Chambery to Como
 

I'm planning a trip to Italy and France. I'm planning on driving from Chambery to Como, and would prefer to avoid the Mont Blanc tunnel.<BR><BR>Is it too ambitious to make the drive in one day? If so, what would be a good place to stop along the way for the night?

trying this again

It's not a bad drive. Head south on the A43 toward Torino. Pick up A4 just north of Torino and head east to just north of Milan, where you pick up SS35 going north to the city of Como. Probably can make the entire drive in about 6 hours. If you want to stop along the way, take SS143 north to Biella as you approach Novara. Have a good trip.

Thanks Wayne.<BR><BR>Any idea what the N90 through the Alps is like (I was thinking of the N90 connecting to the A5)? Seems like it would be more scenic, but may add a couple of hours.

Yes, certainly taking the N90 east toward Aosta is much more scenic and more time-consuming. It would be wise to plan a definite overnight stop if you drive that route. If you have the time to spend the night on the way, this would be a very nice route. I've driven the route myself and would recommend an overnight stop in the village of St. Vincent just about 20 miles east of Aosta. Very nice village with good restaurants and hotels, and even a casino if you're so inclined. Another great halfway stop, if you want to drive a little out of the way, is to take the road north just before reaching St. Vincent. You can go up the valley toward the Matterhorn, to Valtournenche, or you can go all the way to Breuil-Cervinia, where the Matterhorn view is best. Both those villages have good hotels. Finally, not quite so far along for the first day, is the great village of Courmayeur. Any of these are really nice stops.