CHEZ GIBSON

 

How to get to 'Chez Gibson' from Geneva Airport.

Geneva airport.
The car hire offices are clearly signed as you approach the exit of the terminal after you have cleared swiss customs etc. They will take a credit card debit slip in case of crash problems or if you do not leave the car full with petrol when you return it. Have your driving licences or you will not be given the car. You will be told which parking bay from where to collect your car and a sheet given with any dents etc on your car. Usually level -2 in the car park. Proceed through the main doors and there are lifts about 15 metres opposite. Check the car thoroughly for any additional damage and that there is a full tank of petrol. Acquaint yourself fully with lights[compulsory in all tunnels], window operation [tolls], indicators etc. Keep passports ready for Swiss/France customs - the border is appromimately 5 miles into your journey.

Car park departure.
[Swiss side of airport] drive off to the main exit. Take a free car park ticket in front of a barrier. Proceed. You will then have to put this same ticket into another machine 100 metres on to exit the car park. The exit filters into a ring road. Get into immediate right hand lane "France". 

Route.
It is very simple to get to 'Chez Gibson. Here are some directions which, for those who know will appreciate, are in precise detail.

  • The initial signs are generally overhead and noticeable if you drive at the correct speed.
  • Keep in left [outside] lane, through 2 sets immediate traffic lights,
  • At bottom of hill turn left at traffic lights "France"
  • head up hill for 150 metres and bear right "France" 
  • Keep on this road filtering left into the E62  France
  • Look for signs france, Chamonix, Mont Blanc.
  • Take the A40 Chamonix, Mont blanc,
  • There are 2 tolls on route: 1.60 Euros and 3.40 Euros approx each. Change is given at the tolls. Get in correct lane. Look up
  • Exit junction 21 on A40 "Gt.Gervais"    
  • **after 300metres is the cheapest supermarket"intermarche" turn right at the 1st island for the Intermarche - otherwise straight on.
  • Out of supermarket exit this island turning right and left next big island 100yds on. " St. Gervais/ La Fayet" 
  • Proceed through "La Fayet" up long hill into "St Gervais" one way system through square, up small hill, bend right, fork right at island direction "Albertville", bend right over gorge 100yds on,
  • (Note in case of snow, choose ** Winter, if fine take **Summer to save time.)
  • ** in summer turn left after 150 metres  prior to "Ais" and yellow "Boulangerie" signs on left,  "Le Bettex". Up steep hill to "T" junction.
  • Turn left. (Remember this exit for return.)
  • **in winter go past "Ais"and "Boulangerie" on left and the main telecabine on your right.
  • Keep on this road and turn sharp left after 1km approx at the timber yard "Le Bettex"
  • after both above routes follow:
  • Keep on this road for approx 3km. At the signs for "Ecole and " St Nicolas de Veroce ". Take the immediate sharp right turn up the long hill towards "Le Bettex".
  • Up + up bends following "Le Bettex" signs for about 3km.
  • Look for a "partly worn sign on right showing hairpin right and "Le Grattague"
  • left turn ahead on hairpin bend, there is a mirror opposite right to view oncoming downhill traffic.

(During the main ski season this left turn is signposted "No Entry" if this is the case, simply proceed up the hill toward Le Bettex, turn left at the T junction and proceed past the car park on your left. Carry on for approximately 1km, past "Chalet Remy" on your right. 200 yards after passing "Chalet Remy" take the left turn sign posted St Gervais/Le Grattague).
After 300-400 metres take a very sharp Right Turn signposted Le Grattague. Then follow the instructions below, *** but bear in mind you have already taken the first fork of the two left forks listed in the next point).

  • Go to "Le Grattague" "Route De le Grattague". *** Taking 2 left forks in road.
  • There is a Plan of Le Grattague on right side of road.
  • "30" speed sign on right. Ski bus stop on right
  • Go past garages on left, through a few corners.
  • Past some Garages on right
  • "30" speed sign on left. Stop 10 yds on at top of steps on left.
  • "Rubis" is the block immediately on left before pool.
  • Unload car at top of steps.
  • Park car 50yds down on left.
  • If dark, the top outside light post has a switch on it.
  • Down steps, through 2 sets of doors.
  • Right along corridor.
  • 88 is on left. Door should be double locked.
  • Into flat.
  • Power will be off.
  • Go past sink, into hall and switch on main fuse on the wall above mirror.
  • Read arrival instructions on wall next to kitchen sink.
  • Ski locker 88 is in the hall that you passed on the way in.
  • Tennis reservation and key in flat. Rackets in cupboard.         
  • Have a great time

 

Return Journey

  • On the way back, fill to the max with petrol at the only petrol station on the A40 at "Aire de Bonneville" which is clearly sign posted well in advance. Fill to top. Only 30k short of geneva airport so there will be no penalty for not having a full return tank.
  • Get passports ready for swiss border customs.
  • Approaching geneva airport, follow signs for Aerogare and "Return car hire left hand lane".
  • Hand car keys in at arrivals level car hire desk.