Travelling to and in Montchavin - Les Coches in the Les Arcs - La Plagne Paradiski area.
Travel
Trains
At Ski La Source, we're passionate about doing our bit for the environment, and train travel sits right at the heart of this commitment. Journeying to the Alps by train isn't just a sustainable choice—it's a scenic, comfortable, and family-friendly adventure. Onboard, families can relax while children roam and engage in games.
Recommended Train Booking Platforms for Montchavin - Les Coches:
Trains often stop at Aime la Plagne before proceeding to Landry (our prime and closest station) and finishing in Bourg Saint Maurice.
When hopping off at Landry, consider the navette (shuttle bus) to shuttle you to Montchavin - Les Coches—both eco-friendly and wallet-friendly.
Bigger than Landry, Aime-la-Plagne offers a lively town atmosphere, close to the station. Whether you're in the mood for a bite at the local kebab spot or boulangerie or wish to explore further with restaurants and a supermarket, Aime is a good option.
As the final stop in the Tarentaise Valley, Bourg Saint Maurice connects to the Les Arcs ski resort, which in turn links to La Plagne via the breathtaking Vanoise Express ski lift. Those with tight schedules can benefit from the left luggage compartment. A 30-minute ride (weather-dependent) from Bourg's train station will get you to Montchavin - Les Coches, with both taxis and local buses available.
Coaches
Coaches offer an economical and eco-friendlier mode of travel, though we still advocate for train journeys. Throughout the winter, two primary coach services run the transfer game in the valley: Altibus and Ben's Bus.
Pick-up and drop-off points:
-
Altibus serves Geneva Airport, Geneva Bus Station, and Lyon Airport.
-
Ben's Bus operates from Geneva Airport, Grenoble Airport, and Lyon Airport.
Both services reach Moûtiers, Aime, and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, but only Altibus stops at Landry, our closest train station.
From Landry, you can easily catch a local bus (Loyet, line S72) or a taxi to Montchavin - Les Coches.
Altibus
Altibus shuttles guests between airports or nearby train stations and resorts. It holds an advantage as it stops at Landry, offering a direct local bus connection. With services approximately every three hours, it's crucial to book in advance, especially during peak winter months. You can find the timetable here. A round-trip from Geneva to Aime costs 115,00 € per person.
While journeying with Altibus in the Tarentaise Valley, passengers can bring: a handbag, a piece of check-in luggage and a ski bag.
Ben's Bus, a shared coach service, operates on Saturdays connecting Geneva, Lyon, and Grenoble Airports. With schedules aligning with flight timings, passengers rarely experience long waits. However, note that Ben's Bus doesn't stop at Landry. Booking in advance is recommended given the winter rush. A round-trip from Geneva to Aime sets you back 101.00 € per person.
Airplane
For those journeying to the Les Arcs - La Plagne Paradiski ski area, AKA the home base of Ski La Source in Montchavin and Les Coches, there are four primary airports to consider:
-
Chambery Airport: Approximately 1.5 hours away.
-
Lyon Airport: Roughly 2.15 hours of travel time.
-
Geneva Airport: Approximately 2.15 hours.
-
Grenoble Airport: Located about 2.5 hours from the resort.
For ease of travel and options, we recommend arriving to Geneva Airport. Many transfer companies operate from here, and there are many flight options in the winter. Post-landing, you'll need to arrange further transportation – be it by train, coach, or another transfer service – to usher you from the airport to the resort's comforts.
For those confident in their driving skills amid the snowy, mountainous terrains, car hire remains a viable option. Remember to exercise caution and ensure you're adequately prepared for winter driving conditions.
Transfers
Shared Transfers to Montchavin - Les Coches
If you have spare seats in your transfer and are open to sharing the ride with others, please do inform us. We'll relay this information to the local tourist office and even share it on the community Facebook page to find fellow travellers to join you.
Private Airport Transfers
A private transfer ensures exclusivity. Your minibus will be synchronised with your flight's timing, eliminating the hassle of waiting for other passengers. Upon your arrival, a driver, holding a sign bearing your name, will greet you. For larger groups, a sixteen-seater Sprinter Minicoach is available. Should you need assistance securing these transfers or the Sprinter Minicoach, don't hesitate to contact us.
PRICING (in Euros for 2023/2024)
The prices provided pertain to our regular taxi partner. We can suggest other taxi services if they're unavailable, though their rates might differ.
Driving
Driving through the Alps in winter requires a sturdy disposition. We'd advise that you possess experience driving in wintry, icy terrains. The journey from Calais to Montchavin - Les Coches spans approximately 9 to 11 hours, covering a distance of 967 kilometres. The swiftest route employs the AutoRoute system originating from Calais, which does entail toll charges. However, the tranquillity of these roads justifies the cost. When driving a right-hand drive car, it's beneficial to have a companion for paying the tolls more effortlessly.
Cost: Expect toll charges to come to around €79.00 for a one-way trip and factor in additional expenses for snow chains and fuel.
Directions
Signs to La Plagne
Importantly, avoid following signs to La Plagne as it unnecessarily adds roughly 1.5 hours to the journey. Instead, focus on indications for Aime, Landry, and subsequently, Montchavin and Les Coches.
Directions from Albertville
From Moutiers, stay in the left lane, heeding signs for "Haute Tarentaise" (Aime & Bourg Saint Maurice). Proceed through the tunnel, bypass Aime, and maintain direction towards Bourg Saint Maurice. Six kilometres post Aime, opt for the right turn indicating Landry / Peisey-Vallandry. Having crossed the train tracks, ascend the slight incline, soon reaching a junction. Make a right, continuing for roughly 500 metres. Then, take a left onto the D225, following signs for Montchavin - Les Coches.
Car Parking
Both Chalet Mathilde and Chalet Les Sorbiers offer private parking. For other accommodations, please inquire with us.
Montchavin - Les Coches boasts covered underground parking, ideal for shielding cars from snow and ice. This parking is situated beneath the Tourist Office, with a height limit of 2.15 metres. If needed, we can handle booking this parking for you. Remember, the tourist office necessitates a deposit, which will require reimbursement in case of cancellations.
Car Hire
Once on French soil, you could hire a car from the airport or the train station. Driving in the mountains during winter is not for the faint-hearted. We recommend that you are comfortable driving in snow and ice and that you hire a car with 4-wheel drive and snow tyres fitted.
Car hire at Geneva Airport
Picking up the hired car in the French sector
Geneva airport serves both France and Switzerland for international travel. When you hire a car in the French sector of Geneva airport, you must collect it from that side of the airport. Sometimes you arrive on the international side but can easily transition to the French side. Here’s how:
-
Collect your luggage.
-
Proceed to the check-in level and follow the "destination France" signs.
-
Go through customs (to the right of the check-in hall, next to the Air France (KLM) ticket counters).
-
Cross the customs area (on the right of the check-in hall, near the Air France KLM desks). You may need to present your car hire contract.
Dropping off the hired car in the French sector
You must return your car to the French sector of Geneva airport when departing. For a few airlines, you can check-in in the French sector. However, for most airlines flying to the UK, you'll need to go to the Swiss side to check in. You can access the international sector via the transit area.
Local Taxi
We recommend two trustworthy local taxi firms in the Montchavin - Les Coches vicinity. If you're journeying into the Alps via train or coach, a taxi might be necessary.
From major airports and cities, trains halt at Aime, followed by Landry, and finally Bourg Saint Maurice on the same line. Alight at Landry to save on the taxi fare.
Taxi Marchandet - 0033 (0)4 79 07 83 17
Taxi Richard - 0033 (0)6 80 85 27 92 | Email: richard-herve@sfr.fr
Estimated Taxi Fares
One to four passengers (car) Prices listed are for a one-way trip. A return would cost double.
-
Landry: 35€
-
Bourg Saint Maurice: 55€
-
Aime La Plagne: 55€
Five to eight passengers (minibus) The prices are per individual for a one-way journey.
-
Landry: 15€ per person
-
Bourg Saint Maurice: 20€ per person
-
Aime La Plagne: 20€ per person
Driving Requirements
While driving on French roads, ensure you are equipped with the following:
High Visibility Jacket: Each individual should have one fluorescent safety jacket (gilet de sécurité). Ensure these jackets adhere to EU standards, signified by the CE mark. Store these jackets within the car, ensuring they're within arm's reach and not in the boot. In case of incidents, the driver must don it before exiting the vehicle.
Red Warning Triangle (Triangle de Présignalisation): Keep a red, reflective warning triangle (marked E27R) in your vehicle. While this triangle can be stored in the boot, make sure it's readily accessible. If circumstances compel you to halt at the road's edge, this triangle should be positioned at least 30 metres behind your vehicle, visible to oncoming traffic. If your car has operational hazard warning lights, activate them when stationary roadside.
Non-compliance with this can result in an immediate €90 fine per absent item. For a comprehensive understanding of regulations, visit the official French government website detailing requirements for driving on French roads.
Snow Chains, Snow Socks and Winter Tyres
Effective from 1st November 2021, it's mandatory to either have snow chains, snow socks, or winter tyres. Vehicles, including light vehicles, commercial vehicles, and motorhomes, must either be equipped with two-wheel drive removable non-slip devices (either metal or textile snow chains) or have four winter tyres.
Local Buses
Local Buses
Journey to Montchavin - Les Coches: Trains and buses travel through the Tarentaise Valley, stopping at Aime, Landry, and then Bourg St Maurice in sequence if you're arriving from the airports.
Landry is our nearest station. Despite its modest size, all SNCF and TGV trains make a halt at Landry. From here, you can board a shuttle bus (navette) to ascend to the ski resort of Montchavin - Les Coches.
Loyet shuttle bus: Loyet represents the primary local bus service in the area. It's advisable to book your seat, especially during the school holiday peaks. Throughout the winter, Loyet operates mainly on Saturdays with occasional Sunday services. However, be cautious at the season's onset and conclusion when certain routes might not be in service. For reaching Montchavin - Les Coches, opt for the Loyet Bus Line S72. Always refer to the Loyet website for the latest schedules and updates.
Village buses: A complimentary shuttle bus facilitates travel between Montchavin, Les Coches, and Panintoire villages.
In the daytime, this service connects Montchavin and Les Coches, primarily through the Les Coches gondola and the Telebufette, operating from 8.45 am to 5.30 pm.
