If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful travel routes in Europe, this France and Switzerland Alps itinerary is unforgettable. Our journey started with a flight from Seattle to Paris, then continued through stunning alpine towns including Geneva, Chamonix, Annecy, Zermatt, Montreux, and Zurich. From towering mountains and crystal-clear lakes to charming old towns and scenic train rides, this trip captured the best of the Alps.
If you’re planning an itinerary for France and Switzerland, this route is perfect for travelers who want both city culture and mountain adventure.
Paris to the Swiss Alps
Seattle → Paris → Geneva → Chamonix → Annecy → Zermatt → Montreux → Zurich → Geneva → Paris → Oregon
This route allowed us to explore both the French Alps and the Swiss Alps in one incredible journey.
Paris: The Perfect Start to a European Adventure
Our trip began in Paris, one of the most romantic cities in the world. Walking through historic streets, visiting bakeries, and seeing landmarks like the Eiffel Tower made for the perfect introduction to Europe. Paris is also an ideal starting point because it offers convenient flights to major Alpine gateways, such as Geneva. Things we loved in Paris
- Fresh croissants from neighborhood bakeries
- Scenic walks along the Seine
- Iconic Paris landmarks
After enjoying the city, we boarded a short flight to Switzerland.
Geneva: Gateway to the Alps
Our alpine journey officially began in Geneva, a beautiful lakeside city located along Lake Geneva. One of the city’s most famous sights is the Jet d’Eau, a massive fountain shooting water high into the sky above the lake. Geneva is an excellent starting point for exploring both France and Switzerland’s Alpine regions.
Chamonix: The Heart of the French Alps
From Geneva, we traveled to Chamonix, a legendary Alpine town at the base of Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Western Europe.
Chamonix is famous for its dramatic mountain scenery and outdoor adventures.
One of the highlights was taking the historic Montenvers Railway to see the incredible Mer de Glace glacier.
Standing above the glacier surrounded by towering peaks was an unforgettable experience.
Annecy: The Venice of the Alps
Next, we visited Annecy, one of the most picturesque towns in France. Often called the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy is famous for its canals, flower-lined bridges, and the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy. The old town is filled with colorful buildings, outdoor cafés, and small markets. Annecy is the kind of place where you can spend hours simply walking and enjoying the scenery.
Zermatt: Switzerland’s Most Iconic Mountain Village
Our next stop was Zermatt, a charming car-free village in the Swiss Alps. Zermatt sits beneath the famous Matterhorn, one of the most recognizable mountains in the world.
The village feels peaceful and magical, with traditional wooden chalets and stunning mountain views everywhere you look. Top experiences in Zermatt
- Scenic alpine hiking
- Riding the Gornergrat Railway
- Photographing the Matterhorn
Montreux: Lakeside Beauty and a Fairytale Castle
After the mountains, we traveled to Montreux, a charming town along Lake Geneva. Montreux is famous for its scenic lakeside promenade and the beautiful Château de Chillon, a medieval castle sitting on the edge of the lake. The combination of lake views, vineyards, and mountains made Montreux incredibly relaxing.
Zurich: Switzerland’s Cultural Capital
Next, we visited Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city. The historic old town features narrow streets, historic churches such as Grossmünster, and beautiful waterfronts along Lake Zurich.
Zurich offered a vibrant contrast to the quiet mountain towns we had visited earlier.
Returning to Geneva, Paris, and Home
After exploring Zurich, we returned to Geneva, then flew back to Paris before heading home to Oregon. Looking back, the journey felt like moving through a series of breathtaking landscapes—from iconic cities to alpine villages and sparkling lakes.
Why This France & Switzerland Itinerary Is So Special
This route combines many of Europe’s most beautiful destinations:
✔ Romantic cities
✔ Alpine villages
✔ Scenic train journeys
✔ Crystal-clear lakes
✔ World-class Mountain scenery
✔ Alpine villages
✔ Scenic train journeys
✔ Crystal-clear lakes
✔ World-class Mountain scenery
It’s one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the French and Swiss Alps in a single trip.
Total Expenses of this trip
| BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES | |
| AIRFARE | $1,483.82 |
| TRANSPORTATION | $1,669.95 |
| HOTELS/MEALS | $2,914.88 |
| ENTRANCES | $195.32 |
| CLASSES
|
$310.72 |
| $6,574.49 |
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