theotherside

We will be travelling from Chamonix to Annecy in June this year and would like suggestions for a casual drive between the two, which includes scenery and small villages.
The town of Thones is currently on the list.
Thanks in Advance

FrenchMystiqueTours

You can look at my trip report about spending two weeks on the Lac d'Annecy last summer for some ideas. I did a drive from Annecy to Chamonix on the autoroute and even that was scenic. There really isn't a non-scenic drive in that region:

http://tinyurl.com/7er3tjn

The other two ways you can go using the side roads would be through Thônes to La Clusaz and then pick up the D909 to the D1212 to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and on to Chamonix. You could also take the D1508 to the D1212 but I think the other route I mentioned is more scenic.

You can make stop anywhere along the way to visit some nice small towns such as Combloux, Cordon, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, La Clusaz and Thônes.

FrenchMystiqueTours

You might also get some ideas if you look at this thread and click on the links to MaineGG's trip report about exploring that region.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rench-alps.cfm

BiarritzTaxi

My favourite route from Annecy is to stay on the east side of the lake and go south until Ugine.

Then take the D1212 which follows the Gorges d'Arly. It is constantly being repaired and improved (you'll see why when you get there!).

Continue following signs for Flumet, then Praz-sur-Arly then Megeve.

After Megeve you will come to a roundabout where Sallanches is signposted to the left (continuing on the D1212), you need to go right onto the D909 towards Saint Gervais les Bains. After you round a fairly sharp corner with Hotel Caprice des Neiges on your right, Mont Blanc will come into view. There is a lay-by soon on your left to take photos.

At Saint Gervais follow signs for Le Fayet and you will start to go downhill. Eventually you will reach the town of Le Fayet. At the first roundabout turn right towards Chamonix. Soon after take the slip road off to right signposted A40 (in blue). This will take you up the motorway all the way to Chamonix. If you are afraid of heights don't look over the side on the Viaduc des Égratz. An impressive engineering feat.

Shouldn't take longer than two hours. If you don't hit any traffic or road works or slow drivers then it will take about one and a half hours.

A video of this route (during appalling weather) here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oS9zCMHBuaQ

theotherside

FMT,

I saw information you provided on another post aswell, and also the tinyurl link. I appreciate the extra information provided.

BiarritzTaxi, appreciate your comments

We won't be disappointed if it takes us 5 or 6 hours to arrive at our accommodation in Annecy , after a scenic drive.

Cheers