FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND ITINERARY IN 7-14 DAYS

FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND ITINERARY – EXPLORE THESE BEAUTIES

A trip to Switzerland and France is an amazing experience for many reasons. As I regularly visit both countries, I am happy to share my tips on how to combine a trip to these countries.

Switzerland’s charming towns with its fantastic Alpine background make for unforgettable adventures. Meanwhile, France‘s towns are rich with medieval charm, and alpine scenery, with the towering Mont Blanc providing an awe-inspiring vista.

With a mix of natural beauty, historic charm, and cultural richness, a trip to Switzerland and France surely amazes. And this post is all about a fantastic trip to Switzerland and France. 

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The best way to get around for the above-mentioned France and Switzerland itinerary would be a combination of trains, buses, and boats.

Switzerland has an excellent public transportation system, with reliable trains and buses that run frequently and efficiently. The Swiss Travel Pass is a cost-effective option that provides unlimited access to public transport, including buses, trains, and boats, and also offers free entry to more than 500 museums and exhibitions.

In France, trains are a convenient and comfortable way to travel between cities, with high-speed trains linking major destinations. Buses are also available, especially for shorter trips or for travel to smaller towns not serviced by trains.

For scenic routes such as along Lake Geneva, boats are a great option, providing breathtaking views and a unique way to experience the region.

A combination of these modes of transportation will provide flexibility and allow for easy access to the many beautiful destinations in France and Switzerland.

WHERE TO STAY FOR THIS SWITZERLAND AND FRANCE ITINERARY?

Depending on the length of your stay, I suggest changing hotels 2-3 times. First, my suggestion is to book a hotel in Geneva or Montrezx and do day trips from there.

Then, I recommend staying 1 or 2 nights in Annecy in France before you get to Chamonix – where I suggest staying 1-3 nights. You will find hotel suggestions under each destination.

It depends on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit. If you are a citizen of a country that is a member of the European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA), you do not need a visa to visit Switzerland or France for up to 90 days within 180 days as a tourist or for business purposes.

If you are not a citizen of the EU or EFTA, you may need a visa depending on your nationality. It’s best to check with the appropriate authorities or a reputable travel agency for the latest information and requirements.

The best time to visit France and Switzerland for this itinerary would be during the summer months of June, July, and August, as well as early fall in September and early October.

During this time, the weather is generally warm and pleasant, with plenty of sunshine and long daylight hours.

This is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices, especially in popular tourist destinations like Montreux, Lake Geneva, and Chamonix.

If you prefer to avoid the crowds and higher prices, the shoulder season of May and October can also be a good time to visit. The weather may be slightly cooler, but the scenery is still breathtaking, and there are usually fewer tourists around.

Winter is also a great time to visit Switzerland for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, especially in the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc area, but be prepared for colder temperatures and shorter days.

When packing for the above-mentioned itinerary to France and Switzerland, it’s important to pack for varying weather conditions and activities. Here are some essential items to include in your packing list:

1. Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the cities and towns, as well as hiking boots if you plan to go hiking in the mountains.
2. Layers of clothing to accommodate the varying weather conditions. Bring light, breathable clothes for warm days, and a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings and higher altitudes.
3. Rain gear, including a waterproof jacket or poncho and umbrella, as rain showers are common in both countries, especially in the summer months.
4. Swimsuit, as there are plenty of opportunities for swimming and water activities in Lake Geneva and the surrounding areas.
5. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun during the day.
6. Travel adapters to ensure that your electronics can be charged and used in both countries.
7. A backpack or daypack for carrying essentials during the day, such as water, snacks, and a camera.
8. Travel documents, including your passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, and any necessary vaccination certificates.
9. A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the day, as tap water is safe to drink in both countries.
10. If you plan to go skiing, bring warm and waterproof ski clothing, including gloves, a hat, and goggles.

PLACES TO VISIT – FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND ITINERARY

So, let´s get started and find out about the best places to visit on a France and Switzerland trip.

I suggest staying in either Montreux or Geneva – both beautiful towns/cities on the shores of Lake Geneva, which will allow you to do day trips from there.

Starting your itinerary in Geneva with one day to explore, here are some must-see sights and activities:

Visit the Jet d’Eau: This iconic Geneva landmark is a fountain that shoots water 140 meters into the air. It’s a great spot for taking photos and enjoying the views of Lake Geneva.

Stroll around Old Town: Geneva’s Old Town is a charming and historic area filled with narrow streets, old buildings, and picturesque squares. Take a walk and discover hidden gems like St. Pierre Cathedral, the Reformation Wall, and the Place du Bourg-de-Four.

Explore the museums: Geneva is home to many world-class museums, including the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the Patek Philippe Museum.

One day in Geneva is not enough to fully explore all that Geneva has to offer, but these activities will give you a taste of the city’s beauty and culture.

WHERE TO STAY IN GENEVA

• Luxury: Beau-Rivage Palace – This historic hotel is set on a lush property with stunning views of Lake Geneva. It boasts luxurious rooms and suites, a Michelin-starred restaurant, a spa, and a private boat landing.
• Mid-range: Hotel N’vY – This stylish hotel is located in the heart of Geneva and offers modern rooms with sleek decor. Amenities include a fitness center, a restaurant, and a bar.
• Budget: Hotel Ibis Geneve Centre Nations – This affordable hotel is conveniently located near public transportation and offers comfortable rooms with simple decor. It features a restaurant and a bar.

A day trip to Lausanne from Geneva or Montreux is a great way to experience more of the beautiful scenery and culture of Switzerland. Here are some must-see sights and activities in Lausanne for a day trip:

Visit the Olympic Museum: Lausanne is the home of the International Olympic Committee, and the Olympic Museum is a must-see for sports enthusiasts. The museum features interactive exhibits and displays about the history and culture of the Olympics.

Explore the old town: Lausanne’s old town is a charming and historic area with narrow streets, old buildings, and picturesque squares. You can stroll around and visit sights like the Gothic-style Lausanne Cathedral and the Place de la Palud.

Take a walk along Lake Geneva: Lausanne sits on the shore of Lake Geneva, and a walk along the lakefront is a great way to enjoy the views and soak up the atmosphere. You can also visit the nearby parks like the Parc de Mon Repos.

Try Swiss wine: Lausanne is in the heart of Switzerland’s wine country, and you can visit local vineyards to taste the local wines. You can also sample local cuisine, including Swiss chocolate.

Take a scenic train ride: Lausanne is a hub for scenic train routes, including the Golden Pass Line, which takes you through stunning mountain scenery and past charming towns.

With its stunning views, rich culture, and delicious cuisine, Lausanne is a perfect destination for a day trip from Geneva.

1 DAY – MONTREUX

Montreux is a charming town located on the shores of Lake Geneva and is famous for its beautiful promenade, lovely climate, and magnificent views of the Alps. I would go as far as saying, Montreux is one of the most beautiful places in all of Switzerland.

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Here are some must-see sights and activities in Montreux for a day trip:

Château de Chillon: This castle is located on a small island on Lake Geneva and is one of Switzerland’s most visited historic monuments. Explore the castle’s courtyards, halls, and towers, and enjoy the beautiful views of the lake and mountains.

Walk along the lakeside promenade: Montreux’s lakeside promenade is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. Take a stroll, enjoy the fresh air, and soak up the stunning views of the lake and mountains. It seriously is just jaw-dropping beautiful!

Visit the Freddie Mercury statue: Montreux was the home of legendary rock singer Freddie Mercury, and there is a statue of him on the lakeside promenade. Pay tribute to one of the greatest rock stars of all time and take a photo with the statue.

Take a cruise on Lake Geneva: A boat ride on Lake Geneva is a great way to enjoy the scenic beauty of Montreux and the surrounding area. 

Visit the Montreux Jazz Festival: If you’re lucky enough to be in Montreux during the summer months, you can experience one of the world’s most famous music festivals. The Montreux Jazz Festival takes place every July and features a lineup of top international artists.

With its stunning views, historic landmarks, and cultural attractions, Montreux is a perfect destination for a day trip from Geneva or Lausanne.

WHERE TO STAY IN MONTREUX

• Luxury: Fairmont Le Montreux Palace – This historic 5-star hotel is situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and features elegant rooms and suites, a spa, and several restaurants and bars.
• Mid-Range: Hotel Mona – Ex-Eurotel – This 4-star hotel overlooks Lake Geneva and the Alps and offers comfortable rooms and suites with modern amenities, as well as a fitness center and a restaurant.
• Budget: Hotel du Grand Lac Excelsior – This 3-star hotel is located in the heart of Montreux and offers simple and affordable rooms with lake or mountain views, as well as a restaurant and bar.

A day trip to Glacier 3000 from Montreux is a great way to experience the beauty of the Swiss Alps. Glacier 3000 is a popular attraction located near the town of Les Diablerets. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, as well as opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

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Here are some must-see sights and activities to do during your day trip to Glacier 3000:

Take the cable car to the summit: Start your adventure by taking the cable car to the summit of Glacier 3000. The cable car ride is an experience in itself, with breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.

Walk on the Peak Walk by Tissot: The Peak Walk by Tissot is a unique suspension bridge that connects two peaks at Glacier 3000. Walk across the bridge and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Try the Alpine Coaster: The Alpine Coaster is a thrilling ride that takes you on a wild journey down the mountain. Enjoy the rush of adrenaline as you twist and turn down the slopes.

Enjoy snow activities: Glacier 3000 is a winter wonderland with plenty of snow activities to enjoy. You can go skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or even dog sledding in the winter.

Walk on a glacier:  Even in the summer months, you can walk on a glacier – an amazing experience you cannot experience at many places.

Enjoy a meal with a view: The summit of Glacier 3000 offers several dining options with stunning views of the mountains. Enjoy a meal at the restaurant or bring your own snacks while taking in the panoramic views.

A day trip to Glacier 3000 from Montreux is an unforgettable experience that will take you directly to the heart of the Swiss Alps.

1 DAY – YVOIRE 

Yvoire is a medieval village located on the shores of Lake Geneva in France, about 25 kilometers southwest of Geneva. If you have more than 7 or 10 days in France & Switzerland, I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary. It can make a wonderful day trip from Geneva with its picturesque streets and historic buildings, including a 14th-century castle.

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Here are the best ways to get to Yvoire from Geneva and what to do when you get there:

• By car: The easiest way to get to Yvoire from Geneva is by car. The drive takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
• By public transportation: I suggest, taking a train from Geneva to the pretty town of Nyon, Switzerland, and then taking a ferry across Lake Geneva to Yvoire. The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes, and the entire journey takes about an hour and a half.

Once you arrive in Yvoire, there are plenty of things to do and see:

Explore the medieval village: Yvoire is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, and a stroll through the village is like stepping back in time. Take a walk through the narrow streets and admire the stone houses and colorful flower gardens.

Visit the Castle: Yvoire’s castle, Château d’Yvoire, dates back to the 14th century and is a must-see attraction. The castle now houses a museum dedicated to the history of the village and the surrounding region.

Enjoy Lake Geneva: Yvoire is located on the shores of Lake Geneva, so take some time to enjoy the lake. You can take a boat tour or rent a paddleboat or kayak to explore the lake on your own.

Visit the Jardin des Cinq Sens: This beautiful botanical garden is located just outside the village walls and is filled with plants and flowers that are organized by color and scent.

Overall, Yvoire is a charming village with plenty to see and do, and it makes for a great day trip from Geneva.

Getting from Geneva to Annecy is relatively easy and can be done by car or public transportation.

• By train: There are regular train services that run between Geneva and Annecy, with a journey time of around 90 minutes. Trains depart from Geneva Cornavin train station and arrive at Annecy train station. You can check the schedules and purchase tickets on the SNCF website or at the train station.
• By bus: There are also bus services that operate between Geneva and Annecy, with a journey time of around one hour. You can check the schedules and purchase tickets on the Flixbus or Ouibus websites.
• By car: If you have a car, you can drive from Geneva to Annecy, which is about a 45-minute journey. There are several car rental companies in Geneva.
• By private transfer: Another option is to book a private transfer service, which will pick you up from your hotel or any other location in Geneva and drop you off at your destination in Annecy. You can book this service through various companies, such as Alps2Alps or Geneva Airport Transfers.

1 -2 DAYS – ANNECY

Annecy is a beautiful town located in the French Alps and is known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and stunning natural scenery. In all honesty, I do think Annecy is the most beautiful French town! A treat for your eyes! 

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Here are some must-see sights and activities to do during your visit to Annecy:

Explore the Old Town: Annecy’s Old Town is a charming area with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and quaint shops. Admire the architecture and take in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic area.

Visit the Château d’Annecy: This 12th-century castle is a historic landmark that has been beautifully preserved. The castle features an art museum that showcases local history and culture, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Annecy.

Walk along the canals: Annecy is known as the “Venice of the Alps” for its many canals and waterways. Take a walk along the canals and enjoy the picturesque views of the town.

Take a boat tour of Lake Annecy: Lake Annecy is one of the cleanest and most beautiful lakes in Europe. Take a boat tour and enjoy the stunning scenery of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Annecy is a charming town with plenty of sights and activities to keep visitors entertained. From its historic buildings to its stunning natural scenery, Annecy is a perfect destination for a day trip from Geneva or a longer stay.

WHERE TO STAY IN ANNECY

• Luxury: L’Impérial Palace – This grand hotel is situated on the shores of Lake Annecy and features elegant rooms with lake or mountain views. Amenities include a spa, multiple restaurants, and a casino.
• Mid-range: Best Western Hotel International – This modern hotel is located in the heart of Annecy and offers comfortable rooms with contemporary decor. It includes a fitness center and a restaurant.
• Budget: Ace Hotel Annecy – This affordable hotel is located a short drive from the city center and features clean and simple rooms. It offers free parking and a breakfast buffet.

Chamonix is a beautiful French Alpine town (also known as the Mont Blanc town), known for its stunning natural scenery and world-class skiing and hiking. Of course, it is a lot about Mont Blanc (which I will talk about more in detail later on), and you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the Aiguille du Midi and the Mer de Glace Glacier.

The town itself is charming, with traditional Alpine architecture, cozy cafes, and boutique shops. In the summer, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, and other outdoor activities.

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In the winter, Chamonix is a skier’s paradise, with numerous ski areas, cross-country skiing trails, and snowshoeing options. The town also has several museums and cultural attractions, including the Alpine Museum and the Maison de la Montagne, which offer insights into the history and culture of the region.

Take the Aiguille du Midi cable car: This is one of the top attractions in Chamonix and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Visit the Mer de Glace Glacier: This is one of the largest glaciers in Europe and can be accessed by a funicular train.

Skiing and snowboarding: Chamonix has several ski areas, including Les Houches and Brevent-Flegere, with over 150 kilometers of ski runs.

Hiking: There are numerous hiking trails in and around Chamonix, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs.

Paragliding: Experience the thrill of flying over the mountains with a tandem paragliding flight.

Visit the Alpine Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the region at this museum, which has exhibits on mountaineering, skiing, and more.

WHERE TO STAY IN CHAMONIX

• Luxury: Hôtel Mont-Blanc Chamonix – This elegant hotel is located in the heart of Chamonix and features luxurious rooms with mountain views. It includes a spa, a restaurant, and a bar.
• Mid-range: La Folie Douce Hotel Chamonix – This trendy hotel offers stylish rooms with a contemporary alpine aesthetic. It includes a restaurant, a bar, and a terrace with panoramic views.
• Budget: Vert Lodge Chamonix – This affordable hotel is located a short drive from the city center and offers cozy rooms with simple decor. It includes a restaurant and a bar.

Though you can not directly access the mountain peak of Mont Blanc by cable car, you do get pretty close.

Take a cable car or train to the summit: If you want to experience Mont Blanc’s stunning views without climbing, you can take a cable car or train to the summit. The Aiguille du Midi cable car in Chamonix offers spectacular views of Mont Blanc, as well as the surrounding peaks – it stands at 3.842 meters (or 12,605 feet) and is the closest you can get to the summit of Mont Blanc without climbing yourself.

The cable car is divided into two stages. 1) from Chamonix to Plan de l’Aiguille, a height of 2,317 meters, where to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. 2) from Plan de l’Aiguille to the summit of Aiguille du Midi, a height of 3,842 meters.

At the summit, enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Alps, including Mont Blanc, as well as a range of activities such as the “Step into the Void,” a glass box that extends over a 1,000-meter drop, giving visitors the sensation of standing in mid-air.

However, due to the high altitude, the main tips I can give you are to be prepared for cold temperatures (even in the summer months) and take appropriate precautions to avoid altitude sickness. Drink lots of water and have a pit stop at Plan de l’Aiguille for half an hour or an hour.

What about climbing Mont Blanc? Climbing Mont Blanc is a serious undertaking and requires proper preparation, training, and equipment. If you’re not an experienced mountaineer, it is nothing I recommend for regular people like you and me (no offense!).

FINAL THOUGHTS ON A SWITZERLAND AND FRANCE ITINERARY