If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful travel routes in Europe, this France and Switzerland Alps itinerary is unforgettable. Our journey began with a flight from Seattle to Paris and continued through spectacular 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 highlights the best of the Alps.
If you’re planning an itinerary for France and Switzerland, this route works well 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 and Swiss Alps in a single, unforgettable journey.
Paris: The Perfect Start to a European Adventure
Our trip began in Paris, one of the world’s most romantic cities. Wandering historic streets, visiting bakeries, and seeing landmarks like the Eiffel Tower provided a memorable introduction to Europe. Paris is also a convenient launch point for flights to Alpine gateways such as Geneva.
- Fresh croissants from neighborhood bakeries
- Scenic walks along the Seine
- Iconic Paris landmarks
After enjoying the city, we took a short flight to Switzerland to begin the alpine portion of our trip.
Geneva: Gateway to the Alps
Our alpine journey officially began in Geneva, a beautiful city on Lake Geneva. The Jet d’Eau fountain is one of the city’s defining sights, shooting water high above the lake. Geneva makes a great base for exploring Alpine regions in both France and Switzerland.
Chamonix: The Heart of the French Alps
From Geneva we traveled to Chamonix, a legendary town at the foot of Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak. Chamonix is renowned for dramatic mountain scenery and outdoor activities.
We rode the historic Montenvers Railway to the Mer de Glace glacier—a powerful reminder of the mountains’ scale and beauty. Standing above the glacier with peaks all around was unforgettable.
Annecy: The Venice of the Alps
Next we visited Annecy, one of France’s most picturesque towns. Known as the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy charms visitors with its canals, flower-lined bridges, and the clear turquoise waters of Lake Annecy. The old town’s colorful buildings, outdoor cafés, and small markets invite relaxed exploration—perfect for long, leisurely walks.
Zermatt: Switzerland’s Most Iconic Mountain Village
We continued to Zermatt, a car-free village in the Swiss Alps that sits beneath the iconic Matterhorn. The village atmosphere is peaceful and almost storybook-like, with wooden chalets and sweeping mountain views.
Top experiences in Zermatt included:
- Scenic alpine hikes
- Riding the Gornergrat Railway
- Photographing the Matterhorn
Montreux: Lakeside Beauty and a Fairytale Castle
After the mountains we arrived in Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. Montreux is known for its scenic lakeside promenade and the medieval Château de Chillon, perched at the lake’s edge. The mix of vineyards, mountains, and water makes Montreux an especially relaxing stop.
Zurich: Switzerland’s Cultural Capital
We then visited Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city. The historic old town features narrow streets, churches such as Grossmünster, and attractive waterfronts along Lake Zurich. Zurich provided a lively contrast to the quieter mountain towns we had seen.
Returning to Geneva, Paris, and Home
After exploring Zurich we returned to Geneva, then flew back to Paris before heading home to Oregon. The trip felt like moving through a sequence of stunning 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 captivating sights and experiences:
✔ Romantic cities
✔ Charming alpine villages
✔ Scenic train journeys
✔ Crystal-clear lakes
✔ Towering mountain scenery
✔ Charming alpine villages
✔ Scenic train journeys
✔ Crystal-clear lakes
✔ Towering mountain scenery
It’s one of the most efficient ways to experience both the French and Swiss Alps during 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 |
| TOTAL | $6,574.49 |