Travel Directions to Valmeinier, France

Valmeinier is a high altitude resort located in the Maurienne Valley, about 15km south of the Vanoise National Park. Val Thorens in the Tarentaise Valley is only 20 km north as the crow flies, however as they are divided by the immense mountains of the Vanoise National Park, it takes two hours to drive!

The most convenient airport for Valmeinier is Chambery, about an hour and twenty minutes away. However with the resort’s official bus transfer service from Lyon and the nearby train station St Michel Valloir, travel to Valmeinier is simple.

By Plane

Chambery Airport 110 km / approx 1 hours 20 mins

Bus transfers run regularly between Chambery and Valmeinier with Altibus.

You also have the option of private transfers with Ski Lifts or a hire car.

Grenoble Airport - 199 km / approx 2 hours 26 mins

There are private transfers that you can book in advance with Ski Lifts or you can hire a car and drive.

Lyon Airport - 190 km / approx 2 hours

Direct transfers run from Lyon direct to the resort.

It is also possible to organise a private transfer with Ski Lifts (as above) or rent a car.

Geneva Airport - 190 km / approx 2 hours

Geneva is not quite as easy as some of the other airports for arranging travel. The best option is most likely car hire or organise a private transfer with Ski Lifts (as above).

Car Rental

If you require a hire car for your ski holiday, there are a number of fantastic car rental companies based in Europe.

By Train

There are daily trains running between London and St Michel Valloire, about 20 km away. This requires a couple of changes, one in Paris from Gare du Nord to Gare du Lyon, and then a change in Chambery before arriving in St Michel Valloire in the early evening. You can catch a bus or a taxi up to resort from here. Tickets and timetables are offered here rail-europe.com. 

Self-Drive

It’s possible to drive to the French Alps in a day without too much hassle but it is taxing for even the best of drivers. The journey does take between 7 and 10 hours from Calais but it can vary considerably depending on the traffic and weather. We strongly recommend you bring a set of snow chains, make sure your coolant is nicely mixed with anti-freeze, and keep your eye in the forecast before you leave. The site viamichelin.com provide very comprehensive directions fuel estimations and toll costs. On arrival in resort free parking spaces are available however these are availability permitting. There are 300 outdoor, and 100 free indoor spaces in Valmeinier 1500 and in Valmeinier 1800 there are 1200 outdoor and 170 indoor spaces available, also for free.