I am hoping someone can help me with this, We are planning to fly to Zurich, train to the Italian Lakes, drive around for a few days, then..........is it easier to drive or train over/thru Mont Blanc into France...where we are planning on a villa in Durdogne or Provence. As we would like to see the glaziers etc we are wondering whether it would be better to drive. Training sounds more relaxing tho. Thank you Denise <BR>

Er... Mont Blanc is Europe's highest mountain, at 4807 m, so it would be slightly adventurous to drive over it, unless you have a good pair of skis and a good guide. No, seriously, the only way to cross the Italian-French border at that point is to take the Mont-Blanc tunnel, which is quite expensive (120 F for a car, if I remember well), but the scenery is very nice, especially on the Italian side.

Denise, <BR>I fully agree with Vincent. The last time we took the "Traforo del Monte Bianco" in Courmayeur (Italy) was in the summer of 1997 and at that time we paid 43.000 ITL which is abt. 25 US$.

You'll find great ideas for your trip in our Italy 98 travelogue - Valle d'Aosta chapter. Happy Traveling! Don and Linda <BR>http://thetravelzine.com

Pls confirm for yourself, but I believe that the Mont Blanc tunnel is closed for some time due to the horrific fire earlier this year. May want to explore alternate routes if choosing car.

The tunnel is closed, and will be for some time. (Vincent's post was before the fire.)

<BR>I must have been traveling (as then I rarely hear the news) but *what horrific fire* happened in the Mont Blanc tunnel? When? <BR>I still recall how I dreaded driving through that tunnel once I heard how incredibly long it is and it was scary driving through it for such a long time. I really would like to know more about this fire and were I could be details online. Thanks