France and Switzerland might be neighbors, but they have distinctly different personalities.
Whilst France is peppered with world-class museums, ancient monuments and out-of-this-world pastry shops, Switzerland will blow you away with its skyscraping mountains and lakeside castles.
Squeezing both countries into a one-week itinerary is challenging, but definitely achievable. Passports at the ready? Here’s our whistlestop guide to spending seven days in Switzerland and France.
Aerial view of Paris cityscape with the Eiffel Tower in France. Image Credit: Getty Images, Brendan Beale
Day 1 and 2: Paris, France’s capital city
Day 1: Arrival, Louvre, and Eiffel Tower
Arrive in Paris. Drop your bags at your hotel and start with a trip to the Louvre, one of the largest art galleries in the world. The Mona Lisa is located in the Denon wing, but if you’d rather escape the crowds, head to the quieter Richelieu wing with its Roman statues and Assyrian museum. Catch the metro to the Trocadéro esplanade for unparalleled views of the Eiffel Tower, best seen when it’s illuminated at night.
Day 2: Montmartre and Palais Garnier
Montmartre was historically the artistic quarter of Paris. Arrive early and walk up to the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, the iconic church that overlooks Montmartre. Stop at Les 5 Marches for a melt-in-your-mouth pain au chocolat, before continuing to Palais Garnier. Even if you’re not an opera fan, it’s worth a visit to marvel at the jaw-droppingly opulent architecture, complete with chandelier-decked hallways and marble staircases.
Train from Paris to Lyon
Climb aboard the train from Paris to Lyon (from 1h 52m). There are 27 direct trains each day.
Skyline of Lyon, France. Image Credit: Getty Images, Sanghwan Kim
Day 3: Lyon, the culinary heart of France
Lyon is nicknamed “the world capital of gastronomy”. Head to Les Halles to try the city’s signature garlic saucisson or quenelles de brochet — fish dumplings doused in a creamy shellfish sauce. Walk it off afterwards in the leafy Parc de la Tête d’Or that runs along the River Rhone. Lyon is also renowned for its vintage shopping. Head to the first arrondissement, specifically Rue Romarin and Montée de la Grande-Côte, for the best retro boutiques.
Train from Lyon to Geneva
Multiple trains journey from Lyon to Geneva (from 3h 56m) each day, but only three are direct. Book in advance to make sure you board the quickest route.
Day 4: Geneva, the alpine city
Luxury abounds in the city of Geneva. Designer shops line the Rue du Rhône, whilst Michelin-starred restaurants attract high-flying expats. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the city. Venture towards the Bains des Pâquis, a 1930s public swimming bath on Lake Geneva with a sauna. Alternatively, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum is a fascinating museum that looks at how war impacts countries and the importance of humanitarian work.
Train from Geneva to Interlaken
Hop on the SBB service from Geneva to Interlaken Ost (about 2h 44m). Note: there are no direct trains on this route. You will need to change in Bern.
View from Harder Kulm overlooking Interlaken. Image Credit: Getty Images, miroslav_1
Day 5 and 6: Interlaken, the jewel of the Swiss Alps
Day 5: Hiking and cheese fondue
Right in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Interlaken promises a true taste of the mountains. Board the funicular to the summit of Harder Kulm — Interlaken’s local mountain — with its spectacular viewing platform of the surrounding 4,000m peaks. If you’d rather work up a sweat, hike the 2.5h trail to the top. Refuel back in town with a traditional cheese fondue at Fondue Villa & Garden.
Read also: The best scenic train rides in Switzerland
Day 6: Jungfraujoch
Take the train to Grindelwald, then board the Eiger Express Gondola up the mountain. Change onto the Jungfrau Railway, Europe’s highest railway line. At the top, 3,454m (11,332 ft.) above sea level, you’ll be treated to one of the most incredible views in the world: a panorama of the Swiss Plateau and Aletsch Glacier. There’s also an interactive exhibition and Lindt chocolate shop up there. Return to Interlaken for dinner.
Read also: Swiss bliss: 7 days of cheese, chocolate, and charm
Train from Interlaken to Montreux
Board the SBB train from Interlaken to Montreux (from 2h 8m). There are direct trains available on this route.
Cityscape of Montreux, Switzerland. Image Credit: Getty Images, Werner Dieterich
Day 7: Montreux, for history and culture
Jazz, castles and lakeside views are just a few highlights of Montreux. It was famously the home of Freddie Mercury — Queen’s lead singer. Get lost in the Old Town streets before booking a guided tour of Château de Chillon, a fairytale castle perched on the shores of Lake Geneva. If you’re visiting in July, don’t miss the Montreux Jazz Festival. It’s the second largest of its kind in the world .
Departure from Montreux
Spend your final morning meandering along Montreux’s lakeside promenade before catching the train back to Paris.
Train from Montreux to Paris
Whiz across the border from Montreux to Paris (from 4h 18m). There are no direct trains, so you’ll need to change in Lausanne or Geneva.
Ready to embark on your jam-packed tour through France and Switzerland? Download the Trainline app today and get your tickets to your week-long adventure.
Aerial view of Interlaken from the Harder Kulm in Switzerland. Header Image Credit: Getty Images, IanZ
