Annecy is a very popular tourist destination in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps but how easy is it to get there? Eurostar is the first choice of many travellers from London, who want to visit this alpine location in France.
Eurostar Railway Service
Eurostar is a high-speed railway service that operates services from London to Belgium and France. Its terminus in the capital of the UK is St Pancras International but the trains also call in at Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International stations in Kent before they depart via the Channel Tunnel for Belgium or France. Travellers to Annecy will, of course, want the trains to France and will change trains in Paris where trains terminate at Gare du Nord. There are as many as 15 trains from London to Paris every day.
It is possible to reach Annecy from London in just seven hours but after arrival in Paris you will need to catch a TGV that runs directly to your destination in the Alps. However, first of all,you will need to get from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de Lyon to catch the Annecy train, and it is recommended that you allow around 50 minutes for getting from the one mainline station to the other. Look out for signs for the Metro and RER, and after you have bought a ticket follow directions for “RER D.” When you leave the Metro at Gare de Lyon, follow signposts for the :Grandes Lignes” of the main station, which is where the trains for Annecy depart. There are six to eight such trains running daily but check timetables to get the one that suits your needs the best.
From Paris to Annecy
The second leg of your train journey is a bit longer than it took getting to Paris from London but the route goes through some very interesting countryside you can look at through the windows of your carriage. By the way, it is also possible to take a night train for Annecy, if you would prefer to travel there overnight.
There are also Eurostar trains on certain days that travel to Lyon where you change onto a regional express train bound for Annecy. After your train journey, arrival at Annecy’s railway station is just the beginning of an enjoyable time ahead.
Whatever time of the year you arrive in Annecy you will find a warm welcome there with plenty of interesting places to see and activities to take part in. For example, you can enjoy water sports at Lake Annecy or you can visit Annecy Castle. This charming alpine holiday destination plays host to many festivals and cultural events as well. Annecy is also a wonderful location for learning French, because the town has its own Language School where you can take courses to help you become really fluent in the language of France.