From Val Thorens to Marseille: The Beginning of Our French Road Trip

 

Our final morning views of the snow-covered French Alps as we travelled from Val Thorens to Chambéry Airport.

After a wonderful week of skiing in Val Thorens, it was time to leave the snowy French Alps and begin the next stage of our family holiday—a road trip through France.

Although we were sad to say goodbye to the mountains, we were also excited about what lay ahead. Our first destination was Marseille, a historic Mediterranean city completely different from the quiet, snow-covered landscape we were leaving behind.

An Early Departure from Val Thorens

Saying goodbye to Le Chamois d’Or in Val Thorens before our 7.00 am departure.

Our transfer was once again arranged through Savoie Transport, with our driver collecting us from Le Chamois d’Or in Val Thorens at 7.00 am.

Leaving early was essential because weekend traffic around ski resorts can become extremely congested, particularly when large numbers of holidaymakers arrive and depart on the same day.

The streets were still quiet when we loaded our suitcases into the vehicle. After spending a week surrounded by snow, it felt strange to be leaving our ski accommodation for the last time.

As we travelled down the mountain, the early-morning views were breathtaking. Fresh snow blanketed the slopes and peaks while soft morning light touched the mountain tops—a peaceful final view of the French Alps and a memorable way to conclude our stay in Val Thorens.

The Transfer to Chambéry Airport

Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc Airport was the closest airport offering car-hire options that suited our travel plans.

The journey from Val Thorens to the airport was approximately 122 kilometres. Although the distance was relatively short, winding mountain roads and winter traffic meant the transfer took around three hours.

We were glad we had planned an early departure. Navigating down from a mountain resort often takes longer than expected, so allowing extra time made the morning significantly less stressful.

Breakfast at Chambéry Airport

Watching aircraft from the upstairs restaurant at Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc Airport

Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc Airport is relatively compact, but it was remarkably busy with travellers arriving for ski holidays or preparing for return flights.

Arriving approximately one hour before our scheduled car collection gave us time to head upstairs to the airport restaurant for breakfast.

Navigating the stairs with several heavy suitcases was challenging. We later discovered that the airport provides lift access to the restaurant and mezzanine level, which would have made transporting our luggage much easier!

From the restaurant, we had a clear view across the airport apron, watching aircraft being prepared for departure against a backdrop of dramatic mountain scenery. It was a comfortable spot to rest and recharge before starting our drive.

Collecting Our Hire Car

We booked our hire car through Enterprise. Their counter was conveniently located inside the terminal at Chambéry Airport, with the vehicle parking area just a short walk away.

We arrived at the rental desk about 30 minutes ahead of our reservation. Fortunately, the staff processed our paperwork efficiently and arranged the vehicle without delay.

With our luggage packed into the boot, our French road trip officially began.

Learning to Drive on the Other Side

Driving in France required an immediate mental adjustment.

In Australia, we drive on the left side of the road from the right side of the vehicle. In France, driving is on the right side of the road from the left side of the car. Everything initially felt completely reversed.

The first 20 to 30 minutes required intense concentration, especially when navigating intersections, roundabouts, and motorway join-joins. However, once we merged onto the main motorways, I gradually adapted to the vehicle's dimensions and road positioning.

The motorway network was smooth, well-maintained, and clearly signposted, making navigation straightforward. Once through the initial learning curve, I was able to relax and enjoy the scenic drive.

Driving South to Marseille

Our first morning near La Canebière, surrounded by the historic streets of central Marseille

The drive from Chambéry Airport to central Marseille spanned approximately 350 kilometres.

Heading south, the scenery transformed dramatically. The snow-capped Alpine peaks gradually receded, giving way to rolling green hills and classic Mediterranean landscapes.

While the highway driving was straightforward and comfortable, navigating central Marseille presented a new challenge. Traffic intensified, streets narrowed, and the road layouts became far more complex.

Arriving in the vibrant heart of Marseille required renewed focus after hours of smooth motorway cruising.

Eventually, we reached the Canebière area where our accommodation was located. Stepping outside the following morning, we were greeted by broad avenues, winter-bare trees, and magnificent historic architecture stretching toward the city centre—a striking contrast to the quiet snowscapes of Val Thorens.

The Beginning of a New Adventure

That day marked much more than a routine transfer between two cities; it was the start of an exciting new chapter in our journey.

In a single day, we transitioned from a snow-bound Alpine village down through mountain passes, collected a hire car at a regional airport, and arrived in the bustling Mediterranean port city of Marseille.

With the ski slopes behind us, our road trip across France had officially begun.