French sleeper train route query

[enginedin]

I'm investigating whether I can get from Chamonix to Paris using a sleeper service. I don't mind if it's a slightly convoluted route.

The most likely sleeper service to user looks to the the Briançon one, for which the last stop looks like it's Crest (does it not stop in Lyon?) - is there a sensible way to get from Bellegarde to Crest?

The main reason I'd like to do this is just time efficiency and be able to get an early-ish Eurostar. The alternative looks like getting the last day train which gets into Paris at 23:42; doing the whole journey in 1 day leaving Chamonix (very) early doesn't really get me back in the UK early enough for prearranged plans.

Are there any other possible routes I've not thought of?

 

[StephenHunter]

All French sleeper trains are actually just couchettes. Not great for ski equipment.

 

[enginedin]

All French sleeper trains are actually just couchettes. Not great for ski equipment.

I know I won't have ski kit with me

 

[Mike99]

Have a look in DB Bahn, it lists various connections from Bellegarde(Ain) to Crest which may be suitable. The last train only connections depart at Bellegarde at14:00 arrive Crest 18:29.

 

[ABB125]

The Grenoble to Veynes Devoluy line is quite scenic (albeit not quick!) and you can change there (or at Gap) onto the Briancon sleeper. However it depends on your risk appetite as to how early you plan to arrive at Veynes...
Chamonix to Grenoble is easy, if you're already at Bellegarde you can gat one of the BB22200 hauled TER services through Chambery.

 

[mad_rich]

Is this for summer or winter? If it's summer, you might take a look at the European Sleeper Milan-Brussels service, which will call somewhere in Switzerland. Bern, I think. The timetable's not finalised yet.

You also have the Travelski Express (winter only), from Bourg-St-Maurice, which you might pick up at Moutiers? Still a long journey though.

Having done Chamonix a few times, my preferred route is bus to Geneva, then TGV to Paris.

 

[rvdborgt]

Is this for summer or winter? If it's summer, you might take a look at the European Sleeper Milan-Brussels service, which will call somewhere in Switzerland. Bern, I think. The timetable's not finalised yet.

Somewhere near Bern, I assume. I don't think they'll be turning the train around.

 

[30907]

Have a look in DB Bahn, it lists various connections from Bellegarde(Ain) to Crest which may be suitable. The last train only connections depart at Bellegarde at14:00 arrive Crest 18:29.

By which time you could be in Paris anyway

 

[iknowyeah]

Somewhere near Bern, I assume. I don't think they'll be turning the train around.

It doesn't need to reverse, there's an alternative route from Thun to Bern that approaches from the correct direction for Basel, I can see it from my bedroom window

 

[30907]

It doesn't need to reverse, there's an alternative route from Thun to Bern that approaches from the correct direction for Basel, I can see it from my bedroom window

Via Belp. Is it suitable operationally?

 

[iknowyeah]

Via Belp. Is it suitable operationally?

Not in the day due to volume of traffic but at the times a sleeper will pass through I don't see why not, I don't think it closes for maintenance, I often see loco and operational moves in the dead of night