In the current climate, air travel has become increasingly uncertain but the good news is that Morzine is very much accessible by car from the UK. Driving offers total independence and flexibility and means that there’s no pesky luggage weight allowance! It’s an 8-10 hour drive from Calais, along good autoroutes and you can of course opt for a slower, more scenic route if you have the time!

Eurotunnel to Calais

A 30 minute journey from Folestone, this is the quickest way to reach French soil. Whilst your Sat Nav or trusty navigation app may recommend passing through the centre of Paris, we highly recommend you take the route in the direction of Reims, Troyes and Dijon to reach Morzine. If you’re in need of a break from motorway driving, both Troyes and Dijon are historical French towns which you can explore en route. 

If you’d rather opt for the ferry, there are regular services running between Dover and Calais, as well as services to Dieppe, Cherbourg and Le Havre from other ports along England’s south coast. If you’re travelling from further north, there’s also a service to the Belgian town of Zeebrugge from Hull. 

Once you arrive in Morzine, nearly all of our chalets and apartments have free off-road parking – perfect for unpacking all your gear and stocking up at the supermarket. And of course, having your car means you can make the most of exploring the local area throughout your stay! (Click here for some of our favourite day trips from Morzine)

A few points to note about driving in France

• The motorways operate on a toll system, with numerous ‘pėages’ along the route. These take major debit and credit cards, as well as cash 
• There are plenty of service stations and pit stops along the way for refuelling both car and belly. We recommend packing a picnic as the food selection is limited and overpriced. There are plenty of ‘Aires’ with picnic benches at which to rest up
• Autoroutes have speeding cameras and the police issue on the spot fines, so pay attention to your speed! Bear in mind that the maximum speed limits are reduced in rainy conditions

Here is a checklist of some of the key things you need before you hit the road:

• Full, valid UK driving license
• Proof of ID (Passport)
• Motor insurance certificate
• UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle 
• Reflective jacket and warning triangle (in the event of a breakdown)
• Breathalyser test kit 

Be sure to review The AA guidance to driving in France before you travel, to ensure you have everything you need. 

Bonne route!