Hayley72

We will be traveling to Paris end May arriving early in the morning. Initially we thought of going directly to Annecy by train from Paris CDG but realised that the traveling time is too long especially for kids after a long flight. Where is a good mid way stop for Paris to Annecy? Would Lyon or Dijon be a good stopover? Any other recommendations? Appreciate all advice and thanks in advance!

Christina

sure, I think Lyon is a good choice, although it is more like 2/3 to 75 pct of the way to Annecy, if that matters. Of course, Dijon doesn't work very well as you have to actually go through Lyon to get to Dijon, and change trains, at least going from CDG (and most trips from Paris, also, actually, although there are a few direct from central Paris later in the day usually). So that doesn't make sense to me, to go to Dijon. Unless you found some train mid-morning direct from CDG.

Then you'd have to go back through Lyon to get to Annecy (if you stay in Dijon). So I think Lyon would be the best choice by far. In fact, I can't think of any other city on that TGV line from CDG that would be worthwhile to stay in that would be less distance than Lyon and also easy to get to Annecy from.

PalenQ

Yes Lyon is right on the TGV line from the airport to Annecy - Dijon would be a detour of the direct route and IMO Lyon is one of the most underrated cities in France - it is only two hours more on train to Annecy hwoever and kids can sleep of course if they are tired.

To me getting off at Lyon, going to hotel, looking a little around city, then next day packing up and going on would be a hassle and unlike Lyon if Annecy is where you are going to stay some days then the first day there you can simply relax and not have to see something and you may feel you have to in Lyon.

Gretchen

It would really be better to just have one thread about this trip, in my opinion.