UK airports and can offer other services such as pick up and drop off as well.

Trains: Eurostar trains are available direct to the Alps, either daytime or overnight. Sleeper/ snowtrains commence either from Paris or Calais. All trains can be booked with Rail Europe although it is incredibly frustrating to find that trains in France can only be booked 60 days or less in advance. Some tour operators will offer these trains as part of their packages. When booking a train it is easiest to say you are going to Bourg St Maurice: it is the same price and the tickets will often show this as the destination. If going to Plan Peisey, Peisey Nancroix or Vallandry it can be easier to get off the train at Aime (or Landry, if you can find a taxi company to use there and pre-book it). It is only Arcs 1600 that you can easily access using the funiculaire. The direct trains do not allow for boarding at Aime or Landry: it is necessary to go to Bourg St Maurice for the homebound journey. The reason for this is that the smaller stations do not have the equipment to scan luggage. Leave plenty of time for the scanning process at Bourg.

Transfers to resort: Doing your own thing can seem like a good idea until you try to arrange the transfer to resort. This has become a lot easier with transfer companies but can still add significantly to your costs: do not forget that some of the airports are almost 100 miles from la Plagne. Public buses are available from the airports (see the links above) and the railway station (see the les Arcs tourist office link below.

Taxis: A full list of taxi companies is available from the les Arcs tourist office.

Car hire: Holiday Autos offers car hire in most of the main airports in the Alps.

Driving: The easiest way from Calais is to follow the A26 autoroute for Reims that passes Troyes and Dijon. South of Dijon it joins the main Paris/ Lyon autoroute, the A6, at Beaune. Lyon is by-passed by taking the A46 and A43 to Chambery. From Chambery follow directions for Albertville. It is motorway from Calais all the way to Albertville; tolls are €60-65 each way. After Albertville it is dual carriageway to Moutiers. For les Arcs follow the signs for Bourg St Maurice. For Plan Peisey, Peisey Nancroix and Vallandry there is a turn off between Aime and Bourg St Maurice. For the other villages of les Arcs go to Bourg St Maurice and follow the signs. Essential Motoring Information Registration Document & Licence - under French law you must carry them with you as well as your insurance policy. Insurance - any policy issued in the UK automatically provides a minimum level of third party cover within the EU. A Green Card is recommended, as is comprehensive cover. Obtain a European Accident Statement from your insurance company before you leave. Also, check that your policy covers damage in transit Eg ferry/ tunnel. Winter Driving/ Chains - Conditions can be treacherous on the roads to the resorts and snow chains are a legal requirement in the Alps. Chains are cheaper to buy in France than the UK but expensive in resorts. We recommend the supermarkets at Chambery and Albertville; they also sell cheap petrol. Snowchains, ski boxes, etc can bought in the UK from Polar Snowchains on 01892 519 933. For a discount mention Ski Beat or Snow Hounds. Equipment regulations - in most European countries the following items are compulsory: Fire Extinguisher; First Aid Kit; Warning Triangle; Spare Bulbs. Please consult your motoring organisation. Young children are forbidden to ride in the front seat in France and rear seat passengers must use seat belts (if fitted). Make sure you have beam deflectors fitted before you leave so that the lights shine to the right instead of the left. You should also make sure your vehicle has enough anti-freeze. We suggest you carry a de-icer, scraper and lighter (for frozen locks). Beware: minor motoring infringements will attract on the spot fines of at least €100. Please note that the French Gendarmes now enforce speed limits vigorously on all roads and any infractions are severely dealt with. If using diesel we suggest only using winter grade fuel: it does not go waxy at low temperatures - this is readily available in France, particularly in or near the mountains. Accommodation En-Route There are many small, family-run hotels and "logis" located close to the autoroute but situated in charming villages and towns. We recommend the "Logis de France" guidebook, which is very comprehensive. NB many of these places will not serve food after 7.30pm. Bed and breakfast in la Plagne is available on Friday or Saturday for up to 6 guests with an English family in Macot near Aime.

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