Mountain vacations are often synonymous with enchanting landscapes, snow-capped peaks and picturesque villages. However, choosing a destination can quickly become a real headache. Among the selection criteria, it’s perfectly normal to look for a resort that’s pleasant to live in, and that offers quality services, activities and infrastructures. A ski resort accessible by train is also a must for those who prefer this means of transport. It’s a practical option for getting to the ski slopes without getting stuck in traffic jams. GSI takes a look at some of the ski resorts near Lyon that you can easily reach by train.
La Plagne, a ski resort accessible by train from Lyon
A true Alpine jewel, La Plagne is a ski resort with a nearby train station, making it easily accessible. From Lyon, the journey takes around 4 hours:
- take the TGV from Lyon Part-Dieu station to Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux station;
- take the train from Chambéry to Aime-La-Plagne station;
- then take a cab or one of the available shuttles to the resort.
Shuttle bus options are available to get you to La Plagne from the Aime-La-Plagne train station in both winter and summer. The journey takes around 45 minutes.
It’s also possible to make the whole journey by bus directly from Lyon.
On site, you can get around easily thanks to the free shuttle service that runs between the various districts and villages, such as La Roche, Plagne 1800, Plagne Centre, Plagne Aime 2000 and La Plagne-Les-Coches.
Find your rental in La Plagne with GSI, your specialist mountain real estate agency.
Valmorel, a family resort in the heart of the Tarentaise Valley
Valmorel is a destination distinguished by its wide variety of landscapes. These dreamy settings offer a multitude of activities in both winter and summer. With a train station nearby, the resort is easily accessible by train. Here’s how to get there:
- take a TGV from Lyon Part-Dieu station to Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux station;
- from Chambéry, take another train to Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-Les-Bains station;
- once you’ve arrived at Moûtiers station, you’ll find cabs or shuttles to take you directly to Valmorel in 30 minutes.
It takes around 3 hours from Lyon to reach this corner of paradise. Alternatively, you can take the bus all the way from Lyon.
The resort has set up a free shuttle system that runs throughout the season. Even if you don’t have a car, you’ll have no trouble getting around Valmorel and the nearby villages.
To help you make the most of your stay in Valmorel, GSI has selected accommodation of the highest standard.
Méribel, a corner of paradise in the 3 Valleys
Head for Méribel, in the heart of the 3 Valleys, the world’s largest ski area. The ski resort is accessible by train. The journey takes around 3 hours:
- take a TGV from Lyon Part-Dieu station to Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux station;
- from Chambéry, take a train to Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-Les-Bains station;
- once you’ve arrived in Moûtiers, you’ll find shuttle buses that run from the station to the ski resort in just 30 minutes.
Alternatively, take the bus from Lyon to Méribel.
Méribel has a free shuttle bus system, called Méribus, which allows you to travel easily between the different areas of the resort (La Chaudanne, Méribel Village, Les Allues, Méribel-Mottaret…).
Plan your stay in the 3 Valleys and find a rental in Méribel for your next vacation.
Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, the ideal vacation destination
Another charming resort in the heart of the 3 Valleys, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville appeals with its subtle blend of tradition, authenticity and quality facilities. Don’t wait any longer to discover this haven of peace in the Belleville valley:
- take a TGV from Lyon Part-Dieu station to Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux station;
- from Chambéry, take a train to Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-Les-Bains station;
- then take a cab or shuttle bus to Saint-Martin-de-Belleville.
Once at Moûtiers station, cabs or buses are available to take you directly to Saint-Martin-de-Belleville in 45 minutes.
Total travel time is around 3h15. It’s also possible to travel from Lyon to Saint-Martin-de-Belleville by bus.
Free shuttle buses run from Saint-Martin-de-Belleville to Val Thorens via Les Menuires. Enjoy a dream vacation by finding a rental in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville that meets your expectations with GSI.
Les Arcs, a ski resort with a train station nearby
With its privileged location in the Paradiski ski area, Les Arcs is a destination for lovers of the great outdoors. To take advantage of the resort’s many activities and incredible views of Mont Blanc, there are several options. As well as by plane or car, the resort is also accessible by train.
Take the train from Lyon Part-Dieu station to Bourg-Saint-Maurice station. The journey takes around 3 hours 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can travel the whole way by bus from Lyon.
A funicular will take you to the resort and the foot of the slopes in less than 7 minutes.
Take advantage of the free shuttles to move easily between the different areas: Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000. Discover our rental properties in Les Arcs, real cocoons for an unforgettable stay.
Le Grand Bornand, easily accessible from Lyon or Chambéry
Le Grand Bornand is a charming ski resort offering a variety of winter and summer activities. To get there, you have several options:
From Lyon: You have 2 options, take a TGV or travel by bus:
- Take a TGV from Lyon Part-Dieu station to Annecy station (about 2 hours). From Annecy, take a bus or cab to Le Grand Bornand (approx. 1h).
- You can also do the whole trip by bus, from Lyon Perrache Bus Station to Annecy and then from Annecy to Le Grand Bornand (approx. 3h40).
From Chambéry :
- Take a TER train from Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux station to Annecy station (approx. 1h). From Annecy, take a bus or cab to Le Grand Bornand (approx. 1h).
There are also free shuttles to get you around the resort.
Megève, a prestigious and luxurious destination
Megève, known for its charm and luxury, is a popular destination. Here’s how to get there:
From Lyon :
- Take a TGV from Lyon Part-Dieu station to Sallanches – Combloux – Megève station (approx. 3h/4h). From the station, shuttles or cabs will take you to Megève (about 20 minutes).
- Take a bus from Lyon Perrache Bus Station to Sallanches – Combloux – Megève – Rue Hauterive (approx. 4h by BlaBlaCar Bus).
From Chambéry :
- Take a TER train from Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux station to Sallanches – Combloux – Megève station (approx. 2h). Depending on the route you choose, you may have 1 or 2 connections. From the station, shuttles or cabs will take you to Megève (about 20 minutes).
- As for Lyon, you can take a BlaBlaCar Bus from Chambéry Challes-les-Eaux to Sallanches – Combloux – Megève – Rue Hauterive (about 3h30).
Free shuttle buses make it easy to get around Megève. Plan your stay now and book a rental in Megève for an unforgettable vacation.
Praz-sur-Arly, a friendly, easily accessible resort
To reach Praz-sur-Arly from Lyon or Chambéry, follow these steps:
From Lyon :
- Take a TGV from Lyon Part-Dieu station to Chambéry Challes Les Eaux station (approx. 1h15), then take a train to Albertville (approx. 40min) and take a cab to Praz-sur-Arly (approx. 30min).
- Second option, take the bus from Lyon Perrache Bus Station to Sallanches and then arrive in Praz sur Arly le Jorrax in just under 4h30.
From Chambéry :
- Take a TER train from Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux station to Sallanches – Combloux – Megève station (approx. 2h). Then take a bus or cab to Praz-sur-Arly (about 30 minutes).
- Another ption is to take a train from Chambéry to Albertville and then take a cab to Praz-sur-Arly in less than 30min.
Once there, free shuttles are available to take you around the resort.
Les Saisies, an exceptional ski area to enjoy with the whole family
Les Saisies, located in the Beaufortain massif, can be reached as follows:
From Lyon :
- Take a TGV from Lyon Part-Dieu station to Albertville station (approx. 2h30). From Albertville station, take a bus or cab to Les Saisies (approx. 45min).
From Chambéry :
- Take a TER train from Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux station to Albertville station (approx. 1h). From Albertville station, take a bus or cab to Les Saisies (approx. 45min).
Free shuttles are available to get around the resort and surrounding area. Discover Les Saisies and find your ideal rental for a memorable vacation.
Crest-Voland, an authentic village
To reach Crest-Voland from Lyon or Chambéry, here are the options:
From Lyon :
- Take a TGV from Lyon Part-Dieu station to Albertville station (approx. 2h30). From Albertville station, take a bus or cab to Crest-Voland (approx. 30 minutes).
From Chambéry :
- Take a TER train from Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux station to Albertville station (about 45min). From Albertville station, take a bus or cab to Crest-Voland (about 30 minutes).
Free shuttle buses make it easy to get around the resort.
Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, a picturesque resort
To get to Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe from Lyon or Chambéry:
From Lyon :
- Take a TGV from Lyon Part-Dieu station to Albertville station (approx. 2h30). From Albertville station, take a bus or cab to Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe (approx. 50 minutes).
- Take a bus from Lyon Perrache to Grenoble (approx. 1h30), then take a bus to Praz sur Arly (approx. 2h15) to use the shuttles or a cab to Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe.
From Chambéry :
- Take a TER train from Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux station to Albertville station (approx. 1h). From Albertville station, take a bus or cab to Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe (approx. 50 minutes).
Once there, free shuttles are available to get you around.
Peisey-Vallandry, a gateway to Paradiski
Peisey-Vallandry is a popular resort in the Paradiski ski area. How to get there:
From Lyon :
- Take a TGV from Lyon Part-Dieu station to Bourg-Saint-Maurice station (approx. 3h). Take a bus or cab from Bourg-Saint-Maurice station to Peisey-Vallandry (approx. 20 minutes).
- Alternatively, take a bus from Lyon Perrache to Chambéry then another to Bourg-Saint-Maurice and then a cab or bus to Peisey-Vallandry (approx. 5h).
From Chambéry :
- Take a TER train from Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux station to Bourg-Saint-Maurice station (approx. 1h30). Take a bus or cab from Bourg-Saint-Maurice station to Peisey-Vallandry (approx. 20 minutes).
- You can also take a bus from Chambéry Challes Les Eaux to Bourg-Saint-Maurice (approx. 2h20), then another bus or cab to Peisey-Vallandry (approx. 20min).
There are also free shuttle buses to help you get around the resort. Organize your stay in Peisey-Vallandry and book a rental now for your next vacation.
Auris-en-Oisans, a sunny resort
To reach Auris-en-Oisans :
From Lyon :
- Take a TGV from Lyon Part-Dieu station to Grenoble station (approx. 1h30). From Grenoble station, take a bus or cab to Auris-en-Oisans (approx. 1h30).
From Chambéry :
- Take a TER train from Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux station to Grenoble station (approx. 1h). From Grenoble station, take a bus or cab to Auris-en-Oisans (approx. 1h30).
Free shuttles are available to get around the resort.
Alpe d’Huez, an emblematic resort
To reach Alpe d’Huez, follow these steps:
From Lyon :
- Take a TGV from Lyon Part-Dieu station to Grenoble station (approx. 1h30). From Grenoble station, take a bus or cab to Alpe d’Huez (approx. 1h30).
From Chambéry :
- Take a TER train from Chambéry-Challes-les-Eaux station to Grenoble station (approx. 1h). From Grenoble station, take a bus or cab to Alpe d’Huez (approx. 1h30).
Free shuttle buses make it easy to get around the resort.
Find your vacation rental in the mountains with GSI
Once you’ve chosen a resort that’s accessible by train, make sure you find a rental that lives up to your expectations. GSI, your specialist mountain real estate agency, can help you every step of the way. Our advisors are on hand to help you find a property to suit your needs. You tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll select top-quality accommodation that meets your expectations in terms of availability, capacity, budget, facilities and services. Don’t wait any longer to contact GSI to find the rental of your dreams for your next vacation.
