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Driving from the airport of Geneva to Méribel is relatively straightforward and there are three main routes to choose from. All three take between 2 hours and 5 minutes and 2 hours and 25 minutes, so there is not much difference in the timings. It really depends on the traffic conditions and whether you want to stop off along the way as to which route you decide to take. Here is our summary on the three possible options. Via A41 This route from Geneva to Méribel is 179km and takes just over 2 hours. It is the longest in terms of distance but the shortest in time. This is because it follows the A41 motorway most of the way. The first part of the journey takes you out of Switzerland and into France, over the official border. It is rare to be stopped at the border for more than a cursory passport check, but occasionally vehicles are pulled over and baggage inspected, so be aware. Officials will be checking that your vehicle has a vignette, which is a permit to allow travel into Switzerland. Hire cars and transfers will all have one already so you shouldn’t need to worry. As you are travelling on a motorway, you will need to pay a toll charge. The charge is €17.30, and you can pay with a card or cash. This is the way to go if you want to avoid potential delays on the smaller roads, and are not worried about covering a longer distance. You can break the journey in the pretty town of Chambéry, and indulge in a Michelin quality restaurant meal at La Maniguette, on 99 rue de la Juiverie. Your meal will cost in the realms of €45 and the food is reputably outstanding. After lunch, before hitting the road again, it is worth taking a stroll around this pretty town that is often overlooked by tourists. Located close to Lac du Bourget, the town has a delightful chateau, some lively cafes, and beautiful streets that are perfect for wandering. Via A41 and D1508 The second route from Geneva to Méribel is much more direct and covers only 133km. It takes around 2 hours and 5 minutes. The roads, however - once you have left the motorway - are slower, and the section that takes you around Annecy can be particularly slow if there is a lot of traffic. Despite this, driving around Lake Annecy is a real pleasure. It is always a hive of activity and there are plenty of splendid spots to stop off and take a break. Of course, if time allows, a visit to the medieval town itself is always worth considering. You still need to cross the border from Switzerland into France on this route, and there is a toll charge of €7.30 to cover the section of this route that takes you along the motorway. If you are looking for a little replenishment on your journey, there is a fabulous little place just above the village of Faverges called Au Gay Séjour. Views are stunning and, despite being a little out of the way, this Michelin restaurant is well known for its fabulous cuisine. Via A40 Our third route from Geneva to Méribel takes the longest (around 2 hours and 25 minutes), but is probably the least busy. After crossing the border between Switzerland and France and travelling a short distance on the A40 motorway, the scenery becomes much more picturesque. If you are in the mood to stretch your legs, take a stop off in Sallanches. Located on the Sallenche River, close to the magnificent Mont Blanc, this town has two monuments definitely worth seeing: The Bridge of Saint-Martin and the collegial Church of Saint-Jacques. You’ll only pay €6 on toll charges if you choose to go this way, and if you are not in a rush and want to see more of the stunning mountain scenery, then this is a great route to take. Whichever way you decide to travel from Geneva to Méribel, make sure you are aware of the toll charges, and have a satnav or map to help with the navigation. Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for affordable transfers from Geneva to Meribel, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.
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