PlanetSKI Ends its Autumn Trip to the Mountains of Europe

14th October 2023 | James Cove, France.

Last modified on October 21st, 2023

Regular readers will know we have been on the road for several weeks this autumn visiting the Pyrenees, The Alps and the Jura mountains:

• Autumn in the Alps
• PlanetSKI is in the Pyrenees
• PlanetSKI is in the Alps
• PlanetSKI is in the Jura mountains

E-biking in the Pyrenees. Image © PlanetSKI

Chambery, France. Image © PlanetSKI

Among ski resort visits, we’ve reported from Verbier in Switzerland on what’s new for the approaching season:

• What’s new in Verbier for next winter?

Verbier, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI

Verbier, Switzerland. Image © PlanetSKI

And had countless meetings as we prepare for the approaching winter.

More of our travels later and updates on what is happening in ski resorts for next winter, but first last weekend in Marseilles.

Like many of our journeys to the Alps in winter we took the train, after returning to the UK from France last week for a couple of days for a few ski meetings in the UK.

Eurostar to Gare du Nord from St Pancras in London, two stops on the Metro (Line D at €2.30) and then train from Gare de Lyon.

Rugby World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI

Rugby World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI

A Paris bar seemed to be supporting the right team as we popped in for a quick one:

Rugby World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI

We even caught a glimpse of the foothills of the Alps as we sped past on the way south.

Rugby World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI

3-hours after leaving Paris we made our first stop – Marseille.

Rugby World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI

The train is such a simple way to get to southern France and we simply prefer it to flying – in winter or any other time of the year.

Though it should be pointed that Brexit has caused much extra paperwork and predicted hassle that makes the journey less smooth.

UK passports now have to be checked/stamped individually that therefore adds considerable extra queuing and time.

Rugby World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI

• Winter train tickets to French Alps now on sale

Image © Eurostar

The quarter finals of the 2023 Rugby World Cup have gone down as one of the greatest weekends of rugby with drama, surprises, ecstasy and disappointment.

Wales v Argentina was the first match on Saturday afternoon.

From my point of view as a Wales supporter it was disappointment as they lost to Argentina 29-17.

Rugby World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI

Rugby World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI

Their tournament was over and so was mine.

I have seen every Welsh match since the first one against Fiji in Bordeaux on September 10th.

Then there was Nice (v/Portugal), Lyon (v/Australia) and Nantes (v/Georgia).

The memories will never leave me.

Rugby World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI

However to have even got this far was superb.

There were genuine fears that Wales wouldn’t even get out of their group – they ended up winning it.

The Argentine fans celebrated – with the Welsh supporters somewhat more subdued.

But some Welsh fans gave it their best shot in the bars afterwards.

We watched the later Ireland v New Zealand game in a local bar.

Rugby World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI

The Welsh disappointment was nothing compared to the Irish as they fell far short of their ambitions.

Sunday morning was a spot of sightseeing in Marseille, France’s second city.

Rugby World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI

Rugby World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI

Rugby World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI

Rugby World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI

On Sunday afternoon it was back in the Velodrome Stade for England v Fiji.

England ran out as victors in a tight contest.

Rugby World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI

Then more disappointment for another set of supporters.

This time the home nation, France, as they were beaten 28-29 by the holders, South Africa.

We caught it all in a local bar in the old port area.

Rugby World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI

The French dream was over.

You could hear a pin drop as the final whistle went.

Now what about further detail on our visits to the mountain ranges of Europe over these past four weeks or so:

• PlanetSKI turns into PanetRUGBY
• PlanetSKI’s autumn trip to the Alps & Pyrenees
• PlanetSKI’s trips to the Alps & Pyrenees continues

And the articles we have posted on what is new in resorts for the approaching ski season:

• As Arc 1950 Turns 20 We look at its Past and What this Season Holds in Store
• What’s on offer in Val Thorens for this winter?
• Les Menuires celebrates its 60th birthday
• What’s new this winter in Morzine-Avoriaz?

Hotel Neige & Roc Hotel, Morzine. Image c/o Morzine Tourist Office

It’s been quite a trip, indulging in my two passions: visiting the mountains and watching world-class rugby.

The 2027 the Rugby World Cup is in Australia and overlaps rather nicely with the end of the ski season Down Under.

Now there’s a thought.

Watch this space…

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