It is possible to drive all the way in a day. Depending on where you live in the UK. Leaving from London, we have often driven overnight, split the driving between four and made it on the mountain the following morning, the drive having taken us 10 to 12 hours.
If you have time, a stop over in somewhere like Reims (capital of the Champagne region!), Dijon or Lyon breaks up the journey nicely. On the way back Troyes is a really nice town to stay for the night. Take a look at the maps below to decide your route from the UK or print out the directions sheet.
Check out your route from Dover to Tignes, all roads and distances given.
Google, also give a great map and detailed directions from the UK, always advisable to check your intended route and weather conditions before leaving for Tignes.
Click on the ferry links to check prices, time tables and availability.
For multiple ports from the UK to France look at Ferry Cheap as a good starting point.
For Dover to Dunkerque take Norfolkline
For Dover to Calais take P & O Ferries.
Or from Folkstone to Calais take the Euro Tunnel which is often the fastest option although can be expensive.
Your situation may be such, that you decide to start or complete your journey from other European cities. Check out your route from anywhere in Europe to Tignes, all roads and distances given, simply type in you start location and destination in Tignes.
Make sure you have a road map before you start your journey. Please do not depend on Sat Nav. It is unbelievable how many people have to make huge detours because Sat Nav has taken them on a route that uses roads that our closed during the winter! Please note the Mont blanc tunnel to the Col de St Barnard is closed as is the Col d’Iseran. Avoid.
If you hire a car you will have to hire snow chains for around £20, this is a must, if it snows heavily either on your way up or way down the mountain, the roads are impossible without either snow chains or snow tyres. DO NOT try the journey without them. The police will often have check points and won't let drivers past Bourg St. Maurice without showing your chains. Make sure you know how to set them up and fit the chains before you are find yourself on a dangerous mountain road, in a blizzard and with other cars flying past you! There are a number of good demonstrations on You Tube to assist you with the chains.
You will also have to park the car in Tignes will cost around £50. There are 3 underground car parks in Le Lac, 2 in Val Claret and 1 in Lavachet. There are some free car parks a bus ride away in Les Boisses but these aren't underground, so if it snows you will obviously have to dig your car out before you leave. Be warned that Tignes operate a strict parking policy, anyone parked illegally will be towed and charged around 100 euros. You will obviously have petrol costs of around £40+ to consider.
If you need any help in organising your parking feel free to contact us.
Be prepared for a long journey should the weather close in. Although it doesn't happen too often, throughout the winter season the road up to Tignes is sometimes closed because of the high avalanche risk caused by heavy snow falls. While the local authorities deal with the situation no cars can get up or down from resort, if this occurs at the weekend this can create long delays and tail backs. Make sure you have enough food, water and clothing to deal with the situation. In short, be prepared and aware of your surroundings.
To give you an idea of where you are heading and the route to use, take a look at this location map of Tignes and the surrounding area.
