From Saarbrücken to Corsica: Exploring by Car

Day 1: Arrival

The La Pinède campsite is already familiar to us—we stayed here last year. The water in Lake Geneva is pleasantly warm, making it perfect for spending an entire day on the beach swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the tranquility under the pine trees on the campsite grounds. This 4-star campsite offers everything for a comfortable stay: a pool, restaurant, and well-developed infrastructure. Every morning, fresh pastries and baguettes can be ordered. Two nights in a fully equipped cabin cost us €150.

Day 2: Chamonix–Mont-Blanc

It was just a short drive—about an hour—from the campsite to Chamonix, and soon we were approaching the base of Mont Blanc. This time, we wanted to see the mountain from a different angle and take a stroll along one of the region’s most scenic routes.

We parked at Le Brevent, where the cable car is located. Parking for the day cost around €10. Tickets for the cable car were available on-site, and we chose a day pass for €39. This pass provided access to four cable cars (Chamonix Planpraz, Brevent, L’Index, and Flegere) and the promise of breathtaking views. Detailed information about tickets and routes is available on their official website: chamonix.com.

We ascended to Brévent, where we were greeted with spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif and the surrounding peaks.

After a short walk along the trails, soaking in the dizzying panoramas, we decided to head back to Planpraz. Along the way, we spotted two BASE jumpers (those who jump off cliffs in wingsuits) preparing for their leap. We stayed to watch. It’s both thrilling and heart-stopping to see them leap into the abyss and glide like birds before opening their parachutes.

From Planpraz, we took a walk along the Grand Balcon Sud to Flegere. The trail was delightful, with gentle elevation changes and stunning views of the Chamonix valley and the majestic Mont Blanc rising across from us. Paragliders soaring above added a unique charm to the journey. The hike took about three hours and left us with unforgettable memories of breathtaking landscapes.

Near Flegere, by the cable cars, there’s a small restaurant where we enjoyed a great lunch after the wonderful walk. It was the perfect spot to sip some local beer, chat about the day’s highlights, and recharge while admiring the mountain views.

After taking the cable car back down to the valley, we followed the picturesque Petit Balcon Sud trail. This riverside path took about 40 minutes and led us directly into the heart of Chamonix. The town itself is small but charming, with tidy streets and a cozy atmosphere that invites you to linger and explore further.

Day 3: Visiting Annecy — A City by a Picturesque Lake

Ferry departure from Savona at 21:00

With our ferry leaving only at 9 PM, we had plenty of time to make one more stop. After breakfast at the campsite, we headed to Annecy—a small but enchanting town nestled among mountains and washed by the waters of its namesake lake.

Annecy instantly captivated us with its cozy, almost fairy-tale atmosphere. Narrow cobblestone streets, historic houses adorned with flowers on their balconies—everything felt like stepping into another era. The canals flowing lazily along the homes added to the town’s charm, earning it the nickname “Venice of the Alps.” The water sparkled under the sun, reflecting the endless blue lake framed by majestic green mountains.

Three hours in Annecy flew by like a moment. We managed to stroll along the lake, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and visit a few quaint cafés. One of them—”Paul“—left a particularly pleasant impression. Crisp croissants, pastries glazed with orange zest, and aromatic coffee, all enjoyed amid the easygoing chatter of locals, captured that unique French elegance that’s impossible not to love.

Annecy is the kind of town that, despite its small size, leaves you wanting more. We decided that on a future trip, we’d spend several days here, enjoying the lake and leisurely walks through its picturesque streets.

Leaving Annecy, we headed for the ferry, but the Mont Blanc Tunnel was closed. This detour led us through the Frejus Tunnel, costing €54 for the passage. While unexpected, this route allowed us to linger a little longer among the majestic Alps. At the end of this scenic drive, our ferry awaited us, ready to quietly and smoothly take us to Corsica.

Corsica is the perfect destination for those who crave more than just a beach vacation. Here, you can effortlessly combine swimming on scenic coasts with exciting mountain hikes, exploring river valleys, and marveling at the island’s incredible natural diversity. September is an especially pleasant time to visit—most tourists have left, and the island becomes a haven of tranquility. Accommodation is easier to find, even in peak season, whether you prefer camping or renting a cozy cabin with stunning sea views.

However, traveling around Corsica comes with its quirks. The roads here are far from highways—narrow, winding routes along cliffs and mountain slopes can make trips longer than expected. Traffic is often slowed by other travelers or roundabouts, which the French seem to prefer over traffic lights. If your navigation estimates an hour, add another 45 minutes to avoid frustration, especially during busy times.

Ferries to Corsica vary, with options for both day and night trips. Day ferries take about five hours, departing early in the morning, while night ferries are slower—about nine hours—and arrive at dawn. We chose the night ferry from Savona to Bastia, departing at 9 PM and arriving at 6:45 AM.

Boarding starts as early as 6 PM. The process is well-organized, with clear signs and friendly staff directing cars, making it quick and stress-free. Everything went so smoothly that we just enjoyed the anticipation of our overnight journey.

Cabins aren’t mandatory—many passengers choose to sleep on deck under the open sky or in comfortable seats in the lounges. The ferry offers restaurants, bars, and cafés where you can grab a bite, and breakfast is available from 5:30 AM for early risers.

Booking in advance can save you money. For round-trip tickets, including a luxury cabin with a double bed and window, we paid about €400. All details are available on the official website corsica-ferries.fr, making trip planning straightforward. A fun detail—dedicated ferry staff attach small stickers to cars at night, marking them with the year and number of visits to the island. Many drivers proudly keep these as a memory of their Corsican adventures, even when the stickers fade under the sun.

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