Getting there
Combloux is in one of the nearest French ski areas to the UK, involving a relatively easy drive or flight.
By road
 You can cross the Channel either using Eurotunnel (the train shuttle) through the Channel Tunnel or by ferry between Poole-Cherbourg or Portsmouth-Caen (with Brittany Ferries), or Dover-Calais (with P&O Ferries), for example.
The most direct route, once you are in France is by the well-maintained and relatively traffic free
'autoroutes' (motorways). The journey is about 530 miles (860km) and takes approximately 8-9 hours' driving time. The autoroutes are toll roads
('péages') and the journey from Calais to Sallanches will cost approximately 65€. See more details about toll roads and costs.
Generally, from the north coast of France, you should head towards Lyon, then change heading towards Geneva, then to Chamonix. The approximate route from Calais to Combloux is shown on the map.
In more detail, if you are travelling from Calais:
Follow signs to join the A26-E15 Autoroute (signposted St
Omer-péage, Paris-péage). Stay on the A26 through Reims (changes to A4 for a short distance), then past Troyes. Then take the A5 (signposted Chaumont, Dijon, Lyon). Then take the A31 (signposted A31 Langres-sud, E17 Besançon, Dijon, Lyon). Then join the A39 (signposted to Genève). And finally join the A40 Autoroute Blanche and follow signs to Chamonix. Exit the A40 Autoroute at Sallanches onto the N205. In the centre of Sallanches, follow signs to Combloux.
See a more detailed route map, including signage.
Snow chains
 In
winter, it's advisable to have snow chains
with you (unless your car is equipped with special 'snow tyres' on the
driving wheels - a much easier option, though more expensive). If you don't have
chains, you can buy them locally or you might be
able to hire them in the UK, from the AA or RAC for example.
The weather
It's
always advisable if you're driving here, to check the local weather forecast
('météo') before you come, so that you know what to expect. Don't
rely on the national forecast as Mont Blanc has a big effect on exactly
what the weather will be like in this area. By air
Geneva is the nearest airport and is 38 miles (60km) away. It is one hour driving time from Geneva to Combloux. There are many scheduled and charter flights between main and regional UK airports and Geneva every day.
British Airways operates a scheduled service
from London or Manchester. EasyJet operates a low cost service from Belfast, Edinburgh,
Glasgow, Liverpool, London (Gatwick, Luton & Stansted), Newcastle & Nottingham East Midlands. Aer Lingus operates from Dublin.
See a full list of flight operators to Geneva.
Car hire
Car hire is easily available at Geneva and it is recommended that you book in advance for the best
rates.
All the major car hire companies operate at the airport - Europcar (often the cheapest), Hertz, National, Avis - for example. Or try Holiday Autos
for the best deal.
Note that Geneva airport has a Swiss and a French side. Car hire is generally cheaper on the French side so be sure to choose this option when you book. On arrival at Geneva, you will need to follow the signs to the French side
('secteur Français') to pick up your vehicle. Make sure that you take it back to the French side too, otherwise you will have to pay a supplement.
In winter, it's best to order snow chains at the same time that you book your car (unless the car is equipped with special 'snow
tyres'). You may need them at any time in the winter but usually less so in March.
Be aware that charter flights have their own terminal at Geneva and you will normally need to find your way to the main terminal for connections with trains or to pick up a hire car.
By train
There is a scheduled high speed ('TGV') French train service to Sallanches. Depart London Waterloo to Paris by Eurostar, then transfer to the TGV from Paris for an overnight journey. This is not a cheap option and you will still need to sort out car hire for your arrival. See more details about this journey.
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