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Have you been dreaming of a winter vacation in Paris lately?
You know, the Christmas market full of stalls in the Tuileries Gardens, all the Haussmann avenues decorated with lights, and of course the timeless charm of the sparkling Eiffel in the background.
There is no more magical time of year to be in the City of Light than now, but what if we told you that it is now possible to combine a visit to Paris during the holidays with a little trip to one of the 2 storybook towns in the French Alps?
A new train is leaving the French capital for absolute winter wonderlands Chambery And Saint-Jean-de-Maurienneand the best is, tickets there cost fewer then $30!
Winter Wonderland A short 3-hour train ride from Paris
To celebrate the ski season, Trenitalia – Italy’s national railway company which also operates in France – introduce service from Paris to two of the most overlooked, yet beautiful small towns in the French Alps, every weekend from December 15 to March 30.
It is a temporary, winter-only extension of the Paris-Lyon line, a popular railway that connects two of France’s largest conurbations in just under 2 hours and extends into the Alps, courtesy of Trenitalia’s high speed trains Frecciarossa.
Both Chambéry and Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne are emerging ski areas in the Savoie region of France, which most Americans know for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and surrounding areas – these two, on the other hand, are more popular with locals.
So which one should you go for and what does each have to offer?
Chambery
Chambéry, the more historic of the two, is in fact a medium-sized settlement of almost 60,000 inhabitants, located at the foot of the Alpine slopes of southeastern France, best known as the ancient capital of the Savoie region since the Middle Ages.
It is one of Europe’s most beautiful Alpine destinations, not only because of the breathtaking nature surrounding it, with jagged, snow-capped peaks that seem to rise towards the sky, but also because of the pure beauty of the old townwhere cobbled streets are lined with pastel-colored buildings.
The Castle of the Dukes of Savoy is a fortress in the heart of the old town with medieval artefacts, the 15th century cathedral has a richly decorated interior and high vaulted ceiling, and the local Museum of Charmettes is the former home of the French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
No trip to Savoy is complete without a food tour, and we’re happy to report that some of the best restaurants in the entire region are located in Chambéry, from Les Plaisirs Gourmands––best potato soup we’ve ever had!– to an elegant one Le Savoie and their famous fondue.
If you want to hit the slopes, there are plenty of options in and around Chambéry, the most popular of which is Aillons-Margeriazan easy half-hour drive from the city, at an altitude of 415 metres, with 10 ski lifts and entrance tickets from an affordable $16.
Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne
The lesser known, but also the smallest settlement, with about 7,500 inhabitants, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, does not have the weekly hustle and bustle of Chambéry, but that does not mean it lacks charm, especially if it is some peace and quiet . you are looking for:
Although it is mainly a ski destination, thanks to its proximity Les 3 Valléesa trio of peaks consisting of Val Thorens, Les Manures and Méribel/Courchevel, all dotted with resorts and spa centersThis friendly mountain village has a number of cultural gems to its name.
Le Tablionthe house of the judge appointed by the Count of Savoy in the Middle Ages, Rue du Collegean intact medieval street of which you can still see a lot 15th century shop facadesthe monumental cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste (11th century) and the baroque palace of the bishops of Maurienne.
Like Chambéry, Saint-Jean is a world-class foodie destination waiting on the sidelines to be discovered: our top 2 picks are: Le Gavroche (the apricot tartlet is a uncontourableas they say), and Lesson 5 Sensmainly because of that melt in your mouth feel magret de canard.
As for skiing, Les 3 Vallées and the no less than 600 kilometers of slopes is where you should go: a day pass for an adult costs $84.62at the current euro exchange rate, and gives you access to the largest ski domain in the world for an entire calendar date.
Better get there early to get your money’s worth.
More information about the train
The train to Chambéry leaves Paris every Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 am throughout the winter, arriving at Chambéry-Challes-Les-Eaux station at 10:43 am. a total duration of only 3h13.
As for Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, you will board the same train at 7:30 AM on the same departure dates, except that you will only get off at Saint-Jean-de-Maurianne-Arvan station 43 minutes later, at 11:26 AM for a total travel time of 3h56.
On the way back to Paris, the train departs Saint-Jean-de-Maurianne again on Saturdays and Sundays at 6:36 PM and stops at 7:22 PM to pick up passengers in Chambéry before continuing towards Lyon and ultimately the capital.
Standard A single ticket costs only €27or $28.93.
Business Class seats cost a very reasonable €39, if you prefer to travel more comfortably with larger seats that recline further, while Executive seats cost a much more expensive €145, for leather seats, footrest, high-speed internet and on-board entertainment.
Book your tickets directly with Trenitalia here.
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