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Helene in Between

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Germany, France, Switzerland, and Austria: Charming Central Europe Itinerary

By Helene Sula

If Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and the bad witch planned a getaway together, this would be their itinerary. If you have seven days in Europe and you really want to see the quaint villages, the storybook streets, the breathtaking castles, and the fairy-tale beauty that's inspired countless books and movies, then you need to spend 7 days in Germany, France, Switzerland, and Austria. This will lead you on the most charming Central Europe Itinerary that I guarantee will not disappoint.

Even witches agree.

Now before you yell at me and say, Helene, 4 countries in 7 days, that's much too tiring! Please keep in mind I did this entire tour 6 weeks after ACL surgery and my leg was in a brace. It's absolutely doable, especially if you'd really like a taste of each of these beautiful countries.

The nice thing about traveling through Central Europe is that everything is so easy to get to. The tough part is deciding where to stop! So hopefully this will help you make the choice.

How to get there

If you're flying, a great place to kick off your central Europe trip itinerary is Frankfurt, Germany. This is a huge international hub and you can find very reasonable flight prices . From here, you can easily take a train or rent a car. There is an option to take a bus, while very cheap, I'm just not a fan of the bus system. It's usually running extremely behind and, to me, time is money. If you have a short time and you really want to see a good portion of Europe, then skip the bus and rent a car or take the train.

If you're renting a car I suggest using a company like Sixt to book your rental. This is going to be the best and easiest way to get around. But you can also take a train, and GoEuro is the best resource out there to book the best routes.

Why go this route

I always get asked my favorite places in Europe or where to travel to next. I have been living in Europe almost two years now. I've also visited Europe, separately at least 10 times. This is still one of my most favorite trips to date.

When people come to Europe this is one of my most recommended itineraries. While it's hard to play favorites with so many beautiful places, this is easily high on my list. You get the stunning alps, medieval castles, historic buildings, quaint towns, and delicious food all rolled into one. You can't go wrong!

Itinerary at a glance

I suggest spending at least 7 days to tackle this Central European itinerary:

Day 1: Heidelberg, Germany

Day 2: Baden-Baden and Black Forest, Germany

Day 3: strasbourg and colmar, france, day 4: basel and zurich, switzerland.

Day 5: Lake Constance, Germany and Fussen, Germany

Day 6: Innsbruck, Austria

Day 7: wilder kaiser, austria.

Is this a lot to see in 7 days? Yes. But remember, these places are all relatively close to one another, so it's very easy to get from place to place. You can always extend this itinerary if you have time. Our friends fell in love with the Wilder Kaiser region of Austria and ended up staying there longer. You can also take out cities. Skip Switzerland altogether and focus on the other regions if you'd like.

This is a suggested best of Europe itinerary but you can easily make it your own.

Germany, France, Switzerland, and Austria Itinerary

Day 1: heidelberg.

Heidelberg is truly one of the loveliest cities in all of Europe. With a striking sandstone castle, an old town that's remained unperturbed since the 17th century, and the Neckar river that runs through the city, it will make you want to move there. I did . The nice thing about Heidelberg is that it's small enough so you can easily see many of the main attractions all in a day.

You can easily get around to the top attractions by walking. There's also an easy to use tram system. For a place to stay, this hotel is located in the city center, has breakfast, and is a nice 4-star hotel.

Here are my top 10 recommendations or you can check out my full guide to the city .

Next, we are headed just an hour south of Heidelberg to the double-named city of Baden-Baden. Known as a spa town, you can bathe as the royals did in mineral water that supposedly has healing powers. If you'd rather skip the spa, you can also check out the casino. You'll want to walk in, whether you plan on gambling or not, to check out the opulent space inspired by Versailles. The town center is strewn with brightly colored buildings and pretty cafes. This is a great place to make a day trip from Heidelberg, and it's easy to get to the next stop in the Black Forest.

The Black Forest is an oasis in Germany and it seems like Hansel and Gretel might pop out at any moment. It feels like a mythical place with the storybook half-timbered homes, scenic hiking, and Black Forest cake. Sasbachwalden is a quintessential town in the Black Forest and one of the the best places to sit at a cafe and grab a cup of coffee alongside a decadent cake. You can also check out the hiking trails in the area. Be on the lookout for the schnapps stalls where you can take a shot of the local farmer's schnapps and leave a euro or two in exchange.

Today, you can stay in the Black Forest but I recommend making the short trek and sleeping in Strasbourg so you can wake up and enjoy the city.

Strasbourg and Colmar are two of the most beautiful places in the Alsace, if not France itself. Strasbourg is a quick drive from the Black Forest and has influence from both France and Germany since it's flip-flopped owners quite a few times over the years. The Notre Dame Cathedral is not to be missed, and make sure to head inside to check out the astronomical clock. I suggest grabbing a pastry and checking out the “Petite France” area where one house is cuter than the next.

A good place to stay in Strasbourg is Hotel Beaucour which is well priced and centrally located.

Colmar, France is equally as charming and much smaller than Strasbourg. It's easy to tackle this city in a half day. Your best bet is to park just on the outskirts of the old town and wander through the streets. The cobblestone streets are lined with medieval half-timbered homes and canals that run throughout “La Petite Venice”. Since this area is known for wine, make sure to find a good spot to eat and drink. We ate a decadent meal at Wistub de la Petite Venise that made our long day of strolling well worth it.

From France, drop down further south to Basel, Switzerland. Conveniently located on the border of France, Germany, and Switzerland, Basel is a surprisingly lovely city. Walk into the old town and gaze up at the incredible Rathaus (Town Hall) and the equally impressive Basel Munster (Church). Make sure to walk towards the water for a panoramic view of the Rhine river.

After your morning in Basel, veer east to Zurich for modern European flair. Located on the lake in northern Switzerland you'll find a 12th-century cathedral (Grossmünster) and 11th-century church (Fraumümster) all within walking distance. The modern part comes in with the sprawling economic life and cosmopolitan metropolis. Take in the lake views and don't forget to treat yourself to Swiss fondue.

Day 5: Lake Constance and Fussen, Germany

Seeing two places in one day is totally doable, especially since both of these locations are so close. First up is Lake Constance, aka “Bodensee” in German, a lake surrounded by Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. We are headed to the German side to the city of Constance (Konstanz in German) where you'll find a quaint old town where you can climb the 15th-century old Hohenzollernhaus, 16th-century Rathaus, and Konstanz Minster (cathedral). Make sure to climb the tower of Hohenzollernhaus to get a view of the city. If you'd like more time, you can go to the lake to explore by boat.

You can't go wrong with seeing any castle in Germany. But the most beautiful has to be Neuschwanstein castle . Located atop a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau you'll find the palace of Ludwig II. The castle was constructed primarily for beauty and an echo to the medieval kinds of the past. The interior of the castle is interesting, but I suggest spending time going to the bridge (Marienbrücke) to get a better view of the castle in its splendor. Check out my full guide to the castle here .

Don't forget to walk around the castle grounds to take a look at the captivating surroundings.

Make sure to go to the nearby town of Fussen for candy-colored buildings and a great place to relax. German fast food is generally kebabs, and Fussen has a surprisingly great place called “City Kebab”. Quick and friendly service along with low prices. Next, satisfy your sweet tooth at Eiscafe Dolomiti . Delicious flavors and perfect for strolling this small, picturesque village.

Drive a bit further, to Innsbruck and spend the night. The city at night is so lovely (and lively) and you can get up in the morning to explore the city.

Finally, heading to Austria! Innsbruck is the capital of Tyrol and remains an impressive city. Not only is the city adorned with gorgeous architecture, you have the added benefit of the Alps in the background. Not to be missed is the Hofburg, the Imperial Palace of the Hapsburgs filled to the brim with lavish decor.

Take a walking tour of the old town and gaze at the Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl). With 2,738 gold gilded tiles, it's easy to spot this landmark.  Some other sites are: Inn Bridge, Jesuit Church, the pastel colored homes across the river, and City Tower.

Check out my travel guide to Innsbruck here .

Saving the best for last is the Wilder Kaiser region of Austria. The Wilder Kaiser mountain range is located in the Alps and you'll find miles of rolling hills, sharp, craggy mountains, cows touting bells, and pristine lakes. Truly, this area is one of the most beautiful in the world. The Kaiser villages of Ellmau, Going, Scheffau, and Söll in the “Kaisergebirge” make you feel right at home.

It feels like a sanctuary where you can relax, dine, enjoy the world around you. Out of all the places in Europe I'm often asked which is my favorite. Immediately, this region pops into my mind. The Alps are some of the most striking mountains, but the villages are equally as stunning. The brightly colored cathedral towers rise up alongside the wood chalets, beckoning you to enjoy the scenery.

Whether you want to hike, bike (this region is the largest E-Bike region in the world), or relax, you can find something that interests you. In the Winter you can ski the Alps and in Spring and Summer there is hiking , biking, and swimming. But despite these towns being relatively small, there is always something going on. Michael and I love attending the local festivals which bring out some of the region's best food. You can see all the activities happening right here .

I have stayed in all of the towns in Wilder Kaiser, and to be honest each one offers you a pleasant stay and ease of access to activities. I particularly enjoyed Hotel Hochfilzer in Ellmau. You can easily walk to the ski lifts or stroll around the town.

One of the highlights of the of the Wilder Kaiser are the alpine lakes. Lake Hintersteinersee is just outside of Scheffau and is widely known as one of the cleanest and most beautiful. The turquoise blue water is surrounded by craggy peaks of the mountains and makes for an epic view. You can swim and eat right at the lake.

Another gorgeous spot is Ahornsee in Söll. This smaller lake almost feels like a pool in the middle of the alps. You can relax on deck chairs or hop on a float and just take in your surroundings.

Besides the obvious outdoor activities, the culinary experiences are unmatched. I love the Cheese and Bacon tasting in Söll so much, I've now done it twice (and would not be opposed to doing it again.) This tasting is one of the best kept secrets of the region. Come hungry because you're given a variety of cheese (each served with a glass of wine), bacon, schnapps, and even a beer! Not only do you get some of the finest food from the region, you also get to learn about this area and how it has developed over hundreds of years.

Another way to enjoy Austrian delicacies along with the views, is breakfast on the mountain. Enjoy a hike up the mountain (or you can take a lift or drive) and be greeted with a traditional breakfast at an alpine inn, surrounded by stunning views.

You can find the breakfast options right here . It's a surprisingly affordable price and you can't beat the scenery. You can also head up to see Austria's highest peaks and get a 360° panoramic view from the Gipfelrestaurant Hohe Salve .

What I love about this area so much is that it doesn't feel forced.  You are stepping into their daily life and they invite you with open arms. The cows moseying through the alpine pasture are used for their milk, the farmers produce the cheese and bread you eat, and spending a few days here will make you feel part of the village life. If you'd like to truly experience Austrian life and “Tyrolerism”, there is truly no better place to go.

I totally understand if you extend your stay in Wilder Kaiser by a few days, it's just so enchanting. After your stay in the Alps you can head back to Heidelberg or Frankfurt. It's about a 5-hour drive from here.

See more from Wilder Kaiser here .

What I love so much about Europe is the diversity of its landscape. You can find old intertwined with new, quaint alongside grand, and nature mixed with urban life. I believe this one week Central Europe itinerary brings about the best of both worlds and helps you see a different side of European culture.

Further reading:

22 Photos That Will Make You Book a Trip to Austria

Why I Moved to Germany

9 Of the Most Romantic Cities in Europe

The Ultimate Alps Adventure: Zillertal, Austria

10 Germany Phrases You Need to Know When Visiting

MEET THE AUTHOR

Helene Sula

I believe that one trip can change your life. It did for me. I'm a self proclaimed home body that quit her job, moved abroad, and more often than not, lives out of a carry-on bag. If I'm not traveling, I'm most likely re-reading Harry Potter or watching "Midnight in Paris" while snuggling my dogs. I'm a digital marketing expert who turned my love of travel into a full-time career. And I help others do it too.

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10 day europe itinerary: germany, italy, switzerland + austria.

Want to travel to Europe, but only have 10 days? With this itinerary, you will get to see 4 European countries in as little as 10 days! Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria are all very close together, making it super easy to see them all.

This was my first trip abroad without my family, so I opted in for a tour with EF College Break .  What was so nice about this tour was that it was all college students, so I made a ton of friends and we did things my age group would enjoy. On top of all that, it was extremely inexpensive for all that we got to see!

If you want to do a tour, I would definitely recommend looking into EF College Break. If you want to explore Europe on your own time, you can still do this itinerary by yourself.

For all the self-guided travelers out there… I have an epic (yes, EPIC) itinerary to France where you will get to see all the highlights. This itinerary is self-guided where you get to see Paris, the French Riviera, Provence, and go champagne tasting in Champagne! You can read my 10 day France itinerary here !

Okay, you ready to read this amazing 10 day Europe Itinerary?!

When to go to Europe?

This is a tricky question that will completely depend on the type of trip you want.

Want to see the alps covered in snow and eat fondue? Winter will be best!

Want to avoid crowds? Early spring and late fall will be best!

Want to enjoy prime weather and loads of events? Summer will be best!

I traveled to Europe in late May and it was absolutely beautiful . The crowds were minimal in comparison to the high seasons of June-August, and the weather was ranging from 60-80 degrees (depending on the country). The crowds in Europe hot-spots (especially Venice) will be unbearably crowded. Before you book during the prime summer months, just take that into consideration!

Tour v. No Tour?

I think it depends on your budget and if you are traveling with someone. I didn’t feel comfortable driving in Europe at 19 years old, so the only other way to see multiple countries would be to take trains or fly, which can add up quick!

I loved this tour group because it was all college age students, so I made friends from all over the world and we did a lot of excursions people my age group would do. Also, this tour company gave us SO much free time so even if the tour doesn’t see everything you want, you still have the time to see it.

Typically, I prefer to do self-guided travels because I can wake up as early as I want to see sights, mix and match what I want to see, eat when I want, etc. Of course there will be more stress planning your own trip abroad, but I think the benefit outweighs the cost!

What to Pack for Summer in Europe?

I keep a list of all my summer essentials and favorite finds on this guide here . I am constantly updated it after every warm destination – tried, true & tested! Also, I have a list of my 10 travel essentials I can’t live without, you can read those here !

As for specific things to pack for Europe, these are my top 3 must-have’s:

1. Travel Adapter

Yes, I know this is a very generic thing for a trip abroad, but this one is AMAZING. It is an all-in-one adapter that works on every country you will ever travel to. This is especially important with this itinerary because Switzerland doesn’t use the same plug as the rest of Europe! Click here for one that includes all of the USA, Europe, Australia and UK!

2. Curling Iron with dual voltage

True story… I was so confused about adapters and converters that I decided to just not buy a converter lol. When I turned on my blow dryer in this little hotel in Switzerland, I shut down the ENTIRE hotel because it burnt the circuits!! If you don’t want to worry about a confusing converter, I would just buy a dual voltage curling iron / blow dryer.  This will come in handy on any trip you will ever do! Click here for a dual voltage curling iron.

3. Packing Cubes

Guys, this is so important when you are bouncing around between multiple hotels. Packing cubes saved my LIFE when I did my 10 day France trip because I stayed in three different hotels. Here’s a free tip: Pack the clothes you want to wear in each city (AKA hotel), so that way you only need to take out that cube at that hotel. Most hotels in Europe are super tiny, so saving you room will be a total life saver! PLUS, when you are done wearing those dirty clothes, you can stick them back in the packing cube so they don’t touch your clean clothes! Click here for packing cubes!

BONUS: Anytime I travel to abroad, I always get travel insuranc e so I am covered during my trip. Europe is known for reckless driving and lots of protests, so you want to make sure you have insurance in case of an emergency. Confused on what travel insurance is? I have a lengthy guide that will explain it in great detail !

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: overnight flight.

• Day 2: Munich Sight Seeing

Day 3: Neuschwanstein Castle

• Day 4: Drive to Venice + Lunch in Austria
• Day 5: Explore Venice
• Day 6: Drive to Swizerland + lunch in Verona
• Day 7: Explore Switzerland + Mt. Pilatus

Day 8: Drive to Frankfurt

• Day 9: Explore Frankfurt
• Day 10: Fly home! 🙁

10 Day Europe Itinerary

Hopefully your flight won’t be as long as mine, but usually the entire first day is wasted traveling due to the time change + flight length.

Not being able to sleep on planes makes it feel extra long too. Is anyone else as dorky as me and get too excited to sleep before a vacation?

TIP: Bring Melatonin on your flight to help you sleep! It’s an all-natural vitamin that doesn’t make you feel groggy when you wake up. This also will help you sleep the first few nights you arrive. 

Day 2: Arrive in Munich

We arrived at 7am in the morning.. yes. 7am. It was a rough first day because the time zone difference from Las Vegas was a whopping NINE HOURS . The entire day will be spent keeping yourself as busy as possible to fight that jet lag!

Spend your free day in Munich seeing street performers, watching surfing competitions at The Eisbachwelle , strolling through the cities English Garden, and enjoy lunch and German beer at the Hofbrauhaus !

As you can imagine, the Hofbrauhaus is extremely touristy and always busy! It is a HUGE restaurant, but you still might need to wait to be seated. If you do, just spend some time exploring the nearby shops to start your souvenir shopping early 🙂

End your first day in Germany with a Biergarten dinner at Zum Flaucher . There are SO many beirgartens in Germany that have outdoor seating, twinkly lights, picnic style seating and a relaxed atmosphere. Going to these for dinner was one of my favorite memories in Germany, so I would definitely make it a priority to go to one of them!

By far my favorite day out of the entire trip! This castle is unbelievably breathtaking. The Neuschwanstein ( say that ten times fast ) Castle is located less than 2 hours from Munich in a town called Hohenschwangau ( now say that 20 times fast ). You can either drive if you have a rental car, or there is a train that will take you from Munich to the castle in 2.5 hours. Click here to look at train times and prices! Or if navigating the trains terrifies you, you can sign up for a day trip with a tour company, click here for tour options .

Everything about Hohenschwangau just screams Disneyland. The adorable German Cottages (that people actually live in, oh my gosh!),  glistening blue lake, horse and carriage rides, and a real life sleeping beauty castle nestled up on the mountain. Look at the view of the town from above:

Seriously though, this castle is the real life inspiration of the Disney movie, Sleeping Beauty. When you either walk or take your horse carriage ride to the top, you can take a tour of the castle and walk along the bridge to the castle viewpoint. From the viewpoint you are hanging on a bridge over a river that looks right at the castle and valley behind it. I have no words to explain how beautiful this place was.

Like this photo? Edit like me using my one-click Lightroom Presets !

After your castle tour , rent a paddle boat and enjoy the rest of the day on the lake! You can rent these for fairly inexpensive on the lake, no reservation needed. If you’re going with your significant other, grab picnic items from a local store and have lunch on your private boat. Or if you don’t have a significant other, a bff date will do just fine!

If you are planning a day trip from Munich like my tour did and more info, be sure to check out my friends guide on How to Visit Neuschwanstein Castle from Munich!

If you’re not too jet-lagged, end your night going out to German clubs – which if your from Las Vegas like me, will find hilarious! They’re all like little disco bars where everyone is dancing the night away to old American music. Here are the tops clubs in Munich:

• Harry Klein

I wish I could have spent more days in Germany because I was blown away by how beautiful it was! I loved the culture, food, greenery, and the amount of hidden gems! If you want to extend your Germany stay, I would recommend checking out this guide: Things to do in Cologne Germany!

Day 4: Drive to Venice

There’s no sugar-coating that the drive from Munich to Venice is long and brutal. But, the scenery is out of this world and will make the 6 hour drive go by a lot faster! If you are not driving, there are direct trains that will take you from Munich to Venice at around 7 hours. Click here to search for train times!

If you are driving to Venice, that perfect pit-stop is Salzburg, Austria. You can see this colorful town filled with cobblestone streets, that is located along a river in the middle of the Austrian Alps! There are endless restaurants to choose from, so I would recommend walking around until you find somewhere that looks welcoming 🙂

We stayed in a small beach town outside of the actual island of Venice. I would highly recommend this because you get away from the touristy side of Venice to experience local restaurants and beaches. Doing this will make you feel like you are staying in an authentic Italian town with few tourists!

End your night indulging in pasta and pizza from the smallest hole in the wall you can find! And don’t forget about Italian gelato on the beach for dessert, because you’re in Italy! You’ve GOT TO have gelato everyday!

Day 5: Venice

The city that’s on everyone’s bucket list, Venice! I’ve dreamed about riding a gondola down the grand canal since, well, forever. Once you take the brief ferry ride to Venice island, you’ll take a tour of Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Murano Glass Museum before getting lost in the winding streets and canals of the city.

If you want to see more during your time in Venice, here are some recommendations:

• Sign up for a food tour
• See the colorful streets of Burano
• Take a private gondola ride through the smaller canals
• Have lunch on the Grand Canal at De Pesis!
• Take a day trip to Prosecco Hills for wine tasting

I spent the day just wandering the streets of Venice with no plan and it was amazing! I carelessly roamed the streets, ate WAY too much food, took a gondola ride (or two), got gelato from every shop I saw, & got too many souvenirs!

TIP: Dress appropriately for the churches or else you’ll be forced to buy paper ponchos and skirts to wear inside. You need to cover your shoulders and wear and appropriate length bottom to enter. 

Day 6: Drive to Switzerland

Another long drive, but it doesn’t count as a drive when you are winding through the Swiss Alps. The drive from Venice to Lucerne is a little over 5 hours and the train is roughly 6.5 hours.

The good thing about driving is there are so many towns you can stop in to break up the drive and see more sights! I would recommend stopping in either Verona or Milan (or both!) before heading to Switzerland.

Verona is a small, quaint town that is home to Romeo & Juliette’s famous balcony! While you are there, stop at a farmers market or grab some street food to enjoy under their balcony.

From Verona to Lucerne, it will be about 4 1/2 hours of pure beauty! You will wind up the mountains passing through tunnels carved into mountains. After every tunnel pass, the scenery will be completely different and even more beautiful.

Check into your hotel and head into town for some dinner. We spent an actual hour hunting down fondue for dinner, apparently fondue isn’t a thing in the summer!? People were making fun of us but who cares! WERE TOURISTS AND WERE PROUD! We eventually found a fondue spot and it was amazing to say the least.

Day 7: Switzerland 

Today you’ll be getting a little bit of everything. From adventure to beautiful scenery! Take the ferry over lake Lucerne to the gondola entrance for Mt. Pilatus . You’ll take the gondola up 7,000 ft (2132 meters) to get expansive views of the Swiss alps and Lake Lucerne.

I know the weather is unpredictable, but really try to do this on a clear day so you can get unobstructed views from the top! Once you are up there, there will be walking and hiking trails, a souvenir shop and food stands for you to grab a bight to eat.

On the way down comes the fun part… the steepest railroad in the world has a seat with your name on it. I promise it doesn’t go too fast and doesn’t feel too old. You can also take the gondola down if the train terrifies you, but traveling is all about pushing you out of your comfort zone 🙂

TIP: Don’t wear sandals to Mt. Pilatus because at the halfway point, there’s a type of “adventure park” with an alpine slide down the mountain, zip line and rope park. They are very strict at the zip line/rope park and will not let you on if you don’t have closed toe shoes!

Spend the afternoon hunting down some Swiss Chocolate for your loved ones back home, which is also very hard to find. I learned that everything I thought was stereotypical to Switzerland was just that, a stereotype.

Another day of driving and today’s pit stop will be the charming German village, Heidelberg. Are you all castled-out yet? Of course not! You’ll get to visit another older castle that is home to the world’s largest wine barrel!

The drive & train from Lucerne to Frankfurt is around 4 hours, but if you make a pit stop in Heidelberg for lunch, you will drive 3 hours and then 1 hour!

Once you arrive in Frankfurt you’ll soon see that it is a BIG city with lots of nightlife! Spend your night going out the local bars and enjoy one of your last nights in Europe.

Day 9: Frankfurt

We had a free day before our farewell dinner home, so some fun things to do in Frankfurt would be the Museumsufer (a cluster of 12 museums), Frankfurt Cathedral , Romerburg (a square with medieval homes), Palmengarten , and getting some last minute souvenirs!

Day 10: Fly Home

I can never sleep on planes mostly because I’m always too excited for the destination. I slept the entire 12 hour flight home, so that’s saying something about how “excited” I was to be going home!

Until next time Europe!

Before you go…. Want some more guides on Europe? I think you will love these!

• 10 Day France Itinerary
• Champagne Tasting in Champagne, France
• Ultimate Guide to the Louvre Museum
• Ultimate Guide to the Gorges du Verdon
• 6 Day Iceland Road Trip

Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂

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How much will be the total cost for Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Austria 10 days tour? Will you assist for the visa processing as well? Thanks

This is not a paid tour, a free itinerary to use for your own travel planning! 🙂

You are amazing. I’d love to stomp around Europe with you checking out cute hotels and trying the best food and wines.

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Free Epic Germany Itinerary: 2 weeks plus Austria Switzerland France!

Germany itinerary 14 days: Are you wanting to plan an epic 14 day Germany Itinerary but not sure where to start? 

I collected info on some of the best things to do in Southern Germany and combined them into an epic two week Germany Itinerary that includes some main attractions in France, Switzerland, and Austria.

Table of Contents

Germany itinerary: 2 weeks

Sound like a lot of travel in just two weeks? Germany Austria Switzerland France are all located in central Europe and are all quite close so they make a tidy little driving route.

All of this can be done in a 10 day or 14 day trip . I have worked this into a 2 week Germany Travel itinerary for you but doing this Europe trip in 10 days is actually ample time but you won’t be able to see it all. 

This itinerary is packed full. Yes it was tiring, but there’ll be plenty of time to rest afterwards! 

Travel style for this trip

dense forests, dreamy castles, cobbled streets, river valleys with lazy winding rivers, alpine lakes, mountains, waterfalls and much more!

All of the towns are smaller towns, no big cities . Unless you decide to make your way to bigger cities like Köln as add-ons, Strasbourg France (pop. 278,000) is the largest city on the itinerary.

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Where to stay?

I’m only going to recommend a few choice spots because I am confident that you are capable of choosing your own accommodations. My favorite place to search accommodations is booking.com.   Make you’re trip really special by booking a castle hotel on the Rhine !

Trip Route: Two Weeks Germany itinerary:

Total drive time for the entire trip: less than 20 hours

This route was planned to be as efficient as possible adding as many highlights as possible with as little driving as possible.

You get an incredible bang for your buck, seeing some of Europe’s best attractions, in a very reasonable amount of drive time.

Getting around

Public transport.

It’s affordable and efficient, but you’re at the mercy of transit schedules. 

HOWEVER this trip can be done by train, but you may need to make choices because regional trains and buses can be slow.

You can explore route options at the Deutsche Bahn website but I find it easier to use Google Maps to plan train travel. You might find my introductory blog on public transit helpful: Public Transportation For Beginners.

driving: Germany road trip itinerary

A road trip is the best way to do this trip.   If you have reservations about driving in Germany don’t. With some preparation, you won’t have any trouble. 

1-Do yourself a big favor and add the GPS onto your car rental, or bring one along. We have this GPS unit from Garmin (purchase Europe maps separately.) 

2- You may need an International Driving Permit permit to drive in Europe . Get one at your local AAA office.

3-Rental Car: I like to start my search at Booking.com or Expedia to get an idea of which companies are offering the best rates and then make my way to the rental car company website to do further research and book with the company directly. 

One of the easiest and best places to pick up a rental car is at the airport.

Arriving in Germany

First time in Germany? Don’t miss my Ultimate Guide to traveling in Germany !

Our adventure starts at Frankfurt International Airport (FRA.) I normally find the best flight times/schedules and rates flying into and out of Frankfurt International. (not to be confused with Frankfurt-Hahn Airport HHN.) 

enough of the technical stuff! let’s get started on the fun stuff.

*** Day 1 ***

Rhine River Cruise, Rheinstein and Rheinfels Castle

where to stay day #1

Want to stay in a castle? There are 3 fabulous opportunities for an overnight stay in a castle in this section of the Rhine River. Burg Rheinstein , Burg Rheinfels , and Castlehotel Schönburg (Burghotel auf Schönburg ) Each has romantic views overlooking the Rhine River. Need more options? see this full list of castle hotels on the Rhine !

drive time for the day

approximately 1 hour 10 minutes

(from Frankfurt International Airport to the castle of your choice)

Rhine River Valley

Our trip itinerary starts (and ends) in Germany.  First up is the beautiful Rhine River .

(Drive to Rheinstein Castle in the Rhine River Valley for our first stop on the Germany itinerary)

The Rhine River for castles and a cruise! The Rhine river winds lazily through Germany, its banks littered with castles and adorable villages.

The Rhine River is almost 800 miles long but the most scenic section spans a mere 50 miles, from Bingen to Koblenz.

You may be interested in: Must See Rhine River Castles !

Rheinstein Castle

Cute little Rheinstein Castle is immaculate, compact, and almost homey. It was built in 1316, has a drawbridge, portcullis, a courtyard with a lush garden, and 500-year-old grape vines that still produce grapes…and fantastic views of the Rhine!

(Next drive to Bacharach)

Rhine River Cruise

Our next stop is in the tiny town of Bacharach for a short but sweet cruise down the Rhine River.  

The KD (Koln-Dusseldorer) Line cruise of the Rhine , round trip from Bacharach to Sankt Goar is a good option for a short 45 minute each way pleasant and relaxing ride down the river. 

My husband enjoyed his very first beer in Germany, my sister-in-law a glass of wine, while I drank up the atmosphere of the beautiful Rhine River.

The cruise stops in St. Goar where you’ll have a 2 hour and 20 minute wait for your return boat to Bacharach, enough time for lunch if you didn’t already eat, and to visit Rheinfels castle.

Rheinfels Castle ruins

This castle was built in 1245 AD. Not only is it the best castle ruin on the river it is also still the largest castle on the Rhine. The castle was once 5 times its current size, and successfully withstood an army of 28,000 French soldiers. Impressive!

There’s a tourist train that will take you up to Rheinfels Castle , or take the nature trail up (15 minutes each way.) 

*** Day 2 ***

Rhine and Moselle River Valley : explore the cute villages in the Rhine Valley and Cochem on the banks of the Moselle River

where to stay day 1 (and day 3)

Cochem Germany

drive time for the da y

approx. 1 hour 15 minutes

(your Rhine Accommodations to Cochem)

Take a look at the map of the best of the Rhine and fill this one day however you please. 

Spend a little more time exploring the surrounding area villages of Bacharach, Sankt Goar (originated in Celtic times,) and Oberwesel (more of a town than a village vibe than the other two but it was a Celtic town way back in 400 BC.) 

Choose some of your favorite castles. All of the ones shown on this map are good choices. 

(Drive to Cochem Germany) 

Moselle River Valley

Unique dining opportunity: If you can make it work with your schedule, reserve a table at Alte Muhle Thomas Horeth restaurant. You’ll find it’s an easy stop between the River Rhine and Cochem. The restaurant is located in a 1,000 year old mill ! Reserve a table in the wine cellar! 

*** Day 3 ***

Cochem (Reichsburg) and Burg Eltz Castles

where to stay day 3 (2nd of two nights)

total drive time for the day

none! Enjoy the short but scenic train ride! Otherwise, 1 hour if you decide to drive to the castle.

The Moselle River meanders through Germany, France, Luxembourg and Belgium and is lined with terraced vineyards, castles, and picture perfect little wine villages with half-timbered houses. 

The small town of Cochem sits on either side of the Moselle River. This charming little village, with its medieval town center, has a population of 5,000, but during the day is quite popular with tourists and river cruise passengers. 

Get my complete list of top things to do in Cochem!

Evenings are pleasantly quiet and nighttime in Cochem is a treat , the perfect place for an evening stroll. The lights from the town reflect off of the river and the castle up on the hill, warmly lit and glowing, is a bit reminiscent of Hogwarts. 

You’ll need to get an early start to hit both of these castles in one day. Try to be at Reichsburg Castle as soon as it opens.

Reichsburg Castle

Reichsburg Castle, this Gothic beauty sits majestically on a hill overlooking Cochem and the Mosel River. The first historical mention of the castle was in the year 1130, but was destroyed and was rebuilt in 1868. You can hike up to the castle, or take the shuttle bus up the hill. 

Burg Eltz Castle

A trip to the stunning 865 year old Burg (Castle) Eltz will transport you back to medieval times. The castle is currently owned and occupied by the same families who have owned it since it was built!

Getting there by train: You can drive to the castle BUT… you can also take the regional trains from Cochem to Mosellkern and from there take an idyllic 1.5-hour walk through the forest to the castle. It’s an easy half hours train ride. 

The trail through the woods and your first peek at the castle..

Get full details on visiting Burg Eltz in my complete visitor’s guide to Burg Eltz.

where to eat in Cochem:

Alte Wein Wirtschaf-Cochem has a rustic wine cellar vibe . Their Rahmschnitzel (a s chnitzel with a creamy mushroom sauce ) was seriously tasty!

Have more time?

Cologne (Köln) Germany day trips . If you have more time to spend on your Germany trip and don’t mind larger cities, the beautiful 2,000 year old city of Cologne is an easy day trip from the train station in Cochem and worth visiting. 

Population: approx. 1 million. It’s a 2-2.5 hour train ride, faster by car but you’ll be dealing with traffic and parking.

The top site in the beautiful city of Cologne, the Cologne Cathedral , is a world heritage site. Construction began on this massive gothic cathedral in 1248 and ended some 500 years later. 

There are 24 museums as well as a historic old town and Roman Ruins .  And much more! Explore all of Cologne’s many attractions on the tripadvisor site .

*** Day 4 and Day 5 ***

Strasbourg France

where to stay night 4 and night 5

3 hours 30 minutes day 4, zero on day 5!

(drive from Cochem to Strasbourg France)

You’re in Western Germany and the trip down south to our next stops will take you oh so close to France so why not add it!?

Our France itinerary takes us to the Alsace region of France.   Control of Alsace has alternated between France and Germany throughout the centuries and so it has a perfectly charming mix of the two. Today the Alsace region it is located in France. 

Strasbourg France is a small city by world standards with a population of 277,000, is the biggest city on our itinerary. 

Enjoy exploring Strasbourg by foot or take a tour out into wine country.  (Alsace is the wine region of France)

Guys! Alsace is amazing and magical around Christmas! Alsace France Christmas Market Itinerary

Notre Dame Cathedral

(Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg) is one of the tallest churches in Europe. The Gothic / Romanesque Strasbourg Cathedral was once the tallest building in the word . A UNESCO World Heritage site it is now the 6th tallest church in the world. 

Christmas Markets

if you happen to be visiting from late November through the month of December Strasbourg has one of Europe’s best Christmas Markets!

Alsatian Museum will transport you back in history through a series of reconstructed historically decorated rooms.

Alsace after dark

Alsace is romantically lit at night. Be sure to get out for a stroll after the sun goes down. 

boat ride on the river Ill

Take a boat ride on the River Ill. Boats run year round and take you on a 70 minute ride down the river, around the Grand Isl (another UNESCO site) and back to your original destination. 

La Petite France

La Petite France, located on the Grand Isl, is a charming medieval quarter of half-timbered houses  overlooking the Ill River. Slow down the pace and explore the nooks and crannies of this picturesque little spot. 

You have two days to enjoy this beautiful City!

You may be interested in: Strasbourg day trip planning guide

*** Day 6 ***

The Black Forest

(Back to Germany! drive to Triberg Germany. This is your longest travel day so you’ll want to get an early start.)

where to stay night 6

The adorable little alpine hotel Hotel Alpenrose is within walking distance of Ebenalp Cable car and offers spacious rooms with balconies facing the mountains. Open your balcony door for the relaxing sounds of water running off of the mountain.

4 hours (without a stop over at the lake)

(drive from Strasbourg France to Wasseraun Switzerland, stopping over in the Black Forest)

The black Forest  (Schwartzwald!)

When in Germany, a trip to the Black Forest is practically obligatory. The Black Forest (Schwartzwald) is known for it’s dense forests, cute villages, cuckoo clocks and of course delicious Black Forest Cake . 

Triberg is a cute colorful little village in The Black Forest and is a great place to stop for a little taste of all of those things!

The Triberg Waterfall is touted as the highest in Germany . An immaculate little trail though the fores t leads you from town the short distance to the waterfall. You’ll be surrounded by babbling brooks and moss covered rocks. If you care to linger a bit longer there are additional trails that surround the waterfall.

Black Forest Cake There are plenty of places in town to get a taste of the famed Black Forest Cake that originated in this area. Just stop into any of the cafes or bakeries as you stroll through town shopping for cuckoo clocks.  

You’ll find all of the ins and outs of visiting Triberg in my article titled: 

Triberg in the Black Forest: Germany’s highest waterfall, cuckoo clocks, & black forest cake!

(Let’s head to Switzerland! Continue your drive south to Wasserauen . Don’t forget to stop and purchase a Swiss Vignette sticker or purchase in advance (like a toll pass.) At around 40 CHF it’s a bit pricey but it’s Switzerland…everything is.)

Have more time and need more ideas?  Lake Constance Before you cross over from Switzerland into Germany you will be driving near Lake Constance (Konstanz) known as Bodensee in German if you have worked the time into your itinerary it makes a good addition.

*** Day 7 ***

spend the day on the mountain, Ebenalp Switzerland

where to stay day 7, 8, 9, 10

Fussen Germany

2 hours 10 minutes

(drive from Wasserauen Switzerland to Fussen Germany)

Switzerland

A little Switzerland on the side!  Switzerland is one of the most beautiful, peaceful and stunning places on planet earth and the next stop on our itinerary is certainly no exception! Not only is the scenery stunning but it doesn’t seem to be crowded which in my opinion makes it even more appealing.

Switzerland is extraordinary and it is also one of the most expensive places to travel to but totally worth it so let’s add a little Switzerland into our itinerary!

If there is one thing you are almost guaranteed to not like about your time in Switzerland is that it wasn’t long enough! 

Berggasthaus Aescher is a hotel built into the side of a mountain in Switzerland. Take the Ebenalp cable car up to the top of Ebenalp Mountain and then hike back down , stopping at the stunning Eibsee Lake , for a fabulous day of adventure and outstanding natural beauty!

Berggasthaus Aescher

Berggasthaus Aescher is a quirky little hotel and restaurant built into the side of Ebenalp Mountain.  If you get to the top and the morning fog has not yet lifted, head to Berggasthaus Aescher, and enjoy some refreshments while you wait out the fog. We shared a cheesy potato dish common to the region called Rosti. My husband enjoyed a warm liquor coffee drink, while the rest of us sipped hot tea.

Wildkirchli

Wildkirchli is a 400 year old cave church on Ebenalp. If you happen to find yourself at the top of Ebenalp on a Sunday you are in for a treat of a different kind. The church choir gathers at Berggasthaus Aescher before church services to practice their hymns, a heavenly sound somewhere between a hymn and a yodel. Still waiting out the fog? The congregation welcomes visitors to their services which are in German.   Hear the glorious voices of the swiss mountain choir on my Youtube Channel! and follow this link to see the video of church services .

Head on down the mountain but be cautious, the steep trails are a little treacherous and wet but are peaceful and the views are stunning ! 

Seealpsee Lake

About midway down the mountain is the stunningly beautiful Seealpsee Lake . The tiny lake is a stunning shade of emerald green , surrounded by a walking trail, and has a snow peaked mountain in the background.

Read my Ebenalp / Seealpsee article here:  Wasserauen Ebenalp Mountain Switzerland: unique experiences and stunning scenery !

When in Rome….I mean Switzerland!

Two of the things that Switzerland is known for are fondue and chocolate . Give them a try!

Now back to Germany! drive to Fussen Germany

keep reading on the next page!

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3 Weeks in Central Europe Itinerary

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

I’ve always been kind of scared to travel around Central Europe because of its reputation for being expensive. Now that I finally visited this region of Europe, I can attest that it’s true – not only it’s expensive, but it’s actually very expensive.

I’ve travelled to Scandinavia , which is already known as a costly destination, but Central Europe is different. To be fair, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria are the three high-cost countries here. While Poland, Czechia, Hungary, and even Germany are reasonable,.

However, it’s so worth it though. The train rides around the Alps, the beautiful scenery, great beer, and overall experience, it has to be visited at least once in your life.

Central Europe is one of the regions stretching from the Baltic Sea to the north of the Adriatic . It has some of the world’s oldest and most well-preserved cities, including Berlin, Bratislava, Budapest, Geneva, Ljubljana, Munich, Prague, Vienna, Warsaw, Krakow, and Hamburg, among others.

Aside from that, Central Europe is very rich in heritage and has tons of languages because of the different countries comprising the region.

Central Europe consists of countries that tourists would be interested in seeing. This comprehensive itinerary is for 3 weeks in Central Europe and will guide you into clusters of lands next to each other, as well as the activities and tourist spots to enjoy.

BASIC TRAVEL TIPS FOR CENTRAL EUROPE

Before we proceed with the list of tourist destinations in those countries, let’s first discuss transportation in Central Europe. Just like with the rest of Europe, getting around isn’t hard at all as tons of public transport is available. You can get around by train, bus, plane, or rent a car.

Perhaps, you might want to consider travelling around Western Europe for 3 weeks during this trip or spend 3 weeks in South Europe .

When is the best time to go to Central Europe

Depending on what you plan to do, Central Europe could be a great place to spend your 3-week holiday any time of the year. If you want a proper beach holiday, you probably shouldn’t go to Central Europe. Enjoy your 3-week vacation in Italy or 3 weeks in East Europe where beaches are desired.

For winter, Central Europe is an incredible destination. If you want to do some skiing during your 3 weeks in Central Europe, you can head to the skiing capital – Switzerland. If that’s not within your budget, Czechia and Poland also have great slopes.

I like going during spring, just before summer, or just before autumn. During this time, the crowd is smaller, and the accommodations and flights can even be cheaper.

Getting around

Travelling by train is the most scenic way to travel in this region. When planning to ride a train, it’s better to book online. You can opt to buy point-to-point tickets if you’re just planning on a short trip, but if you’re travelling across multiple countries, getting a rail pass is better.

Travelling by bus is the cheapest option, but there’s a chance that you might sit on cramped seats and get off the bus for an inspection when crossing borders. 

If you prefer freedom of your time, renting a car and driving on your own is best. A summer road trip in Switzerland is such a scenic experience. If you go to Germany, you are probably curious about driving on the famous no-speed limit autobahn road.

If you’re heading to famous tourist destinations, book at least a month in advance, especially during peak season, which is the summer.

Language and Currency

The countries in Central Europe speak different languages except for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, which share the language of Deutch (however, different accents should be expected). All countries in Central Europe use Euro, while Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc.

Communicating in Central Europe is pretty straightforward. Most people, especially in big cities speak English. The only time you probably have to pull out your translation app is when you are in rural parts and need to ask for directions.

The road signs might be in the local language if you are driving a rental car. Simply ask a local if you need some help.

A travel visa is easy as well. If you are from North America, some parts of Latin America, Oceania, and Asia – you can enjoy a 90-day visa for free. If you need to apply for a visa, you will get a Schengen visa valid in all EU states and other non-EU countries, including Switzerland.

Although Europe is open to tourism in general, each country has their own entry requirements and policies. Some might request that tourists be fully vaccinated, while others allow non-vaccinated to follow specific protocols.

The same goes for wearing a mask. Some places might still require you to have your mask on while in public places while other countries have removed this mandate.

Other travel tips

Here are some quick tips on tools you might need when planning your itinerary for Central Europe. These are the websites I usually use when booking accommodation, renting a car, finding great tours, and more:

MUST-SEE PLACES IN CENTRAL EUROPE (pinned map)

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

3 WEEKS IN CENTRAL EUROPE

Now that you should know all the basic things about travelling to Central Europe, let’s dive into two travel itineraries. You can follow this as you wish, get some insight, and create your own 3-week travel itinerary .

If you always have dreamed of visiting the Alps, heading to Central Europe is one of the best ways to explore this region. The Alps stretch from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and also Italy. Visiting in the winter means you can go skiing. You can hike the Alps if you visit from late April to mid-October.

When it comes to other parts of Central Europe, are you familiar with Wes Andersen’s The Grand Budapest Hotel? It is a fantastic film with surreal cinematography and a setting that is actually modelled on the Grand Hotel Pupp in the Czech Republic.

TIP: There’s also a 7-day tour for central Europe featuring Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, and Switzerland. It leaves from Frankfurt, which is perfect if you have limited time.

Itinerary #1: Germany, Poland, Czech Republic

The first triad country for a 3-week vacation in Central Europe is Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic since they are all neighbouring countries. It is easy to travel from one country to the other. 

Germany and Poland have some beaches for those who love the heat or are fond of taking a dip, but Czechia is landlocked.

Week 1: Germany for 7 days

I’m sure that you’re excited now that we’ve unveiled the first triad countries, and you’ll even be more excited once you read about some of the exciting things about Germany. Starting with food, this country has more than 1,000 varieties, so foodies wouldn’t run out of sausages to sample. 

Oktoberfest originated in this country and is a must-attend event for beer lovers. There are more than 20,000 castles in this country. There’s so much to explore. If you have been to Germany before or you don’t enjoy big cities, there are a lot of German cities that you can visit and still want the whole German experience minus the crowd.

You can also read our itinerary for 3 weeks in Germany if that’s the only place you want to visit during your trip.

Must-see places in Germany :

• Berlin: River Spree , TV Tower (Berliner Fernsehturm), Jewish Museum , Madame Tussauds , Museum Island, Body Worlds , Pergamon Museum , Natural History Museum , Berlin Wall , Berlin Story Museum
• The Black Forest
• Cologne – Cologne Cathedral , Melaten Cemetery , Chocolate Museum , VR Time Travel
• Miniatur Wunderland
• Munich – Old Town and Viktualienmarkt , WWII Walking Tour , Segway Beer Tour , Food Tasting Tour
• Brandenburg Gate
• Neuschwanstein Castle and Linderhof Castle – south of Munich, book a full-day trip

Week 2: Poland for 7 days

Poland is the fifth most populous member state and has the sixth-largest economy in the EU. It currently has 17 UNESCO world heritage sites filled with WWII history and medieval architecture. So much so that you’ll feel as if the time has turned back.

The best way to get to Poland from Germany is by train. You could also ride the bus or fly, which is the fastest but most expensive option. 

Must-see places in Poland

• Krakow: Wieliczka Salt Mine , Auschwitz-Birkenau Camps , Schindler’s Factory , Old Town Segway Tour
• Malbork Castle
• Warsaw: Chopin Concert , POLIN Museum , City Tour
• Crooked Forest

Week 3: Czech Republic for 7 days

The Czech Republic or Czechia, has the most castles in Europe and is the seventh safest country to live in the world. It also has the largest ancient castle; its most popular sport is ice hockey. What I love most about the Czech Republic is the capital city Prague.

This city offers the classic European experience; cobbled stones, castles, tasty beer, and yummy dishes. All without spending too much compared to Germany or Austria. Once you finish exploring all the historical sites of Czechia, don’t forget to treat yourself to a nice dinner (or two!) at one of the best restaurants in Prague .

Coming from Poland, start your trip to Ostrava or travel all the way to Brno and spend 3 days, then finish your trip in Prague and spend 4 days. Just like the transportation from Germany to Poland, the most recommended form of transport from Poland to Czech is via train or bus. Other options include driving a car rental or flying.

Must-see places in Czechia :

• Prague: Evening Cruise , Prague Castle , Sedlec Ossuary, Old Town and Astronomical Clock . St. Vitus Cathedral
• Association of Czech Paradise
• Cesky Krumlov Castle
• Sedlec Ossuary
• The Konopiste Castle
• State Castle and Chateau Český

Itinerary #2: Switzerland, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary

The second cluster of countries for your 3-week holiday in Central Europe are Austra, Slovakia, Hungary, and Switzerland.

The winter months in these countries are from December to February, so the perfect months to travel to these countries if you want to enjoy the snow and do some snow-centric sports and activities are from late December to late February. 

Week 1: Switzerland and Austria for 7 days

3 weeks in Central Europe is simply incomplete without visiting stunning Switzerland. It is a mountainous country with numerous villages, lakes, and the high peaks of the Alps. That’s why the perfect mode of transportation when getting around this country is by train so that you’ll get a chance to take in all of the scenic routes.

It is also home to two of the world’s most liveable cities, Zurich and Geneva. Here’s a more detailed Switzerland itinerary for 7 days .

Another country on this list is Austria. This country is also mountainous, like Switzerland. And along with Switzerland, they form what people call the neutral core of Europe. Austria has the world’s oldest zoo in the world and is well-known for its mountain railways and trains. 

Must-see place in Switzerland and Austria

Switzerland:

• Mount Pilatus – you can enjoy a cable car ride and cogwheel train or t ake a day trip from Zurich
• The Matterhorn
• Grindlewald and Interlaken – combine these two spots in one trip
• Jungfraujoch
• Join a city tour of Zurich
• Lake Lugano and Ticino
• Take a cruise on Lake Geneva
• Lindt Home and Museum – get your ticket
• Lake Oeschinen
• Rhine Falls – exciting boat tour
• Tandem Paragliding over Interlaken

Austria: Get a hop-on, hop -off bus ticket for Vienna to travel around easier, if you enjoy exploring on your own, get the Vienna Pass to must-see places in the city.

• Attend a Mozart Concert – at Vienna Golden Hall
• Altstadt Salzburg
• Giant Ferries Wheel Rides – get a skip-the-line ticket
• Melk Benedectine Abbey
• Mozart House and Museum – enjoy a classical concert
• Belvedere Palace – get your ticket
• Vienna Central Cemetery – join a spooky tour
• Schönbrunn Palace – book a tour
• Vivaldi’s Four Season Concert – at Karlkirche
• Swarovski Crystal Worlds – buy your entrance ticket

Week 2: Slovakia for 7 days

Slovakia is a country filled with historical cities, enchanting castles, and wine-growing valleys. This country has the highest wooden altar in the world, the Basilica of St. James, which is located in the town of Levoca. You can also find the tallest cave column here, called Krásnohorská cave. Both of these became UNESCO world heritage sites. 

For art lovers, they have the second-largest collection of Andy Warhol’s works. The recommended mode of transportation to get to Slovakia from Austria is through riding a bus. Aside from that, you can also board the train, drive a car rental, or use rideshare.

Must-see places in Slovakia :

• Bojnice Castle
• The Blue Church
• Bratislava – bus tour or walkin g tour
• Alpine Skiing
• Dobsinska Ice Cave
• High Tatras
• Devin Castle – join a tour
• Slovak Karst National Park

Week 3: Hungary for 7 days

Hungary is a landlocked country where the world-famous city of Budapest is located. It has a cityscape filled with neoclassical buildings, castle hills, and other architectural landmarks. It is one of the oldest countries in Europe, founded in 895.

Budapest has the most thermal springs in the world, ideal for those who want to unwind and relax. The recommended option to travel to Hungary from Slovakia is via train. Other than that, you can also ride a bus, drive a car or use rideshare.

Must-see places in Hungary

• Danube Cruise – Night Cruise or Day Cruise
• Buda Castle
• Szechenyi Thermal Bath – full-day spa tour
• The Great Synagogue – book a tour
• Anna Cave of Miskolc-Lillafüred
• Hungarian Open-Air Museum
• Eger Castle
• Visegrad Royal Palace
• Basilica of Esztergom

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN CENTRAL EUROPE ITINERARY

You’re now familiar with the various tourist destinations in Central Europe. But before we end this article, I want to provide you with some tips when going to central Europe, especially for first-timers.

First, make sure that you check if visas are required for each country because while some of them don’t, there are still some that require them, and it might ruin your 3- weeks in Central Europe vacation plan.

Next is to travel during the off-season because that’s when accommodations are less expensive and you can also avoid crowds. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes as you’ll do a lot of walking if you want to explore scenic cities.

I hope that you found these itineraries for 3 weeks in Central Europe holiday helpful in creating your own itinerary.

SAVE THESE ITINERARIES ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARD:

9 Day Western Europe Road Trip Itinerary: France to Switzerland

I’m the type that wants to see as much as I can in an area during my vacation, which leads me to planning road trips almost every time we travel! I love hitting the road as it is an affordable way to see more of the country and get outside of the busy tourist traps to see more of the country side and points along the way. We’ve road tripped around Ireland and Eastern Europe (Budapest to Auschwitz) , and today I’m bringing your our 9-day road trip itinerary around Western Europe, from Paris France to Switzerland!

Follow along on our journey, and road trip itinerary, and then you can explore each of our stops and daily itineraries in more details by visiting their specific post.

9 Day Western Europe Road Trip Itinerary

Our trip began with a flight into Paris, France. We arrived on an early morning flight and headed right to the rental car booth to pick-up our rental and then we were off on our first day’s adventure!

Day 1: Semois Valley in Belgium & Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

After picking up our rental car, we headed north to the south-eastern corner of Belgium, part of the Ardennes region. The pictures of this area were absolutely gorgeous online, but one area in particular really caught my eye. I wanted to see the Semois Valley that was looped on three side by a river – and what better way to experience that than in a kayak!

It was just shy of a 3 hour drive here from the Paris airport, which was a perfect mid-way stop on our first days drive. After a leisurely kayaking trip to experience this beautiful area of Belgium, we were back on the road and off to see Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.

I was genuinely surprised by this city and would love to spend more time here someday. The Casemates du Bock were absolutely fascinating, and we also just really enjoyed walking around this city with it’s unique character.

• Kayak Semos River – Poupehan to Alle
• Casemates du Bock

Total Drive Time: 4 hours

—> See our Belgium & Luxembourg Day in depth!

Day 2: Strasbourg & Colmar, France

Our second day we were up early and off to explore again! We didn’t have too much driving to do on this second day, which gave us lots of time to explore two really beautiful cities. Our first stop took us to Strasbourg which is right on the France/Germany border and has actually transitioned back and forth between belonging to each of these two countries over the years. The architecture felt very German with wood timbered buildings.

A highlight of this stop was experiencing the bell towers go off right at noon and feeling a part of the experience with a small bustling crowd around us all reveling in the moment.

After spending some time wandering here, we were off to our next stop on the map, Colmar. I was a little disappointed in Colmar only because I really enjoyed Strasbourg so much that Colmar felt like a little bit of a let down. Still, it was a beautiful city and a great place to stop for the night while we explored the nearby regional park.

• Strasbourg cathedral
• Little Venice
• Parc Naturel Regional Ballons des Vosges

Total Drive Time: 3 hr 15 mins

—> Follow this days journey through Strasbourg & Colmar

Day 3: Murren, Switzerland

The absolute highlight of our entire trip was the time we spent in Switzerland. It is a country that is beautiful beyond words and hard to even really take in the majesty of this place. We stayed the night up at the top of the mountainside in a small village and it really gives you a fresh perspective on life seeing the slower-paced way to live.

Once settled in to where we would stay for the night, it was off to explore the area with some hiking and a visit to Trummelbach falls where the melting glaciers cut down through the interior of the Swiss Alps. It’s an incredible sight, if you can handle the roaring sound and a bunch of stairs.

• Gondola to Murren
• Trummelbach Waterfall

Total Drive Time:  2 hr 30 mins

—> Follow our journey to Murren, Switzerland and valley !

Day 4: Jungfrau & Bern, Switzerland

The next morning, we were off to the Top of Europe , a tourist spot built atop one of the peaks in the Swiss Alps mountain range. While this spot was touristy and overpriced, I still consider it a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we really enjoyed! The glaciers were really incredible and it was a view like none other.

After a few hours getting up and back and checking out the attractions there, we were back to our rental car and on the road to Bern, Switzerland. This was another city that caught me by surprise. It wasn’t an intentional stop other than it was about the right distance we wanted to drive for the day. We were both really glad we didn’t miss the chance to see Bern .

The city was mostly destroyed by fire in the early 1400’s and was rebuilt and the result is rows of buildings with a seamless look that is absolutely stunning. That paired with the authentic cobblestone roads and winding river give Bern so much character. We loved walking around this town, and of course stopping for some fondue for dinner.

• Train to Jungfrau – Top of Europe – 1 hr 30 mins
• Drive to Bern, Switzerland

Total Travel Time:  4 hrs (3 hrs via train)

—-> Don’t miss all the details on our Jungrau & Bern visit .

Day 5: Troyes, France

On the 5th day of our Western Europe road trip, we knocked out a pretty big portion of our remaining drive time spending about 4 and a half hours on the road. With all the walking up to this point of the trip, we were just fine with spending some time on the road to see the beautiful and remote French countryside as we made our way back towards Paris.

We arrived to Troyes by early afternoon and checked into our airbnb and then were off again by foot to see the city. There’s a lot of history here and it was a really fascinating city to explore. We stumbled across a game store and had to pick up the highly ranked board game, Troyes (named after the city)!

• Drive to Troyes – 4 hr 30 mins

Total Drive Time:  4 hr 30 mins

—> See all of our time in Troyes & Provins

Day 6: Provins & Paris, France

The next day, we were off to Paris, and so excited! We planned a stop at Provins along the route to break up our remaining day’s drive and also ended up stopping at an impressive chateau just outside of Provins. Exploring these two areas filled a good portion of our day, but we still set out on foot to see some of Paris after we returned our rental car and had settled into our flat for the next few days.

See the post link above that covers both Troyes & Provins parts of our trip around Western Europe for more details!

• Chateau de Vaux le Vicomte
• Drive to Paris – 1 hr 15 mins

Total Drive Time:  2 hrs 30 mins

Day 7-9: Paris, France

The last 3 days of our trip we spent in Paris. It gave us enough time to get a good feel for the city and see some of the top things we wanted to see, like the Sacre-Coeur, the Eiffel Tower, and the Catacombs. There’s a ton to see and experience in Paris, but just walking around the city and getting a feel for it was really enjoyable for us.

Of course visiting some of the major attractions added to the highlights of our trip, but we really took Paris at a slower pace which let us just wander, eat amazing food, and try our best to soak in all the culture of this incredible city.

We’ll likely come back to Paris again someday, and add it on to a trip with London and Amsterdam in the mix, but until we can make our way back here we were really thrilled with our entire trip. We’re also planning a trip back to Switzerland (and looping in Italy) as we want to spend more time in that region as well.

—> See everything we did during our time in Paris, France .

I hope this itinerary helped inspire you to set off on your own western Europe road trip! It really provides such an incredible way to see a lot of the world even if you only have a short window of time to do so.

Kelly Mahan

Monday 23rd of July 2018

This is surely my dream-trip! I can't wait to go to every single one of these places!

15 Best France Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Driving Tips!)

Chock full of storybook-worthy villages, beautiful castles, and incredibly epic and diverse nature–from the Alps to the beaches of the Riviera to the lavender fields of Provence and the cliffs of Etretat and beyond–it’s not hard to understand why taking a France road trip tops so many bucket lists around the world.

Throw in excellent roads, a great travel infrastructure, and enough exciting places to see that you could spend a lifetime traversing it without turning over every stone, there’s no doubt that a road trip through France is an amazing way to see the country.

We’ve rounded up the best France road trip itinerary ideas here, covering all corners of the country–plus included important France driving tips you’ll need to know before setting off!

Table of Contents

Logistical Tips for Driving in France

Other france road trip tips, 15 of the best road trips in france.

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Rent the smallest car you can.

Especially if you’re coming from the USA like us, you’ll likely find French roads–especially in small villages and in the countryside–are smaller than what you’re used to.

Save on gas, rental costs, and stress while driving in France by renting the smallest car you can manage to fit yourselves and your belongings into.

We recommend searching for your (tiny) rental car through Discover Cars , which will allow you to sift through all your options and choose the right car for you based on price, the reputation of the company that is renting it, and the terms of the rental contract.

Book your rental car for your France road trip today!

Plan on renting a manual, or prepare to pay.

Like the rest of Europe, manual cars are the norm in France.

If you only drive automatic, you’ll absolutely be able to find a car to rent for your France road trip… but be prepared to plan ahead (especially if you’re traveling during the busy season when the cars get reserved quickly), and to pay extra fees for the privilege.

Always carry cash… just in case. 

While you can generally pay tolls (and they are pricey–budget accordingly!) with a Visa or Mastercard in France, you never know when you’re going to need cash for gas or small restaurants.

When taking a driving in France, it’s best to always have some Euros with you–and don’t forget to carry small coins for bathroom fees!

Plan your parking in advance.

This especially applies overnight–ie, look for hotels that include parking or have a plan for parking listed–but also during day trips. 

For example, our trip to Cassis would have been much easier if we had researched the parking situation beforehand and paid to reserve a spot in one of the parking garages in town.

For hotels, we use Booking.com and ideally look for places using the “free parking onsite” filter.

Depending on where you are going during your road trip in France, though, free parking may not be possible–in that case, carefully check and see what hotels have reasonably-priced parking nearby.

A hotel that is an extra 20 Euros/night may end up being an excellent deal if there’s inexpensive parking nearby!

Strongly consider purchasing extra insurance.

Driving on unfamiliar roads in a foreign country is always going to be an exercise in risk-taking.

While driving in France is typically perfectly safe, if you’re not used to driving in congested urban environments or driving abroad, we’d recommend that you strongly consider purchasing additional CDW (collision damage) insurance for your vehicle–though going through the rental agency is often the most expensive place you can buy this coverage.

Check first to see if your credit card covers it (and in France specifically–not just in your home country), and if they don’t, some insurance policies do.

Get a quote to insure your France road trip today!

Not all gas stations are self-service.

We’ve come across both self-service and attendant-provided gas stations in France–when you pull up to get gas, take a quick look around to see what the other drivers are doing before jumping out of your car!

An International Driver’s Permit isn’t required. 

Unlike in Italy, an International Driver’s Permit isn’t required to rent a car or drive in France (though you do, of course, need to be licensed to drive–for example, driver’s licenses from our home country of the USA are valid for driving in France as a tourist).

However, if your license is written in something other than English or French, or you just want to make any potential communication easier, you may want to consider getting one anyway.

Your life will be easier if you buy a French SIM card.  

This assumes your phone is unlocked, of course, but seriously: getting a local SIM card before taking off on your road trip in France will make your life so much easier!

Having access to everything from a GPS to restaurant reviews is a huge benefit of traveling in the modern age, and bringing those tools along with you as you explore France by car is a fantastic idea.

You can absolutely purchase a local SIM card once you arrive, but if you want to get everything set up before you go, you can also purchase a France SIM card at home in advance.

Pack toilet paper.

Rest stops along highways in France will generally have toilets, but toilet paper is far from guaranteed–best to bring your own just in case.

I usually carry a pack of these with me in my purse when I travel, and they’ve come in handy more than once when driving in France.

Brush up on your French.

Ubiquitous advice for traveling in France, I know, and not exclusive to a road trip in France, but I promise that at least being able to ask for (and follow) simple driving directions in French–not to mention reading basic road signs–will make your France road trip much better!

The first rule of road trips in France: leave room for spontaneity!

One of the best things about taking a road trip in France is that no matter how carefully you plan, no matter how much research you do, you’re still bound to show up in the country and be blown away by something you had never heard of before.

So, just roll with it… and leave room for new discoveries.

I’m a big planner myself, so I get the urge to organize every. last. detail. 

… But during our own trips exploring France by car, I’m also so glad that we randomly decided to spend extra time in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, that we gave Port Miou a chance when we saw photos of how lovely it was, that we delayed our departure from Annecy because its market was coming to town, and that we ended up cutting Roussillon from our Luberon Valley trip because we simply weren’t ready to say goodbye to Goult.

In other words: sketch an outline of your days and nights, yes, but be open to changes. Those stops may just end up being some of your favorite stops during your France road trip!

Pay attention to market days (and show up early).

Visiting local markets in all of France’s adorable villages is one of my favorite parts of taking a road trip in France: with a car, there’s no need to worry about managing train times or having to skip the tiniest villages.

If at all possible, aim to visit towns on their market days. Depending on the town, this is generally one, two, or three times a week. Many villages have a small daily market, with larger markets on certain days–those are the ones to aim for.

Also: show up early! Early in the morning is the absolute best time to visit markets on your France road trip. You’ll get to experience both the smallest crowds and also have your pick of the best products before they potentially sell out for the day.

Pack a picnic on travel days.

All those markets full of delicious bread, cheese, meat, and produce that you pass each day? Those are your future lunch!

Double up on practical purchases and fun experiences in France by using market days to stock up on picnic materials to use during your days spent driving in France.

Rest stops in France are plentiful along the highways (look for the signs for “aires”), and are generally very clean and well-stocked, with some even including restaurants.

Don’t change locations every day.

Packing your bags, checking in and out of a hotel, loading the car, unloading the car… all of these things may not seem like much, but by the fifth or sixth day in a row, you’ll be incredibly tired of doing it.

These kinds of transitions eat up way more of each day of your France road trip than the estimated driving time between whatever two towns you’re visiting–so do yourself a favor and limit the number of times you swap lodging.

Instead, set up a series of bases for at least a few days each, and use your rental car to take day trips from there.

For example, we used Avignon as a base to visit the Luberon Valley and Alpilles, and Aix-en-Provence as a base to visit Cassis!

Focus primarily on smaller towns & natural attractions.

Don’t get me wrong–we adore France’s cities, but places like Paris, Lyon, and Nice don’t require a car to visit–quite the opposite. A car is a hindrance there!

One of our France driving tips is to focus on the smaller towns, beautiful countryside, dramatic castles, and endless natural highlights (beaches, lakes, mountains–you choose!) that make up this incredibly diverse and beautiful country.

If you hope to include any of France’s major cities as part of your itinerary, we recommend visiting them at the beginning or end of your trip and only renting your car when you’re ready to leave and head to smaller towns.

The slow pace is part of the fun.

Often, the best memories from a trip are the ones where you let go of the long wish list of towns and villages you hope to see, the markets you want to visit, and the tourist sights you can’t miss and just. breathe.

I learn this again virtually every time I go to France: some of my best memories in the country are of the day we did literally nothing but walk around Colmar and admire how beautiful it was, the day we lounged in Paris’ Luxembourg Gardens all afternoon, the days we’ve sat at outdoor cafes for hours because the sunshine and people-watching felt too good to leave behind, and the long, leisurely lunch we ate in Goult .

Each and every one of those memories is something we exchanged for missing out on a piece of sightseeing or photo-taking or research we had planned to do–something that seemed important at the time.

I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything.

Write down where you go.

Sure, no one is going to forget visiting Nice or Aix-en-Provence… but that tiny town with the cute fruit stand you passed through that one afternoon? Yeah, that name will fade almost immediately.

You’ll want to remember the names of all the small villages you visited, pretty beaches you swam at, cozy restaurants you ate at, and hiking trails you conquered long after your France road trip is finished, so write them down as you go!

Jeremy loves to star the places we visit on Google maps, and I keep my own record in my One Line a Day journal that I’ve been keeping daily for years (and highly recommend!).

Alsace Wine Route

From Arzo of Arzo Travels

A  fun road trip to take is from Strasbourg to Colmar (or the other way around) which is also known as the Alsace Wine Route .

Especially in the summer months (or early fall), it is a beautiful drive with scenic window views and many beautiful towns, villages, and cities along the way.

The Alsace Wine Route is one of the most famous road trips in France and besides being a beautiful place, it has a lot about…well, you guessed it, wine. 

Start your trip in Strasbourg (which is not officially part of the Alsace wine route), the beautiful main city in the region, and explore what it has to offer, including lots of half-timbered houses and many medieval buildings, and then plan in time for stops like Obernai, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Eguisheim.

These are all beautiful little villages, though Riquewihr is probably the prettiest of all. 

Then it is time to end your tour in Colmar where you can end your road trip and explore one of the cutest towns in the country.

If you are a wine drinker, you can visit the vineyards along the way and try out some of the local wines in the wineries or restaurants. They are supposed to be some of the best wines in the country!

Driving Distance

170km or 105 miles.

Recommended Road Trip Length

3 days is the absolute minimum for this road trip. 4 or 5 days are the better options if you do not want to rush and like to do some wine tasting.

Marseilles to Nice

From Chrysoula of Travel Passionate

After exploring Marseilles , why not head eastwards along the gorgeous coastal road to Nice? The drive is best done at a leisurely pace over a few days so you can savor the delights of Provence and the Cȏte d’Azur. 

The coastal road has many spectacular views and the first is as you leave Marseilles. Les Calanques are dramatic, sheer-sided coastal inlets that have been carved through the limestone and they can be found between Marseilles, Cassis , and La Ciotat. 

A little further on you will be tempted by the seven beautiful sandy beaches of La Croix Valmer.

The first main stop is St Tropez, a favorite with the international jet-set in the sixties. It is still popular for its beaches and nightlife. Those ‘in the know’ explore Port Grimaud- the Crêpes au Chocolat (chocolate pancakes) and cider are worth sampling. 

Cannes is another famous city, loved by the super-rich and known for its international film festival. Antibes lies close to Nice and is a delightful old town with ramparts and once Picasso’s home. 

There will be many other detours inland to make to Domaines (wineries) to sample the area’s superb rosé and villages like Maximin-Le-Sainte- Baume with its famous basilica and Grasse (north of Cannes) is world-famous for its perfume industry. 

St Paul de Vence is loved by painters and writers. When you arrive in Nice, you will be able to park the car and leave it, as there is a large traffic-free zone in the center.

235 km or 146 miles.

Suggested Road Trip Length

It takes around 3 hours to drive between Marseille and Nice but if you really want to enjoy the area explore Marseille, Nice and a few towns between I suggest you spend around 4 to 5 days on this South of France road trip.

The Champagne Route

From Jane and Duncan from To Travel Too

Without a doubt, France’s Champagne Route is one of the most popular driving tours in the country.

When driving the  Champagne Route of France there are several routes to consider, including Massif Saint Thiery Route the northern route starting from Reims, Marne Valley Route from Epernay, and the Cote des Blancs Route from the south of Epernay. There are also others, or you can mix and match to create your own France road trip route!

If you only want to visit some of the major towns you can start from Troyes and head to Epernay, then onto Reims.

There are many small towns and villages around the Champagne region to visit.  The routes will take you past beautiful chateaux, quaint villages, churches, and many champagne houses.

The major champagne houses such as Mercier and Moet Chandon can be found in Epernay and in Reims you can visit Veuve Clicquot, Mumm, Taittinger and many smaller boutique champagnes houses as well.

The best months to visit are between May and October.

The Champagne region is easy to travel to from Paris.  The journey from Paris to Reims is only 45 minutes and from Paris to Epernay 1 hour 10 minutes.

The distance from Troyes to Epernay is 112 km or 70 miles, and Epernay to Reims is 29 km or 16 miles.

You can visit either town on a day trip and visit some of the Champagne Houses within walking distance of the train station.  The ideal time to enjoy all that the Champagne region has to offer is between 5 – 7 days.

The Opal Coast

From Nichola of Globalmouse Travels

Paris to Normandy Road Trip

The following Paris to Normandy road trip is ideal for those looking to escape the city for a few days to a natural and verdant environment.

From Paris, go north to Mont Saint Michel (4-hour drive), where you should stay for at least 1 night. Consider taking the toll-free road which adds 30 minutes to your driving time, but gives you the chance to drive through Normandy’s charming villages and countryside. 

Once you’ve checked into your hotel, walk, bike, or take public transportation to the island that is Mont Saint Michel. When visiting Mont Saint Michel during low tide, go onto the island, grab a spot along the high stone wall and witness the rising of the tide as the sea surrounds the island, isolating it from the mainland.

The next day, drive east to Étretat. Consider spending half a day to a full day here.

While Giverny may have been home to impressionist painters, Étretat was their inspiration. Étretat sits on the Normandy coast and is home to where grayish-white limestone cliffs meet the untamed blue sea. The cliff tops are paved with dirt paths and staircases making them accessible for walking, hiking, and sight-seeing.

On your way back to Paris from Étretat, stop in Honfleur to aimlessly walk through the port and old town. The various architectures are beautiful in their own right: the medieval old town and the port with its tightly packed, vertical, colorful buildings. When you’ve finished exploring Honfleur, it’s an estimated 2.5-hours drive to Paris.

This road trip from Paris through Normandy and back can be comfortably done in 3 days. 

The French Alps from Chamonix

From Whitney of Designs for Travel

One of the most incredible road trips in France is through the Frech Alps.  With the beautiful green mountains (or white in the snowy season), aqua blue lakes, and quaint chalets, the Frech Alps is one of the most picturesque areas in Europe. 

This Frech Alps road trip is a loop that starts and ends in the popular adventure town of Chamonix.  The closest major airport is Geneva, Switzerland.

Start in Chamonix, a beautiful resort town at the base of Mont Blanc.  It’s one of the best places to ski in the winter, but I recommend taking this trip in the summer, where you can take a gondola to the top, and enjoy the panoramic views and do some hiking. 

The next stop on this road trip is 1 hour and 20 minutes west, to the gorgeous alpine town of Annecy .  The pristine lake, river, cobbled old town, pastel cottages, and medieval chateau make Annecy a must-see town in the Alps. 

From here, head east to Le Grand Bornand, another beautiful alpine resort town.  Drive back to Chamonix for a raclette dinner, which is sure to be a favorite meal.

After visiting France, if you have more time, you can drive south to Italy to continue your road trip.

130 miles, 210 kilometers.

This road trip itinerary can easily be done in 3 days and if you have more time, a week is even better!

Gorges du Verdon + Valensole Plateau Road Trip

From Elisa of France Bucket List

This 2-day road trip in Southern France covers the Verdon National Park and some of the best  lavender fields in Provence . This French road trip starts in the city of Aix-en-Provence, and it takes two days. Aix-en-Provence is the quintessential Provencal city with many interesting things to see and do. Ideally, take one day or two to visit Aix-en-Provence before hitting the road.

From Aix-en-Provence, drive to Valensole, a pretty small town world-known for its lavender fields. Enjoy these never-ending seas of ‘blue gold’- it is not only beautiful to see, but it also smells very good!

Back to the road, drive to the Verdon National Park and stop at Esparron de Verdon and Lac Quinson de Verdon, two small lakes with absolutely no crowds. At Lac de Quinson, you can rent a kayak or an electric road and explore the Gorges du Verdon from the water.

Spend the night at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a picturesque hilltop village with the label ‘most beautiful villages in France’.

Day two visits Lac Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. This is the main lake in the area, and the perfect place to relax on the beach and have a picnic with a view. In the afternoon, visit the hilltop village of Aiguines, which is less touristy than Moustiers and with a more local atmosphere.  Have an alfresco dinner in one of the two restaurants on the main square before driving back to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for the last night of this road trip.

270 km, 168 miles.  

This road trip lasts two days. Add one or two more days if you want to visit Aix-en-Provence.

Bordeaux + France’s West Coast

From Kat of Wandering Bird

If you’re looking for a mixture of beautiful sandy beaches, cities, and dramatic scenery, head for the west coast of France. 

You can begin your trip almost anywhere along the coast, but let’s start in the major hub of Bordeaux. Here you can hire a car or camper van and set off on your adventure, but take a day or two first to explore this beautiful city.

If you only have one day, focus your time on the Cathedral and the mirror pool (you’ll need to wake up very early to nab photos here without the crowds).

Once you leave the city, you have some choices to make. Do you want wine, sea, or one of the most incredible natural wonders you’ve ever seen?

Bordeaux is surrounded by vineyards and they are all worth visiting. If you’re  touring France in a motorhome , you can even stay overnight at many of the vineyards (no worrying about drinking and driving!)

If you want to be wowed, head to Arcachon and the jaw-dropping Dune du Pilat. This natural wonder is the largest sand dune in Europe, standing at around 106m high and runs for nearly 3km. Walking up it is not for the faint-hearted!

Lastly, if you want to see more of the beautiful Atlantic coastline, head up to Île de Ré. This stunning island has some beautiful beaches and is a great place to witness the incredible sunsets you find on the French coast. 

From Dune du Pilat to Île de Ré (past Bordeaux), this driving trip in France is 276 km or 172 miles.

You can drive from Dune du Pilat to Île de Ré in under 3 hours if traffic is clear.

However, we recommend at least a day in Bordeaux, a day near the dune and Arcachon, and a day on Ile de Re, so allow at least 3/ 4 days for your trip. 

Calais to the Pyrenees Loop

From Jenny of TraveLynn Family

For those located in the UK, Calais is an obvious starting point for a France road trip as it’s a short crossing from Kent, either on the ferry or Eurotunnel. This Calais to the Pyrenees road trip  itinerary does a big loop down to the Pyrenees via the Auvergne and Perpignan, then back up again via Bayonne, Île d’Oléron, and the Loire Valley, returning to Calais.

Between each stop is about 4 to 5 hours of driving, although do note that this is along tolled roads (which can add up, but they are very efficient).

Staying at campsites, this summer itinerary steers away from main tourist sites and explores the French countryside, rather than the cities. It is advisable to take a bike to explore each stop further using the many cycle lanes and marked tracks. And don’t forget to pack your swimsuit , as there are lots of opportunities for a dip to cool off after a day of exploring.

From the peaceful wooded valleys of the Auvergne to the Catalan charm of the Western Mediterranean; the majestic peaks of the Pyrenees to the fashionable beaches of the Basque country; and the idyllic fishing villages of Ile d’Oléron to the chateaux of the Loire Valley steeped in history; each stop is notably distinct from the other, providing a true cross-section of cultures and landscapes across the French countryside.

2005 miles 0r 3225 kilometers (using toll roads).

The French Alps From Grenoble

From Sasha of The Alternative Travel Guide

149  km / 92 miles.

Recommended Trip Length

Gorges du Tarn

Gorges du Tarn  offers one of the most scenic landscapes in Southern France, which makes it the perfect destination for a road trip. This loop road trip will take you along the rivers Tarn and La Jonte in the Causses and Cévennes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The trip starts and ends in Millau, a sleepy Medieval town, famous for the tallest bridge in the world – the Millau Viaduct. After visiting the bridge, head to the hamlet of Peyre, which is literally glued to the rocks – a fine example of the so-called ‘ troglodyte ’ villages. The area abounds in this type of dwellings, where the backside is carved into the rocks and only the façade is at street level.

After Peyre, head upstream the Tarn all the way to Florac. The dramatic gorge, cut by the Tarn, is dotted with a string of cute little villages and hamlets: Les Vignes, La Malène, Hauterives, Saint-Chély-du-Tarn, Sainte-Enimie, Prades, Castelbouc, Ispagnac.

At Les Vignes make a detour (11 km/ 7 miles) to Point Sublime for the most breathtaking views of the gorge. At La Malène, you can take a boat tour on the Tarn with the famous flat-bottom boats of Les Bateliers.

Another village that deserves more attention is Sainte-Enimie. Together with Peyre, it’s included on the official list of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.

From Florac, take D16 across Causse Méjean and visit the incredible cave, Aven Armand. Afterward, take D986 to Meyrueis and continue downstream La Jonte, following D996 and Gorges de la Jonte. The last stop on this road trip, before you return to Millau, are the twin towns of Le Rozier and Peyreleau.

215 km or 135 miles.

Although you can cover the whole distance in one day, I highly recommend that you do this in at least 3 or 4 days. The best time to do the trip is in the summer – between June and September, as in the low season as most places will be closed.

Cannes to Saint-Tropez

From Elena of Passion for Hospitality

The Côte d’Azur, or the French Riviera , is one of the most breathtaking coastlines, lined with picturesque cosmopolitan coastal towns and villages, golden beaches, rich nature scenes, the southeast corner of France has been blessed by natural beauty.

Driving from Cannes to St. Tropez is definitely a good way for those seeking to discover the gems of the French Riviera while enjoying a relaxed hustle-free little trip. 

To get the most out of the road-trip make sure to start early in the morning from Cannes. The first stop is Theoule-sur-Mer, a small medieval town located on the Golfe de La Napoule. Enjoy breathtaking views of the bay La Pointe de l’Aiguille or grab a delicious coffee and croissant before departing for the next destination, the resort town of St. Raphael.

We recommend enjoying lunch by the harbor’s restaurants and later, losing yourself around the narrow streets of the colorful old town. The last stop before reaching St. Tropez, where an overnight stop is recommended, is Saint Maxime, a quiet small village which landscape has inspired and continues to do so for many artists and writers.

Depending on your budget there are many different accommodations options, from simple cozy apartments by the beach, to luxurious resorts. 

Alongside the coastal road, there are many little spots scattered, where drivers could take a quick stop to admire the dazzling views, take a few photographs or stretch their legs. 

85 kilometers / 53 Miles 

It is an hour and a half car trip from one city to the other. With the short and one overnight stop, we recommend 2 days enough for this trip.

Toulouse to Andorra Loop

From Ucman of BrownBoyTravels

The tiny sovereign state of Andorra is a mere 190km from Toulouse and makes a perfect road trip back and forth which can be easily done over a weekend. 

Leaving Toulouse in the early morning, you will head in the southwestern direction to the highway. If you want a more scenic route head to Lacroix-Falgarde. The small rural roads will eventually lead you towards the Pyrenees. The Pyrenees appear shortly and the midi- Pyrenees towns and villages take over.

They are perfect for a coffee break or if you are going slowly, for a lunch break. These quaint little villages and towns offer a great insight into the southern french style of life. The streets are neatly trimmed and the everblooming shadow of Pyrenees mountain range dominates everything ever so lovingly.

The drive here is quite easy and simple but that changes significantly when you reach the mountain range. The roads become narrow and the sharp turns take over. The elevation also increases quite dramatically, make sure to take a break to pop your ears. 

The drive is really beautiful here especially in winter with the snow but also quite dangerous, black snow is a real threat here so drive with caution. 

If you drive fast you can cover this entire distance from Toulouse to Andorra La Vella in 3-4 hours but I’d recommend taking a day and going slow to enjoy the scenery. (Make sure to bring your passport although most of the time there are no border checks).

It is quite easy to drive around in Andorra from the ski slopes of Encamp to the quaint little town of Ordino or if you just want a relaxed weekend the beautiful spas of Andorra la Vella. If you like shopping, Andorra offers duty-free shopping , there something for everyone here.

The road trip to Andorra from Toulouse is a memorable and easy France driving trip.

120 miles or 190 kilometers.

2-3 days is enough to enjoy this France road trip itinerary.

Brittany Road Trip in France

From Victoria of Guide Your Travel

This driving route will be between 800 and 100 kilometres, 500 – 620 miles.

Montpellier to Toulouse Loop

Finally, you should head 100 km to Toulouse. Toulouse is nicknamed “la Ville Rose” – the pink city – because so many of the buildings are made from pinkish bricks. Important sites to visit are Basilique Saint-Sernin, the largest romanesque church in Europe. It also has more relics in the crypt than any other church in France, many of which are from Charlemagne (9th century).

You should also spend time at Place du Capitole and the square in front of it. Some parts of the building date back to the 12th century. It has beautiful frescos and offers tours.

Montpellier – Carcassonne – Toulouse is 245 km or 150 miles.

It would take about 3 hours to drive this France road trip route straight through without stopping. However, to truly enjoy each location, I would give yourself a minimum of 5 days.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

10 thoughts on “15 Best France Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Driving Tips!)”

hello :) just finished reading your ” escape clause” and i found some great tips so just like to thank you for that first of all. I’m planning on travelling to France by car from west Yorkshire in the UK for a 10 day holiday in total, we would start of by a 5 hour drive to dover then get the ferry crossing to Calais and carry on from there. we will have a 3 year old and a 1 year old too with us so we want to see plenty of beaches and coastal scenery. i wondered if you could maybe point us in the right direction on places to visit/stay ( ideally 2 different locations on family friendly campsites with lodges or tents) and go off on day trips from there if that makes sense :) look forward to hearing back from you guys iain

Hi Iain! Unfortunately, we haven’t had a chance to spend much time in northwestern France (we were supposed to this year, but alas, 2020 had other plans). I can tell you our personal wish list in that general corner of France, though, includes all the major hits: Etretat, Le Havre, Honfleur, Lille, Rouen, and if you get that far south, of course, Mont Saint-Michel. Etretat is ideal for the coastal scenery you mentioned!

Wish we had more detail to offer, but there are some stunning places up that way!

Staggering beauty here Kate. Wow. France surprises me with its range. Definitely a worthy spot for a serious road trip. Fabulous images guys!

thank you for this! we are planning visit in aug/sept 2022 x 21d staring our in paris and heading toward bordeaux, the sw coast, basque, french pyrenees, and andorra. Wasn’t sure how to finish up the loop back to paris but I would love to incorporate provence. I also love your focus on gorges! I just started following you on IG and will look out for more inspiration!

Thanks so much, Leigh! Sounds like an incredible trip.

We’re toying with a trip to Basque Country and/or Bordeaux ourselves this spring–it never stops being difficult to narrow down our options!

Hope you guys have a wonderful time!

Very good coverage of driving tours in France. One suggestion for drivers I don’t recall was mentioned. After you pick up your car rental stop somewhere and invest in materials to clean your windshield. We have driven thousands of miles on many car trips and estimate that most of the time gas stations don’t have squeegees, sponges, paper towels, or even water available. Well worth the small cost. France is a large agricultural country and bugs abound.

Thanks so much. Very useful

Happy to help!

Hello Kate. I am planning my trip to France. It is our first trip to France. We will fly from New York to Paris and we want to explore France as much as we can within 9 days. We want to rent car and use train if we need. My plan is to start from Paris and go to other nice places including small towns/villages and end up in south and fly back to US from other south city. We need your advice please. Thank you in advance.

With 9 days, the first thing I’d do is narrow down what general region of France you want to visit, as you can access a wide variety of beautiful small towns in that time!

Normandy and Provence are both popular regions for first-time visitors to France, though it sounds like you’re most likely wanting Provence. For Normandy, you might drive right from Paris, and for Provence, you’d likely want to take a train to Aix-en-Provence and then pick up a car. This itinerary covers Provence: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/south-of-france-itinerary/

If you want to stick very close to Paris, consider the Loire Valley.

Other options could include the Bordeaux area (we love St. Emilion: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/saint-emilion-france/ ) or Burgundy ( https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-dijon-france/ ).

You obviously can’t cover all of that, but narrowing down where you want to go will be the first step. France has lifetimes worth of villages to explore. :-)

If you’re wanting to fly home from the south of France, you’ll want to look at flights from Bordeaux (in the west) or Nice, Marseille, Lyon, or Toulouse (in the east).

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Planning a French and Swiss mountain road trip

Updated On 12th February, 2024

I don’t usually talk much about the planning stages of my adventures, I guess because to me it comes second nature now after so much experience.

But honestly? The key to a fun, spontaneous and memorable road trip is  definitely  in the planning so in today’s post I’m going to share with you how I come up with the routes, how I plan the direction and how I pack to ensure I have the perfect recipe for a good time.

I’m currently writing this from the ferry as I make my way over from Dover to Calais ready to road trip my absolute favourite corner of the world over the next eight days –  the French and Swiss alps.

Whilst we don’t have a set plan of where we are going to be, eight days isn’t a lot for how much there is to see in this region so we are most definitely setting out with a rough route idea.

This post is sponsored by Herbal Essences in line with the release of their brand new addition to the bio:renew collection – Micellar water and blue ginger. As you may well know, I’ve been an ambassador for Herbal Essences for over a year now and it’s a partnership I am so proud of, for both of our brand values celebrate adventure, nature and life.

Freshening up with my favourite  Herbal Essences  collections after lake dips, mountain hikes and active adventuring has become a staple on my travels and for this road trip it will be no different. I have my  Micellar Water and Blue ginger  packed and at the ready to keep my hair hydrated and nourished throughout the trip.

(This collection has taken the joint lead with the Strawberry and White Mint as my favourite in the range!)

Shop the collection here.

A step by step guide to planning your road trip:

1. identify the main things you’d like to see and pin them on a google map.

Honestly, if you’ve never used google maps to plot a route / save your favourite places for later – get  involved. It’s an adventurer’s best friend (well it’s definitely mine).

When I’m researching a new destination I set up a fresh google map and plot in the points of interest so that they are in one place and I can effectively plan a route based on their relative locations. I do this for a city, for a beach break and definitely always for road trips.

How to create a google map:  Open google.com/maps and make sure you’re logged into your Google account. Click on the menu and select ‘Your places’. Click on the ‘maps’ tab. Click ‘create map’. Name your map and start pinning!

Here’s the one I created for this road trip:

2. Next, have a look at how close all your desired locations are…

Could you get public transport between them? How far is the first location from home? Could you fly to the destination to save time and hire a car there?

3. Use Pinterest / travel blogs to discover any other hot spots you’d like to guide your route with

Just like you’re here reading my tips and tricks, if ever I get stuck or need inspiration I use Pinterest or Google to discover other bloggers and the travel guides they’ve created.

4. If you’re driving from home, book your ferry. If you’re flying and renting a car – book your seats.

I went on P&O from Dover to Calais which took an hour and a half and when booking the exact times outbound and inbound we secured a return ticket for two at £128.

I used  Direct Ferries  to find the best price and book our return.

5. Book your first nights’ accommodation or all of it, unless you want to be spontaneous

Click here to get £25 off your first Airbnb booking

6. Time to prepare your bags. Time to pack the fun essentials…

– Floaty for the lakes

– Camping stove and pans

– Camping chairs

– Enamel mugs, plates and cutlery

– Speaker

– Passport

Top tips and other things to consider when heading out on your road trip:

– Cost of toll roads (in Switzerland you buy a car tax sticker for 40CHF/£30 but in France it’s payment per toll)

– Petrol (we spent £230 over 8 days which was then split between two of us)

– Travel insurance (make sure you have it!)

– Car insurance (make sure you have it!)

– Arrive at ferry port at least  an hour before departure , check in closes an hour before

– Bring your passport! You are entering a new country. You still go through passport checks at borders!

– You need to meet European driving laws which includes having: GB sticker, headlight beam converters, reflective jackets, breathalyser.  See more here. 

So excited to share this adventure with you. Stay tuned for more!

Have You Been To On A European Road Trip?

What were your favourite spots? I’d love to know!?

Love as always + happy adventuring,

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it for me.

I can’t do this without you.

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IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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The Ultimate 2 Week Road Trip Itinerary in the Alps

The mystery and beauty of the Alps has long captivated travelers with its snow-capped peaks, aquamarine lakes and charming hamlets. If there was ever a perfect road trip destination, I think it would be the Alps. The Alps are one of the ultimate European travel experiences! Even now that I live in Germany , it still feels like a dream to be in the Alps. You never get sick of this magical place.

There are several countries that span the Alps, including Austria, France and Germany, but the most famous of the Alpine countries is of course Switzerland. It goes without saying that Switzerland is stunning and one of my favorite destinations in Europe, but, there are plenty of places to explore in the Alps outside of Switzerland that surprised me (and saved me some Euros!) during our 2 week road trip in the Alps.

While you can’t see all of the Alps in just 2 weeks, you’ll be able to see a lot of these beautiful mountains. In this blog post, I help you plan the perfect 14 day roadtrip through the Alps, making sure that you make the most of this incredible part of Europe. You’ll hardly be disappointed by the places you miss because the places you will go to are going to blow your mind. The Alps are truly stunning and you really can’t go wrong with any destinations in these European mountains! 

What You'll Find In This Post

How to Spend 2 Weeks in the Alps

Overview of this road trip itinerary.

This 2 week road trip itinerary in the Alps will be a circuit route starting and ending in Munich. This road trip includes stops in 4 different countries -- Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany. In total, there will be about 19 hours of driving split across 10 days. The longest stretch of driving is approximately 4.5 hours, but an average of 2 hours per day. 

By starting and ending at the same point (Munich), you can reduce the cost of your rental car by about 200 euros, and it makes the logistics of the arrival and departure less stressful since you can book a round trip flight. If you preferred to book one-way flights, you could easily modify this itinerary to start in Munich and end in Zurich or Geneva by moving up the last three days to the middle of the itinerary. 

Day 1 + 2: Salzburg

For the first day of your Alps road trip, a short two hour drive from Munich to Salzburg is a calming way to warm up your driving skills and get comfortable on the European highways. This drive is straightforward and the terrain is easy, plus you’ll get an impression of the immaculate road conditions on the German autobahn. Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, Salzburg offers a great blend of history, culture and of course, Sound of Music fame. My mom is obsessed with this movie, so I knew I couldn’t pass up a stop here. I dive into all the nitty gritty details about planning two days in Salzburg .

The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its famous landmarks like the birthplace of Mozart, the Hohensalzburg Fortress, and the well-preserved baroque architecture. Salzburg is compact and easy to explore by foot, so make sure to book a hotel with easy parking options. I recommend staying for at least 1 night, because many visitors only come as a day trip. The city has a completely different vibe at night. We did two nights in Salzburg and felt like it was just right! 

Day 3 + 4: Innsbruck

Famous for its mountain panoramas and alpine adventure activities, Innsbruck is a great place to stay for a few days while traveling in the Alps, thanks to its advantageous location in the center of the Tyrol region of Austria. You can easily use it as a jumping off point for mountain biking, skiing or other mountain adventures, or you could simply enjoy 48 hours exploring all the great things the city of Innsbruck has to offer.

The quaint old town of Innsbruck is easily walkable in an hour or two if you are interested in sightseeing, with options to see the Golden Roof , the Baroque facade of the Heblinghaus or the stunning interior of the Cathedral of St James . The city has a long history with the Olympics, so make sure to take a visit up to the towering Bergisel Ski Jump which overlooks the city. Inside, you can enjoy coffee or lunch with a view! For more stunning views, take your elevation even higher with a ride to the top of Nordkette Mountain . Sometimes called the Jewel of the Alps, you can ride a funicular and cable car up to Hafelekar Station for mind-blowing views of the Alps.

I was on the fence about visiting the Swarovski Kristalwelten Museum (Crystal World) outside of Innsbruck, but it turned out to be such a great museum and I would 100% recommend going. Similar to other experiential museums that have popped up in recent years, the Swarovski Kristalwelten features a series of rooms created by different artists. I had no idea the caliber of artists that would be featured here--Alexander McQueen, Yayoi Kusama, and Manish Arora to name a few!

Each room captures the artist's interpretation of Swarovski crystal as an artistic medium, and there are some incredible installations! It seems that most people who visit Swarovski Kristalwelten go straight to the gift shop, so when we visited the museum, we had it completely alone! Don’t miss the mind-blowing beautiful crystal clouds out in the garden. 

Innsbruck wasn’t my favorite of the culinary destinations we visited on our tour of the Alps, but it is a good place to sample some traditional Austrian food. Stiftskeller has a good local vibe with a nice selection of beer and yummy (and filling) pub food. The stylish Ottoburg is another good option with a charming Alpine interior and friendly staff. One thing you don’t want to miss before leaving Austria is strudel, and Innsbruck has some delicious options! Kröll Strudel Cafe offers a wide assortment of delicious strudel flavors to eat in or take away.

Day 5: Luxury Alp Hotel

While in the Alps, it would be a shame not to splurge on at least one luxury experience -- this is basically the region of the world where luxury hotels were invented! There are copious amounts of stunning Alpine hotels offering a range of luxury experiences in Austria, Switzerland and Germany. Spa and wellness resorts are popular in this region of Europe, making for a relaxing and restorative experience on your 2 week itinerary in the Alps. 

If you happen to be visiting during a slower season or book a hotel in the middle of the week, you might be surprised by some of the deals you can find. We were traveling in the Alps around my 30th birthday, and I planned for our splurge day on my birthday as a present to myself, using up nearly all of my rewards points to book a room at the picturesque Nidum Casual Luxury Hotel outside of Innsbruck. It was the perfect way to ring in a new decade of life and felt totally luxurious! For more luxury alpine options, Pretty Hotels has a lovely list of mountain getaways many of which are in the Alps as well as Design Hotels round up of the most design-forward hotels in Austria. 

Day 6: St Moritz (or Zermatt)

Driving into Switzerland offers some mind blowing scenery. From the tunnels through the mountain to crystalline lakes, this morning's drive will wow you. I could easily spend one week in Switzerland , but your budget might now allow you to stay too long. With this roadtrip, we're keeping the time in Switzerland fairly brief. When you picture a luxury Swiss Alps scene, you are basically picturing St. Moritz. This glamorous mountain town has been hosting the winter holidays of European elites for decades, and this place just oozes wealth. In a rich country like Switzerland, that's saying something.

If hanging out with Europe's wealthiest isn’t your vibe, I totally understand. You could easily go to Zermatt instead. Zermatt is home to the famous Matterhorn mountain, and it is a quieter more relaxed destination in Switzerland. The city itself doesn't allow cars, so you'll need to park outside the city and take the train in. I've written several posts about visiting Zermatt, including where to find the best restaurants in Zermatt .  

But let's continue with the St. Mortiz plan. Never one to turn down a good sauna and spa day, the Ovaverva public pool and bathhouse is an ideal way to spend a morning in St. Moritz. This sleek and modern spa has everything -- saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, outdoor heated pool -- all with stunning Alpine views. Like many other saunas and spa in this region, no bathing suits are allowed in the mixed-gender saunas so be prepared. 

Similar to Innsbruck, St. Moritz has been a host of the Winter Olympics making it a prime snow-sports city with plenty of opportunities to go skiing or snowshoeing in the winter, or hiking and mountain-biking in the summer. The unique thing you can do here in the winter is go for a bobsled ride ! This adrenaline pumping activity will set you back about 300 Swiss francs a piece, but it is likely to be an experience you’ll never forget -- if you can survive the ride! For a less adventurous take, consider a hike on a glacier. 

St. Moritz is also an excellent place for some shopping (if you can afford it!). Don’t miss a peek into the delightfully stylish Faoro which doubles as a shop and a cafe. Cashmere is the name of the game at Lamm , which has both modern and traditional sweater designs for men and women. 

To save yourself (a little) cash, make a DIY cheese plate at Pur Alps who also supply amazing jams and crackers. For a more sophisticated snack, pop into the Kulm Country Club which has incredible interior design, mixing vintage and modern aesthetics impeccably. If you want to sample my favorite swiss chocolate brand, sample and buy one of the many barks or truffles at Läderach .

Day 7 + 8: Jungfrau (Interlakken) Region

The Jungfrau region is one of the prettiest in all of the Alps, home to gorgeous alpine lakes, majestic mountains, and high-altitude waterfalls. If you take the slightly longer 4 hour drive (vs 3.25 hrs) from St Moritz to Interlakken via route 13 and route 2, you will be treated to some of the most incredible Swiss Alps scenery imaginable. Through tunnels and small mountain towns, you’ll have vista after mind-blowing vista. It is well worth the extra 45 minutes in the car! 

Interlakken, which literally means in between two lakes, is a centrally located stop for exploring central Switzerland for a few days. I would say the city itself leaves a lot to be desired, but it makes for a great jumping off point for exploring the Jungfrau region. There are some tasty restaurants in the town, as well as a nice riverfront, but not much else. If you prefer to have a more quaint Alp stay, you might want to consider nearby Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen . 

There are SO many ways to get amazing views in the Jungfrau region. One of the most famous things to do in this region of Switzerland is to visit one of the high mountain peaks, either Jungfraujoch (the top of Europe) or Schilthorn Observation Deck (James Bond fame). The views from both are of course spectacular, but the high price point means that you’ll probably want to select just one of them. We opted to do the Schilthorn peak. Unfortunately it was completely overcast and cloudy the day we went, so we decided not to ride up because there would be almost no opportunity to view anything. 

On our way back from Schilthorn station to Interlakken, we stopped in the charming small town of Lauterbrunnen. Increasingly famous on Instagram, Lauterbrunnen is a quintessential Swiss town with one defining feature -- a waterfall shooting off a rock face into a sheer free fall. It’s very beautiful and you can see it from the town center. We also stopped at Trummelbach Falls , a tucked away waterfall gorge that is well worth the hour-long visit. You can get very close to the waterfalls, and the thunderous noise inside the gorge is cool to experience.

Prefer to see the Alps and lakes from the air? Interlakken is THE place to go paragliding in Switzerland, and there are almost daily departures for people looking to paraglide. My parents did this back in 2016 and had a fantastic experience! You might also consider a visit to the Two Lakes Bridge for a great perspective on Interlakken’s unique alpine position. Another option for pristine Alp viewing is the First Cliff Walk , which you can start in Grindelwald. Eat and Travel with Us has a great write up about how to do this! 

Day 9 + 10: Lucerne

Given the mountain views that you’ve just come from, I would recommend spending your two days in Lucerne simply enjoying this beautiful city. The views from Mount Pilatus are popular, but not nearly as lovely as the stops in Interlakken and St. Moritz. 

I genuinely loved my time in Lucerne because it is a scenic and quaint city that feels perfectly Swiss to me. The most iconic attraction in Lucerne is the Chapel Bridge , a 1300’s wooden bridge with painted interior panels telling the history and lore of Switzerland. The old town has been well-preserved and it is nice to window-shop while taking in the beautiful architecture. Next, walk along the old city walls and climb the watch towers for nice views of the city and lake Lucerne. I really enjoyed walking along the waterfront at night, when all the churches and old buildings are lit up. 

Lucerne is also a much more foodie city than some of the other stops on this list, so take advantage! We had a very nice (and moderately priced) lunch at Restaurant Mill’Feuille along the river in Old Town. For sunset drinks, it is hard to beat the rooftop terrace at the Montana Hotel . If there was one meal on this itinerary that I would recommend making a reservation for, it would be at Zur Werkstatt in Lucerne . We were lucky enough to sneak in as the last table that night without a reservation, but normally they are booked days ahead of time. Our dinner at Zur Werkstatt was a fun, creative and DELICIOUS meal during our 2 week trip through the Alps which we still remember fondly! 

Day 11: Vaduz, Liechtenstein

As one of the tiny micronations countries in Europe, Liechtenstein isn’t on most people’s “must-see” lists of Europe, but I wanted to add it to my Alps itinerary to cross off country number 54 for me. What Liechtenstein might not have in size, it makes up for in beauty with its stunning location nestled in the Alps between Austria and Switzerland. Plus, the numbers of visitors to Liechtenstein versus its neighbors is minimal, and you’ll feel a nice reprieve from tourist crowds. 

You can easily see the major highlights of Vaduz in 24 hours, but there are ski resorts and mountain towns nearby if you wanted to spend an extra night or two. Park your car near the center of Vaduz, as you’ll be spending most of your day walking around. Start with a quick walk through the city center, where you can pop into a few museums such as the Stamp Museum or the Liechtenstein museum . At the end of the main street, keep walking towards the picturesque Red House .  

Have you ever wanted to sample wine made by a royal family? In Liechtenstein you can at the Hofkellerei des Fürsten von Liechtenstein (and they are surprisingly good)! A wine tasting will set you back about 15 CHF, but you could also pair it with lunch for a slight discount.

Castles are your final stop for your 24 hours in Liechtenstein. Drive up to the Vaduz Castle , which is still owned and inhabited by members of the royal family. You can’t go inside, but the photo op and view is nice. More picturesque in my opinion is the Gutenberg Castle , about 15 minutes away from Vaduz in Balzers. Perched precariously on top of a rocky outcropping in the middle of the city, Gutenberg Castle dates about to the 1200s!    

For dinner, enjoy the rustic ambiance at Adler Restaurant where you can sample a refined Käsknöpfle, the national dish of Liechtenstein. Similar to a cheese spaetzle or macaroni and cheese, this pasta dish mixes cheese and fried onions with a side of applesauce. If you want something fancier, Restaurant Marée is an experimental Michelin-starred restaurant with stunning views from its mountainside dining room.

Day 12 + 13: Bavaria 

As you round out your 2 week road trip in the Alps, you’ll start heading back towards Germany. If you aren't ready for this road trip to end yet, consider adding on a few extra days as you enter back into Germany. Bavaria is one of the most popular places to travel in Germany, thanks to it's well known culture and beautiful attractions. I live in Germany now, and you can find tons of my Germany-specific travel suggestions on my other blog, Ausländer. 

Thankfully you don't need extra days to enjoy some of Bavaria's most famous attractions. Such as Neuschwanstein Castle! Famous for its princess-like exterior, Neuschwanstein is rumored to have inspired Walt Disney’s interpretation of the Sleeping Beauty castle. Considered to be one of the most picturesque castles in all of Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle is well-trod by millions of tourists annually. A visit here is an organized experience. You’ll need to book your tickets several days or weeks in advance with a very specific time slot for your visit. Germans have no tolerance for tardiness so you’ll need to plan your arrival time accordingly.

You’ll have the option to book a ticket just for Neuschwanstein or to Hohenschwangau Castle as well. The price difference is marginal, and I actually liked the tour of Hohenschwangau Castle even better, so I would recommend doing the combined tour.  In total, the visit between the two castles will take about 4 hours. Neuschwanstein is located at the top of a small mountain which can be accessed on foot via steep paved walking trail, by horse-drawn carriage or by shuttle bus. The bus doesn't run in adverse weather and the hike takes about 25 minutes.

The absolutely heart-warming and adorable town of Mittenwald is one of my favorite small towns in Germany . I would absolutely recommend booking a hotel here for a night or two as you explore the Alpine region of Bavaria. It literally feels like you have walked onto a fairytale movie set with its painted facade buildings and hobbit-like hovels. There isn't necessarily anything "to do" in Mittenwald other than simply enjoying the cute streets and appreciating the Alpine scenery. It's a good home base for exploring this corner of Bavaria on your last few days of this epic 2 week roadtrip through the Alps. 

For a small town, Mittenwald has some surprisingly great restaurants. Try some local Bavarian cuisine at Gaststaette am Kurpark restaurant and wash it down with beer from Brauereigaststätte Postkeller . You should also get the pretzel soup there because it is fucking delightful. If you’re looking for something a little fancier, the tiny town of Mittenwald is even home to Michelin star eatery -- Das Marktrestaurant . 

Day 14: Return to Munich

If you find yourself with a few extra hours before heading back home (or onto other destinations) I would strongly recommend a visit to the Dachau Concentration Camp museum and memorial. It is only about 20 minutes from the MUC airport, and of all the Jewish remembrance sites I’ve been to thus far (I haven’t been to Auschwitz), it is the most informative and powerful. I understand that dark tourism this isn’t the most cheerful experience to end your time in the Alps, but it is a very important part of German history and in my opinion, a must-visit place. 

What to Know About Driving in the Alps

When is the best time to go.

The Alps are a year-round destination with lovely things to offer in all four seasons, so you’ll want to determine which time is best for you depending on what type of activities you’re looking to do. If you’re a skier, then winter is obviously the ideal time. If you’re more into hiking, then summer would be better. If you want to enjoy fall colors, then autumn is best. We went in the middle of spring (last week of April and first week of May) and found the weather to be almost perfect with cool temperatures and low crowd numbers. 

What Type of Car is Best?

We managed to do the drive in a regular sedan without all-wheel drive. Although we were safe and overall it went fine, I think a four-wheel drive car would have been preferable. We got snow one day on our drive to Neuschwanstein and it was a little dicey. Plus, a little more horsepower would have made some of the mountain passes a bit easier. A few of the hills and highways get steep and our car felt like it was at max capacity. This advice is especially true if you are driving the Alps in the winter. You’ll need something that can handle slick or snowy conditions with ease. 

Road Conditions

Compared to what you are used to from the United States, the highway conditions in the Alps are spotless and immaculate. We were SO impressed but I guess it makes sense when you have people driving fancy sports cars at 100+ miles per hour. You need your roads to be in tip-top shape to prevent accidents! The signs along the highways here are easy to understand, and we had cell-reception for directions nearly the whole time.

One thing that you need to keep an eye on is your rear view mirror, especially in Germany. The German autobahn infamously does not have a speed limit in Bavaria, and cars will come whizzing by at 120-140 miles per hour. You could look in your mirror one second and see a car several hundred yards away, and a few seconds later, they are flashing their headlights at you on your bumper. Germans are especially fastidious about only using the left lane for passing, so it is best to stick to the right lane unless you are actively passing another car. If you don’t abide this rule, you can expect some honks, nasty looks and flashing headlights. 

Toll Roads & Highway Passes

Even though all of the countries on this itinerary are in the Schengen area, there are different laws about tolls and highway passes in each country. If you follow this itinerary, you don’t need to worry about anything in Germany since you’ll have a German car, but you will need to purchase a Vignette (highway toll sticker) for Austria and Switzerland. 

This is basically a prepaid toll sticker that gets scanned via RFID at various locations around the country. You need to adhere it to your front windshield in a specific place, which you can find instructions for on the sticker. You can buy these stickers at almost any gas station, especially near the highway, and they range in price and length of validity depending on the country. Some rental car companies will provide the Vignette for an upcharge, so ask about it when you pick up your rental car. 

All of the freeways (autobahn), federal highways (Bundesstraße) and expressways (Schnellstraßen) are cashless so this sticker is the only way you’ll be able to clear the toll booths. You can also get a pricey ticket from a police officer for not having one, so it is strongly advised to buy them before crossing any borders. 

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France Road Trip – 13 Amazing Itineraries

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Your Complete French Road Trip Planner

Ahhh, France. A country so eclectic and beguiling, it is the most visited nation on the planet . A French road trip is the best way to explore the wonderful diversity and beautiful landscapes of this country.

A road trip in France showcases the dramatic landscapes, historic cities, abundant UNESCO sites and some of the most picture-perfect villages in Europe, like no other way to travel does.

As you road trip through France, you’ll find yourself stopping regularly for Insta-worthy images, and along the way you’ll find fantastic adventures to try like chateaux hunting, hiking in some of Europe’s highest peaks, kayaking and wild swimming in crystal clear rivers, and sampling the wonderful gastronomy across the country.

In this France travel guide you’ll find a round-up of all the best road trips in France by region, with France travel tips and information to help you plan and prepare. Come with us as we share our unmissable French road trip itineraries.

Getting to France

Flying in and opting for car rental in France is a great choice, especially as France has so many easily accessible international airports, the perfect starting point for many of our road trip itineraries.

You can fly in to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Toulouse, Bordeaux and many other French cities to start your trip. We recommend booking your flights through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

Driving to France from UK

If you’re planning to drive to from the UK to France , then you’ll find everything you need to know, including the best, fastest and cheapest routes, as well as driving tips, in our driving to France from UK guide .

Are you planning to rent a car in France? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best rental prices, which benefits you when you’re planning a road trip.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in Italy . We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Use the Park4Night app to find overnight spots and campsites, and sleep on a high mountain pass, next to a beautiful lake, or in a wildflower meadow.

Best Time to Take a French Road Trip

December to february.

The winter months can be very cold throughout France, even in the south of the country and rain is quite common at this time of year.  But, the roads and cities will be quiet and less crowded, although not all attractions will be open.

March to May

Spring is a wonderful time to visit France, with temperatures warming up across the country. Markets increase in size, restaurants start preparing different dishes and the countryside is glorious. You’ll still find the roads and cities less crowded, and most attractions will be open.

June to August

June and July are busier months to roadtrip France , with perfect temperatures for camping and outdoor activities. June is probably the best month, as schools have yet to break up across Europe and the family rush to the coasts has not yet started.

August brings the French annual holiday when many businesses close for the duration. If you’re planning on road tripping in tourist areas, then this won’t affect you too much, and you’ll have perfect holiday weather.

September to November

Autumn is a fantastic time for French road trips , especially in the south of France. The coast will be quieter but if you’re lucky, you’ll enjoy an Indian summer amongst the grape harvest and changing fall colors of the countryside.

Is this your first time visiting France? Get all the information you need in our France Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Road Trip France Planner by Region

France is such a diverse country, it can be hard to decide where to take a road trip, especially if you want to see the less traveled in France for a more authentic experience.

Whether you like coasts, mountains or rolling countryside, historic cities, elegant palaces, or wild landscapes, you’ll find your perfect road trip here, and there’s no dount that you’ll be ticking plenty off your France bucket list !

A road trip to France is an easy win for most Europeans and Brits, who are on the same continent, or just a hop across the English Channel.

For everyone else, Paris makes a great place to start any France road trip itinerary. Book with Skyscanner and fly in, pick up a rental car, or even a campervan, and you can be anywhere in the country within a day – that’s the beauty of a  voyage en voitre , or road trip in French!

France Road Trip Map by Region

Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes

A huge region, the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes stretches from the volcanoes and plateau of the Massif Central in the west to the highest point of the French Alps in eastern France, offering some of the best roads in France, with spectacular scenery, rugged landscapes, and historic cities.

Divided by the mighty Rhone river, and with the center of the region being the vibrant foodie city of Lyon, there is great diversity here and four distinct climates. The further south you head, the more you will notice the flora, fauna, and climate taking on a Mediterranean feel.

A UNESCO Road Trip

Lyon – clermont-ferrand – le-puy-en-valey – saint-etienne.

• Distance 370km
• Duration 7 days
• Drive Time 5 hours

Start in the fabulous city of Lyon, the capital of the Rhone region. The historic heart, Vieux-Lyon, stretches across the base of Fourviere Hill and its grand basilica.

There are lots of things to do in Lyon , eating is one of the best! As you stroll the medieval streets and iconic traboules (or hidden passageways), stop in Lyon’s traditional restaurants, known as bouchons , and get up close to Renaissance facades and buildings that boast over a thousand years of history.

Next on your Auvergne road trip is one of France’s oldest cities, Clermont-Ferrand, known for its string of volcanoes called the Chaine des Puys. The dormant volcano Puy de Dome is one of the highest and has been a tectonic hotspot on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2018.

In the city itself, don’t miss the jewel of Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica and the highly distinctive black lava stone Gothic Cathedral.

In Le-Puy-en-Valey, visit the imposing cathedral, the silhouette of which stands proud on the slopes of Mount Anis. The building, celebrated for housing the enigmatic Black Madonna, and one of the most beautiful cloisters in Europe, is a key monument of Romanesque art.

Finally, around Saint-Etienne, a UNESCO Design City, the site at Firminy hosts Le Corbusier’s largest European work. Visit the four buildings featured on the architectural walk, including the famous Maison de la Culture, where you can trace the legacy left by modern architecture.

Not far from Lyon, pay a visit to the Tourette Convent, the last great building by Le Corbusier in France, which will be a fitting end to your UNESCO road trip.

Road trip here if you like…

• Mountains – if outdoor activities are your thing, start  hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc  from Chamonix at the foot of the country’s easternmost mountains, explore the medium-high extinct volcanoes of the Massif Central, or take a road trip on the Route des Grandes Alpes .
• Gastronomic delights – There’s  so much to do in Lyon , not only one of the most beautiful cities in France, it is the food city of this gastronomic country. Regional dishes are influenced by the mountains and tend to be hearty and wholesome. 
• Water sports – with Lake Geneva, Lake Annecy, and Lac de Bourget in the region, summer sailing, wind-surfing, paddle boarding, and kayaking are on the doorstep.

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting France . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Bourgogne-Franche-Comte

This beautiful region of France is famous for its rich history and viniculture. Sometimes abbreviated to BFC, this area is around a five to six hour drive from Calais on the A26, and just a few hours from Paris, making it a great option if you’re short on time. 

Part of this area is the old historic region of Burgundy, once the heartland of France and known for its wines, such as Beaujolais and Chablis.

BFC is sparsely populated and sees relatively little tourist footfall, making this cross-country road trip a joy for anyone looking to get off the beaten path. The route takes you through a mix of low agricultural lands to the fabulous mountains and lakes of the Jura.

RELATED POST: Off The Beaten Path France – 8 Unique Places

The Jura Route des Lacs

Dijon – marigny – thoirette.

• Distance 350km
• Duration 3-5 days
• Drive Time 3 hours

Start in the beautiful historic city of Dijon, surrounded by the Cote d’Or vineyards where over 3,000 winemakers produce their world-famous wines in the heart of ancient Burgundy.

The UNESCO old center of Dijon is packed with half-timbered medieval houses and elegant Renaissance buildings. Make sure to try the wines from the region, and Dijon’s other claim to fame, Dijon mustard.

Head south to off-the-beaten-track Marigny for the deep navy and turquoise lakes of the Jura Massif, where you can explore museums, regional crafts, and local gastronomy, as well as remote places, natural sites, and plenty of waterfalls.

You might want to get in the water too, there are twenty lakes to choose from!

• Great gastronomy  – the home of the unique Vin Jaune, Boeuf Bourguignon, Coq au Vin, Comte cheese, and Dijon mustard is a powerhouse of French cooking, particularly where the use of wine is required!
• Atmospheric historic cities – Beaune and Dijon are just two gorgeous cities in this region, packed with history, Gothic and medieval architecture with a typical French ambiance.
• Breathtaking castles – there are well over thirty well-preserved chateaux in the northern half of this region, you’ll see them literally on every bend in the road!

The rugged peninsula of western France, Bretagne, is an ideal place for a one or two week northern France road trip itinerary.

With Rennes, the capital of the region, being just an hour’s drive from St Malo, it is literally a hop over the channel and the perfect place for a road trip from the UK to France .

With a wild and dramatic coastline and an undiscovered feel beyond the well-known tourist spots, this western France road trip offers a shared Celtic culture, ancient mysticism, and every type of beach imaginable!

Brittany Coast to Coast

Saint-malo – brest – quimper – vannes – rennes.

• Distance 540km
• Duration 10 days
• Drive Time 6 hour

The peninsula of Brittany lends itself to a jaunt around its coast, enjoying the superb seafood and friendly nature of the locals.

Start in historic St Malo before taking in the endless sightseeing opportunities of the peninsula’s varied 1600km long coastline. 

There’s a beach here for your taste, from secluded coves and surfing hotspots to long white stretches, dramatic cliffs, and rocky outcrops.

Around Perros-Guirec is the Cote de Granit Rose with its pink beaches, one of the most interesting coastlines in France, and across to the west is the Finistere coast with its huge beaches and quaint fishing villages.

If you want to dip into every cove, explore every interesting finger of land that protrudes into the sea, and visit all the charming towns and villages en route, then allow at least two weeks for this magical road trip.

• Beautiful gardens – also known as the Garden Coast, Brittany has some of the best gardens in France. From English-style cottage gardens to exotics, there’s something here for every green-fingered visitor.
• Delicious cider – Brittany is the cider country of France. With more than 600 apple varieties grown in the region, there’s a cider to suit everyone’s tastes.
• Customs and tradition – the pan-Celtic tradition is very evident here; the Breton language is spoken with pride and widespread cultural festivals celebrate Celtic music and dance.

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

Centre-Val de Loire

Centre-Val de Loire is a landlocked region, located to the southwest of the French capital Paris. As the name suggests this region is all about the magnificent river Loire. Just four to five hours from Calais to the capital of Orleans, and three from Paris, this region is a popular holiday region and makes an ideal destination for a road trip.

This is a real France bucket list trip. Fine historical cities and towns, many of which stand on the banks of the Loire, offer superb Renaissance religious buildings and architecture and of course, the fabulous and extravagant chateaux the region is best known for.

Chateaux of the Loire

Orleans – blois – tours – angers – nantes.

The enchanting chateaux and picturesque towns of the Loire Valley make this historic region the perfect place to take a 10 day road trip in France.

Follow this Loire Valley road trip between famous cities and marvel at the natural wonders, opulent architecture, charming towns, and breathtaking castles of one of France’s best-loved regions.

You’ll visit the many chateaux on the route, including the famous Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Villandry, and explore the Loire’s historic towns, learning about French history, architecture and culture and you go.

Discover Joan of Arc’s legacy in Orleans and take a ride on a giant machine elephant in Nantes as you take in the beautiful Loire landscape.

• Delicious white wines – Touraine, Vouvray, Pouilly-Fume, Sancerre, and Valencay are just some of the well-known whites produced in this region. Take a vineyard tour and make sure to enjoy a wine tasting afterward!
• Historic cities – from gracious Orleans to Gothic Blois and Tours with its beautiful old town, the cities of this region are must-sees.
• Bird watching – La Brenne Natural Park is the hidden gem of Centre-Val de Loire. To the south of the region, this huge park containing over a thousand lakes is a wetland paradise for birders. 

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip.

Grand Est borders Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, and a small part of Switzerland so it’s not surprising that this region has multicultural influences.

Grand Est is one of the most accessible regions if you’re taking a France road trip from Calais, a four hour drive will take you to the heart of the rolling Aube, and in six hours you can be in  Strasbourg , the capital of the region and home to one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. 

Previously known as Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine, the region is home to typical French countryside with an eclectic mix of vineyards, the low-lying Vosges mountains, and some of the prettiest small towns in France, found along the Alsace wine route.

In some less-visited and remote wooded parts of the Vosges, lynx, boar, and wolves can still be found in the wild, making the rich nature and biodiversity of the area of particular interest.

RELATED POST: Europe Road Trip – 16 Incredible Routes

Route Touristique du Champagne

Reims – trigny – epernay – cumieres – essoyes.

• Distance 285km
• Drive Time 5 hour

The whole of the Champagne Route stretches for around 700km across the departments of Marne, Aube, and Aisne, with eight marked trails to authentic villages, ancient monasteries, imposing châteaux and churches, and of course, vineyards!

This bit of the route takes you from Reims and its world-renowned champagne houses to the massif of Saint-Thierry where you can enjoy beautiful views from Trigny, a flower-filled village with medieval ramparts.

Visit the Verzenay lighthouse, which watches over a rolling swathe of vineyards and now houses the Musée de la Vigne, where you can learn about the history of champagne before driving on to Epernay, and its famous champagne houses of Moet & Chandon, Perrier Jouet and Pol Roger.

From Cumieres, embark on the Champagne Vallee boat to discover the vineyards along the water in the Marne valley. 

Further south on the Côte des Blancs road, admire the panoramic view of the vineyards from Mont Aimé and enjoy the charms of the pretty village of Oger. 

In Aube around Bar-sur-Seine, with its half-timbered houses, make a stop at Essoyes where Impressionist artist Auguste Renoir lived for a few years, and visit one of the 28 champagne cellars in the area.

• Champagne – of course! This champagne road trip is perfect for lovers of bubbles!
• Medieval   cathedrals – Grand Est is home to some of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe, many are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• War history – the Verdun & Argonne battlefields and war graves cemeteries of WWI can be found in the region, along with the WWII Maginot Line forts. The Surrender Room in Reims is where German forces capitulated to Eisenhower in May 1945, bringing an end to the long war.
• Accessible hiking  – easier on the heart and lungs, the hiking routes of the Vosges are a pleasure. With stunning rolling scenery and trails to take you through historic villages and make the most of the views, hiking in the Vosges is a real highlight. 

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to France.

Hauts-de-France

This is is the most northerly region of France and home to the port city of Calais, meaning it’s on the doorstep of the UK and a perfect French road trip destination for those wishing to nip across the Channel for a weekend from the UK, or for anyone looking for a few beach days on a longer trip in Paris. 

Not a major tourist region, the area is known for the battlefields of World War I, most notably the Somme, a four month battle in which over a million people lost their lives, and many people come here for the memorials and war sites.

But there is more to see in this part of France, including the incredible beaches, elegant resort towns, and pretty fishing villages dotted along the unspoiled and beautiful Cote d’Opale, or Opal Coast.  

Explore the Opal Coast

Calais – boulogne-sur-mer – le touquet – etaples – montreuil – abbeville.

• Distance 144km
• Duration 3 days
• Drive Time 2 hour

From Calais, head south and visit Cap Blanc-Nez (cape white nose), opposite the white cliffs of Dover, and Cap Griz-Nez, (cape grey nose), the closest point in France to England. Both headlands offer fine views across the channel and coast and some great walking opportunities.

Boulogne is the largest fishing port in France and is home to all things sea! Visit the excellent Nausicca Aquarium, full of fascinating displays, interactive exhibits, and sea life, before visiting the historic old town and port, where you can join an organized tour. 

Le Touquet is the jewel of the coast, known as Paris-Plage because this is traditionally where Parisians came for their long August break. Nowadays, it’s a lively resort known for its fantastic beach, water sports, and nightlife, including clubs and casinos.

Don’t miss the lighthouse, La Phare de la Canche, which rewards you with breathtaking views if you’re happy to climb the 274 steps to get to the viewing platform at the top!

Stop at the peaceful nature park of Baie de Canche, situated east of Étaples-Sur-Mer, a protected area of 45 hectares teeming with wildlife, before heading to Abbeville.

The capital of maritime Picardy and your final stop, Abbeville is a beautiful city and boasts rich historical monuments including the flamboyant Gothic style Saint-Vulfran collegiate church, with its magnificent carved facade.

• Mining history – much of the infrastructure in the northern parts of the region has been shaped by mining, a now redundant industry in this part of France. Visit the UNESCO listed Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin for a fascinating insight into the industry and a miner’s life in the pits.
• Beautiful belfries –  tall and often ornate clock towers attached to civic buildings, belfries are common in the region and were built to symbolize the power of the local alderman and councillors. The Belfries of Belgium and France is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles of architecture.
• Battlefield tours  – the battles of Flanders, the Somme, Vimy, and Ypres were all fought on the soil of the Hauts-de France by French, British, Canadian, Australian, and African troops. The memorials and cemeteries marking these battles make for moving visits.

France Road Trip Essentials

Lonely Planet France

France driving essentials

France SIM card

UPF 50 travel sun hat

France beaux villages guide

universal adaptor + USB

Ile-de-France

Ile-de-France is the small region surrounding the beautiful city of Paris. Surrounded by cities and forests that prospered from the patronage of the Kings of France, the area is rich in royal history, elegant palaces, and medieval towns. 

A four hour drive from Calais and on the doorstep for those flying in, it is perhaps not the first destination road trippers think of, but it is the ideal opportunity to combine a five day trip to Paris with a road trip to see the best bits of this compact region.

A Road Trip Around Paris

Chantilly – provins – fontainebleau – versailles – saint-denis.

• Distance 275km
• Duration 5 days
• Drive Time 4 hour

Start in Chantilly, a town obsessed with horses, and join the Parisians at the elegant Chantilly racetrack, home of the French Derby (or Prix du Jockey Club).  

Head along the pretty country roads to Fontainebleau forest for a spot of activity. Once the hunting grounds of French kings, and home to a beautiful palace, the area is dotted with massive boulders that attract anyone wanting to try bouldering. 

If hiking is more your thing, there are more than 500km of marked trails in the forest, with the 25 Bosses Trail being the most well-known. This challenging day hike will reward you with incredible views of the surrounding area. 

If you prefer to see it from the air, then hitch a ride on a hot air balloon, a popular way to see the forest.

From here, drive to the UNESCO site of historic Provins, a fortified city full of medieval half-timbered houses and cobbled streets inside the well-preserved ramparts. Built to accommodate an annual fair linking northern Europe with the Mediterranean, most of the buildings here are still in their original form.

Versailles is a once-in-a-lifetime visit and you must book online in advance as it can take five hours to queue in the summer if you don’t have a ticket. This shining, golden Baroque palace was once home to the Kings of France and spreads over 800 acres.

The inside is full of gold leaf, pink marble, and other finishes so opulent it almost hurts the eye. The formal gardens are beautifully symmetrical and soothing, with thousands of trees and water features – the perfect place for a picnic.

From Versailles, head north-east to the beautiful Basilica of Saint-Denis, one of the most important religious buildings in Ile-de-France. The first Gothic cathedral was built at the exact spot where Saint-Denis, the patron saint of Paris and France was buried.

• Iconic cities – although driving in and around Paris is to be avoided at all costs, you can stay outside Paris and get the train in, just follow this perfect  Paris one day trip itinerary  to see top sights like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame in one of the most cultured cities in Europe .
• Theme parks –  meet all your favorite characters at Disneyland Paris , just three and a half hours from Calais and an hour from Paris.
• Modern architecture – there are four Le Corbusier villas in Ile-de-France. Villa Savoye is in Poissy and Villa La Roche, Villa Jeanneret, and Immeuble Molitor are wonderful hidden gems in Paris.

Normandy borders the English Channel and is easily accessible from all the channel ports, the furthest being St Malo around a three to four hour drive. Le Havre is in the region itself and a perfect arrival port popular with UK road trippers, as well as being close to pretty Honfleur.

The whole region was a significant medieval empire and controlled much of England and Wales, leaving a rich history for visitors to explore on a Normandy road trip.

The three huge attractions of Rouen cathedral, the Bayeux Tapestry, and Mont Saint-Michel are the must-sees of the region. Along with the pretty fishing port of Honfleur and the D-Day beaches, this region has much to recommend and is one of the best road trip destinations in France.

The World War II Sites of Normandy

Benouville – ouistreham – arromanches – colleville-sur-mer – bayeaux.

• Distance 180km
• Drive Time 3 hour

You could visit the key places on this tour in a day, but to the sites justice and spend time at the memorials, you need three to five days.  

Start at Benouville, just north of Caen, for Pegasus Bridge and its museum, the site of a daring landing by gliders of the British 6th Airborne Division in shortly before the sea invasion.

From here, it’s a short hop to Ouistreham to visit Le Grand Bunker, part of the German Atlantic Wall defenses, and the German Battery to the north. 

Heading west, you’ll find the landing beaches of Sword (British and French), Juno (Canadian), Gold (British), and Omaha and Utah (American). Each has a number of visitor sites to be explored.

At Arromanches, watch an educational film at the 360-degree cinema on top of the cliff before you descend into the town itself and visit the Landing Museum built near the site of the Mulberry Harbours, which were constructed to aid the Allies in getting supplies ashore. 

As you continue west, don’t miss the German Gun Battery at Longues, before arriving at the atmospheric American Cemetery at Colville, where you can hear the Last Post daily at 5pm.

From Utah beach, skirt back to Bayeaux, home of the British and Commonwealth Cemetery and Battle of Normandy Museum (and of course, that famous tapestry).

RELATED POST: Normandy Road Trip: Ultimate 7 Day Itinerary

• Medieval heritage – Rouen, where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake, is chock full of medieval architecture and history. The Bayeux Tapestry, telling the story of the Norman invasion of England in 1066 is on glorious display in the town of the same name.
• Gorgeous gardens – if you are a gardener or painter, then there is no better garden in the whole of France than Giverny, Claude Monet’s country home and garden. Gloriously and unashamedly colorful, this beautiful place has provided inspiration to generations of gardeners and painters alike.
• Impressionist art – known as the birthplace of impressionism after Monet took inspiration in Le Havre and painted ‘ Impression, soleil levant ‘ (‘Impression, sunrise’) in 1872. Normandy houses two major collections and has no fewer than fifteen museums dedicated to impressionist art and history.

Nouvelle-Aquitaine

One of our personal favorites for a France road trip holiday, Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the largest region of France. From the ports of Caen or Cherbourg, the capital Bordeaux is a good seven to eight hour drive, making the region an ideal destination for a two or three weeks holiday. 

This region in the southwest of France is incredibly varied, from the mountains of the Pyrenees and the gently meandering Dordogne valley, to the almost continuous beach of the long Landes coastline. There’s also great French wine heritage here, along with classic gastronomy which uses the abundance of high-quality ingredients grown and produced in the region.

Pine forests, vineyards, elegant resorts and rustic villages shape this space, along with great regional food and wine which give life and color to a seriously enjoyable region of France.

RELATED POST: A Seven Day Pyrenees Hiking Tour

The Best of the Dordogne

Bordeaux – bergerac – la roque-gageac – sarlat-la-caneda – rocamadour – perigueux.

• Distance 380km
• Duration 5-7 days

Staring in the magnificent city of Bordeaux , known as the wine capital of the world, follow the Dordogne to beautiful Bergerac, a historic city, whose narrow streets are lined with fine houses and filled with blooms and quirky art installations.

Of course, you’ll also find a statue of Bergerac’s most famous son, Cyrano de Bergerac. A French soldier remembered chiefly for fighting many duels often over the size of his nose! 

From here, head for the medieval village of La Roque-Gageac, the gateway to the Valley of the Five Chateaux, home to five impressive castles, including Chateau Beynac and Chateau Castelnaud. You’ll also find the stunning Gardens of Marqueyssac hanging on the cliffs above the village.

Head east for the gorgeous town of Sarlat, deep in the wooded hills of the Dordogne. With cobbled streets and Gothic mansions galore, Sarlat makes a great base to explore locally and enjoy some of the fantastic gastronomy of the region.  

Cross into Occitanie for Rocamadour, home to the cheese of the same name, and the Gouffre de Padirac, two of the must-see attractions in the area which can be visited in a day if you’re pushed for time.

Allow a full day to explore the final stop of  Perigueux, making sure to visit the Saint-Front Cathedral, the quays, and the Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum.

• Mountains  – the eastern Pyrenees are to the south of the region and beyond the towns and cities provide amazing cycling and hiking opportunities, including this seven day Pyrenees hiking tour . 
• Beaches – there are hundreds of miles of soft golden beaches along the coast. Stretching from the glamorous resort of Biarritz in the south to La Rochelle in the north, only interrupted by the river Garonne and the Arcachon Basin. If you like sand, head for the largest sand dune in Europe, Dune du Pilat, with an incredible view of the blue, turquoise and green crystal clear waters of the Arcachon basin. 
• Surfing –  people come here to surf the huge Atlantic rollers coming in from the Bay of Biscay and there is an annual world surf competition held in Lacanau-Ocean. If you can’t stand up, get a body board, or just spend hours deciding whether to float over the next wave or power under it.   

Occitanie (previously known as Languedoc) makes up almost one-half of the south of France and is a region of huge contrast. A solid ten to eleven hour drive from Caen, Occitanie makes a good destination if you have a couple of weeks to travel or, as part of a longer trip.

We think it’s worth the drive time for the atmosphere, history, and beauty you will find in this region. 

From the sun-drenched Herault of the deep south and the Mediterranean coast to the wild and raw beauty of the Cevennes and the majesty of the Pyrenees, the landscape and climate differ greatly.

This is a busy part of France, home to Carcassonne, Lourdes, and the Pont du Gard. These three top the busiest tourist destinations in Europe list and are best visited outside of July and August.

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Beaches & Mountains of the Languedoc

Montpellier – sete – agde – beziers – carcassonne – gorge d’heric – pezenas – saint-guilhem-le-désert.

Start in the growing city of Monpellier and head south along the coast to the pretty fishing port and the seaside resort of Sete, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the Etang de Thau salt lake on the other.

The main canal running through the Sete city center is lined with bars and restaurants offering fish and seafood delicacies. Make sure to try a tielle, a local specialty comprising of octopus cooked in olive oil, tomato, and red wine and baked in pastry.

The salt lake Etang de Thau is sandwiched between vineyards and natural scrubland and is the ideal place to learn more about what the area is famous for – shellfish, and in particular oysters. There are a number of oyster farms open for visits where you can learn about the farming process.  

Agde, just along the coast, is famous for its black volcanic sand beaches which are unique to the region. La Grande Conque is one such beach, a small bay carved into the coast and a great place to while away the day sunbathing and swimming.

Your next stop is the beautiful town of Beziers, home to the Fonserannes Locks, the famous staircase of nine locks on the Canal du Midi, which allow boats to be raised 21.5m over a distance of 300m. You can hire a bike here and cycle along the canal towpath, for a peaceful afternoon ride.

Head west and inland for the iconic city of Carcassonne. The beautifully renovated citadel, La Cite, is a must-see in this area of France. Vast and imposing, it towers above the Aude and ‘new’ Carcassonne and feels a little Dinsneyesque inside, with lots of touristy (and expensive) bars and restaurants.

From here, if you have more time, you can head into the Pyrenees if you want to hike, kayak, and see the religious castles the area is famous for. 

Otherwise, the magnificent Gorge d’Heric is next up, with hiking and wild swimming opportunities in abundance. This dramatic gorge, in the heart of the Haut Languedoc nature reserve, is home to the river Heric as it rushes down from the Massif de Caroux.

You can walk up the Gorge for around 5km, or hike and rock climb the Caroux if you want something a bit more challenging. All the way up the gorge are massive boulders and private natural swimming pools, filled with clear turquoise waters and wonderful for a cooling dip on a hot summer’s day.

From here, pretty Pezenas calls, with its Friday wine festivals through summer, local craft shops, and weekly farmers market. A perfect place to stop for a few days and catch your breath, before taking in the Pont du Diable, perfect for a spot of cliff-jumping and paddle boarding.

A few miles away from the Devil’s Bridge is Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, nestled in the heart of the Herault Gorges and a major stop for pilgrims making their way to Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain. The centerpiece of the village is the Gellone Abbey, a 1200-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site, tucked in the corner of the main square.

RELATED POST: South of France Road Trip: Route, Highlights & Tips

• Wild swimming – the gorges of the region have some of the best  wild swimming  and canyoning in France. Tucked into the Montagne Noire or the midi-Pyrenees, the water is crystal clear and refreshing.
• Outdoor adventures – head for the Gard and Lozere departments where you’ll find nature at its finest. Winding rivers like the Tarn are superb for kayaking and often have small river beaches and swimming holes, with perfectly placed rocky ledges to jump from. The Cevennes National Park offers great hiking in a wild and natural environment.
• Religious history – The Aude and Ariege have a strong Cathar history and you can see remnants everywhere. Follow the Route of the Cathars through fortified hilltops, castles, villages, and towns for a fascinating insight into a religion that shaped this part of France for centuries.

Pays de la Loire

The Pays de la Loire is a region of north-western France that adjoins the region of Centre-Val de Loire. Both regions share many characteristics including the Loire Valley and large numbers of famous chateaux.

One difference is the long Atlantic coastline of the Pays de la Loire known as the Vendee, a very popular UK tourist destination due to its proximity to the eastern channel ports, and enjoyed for its gentle waves, sandy beaches, and quintessential sea-side resorts.  

An easy three to four hours from Caen to Nantes places you in the heart of this region, with the Loire Valley to the east and the beaches of the Vendee to the west.  

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The Coast of the Vendee

Nantes – saint-gilles-croix-de-vie – les sables-d’olonne – la tranche-sur-mer – la rochelle.

Starting in increasingly popular Nantes, home to the Les Machines de L’ile, this west coast road trip is more about the relaxed coastal resorts than cities.

Make for Saint Gilles-Croix-de Vie, stopping at Sallertaine on the route, to explore the peaceful canals of the Marais Breton in an open canoe.

Once in Saint-Gilles, enjoy the chic and lively ambiance, as well as superb sardines, caught locally and on your plate within a few hours.

On the Côte de Lumière or Coast of Light, the coastal resorts here enjoy 2400 hours of sun every year, making this a perfect place to relax on a sun lounger for a few days.

Continue south to Les Sables-d’Olonne, the point of departure for the Vendee Globe round-the-world sailing race. A popular seaside resort, it has a superb sandy beach and a pretty seafront promenade plus a casino and golf course to keep you busy.

Next up is La Tranche-sur-Mer, known as ‘little California’ because of its exceptional sunshine hours and 13km of sandy beaches.

With an authentic vibe and lively family atmosphere, this is a great stop for teenagers, with lots of water sports on offer, as well as free concerts and street entertainment in the evenings in summer.

Your final stop is the historic sea town of La Rochelle, a laid-back resort town with a well-deserved reputation for great seafood, and the best old port on the French Atlantic.

Spend a day meandering around the charming town before exploring the maritime museum and aquarium.

• Bucket and spade holidays – perfect for family holidays, the Vendee is lined with some of the best French holiday parks offering fantastic facilities. Kids love the beaches for perfect sand-castle building and gentle waves.
• Theme parks – the Puy du Fou historic theme park has  over 1,5 million visitors a year and is one of the most popular attractions in the whole of France, and perfect for a day out if you are traveling with kids.
• Beautiful chateaux – one of the main attractions of the region, the chateaux of the Loire Valley are world famous.

Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur

A favorite of many, this region, often abbreviated to PACA, covers a large and diverse area. From the sparkling Mediterranean Sea to the French Alps, and from the river Rhone to the Italian border, Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur is the furthest of France’s regions from the UK.

It takes a whopping eight hours of driving from Paris and twelve to thirteen hours from Calais, making the journey a road trip to the south of France in its own right.

For the glamorous and fashionable resorts of the French Riviera, the lavender fields and whitewashed towns of Provence, and the off-the-beaten-path wilderness of the Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue, those driving hours are so worth it.

The sun-baked landscapes, beautiful hilltop towns and villages, abundant local produce, and delicious wines just add to the attraction. 

The Route Napoleon

Grenoble – laffrey – la mure – corps – col bayard – gap – sisteron – digne – castellane – saint-vallier-de-thiey – grasse – antibes.

• Distance 314km
• Drive Time 8 hour

The most picturesque south of France road trip, the historic Route Napoleon begins in the Auvergne-Rhone- Alpes region.

The road trip starts (or ends, as the route starts at the coast, but can be road tripped either way) in Grenoble, the route follows the footsteps of the famous General on his return from exile in Elba, as he headed north for Waterloo.

Inaugurated in 1932, you will see statues of the Imperial French Eagle marking the way, along what is now (mainly) the N85.

The road is really spectacular, with switchbacks, sweeping bends, and challenging mountain stretches making it one of the best road trips in France.

Peaking at 1246m at Col Bayard before passing into Provence and the towns of historic Sisteron, beautiful Digne, and fragrant Grasse, you’ll also pass the stunning Gorge du Verdon and the beautiful lavender fields of the Valensole plateau.

From Castellane to Grasse, the views to the coast from the road are spectacular, across lush green slopes dotted with magnificent villas, to the sparkling blue of the Mediterranean, just one of the reasons to start in Grenoble and head south. 

This route smells heavenly too – the scent of hot pine sap and the essential oils of regional herbs being warmed by the sun is the fragrance of southern France.

RELATED POST: Route Napoleon: A Historic French Road Trip

• Glitz and glamour – St Tropez is one of the most famous Cote d’Azur holiday resorts. People on Riviera road trips flock to the vieux port where the rich and famous berth their mega-yachts, and enjoy the honeyed stone buildings and pretty squares of a slightly more relaxed and authentic St Tropez. If you want more, head to Monaco, Nice or Cannes, or one of the ridiculously opulent villas which open their doors to the public. 
• Iconic Lavender – field upon field and row upon row of beautiful and fragrant lavender carpets  Provence  in June and July. Go early in the day for the best photo opportunities.
• Local produce – experience a marchés hebdomadaires ( farmers market). Most towns have a weekly market where you will find fresh bread, wonderful fruit and vegetables, pungent cheeses, meaty saucisson sausage, fat olives, and pretty much any other fresh food stuff you might want to buy. 

France Country Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in France.

• Search for affordable flights to France with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in France with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in France with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in France with Rentalcars.com
• Best for ferries from UK to France Direct Ferries
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Information About Driving in France

Road trips in France are usually pleasurable, thanks to their extensive and well-maintained autoroute network, and generally good local roads. French drivers can be impatient and are dreadful tailgaters and really, really dislike being overtaken, but, c’est la vie, this is France!

Whether your road tripping France in a campervan , car, or motorbike, follow these tips for driving safely and legally;

• You must have at least three months remaining on your passport (issued in the past ten years) at your intended date of departure from France.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
• Citizens of non-EU third countries may require an International Driving Permit for driving in Europe . You can check whether you need an IDP here .
• You must carry at least one reflective jacket within the passenger compartment of your vehicle and must put it on before you get out in an emergency or breakdown situation. You must also carry a warning triangle.
• You may require a Crit’Air sticker which is placed in the windscreen of your vehicle to provide a visible way to identify the level of emissions produced. If you’re renting a vehicle, the Crit’Air sticker should already be on display in the windscreen. Find out more and purchase Crit’Air stickers from the official certificat-air.gouv.fr website.
• On 1 November 2021 the Loi Montage II or ‘mountain law II’ came into force in 48 French mountainous departments within the Alpes, Massif Central, Jura, Pyrénées, and Vosges regions. Anyone traveling in a car or motorhome or through one of these areas between 1 November and 31 March will be obliged to fit four approved winter tires or carry at least two snow chains or socks in the vehicle.
• French motorways are privately managed and you’re not allowed to request your own assistance company to attend to you if you break down. If you do break down use the orange emergency telephones that are situated every 2km along French motorways to call the police or the official breakdown service operating in that area or dial the emergency services on 112. You will be towed to a safe designated area where you can make onward arrangements for your own breakdown insurer to assist you if you have it. Otherwise, the towing company will be able to provide support or signpost you. 
• You do not need to carry a breathalyzer, the law requiring that you do has been repealed.
• You may want to consider carrying an  electronic toll pass  for the duration of your French road trip itinerary. These devices deduct the toll fees from a credit card automatically, meaning you don’t have to stop at a booth or barrier.

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

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Izzy Nicholls

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6 Week European Road Trip Itinerary

From ancient cities to National Parks, Europe has so much to offer and you can go so many ways for a road trip. You can stick to one country or cover as many as possible. We’ve taken more than one European road trip, but only once did we stretch it out over 6 weeks. We road tripped across 11 countries, stretching from North Western Europe to South Eastern Europe. Read on for the perfect road trip through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Italy, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg and Belgium.

European Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Hamburg, Germany

Day 2 till 4: Explore Hamburg

Day 5: Drive from Hamburg to Sinsheim (609 kilometers (379 miles), about 6 to 7 hours).

Day 6: Explore the Auto und Technikmuseum Sinsheim

Day 7: Drive from Sinsheim to Breitenwang, crossing the border with Austria (319 kilometers (198 miles), about 3 to 4 hours).

Day 8: Drive from Breitenwang to Volders (112 kilometers (70 miles), about 1.5 to 2 hours, partly via toll roads).

Day 9: Rest Day

Day 10: Explore Innsbruck

Day 11: Drive from Volders to Zell am See (129 kilometers (80 miles), about 2 hours, via partly toll roads).

Day 12: Drive from Zell am See to Obervellach (107 kilometers (66 miles), about 2 hours, partly via toll roads).

Day 13: Drive from Obervellach to Dovje (111 kilometers (69 miles), 1.5 hours, via the Wurzenpass), crossing the border with Slovenia.

Day 14: Rest Day

Day 15: Explore the Vintgar Gorge.

Day 16: Drive from Dovje to Ljubljana (69 kilometers (43 miles), about an hour, via partly toll roads).

Day 17: Rest Day

Day 18: Explore Ljubljana

Day 19: Drive from Ljubljana to Ptuj (138 kilometers (86 miles), 1.5 hours, partly via toll roads).

Day 20: Explore the water park.

Day 21: Drive from Ptuj to Zagreb (93 kilometers (58 miles), 1.5 hours, partly via toll roads), crossing the border with Croatia.

Day 22: Drive from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park (137 kilometers (85 miles), about 2 hours, partly via toll roads).

Day 23: Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park

Day 24: Drive from Plitvice Lakes National Park to Knin (134 kilometers (83 miles), about 1 hour and 45 minutes).

Day 25: Drive from Knin to Mlini (295 kilometers (183 miles), about 4 hours, partly via toll roads).

Day 26: Explore Dubrovnik

The Way Back

Day 27: Drive from Mlini to Stobreč (238 kilometers (148 miles), about 3 to 4 hours).

Day 28: Rest Day

Day 29: Drive from Stobreč to Zadar (144 kilometers (89 miles), about 2.5 hours).

Day 30: Drive from Zadar to Krk town (230 kilometers (143 miles), about 4 hours, with a toll bridge).

Day 31: Drive from Krk town to Pula (150 kilometers (93 miles), about 2 hours and 45 minutes, with a toll bridge).

Day 32: Drive from Pula to Gračišče (116 kilometers (72 miles), about 2 hours, partly via toll roads).

Day 33: Explore Sečoveljske Soline and Piran, and drive to Črni Kal.

Day 34: Drive from Črni Kal to Sistiana (46 kilometers (29 miles), about 45 minutes).

Day 35: Rest Day

Day 36: Drive from Sistiana to Trafoi (367 kilometers (228 miles), about 5 hours and 15 minutes, partly via toll roads).

Day 37: Drive from Trafoi to Sank Moritz (99 kilometers (62 miles), about 2 hours), crossing the border with Switzerland.

Day 38: Drive from Sankt Moritz to Disentis (126 kilometers (78 miles), about 2 hours).

Day 39 Drive the 3 Passes tour, end in Wassen.

Day 40: Drive from Wassen to Colmar (350 kilometers (217 miles), about 5 hours, partly via toll roads), crossing the border with France.

Day 41: Drive from Colmar to Luxembourg-City (261 kilometers (162 miles), 3 hours and 15 minutes), crossing the border with Luxembourg.

Day 42: Drive from Luxembourg-City to Den Bosch (327 kilometers (203 miles), about 3.5 hours), crossing the border with Belgium and the Netherlands.

Day 43: Drive from Den Bosch to Amsterdam (88 kilometers (55 miles), about an hour).

Day to Day Itinerary

On our European road trip route we covered a large part of East, Central and East Europe. From (old) cities to National Parks it’s all on the route. We covered the following countries on our road trip: Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Italy, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Day 1 till 5: Hamburg

We drove from Utrecht to Norderstedt and stayed with family. Norderstedt is just above Hamburg. Hamburg is a beautiful green city. Arrive at Hamburg Airport to start your road trip. Visit Speicherstadt, Miniaturwelt, take a boat tour at the harbor, there’s plenty of fun things to do. We had fun with our niece and nephew, and didn’t play tourist these days. Hamburg is one of the Best Cities in Europe to Visit , and one of the best cities to visit in Germany , and it’s not the last one on that list that we’re visiting on this road trip.

On the 5 th day we drove from Hamburg to Sinsheim, which took a long time, since we had a traffic jam due to livestock on the Autobahn.

Day 6: Sinsheim

Take a whole day for the Auto und Technikmuseum at Sinsheim . We had so much fun exploring the planes outside and admiring all the cars on display inside.

At the end of our day we made a short stroll through the city center of Sinsheim for a restaurant for some dinner.

Day 7: Neuschwanstein

We only made a few photos jumping in front of the castle. We had visited it 6 years before and loved it. Optional to visit also or instead is Hohenschwangau castle , a castle close by that’s also beautiful and worth your time. Both are among the most beautiful fairytale castles in the world .

Day 8: Highline179

On our drive from Obervellach to Volders, we passed Highline179, a cool suspension bridge surrounded by imposing mountains, which gives the most beautiful 360° panorama views. Highline179 was the first attraction on our week in Austria .

Day 9 & 10: Innsbruck

We had a rest day, Yuri needed some play time with other kids and we needed to wash clothes. The second day we opted to go to the Alpenzoo in the city of Innsbruck. Innsbruck is just 15 minutes away from Volders. Other things to do near Volders are Hall’s old town, Swarovski Crystal Worlds and a Mint museum.

Day 11: Gerlos Alpenstrasse and Krimmler Wasserfalle

The Gerlos Alpenstrasse is en route from Volders to Zell am See. It’s a 12 kilometer long toll road, with beautiful panoramic views. On the Gerlos Alpenstrasse the Krimmler waterfalls are also located. There are 3 waterfalls, with a path and viewing points near it.

Day 12: Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse

The Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse is part of the Hohe Tauern National Park and on the way from Zell am See to Obervellach. This toll road is 48 kilometers long. There are stunning views all the way on the route, the largest glacier of the Eastern Alps, the highest mountain of Austria and the highest viewpoint in Austria.

Day 13: Bunkermuseum Wurzenpass/Kärnten

Just before entering Slovenia on the Wurzenpass is the Bunkermuseum. It was a top-secret facility during the Cold War. You can wander around the trench system and the bunkers. There’s also a museum exhibit.

Day 14 & 15: Vintgar Gorge

We had a rest day for some washing and playing on the campsite for Yuri. The next day we hiked the Vintgar Gorge. A beautiful gorge with a waterfall at the end. The Sum waterfalls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe . Swimming is possible near the waterfall.

Day 16: Lake Bled

The most famous and popular attraction in Slovenia, the beautiful Lake Bled. It’s on the route from Dovje to Ljubljana. Go swimming in the lake, hike around it, rent a boat and go to the island in the middle.

Day 17 & 18: Ljubljana

We had a rest day and went to the swimming pool on the campground and the day after we had an afternoon in Ljubljana . Ljubljana is a beautiful old city with a laid back vibe. Visit the castle and wander around the old town.

Day 19 & 20: Ptuj

Ptuj is a quaint little old town with a castle waiting to be explored. In the castle is a museum for regional history and the carnival masks that they wear in the region. We visited the castle in the afternoon on the day we arrived. On day 20 we enjoyed ourselves at the waterpark near the campground. Terme Ptuj are also an option.

Day 21: Zagreb

With one afternoon in Zagreb , wander around the city center. Admire the St Marcus church with its colorful roof. Go with the cable track up to the upper part of the city, admire the view on downtown Zagreb. Here are tips on driving in Croatia .

Day 22 till 24: Plitvice Lakes National Park

Drive from Zagreb to the Plitvice Lakes National Park on day 22. Take 1.5 days for exploring this beautiful National Park, with numerous waterfalls and lakes. Enough time to do the large circular walks, to see the main attractions.

On the 24 th day, in the afternoon, drive further to Knin. Enjoy the peaceful hinterland, where (almost) no tourists come.

Day 25 & 26: Delta area, Bosnia and Dubrovnik

On day 25 drive from Knin to Mlini, which is close to Dubrovnik. The road is partly through the hinterland of Croatia and partly along the coast. On the verge of these two is a large delta area. Stalls align the road. Stop and buy fresh produce like fruit, veggies, honey, alcohol and so on. We stopped at a few stalls and bought fig jam and so on. Everything was delicious and fresh.

Before reaching Dubrovnik you pass the border with Bosnia. A small piece of coast belongs to Bosnia. On your route to Mlini you pass through Dubrovnik. After leaving Dubrovnik, there’s a popular pull over place where you have a fantastic view over old town Dubrovnik.

The next day take a boat from Mlini to Dubrovnik. A day in Dubrovnik is easily filled. The town is beautiful, as well seen from the water, on the walls as inside the city. Do the not to be missed tour on the walls/fortifications early in the day, it will be too hot later in the day. Wander through the city admire the Onofrio fountain and sit on a terrace on main street. Dubrovnik is one of our European Fortresses, Forts and Fortified Towns .

We went for a swim in the afternoon in the sea at Mlini to cool down and we wanted some ‘beach’ time.

Day 27 till 29: Split and Zadar

We drove along the coast from Mlini to Stobreč, make a stop somewhere along the way for a swim in the sea. That is if you can find a parking spot.

We had a rest day on the 28 th day and swam in the sea at our campground. If you’re not in need of a rest day a visit to Krka National Park or the city of Trogrir is a good idea. Krka National Park is a beautiful park with waterfalls, lakes and some historic buildings. Trogrir is a city with a beautiful, old town.

On your drive from Stobreč to Zadar, stop at Split. Spend the morning exploring the ancient Roman city. Visit the remains of the Diocletian’s palace. The ancient city is well preserved.

End the day watching the sunset in Zadar at Greeting to the Sun, a monument that comes to live in the evening. Listen to the Sea organ and enjoy a warm Summer evening at Zadar.

Day 30 + 31: Krk

Say goodbye to Zadar, a city we instantly fell in love with. Drive along the coast to the island of Krk. If you arrive on time, there should still be time for a swim in the sea on one of the many beautiful beaches on Krk island.

The next morning explore the small streets of Krk town and stroll along the small harbor. Then leave Krk island for Istria, drive along the east coast towards Pula. Stop at hotel Flanona for a drink or lunch with a perfect view on the sea and the island of Cres. In Pula take a quick dive in the sea at sunset.

Day 32: Pula

In the morning visit the amfitheater, the famous one from Croatia. This isn’t the only left over Roman artifact in the 3000 year old city. After this drive north in Istria towards Slovenia. In Slovenia take the road through the mountains, leading through Šmarje and Marezige towards Gračišče. Beautiful views on Koper and the valley below and small Slovenian towns are your reward.

Day 33: Sečoveljske Soline and Piran

Today is to explore Krajinski park Sečoveljske soline, the saltworks and to view the beautiful port town of Piran. Sečoveljske is the largest salt evaporation pond in Slovenia. Salt is still produced in a traditional way, you can watch men working in the salt flats. Next to that, it’s a breeding place for waterbirds and a wetland of international importance.

After the saltworks drive to Piran, park your car just outside the city at the Formace parking garage. Take the bus to the city center (it’s car free). This is one of the most beautiful towns along the Adriatic coast. Wander around and admire its beautiful squares with houses in Venetian style along it. Climb the tower of the cathedral for splendid views.

Day 34 & 35: Trieste

Today we arrive in Italy, and start with exploring Trieste, the start of 4 days in Italy . A port city with large squares, our son loved running around on these squares. Of course have some gelato and coffee, you’re in Italy! It’s the coffee capital of Italy. The brand Illy has its origin here.

The next day is a rest day. Go for a swim in the pool and make a short hike admiring the coastline. You could also opt to visit Castle Miramar.

Day 36: Dolomites

Today you cross the Dolomites from East to West. Explore one of the many cute towns in the Dolomites, or opt for a hike in the mountains. It’s all a possible on this day.

Day 37: Stelvio Pass, Parc Naziunal Svizzer and Sankt Moritz

Take the Stelvio Pass to drive into Switzerland, with 46 hairpin bends, it’s a great drive with stunning views of the Alps. The road is narrow and is the highest paved road in the Eastern Alps. Start your day early, since the Stelvio pass can get crowded.

Start your 4 days in Switzerland at Parc Naziunal Svizzer, the only National Park in Switzerland and has 21 hiking routes. Enjoy the beautiful nature on one of the hikes.

From here drive to Sankt Moritz. A hiking and mountain bike paradise, but also perfect for watersports on the lake. Spend your afternoon here.

Day 38: Parc Ela and Chur

Parc Ela has some stunning views with its high mountain peaks, lakes and glaciers.

Drive on to Chur, the oldest city of Switzerland. It has a beautiful old town to wander around, with several museums and old buildings to admire.

Day 39: 3 Passes Tour

A tour of 120 kilometers (75 miles) covering the Süstenpass, Grimselpass and the Furkapass. Next to spectacular views on snowcapped mountains, mountain lakes and glaciers, there are also attractions like Eisgrotte Rhone glacier and the Teufelsbrücke.

Day 40: Brienzersee  and Emmentaler Schaukäserei

From Wassen drive the Süstenpass again and drive to Brienz. Enjoy a stroll along the boulevard at the Brienzersee. Then drive further along this lake, pass through Interlaken and follow the Thunersee till Thun. Enjoy the mesmerizing lake views.

In the afternoon visit the Emmentaler Schaukäserei, to learn how the famous Emmentaler cheese is made and how the production of cheese has been over the ages.

Day 41: Castle Haut-Kœnigsbourg

Explore Colmar with its beautiful old town and Musée Unterlinden.

Visit Castle Haut-Kœnigsbourg on your way to Luxembourg a beautiful medieval castle with an artillery platform and medieval gardens.

Day 42: Luxembourg-City and Durbuy

Take the morning to discover the old town of Luxembourg-City and the casemates du Bock. Then head on over to Belgium and visit the Parc des Topiairies at Durbuy before driving north to Den Bosch in the Netherlands.

We opted to stay in Uden at my parents.

Day 43: Den Bosch

Explore Den Bosch with the beautiful St. Janscathedral, cosy city center and the Binnendieze where you can take a boat ride. In the afternoon drive to Amsterdam, where the road trip ends. We opted to drive home, which is Utrecht.

Where to stay

We had a combination of campgrounds, apartments and a few hotels on our road trip in Europe. When there was lots of rain or campgrounds were fully booked, than we used booking.com for an apartment near us. We stayed twice at family, at Norderstedt and at Uden.

In Sinsheim we rented a large apartment for 2 nights.

In Austria we stayed one night at campsite Seespitze in Breitenwang. 3 Nights at Schloss campsite Aschach at Volders. Then one night each on 2 different campgrounds: Panoramacamp Zell am See and Aktiv-Sport Erlebnis-Camp Pristavec in Obervellach.

In Slovenia we started at Camping Kamne for 3 nights in Dovje. Then another 3 nights at Ljubljana Resort Hotel & Camp. Ending with 2 nights at Camping Terme Ptuj. We slept in a large wine barrel here, which was really cool.

After that we stayed at 5 campsites in Croatia , and some apartments and a hotel. We started with one night at Camp Zagreb. Then 2 nights at Camp Turist Grabovac next to the Plitvice Lakes. Then at Hotel Mihovil in Knin for one night. We were the only guests at that moment. At Camping Kate in Mlini we stayed 2 nights and again 2 nights at Camping Stobreč Split, a perfect campground near the beach. In Zadar we stayed at an apartment for one night, with really nice owners. The same in Krk town, one night at an apartment from a nice woman. Then one night at Camp Arena Stoja, near Pula. We wanted to camp another night in Istria, but there was simply not one spot left. So book this way ahead, since Istria books full fast.

Back in Slovenia we stayed one night at Homestay Ražman in Gračišče. Then one night at Hostel Xaxid in Črni Kal.

Western Europe

In Italy we stayed 2 nights at camping Mare Pineta in Sistiana. After we slept one night in our car, since every campground and hotel was fully booked. So another place where you have to book far ahead in the Summer months.

We stayed one night at TCS camping St. Moritz and one night at TCS camping Disentis. Since we had a lot of rain from here on, we only stayed at hotels the rest of the route. One night at Hotel Gerig, a fantastic hotel with restaurant in Wassen. Then one night at a hotel near Colmar, an one night at Doubletree by Hilton in Luxembourg-City.

Where to eat

We ate mostly at the restaurants at the campgrounds and hotels, or cooked our own meals with local produce. We tried a lot of local dishes in each country, like kremšnita in Slovenia, ćevapčići in Croatia, schnitzel in Austria and so on.

When to visit

We made this 6 week trip in July and August. We had both hot/warm weather as well as lots of rain. So pack with layers and a raincoat or umbrella.

You can’t drive the whole route all year long, since the Stelvio Pass and some other mountainous regions are closed off during part of the year in winter time. Austria, Switzerland and Italy have closures on passes due to snowfall.

• Bring some small coins for toll roads, most can be paid with credit card, but a few not.
• For Austria, Slovenia and Switzerland a vignette is needed to drive on the highways.
• Book your stays in Istria, Krk and the Dolomites far ahead. These book out fast for the Summer months.

Alternative itineraries

We had less time at the end of our road trip of Europe for our stops, since we took a lot of time at the beginning.

Day 1: Arrive in Hamburg.

Day 2: Explore Hamburg.

Day 3: Follow the route from day 5 here further.

Day 40: Explore Luxembourg-City.

Day 41: Drive from Luxembourg-City to Durbuy (146 kilometers (  miles), about 2 hours), crossing the border with Belgium.

Day 42: Drive from Durbuy to Den Bosch (204 kilometers (  miles), about 2.5 hours), crossing the border with the Netherlands.

Day 43: Drive from Den Bosch to Amsterdam.

Alternative for day 5 and 6, is instead of Sinsheim, discover Frankfurt am Main , an industrious city that’s well worth your time.

Thoughts on our European Road Trip

We loved our road trip and would have liked to stay longer in Zadar and on Krk Island. But we needed to head back towards Utrecht. We took longer in Zadar a year later, when we undertook a Balkan road trip.

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29 comments.

Wow! What an amazing trip! I’ve been to parts of Germany and Croatia, but this road trip looks amazing. I would love to be able to spend that much time in Europe someday. Thanks for all the great tips and photos for inspiration.

Germany and Croatia are both beautiful countries. Yes, it was a fabolous trip through Europe.

This is such a fantastic road trip idea! I love all of the places you’ve mentioned and I haven’t been to many of them so they’re still on my bucket list.

Hope you get to skip them of your bucket list soon. They’re all amazing.

This is an amazing itinerary and looks like you saw a lot! As an American, it’s always so weird to me how you can drive just a few hours and be in a different country in Europe haha. I like that you had rest days in your itinerary, becuase it gets tiring driving every day!

Yes, totally different for someone from the USA, that you can drive a few hours and be in a totally different country. We always love driving in the US, but it’s strange to hear about people who haven’t left their state or country. Rest days are important, especially with a kid in tow.

That’s an amazing itinerary ..I am hoping to visit Europe sometime soon Thanks for sharing

Hope you get to go to Europe soon.

Your road trip sounds amazing. There is so much to see in Europe that every road trip can be different and you could never see the same thing twice. We did several road trips years ago and the only overlap with your is Luxembourg! I really wish we had done some more of the eastern countries like Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia. The closest we came was the Czech Republic.

Yes, definitely, every road trip could be different in Europe. We’ve done a few now and haven’t been to the same place each time. Although only a few places, we’ve gone back to.

Yes please! I cannot wait to get back to Europe and explore more!

Hope you can come back to Europe soon.

Margarida Vasconcelos

What a great itinerary, thank you for sharing. I would probably try to do it by public transports. I love travelling by train.

Traveling by train is fantastic. I don’t think that you could visit each site in the trip by public transport, but most of it would be possible.

This looks like such an amazing 6 week trip. You really packed a lot in. I really want to go to Luxembourg and Brienzersee!

Luxembourg and Brienzersee are both beautiful and so worth your time.

Great itinerary. Very extensive – you would never be board with so much to see and do. Saving this for the future.

No, we were not board one second of the trip.

I love this schedule! Europe is so diverse and beautiful!

Yes, Europe indeed is!

Rob + Ann @TravelLatte

That is quite an itinerary!! What an amazing trip you had, and so many awesome sights (and sites)! We had never heard of the Auto und Technikmuseum in Sinsheim, but we love planes and automobiles, so that’s right up our alley! We’d love to spend some time wandering the Dolomites, too. We’ve added a few of your stops to our To Do list – now we just need to get back to Europe! 🙂

We drove by the Auto und Technik museum a few times on our way to Austria and Czechia, so we needed to check it out. The Dolomites are beautiful. Great that you added some more stops to your To Do list!

This is basically my dream vacation. If I can ever get away for this long, I would love to follow an itinerary just like this. Thanks for the ideas!

Hope you can get away this long some time. It’s fantastic.

Ahh, I so wish I had 6 weeks to take off to explore/travel! This looks like a fun itinerary and your photos are so pretty!

Thank you! Hope you can take 6 weeks off in the future, it’s fantastic.

Wow! This is such an incredible road trip. There are so many beautiful spots in Europe to explore. I can’t wait to get back. 🙂

Yes, Europe has a lot of beautiful spots to stop at.

simplyjolayne

6 weeks! How awesome is that to have a road trip for so long. Can’t wait just to get back to traveling in general as Europe is my happy place.

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Beautiful Bavaria road trip itinerary

• August 25, 2024
• curious goose

This post may contain affiliate links. I will receive a small commission if you use these links.

This Bavaria road trip itinerary will include elements of Germany’s famous Romantic road. Starting in the city of Würzburg, and travelling south to Munich. Along the way, you’ll visit some of the best places in Bavaria.

Bavaria is a large region in the Southwest of Germany, full of historic, charming destinations and great road trip views.  There are several beautiful road trips in Germany, including the Great Romantic Road, the Rhine Valley Route and the Great Alpine Road. Driving through the Black Forest is also another great way to spend a week in Germany.  However, if you want to know some of the best places to visit in Bavaria, you’re in the right place!

Table of Contents

As I mentioned above, this Bavaria road trip starts in the city of Würzburg. The best way to get to Würzburg is to fly into either Nuremburg or Frankfurt airport. You can then pick up your rental car from the airport. 

You will need between 10-14 days to complete this road trip. Of course, this may differ, depending on how long you choose to stay in each of the locations. You may also want to extend the road trip by adding in the Bavarian Alps at the end.

Start your Bavaria road trip in the city of Würzburg. This is also the starting point for the Romantic Road, which extends down Germany, weaving between the borders of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. The Romantic Road is one of the most popular road trip routes in Germany. Whilst this itinerary doesn’t follow the same route, it heads in the same direction.

What is there to do in Würzburg?

Würzburg sits right in the centre of Germany’s Franconian wine region, so, if you’re a wine drinker, you’re in luck, as there is plenty of good quality wine in the city! 

In addition to its famous wine, Würzburg, like many Bavarian destinations, is known for its history and architecture. As such, you can easily spend the whole day here, wandering around the city and admiring the buildings. The most famous landmark in Würzburg is the Residential Palace , which dates back to the 18th century. If you want a closer look at the palace, you can pay to go inside to view the paintings and wander around the formal gardens.

Another great activity in Würzburg is to enjoy a city sightseeing tour on board the Bimmelbahn Train.

For the best views over Würzburg, head to the Marienberg Fortress . If you are visiting Germany on a budget, you’ll be pleased to know that you do not need to pay to access the viewpoint outside the Fortress. However, if you want to see the art, gardens and museum inside, there is a small fee to enter.

How long do you need in Würzburg?

One to two days is plenty of time to wander around the city of Würzburg.

Bamberg is one of the most well preserved Mediaeval cities in Germany. Remarkably, the city was left relatively unscathed following WWII and many historic buildings still stand today. The number of preserved historic buildings has earned Bamberg a ‘UNESCO Heritage site’ title.

What is there to do in Bamberg?

Bamberg may not be a large town, but there are lots of great attractions to see. Start your day in Bamberg by walking up to the Michaelsberg Monastery . Sitting in the centre of the complex is the St Michael’s church, which is over 1000 years old. At the time of writing (summer 2024), access to the church is closed due to extensive renovation works. However, you can still access the viewing area around the complex and look across the rooftops of the town and beyond. 

One of the best things to do in Bamberg is to wander around the Aldstadt (old town) and explore the historic buildings and architecture. One particularly interesting building is the Altes Rathaus – the old town hall which sits on top of the stone bridge over the river. 

Another important building in Bamberg is the Bamberg cathedral (‘Bamberger Dom’). Entry to the cathedral is free within certain hours and paid tours are available if you want to explore more areas. In addition to the cathedral, you can also visit the luxurious Neue residence. This 17th-century palace also has a pretty rose garden which you can visit for free.

How long do you need in Bamberg?

Bamberg is quite small and you can see most of the main attractions in one day. However, if you want to join a guided tour and take things a bit slower, then I would suggest one-two days. 

Nuremberg is the second largest city in Germany (coming behind Munich). Sadly, because of this, it was a main target during WWII and much of the original historic city was destroyed. Despite this, Nuremberg still retains some of its old character (thanks to some parts of the historic city being reconstructed). Although it might not be as ‘quaint’ and ‘charming’ as some of the smaller places to visit in Bavaria, it is definitely a worthy stop on your Bavaria road trip itinerary.

What is there to do in Nuremberg?

There are quite a lot of things to do in Nuremberg to keep you entertained for a day or two. Start by visiting the Kaiserberg (Imperial Castle of Nuremberg). Whilst there is an entrance fee to go inside the castle, you can walk up to the large gates and viewing platform for free. 

Sitting just underneath the Kaiserberg is the Tiergartnertor , which is one of the city’s few remaining defensive gates, dating back to the 13th century. If you want to explore the city walls further, you can book a tour of the Mediaeval dungeons which sit underneath the city walls. 

Another great budget activity to do in Nuremberg is to wander around the Old Town, before buying lunch in the open-air Hauptmarkt . After lunch, take a stroll along the River Pegnitz , where you can see the traditional timber Maxbrücke bridge . If you’re short on time, or not able to explore on foot extensively, the Bimmelbhan sightseeing train is a great way to explore Nuremberg.

How long do you need in Nuremberg?

You can easily see the main sights of Nuremberg in one day if you are short on time. However, if you want to join a guided tour, or take a daytrip from Nuremberg , then I would suggest staying for a couple of days longer. In summary, one – three days is a good amount of time to spend in Nuremberg, depending on what you want to do whilst in the city.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is perhaps one of the prettiest places to visit in Bavaria. It is one of the most visited places along Germany’s Romantic Road, and for good reason, because it is utterly charming!

What is there to do in Rothenburg ob de Tauber?

The focal point of this cute town is the grand town hall, which sits in a large cobbled market square, surrounded by colourful buildings housing cafes and shops. One of the best things to do in Rothenburg is to simply wander the historic streets and explore the narrow lanes. You can also walk the old town stone walls and take in the views across the surrounding countryside.

Make sure to head to the little area of Plönlein , with a cute water fountain and half-timber houses. This is the most photographed spot in Rothenburg, so arrive early in the morning if you want to capture some great photos. 

How long do you need in Rothenburg ob de Tauber?

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a small town, and you don’t really need more than one day here. However, it does get very busy, so I would suggest staying two nights. That way you can stay overnight and get up early to explore the town the following day before the coach trips arrive. You can then enjoy a second night in the town before you continue your journey the following day.

Rothenberg ob de Tauber is definitely one of the prettiest places in Bavaria. 

Dinkelsbühl

Dinkelsbühl is one of the few remaining walled mediaeval towns in Germany, alongside Rothenburg ob de Tauber and Nördlingen. The town itself has retained many historic characteristics and it is a great example of how traditional Bavarian towns would have looked during the middle ages.

What is there to do in Dinkelsbühl?

The best way to explore Dinkelsbühl is on foot, wandering around the old town, admiring the half timber buildings. There is also a picturesque 3 km walking route which circles the old town and its walls, which is great to do on a sunny day. Along this walking trail, there are four main stone gates, which were once the entrance points into the historic old town. The most well-preserved gate is the Nordlinger Tor which was built around 1400. 

Dominating the centre of Dinkelsbühl is the impressive St. George Cathedral. The cathedral dates back to the 15th century and for a small fee, you can climb the tower for great views over the town and surrounding countryside.

How long do you need in Dinkelsbühl?

You only need to spend one day in Dinkelsbühl, but it is definitely worth stopping here on your journey along the Romantic Road, or through Bavaria.

Dinkelsbühl may be small but it is full of historic charm

Augsburg is one of Germany’s oldest and most historically significant cities. Located half way along the Romantic Road route, it makes a great stopping point on your Bavarian road trip.

What is there to do in Augsburg?

One of the best things to do in Augsburg is to join a walking tour . The popular tours will navigate you through the charming old town and to several UNESCO heritage sights in the city. 

Augsburg is most well known for being home to the Fuggerei – a social housing estate built by the wealthy Fugger banking family. The settlement is still home to local catholic residents, however there is a small museum detailing its history. 

In the centre of the Old Town is the impressive Augsburger Dom. This Roman-Gothic cathedral is famed for its beautiful stained glass windows. Other notable buildings include the City hall, St Mary’s Cathedral , Schaezler Palac e and the Waterworks museum.

When you’re ready for some lunch, make your way to the Rathausplatz – the historic town square, and for families visiting Augsburg, Legoland Germany is only a 35 minute drive away.

How long do you need in Augsburg?

Despite being one of the largest cities in Bavaria, the centre of Augsburg is relatively walkable. Therefore, one – two days is a good amount of time to visit Augsburg.

Munich is the capital of the state of Bavaria and one of the largest and most visited cities in Germany. Munich is also famous for its large Oktoberfest beer festival, however, there is much more to this city than just beer!

What is there to do in Munich?

The focal point of the city is the Marienplatz – a central square, surrounded by historic gothic buildings. Notable landmarks here are S t Peter’s church and the Neus Rathouse – a townhall with an ornate clock tower.   Walking around Munich centre, you’ll discover many more beautiful buildings and points of interest. One of these is the Munich Palace Residence . Surrounded by landscaped gardens, the palace is open to visitors and houses a small museum and art gallery. 

In the summer months, one of the best places to visit in Munich is the English Gardens. At one end of the gardens is the Eisbachwelle – a year-round surfing wave. Another great place to enjoy sunny weather is t he Maximilian gardens.  In the centre of these gardens is the Bavarian State parliament. 

In addition to historic buildings and pretty parks, Munich also has a great food and drink scene. You’ll find lots of welcoming restaurants and beer houses dotted around the city. One of the most popular beer houses in Munich is the Hofbräuhaus München , which dates back to the 16th century.

If you want to save your feet, a great way to explore Munich is to buy a ticket for the Hop on and Hop off bus , which takes you round some of the best sights in Munich. 

How long do you need in Munich?

Munich is quite a walkable city and many of the sights are close to one another. As a result, two days would be a sufficient amount of time to spend here. Parking in the centre of Munich is expensive, therefore, I would recommend staying outside the city and finding a hotel with either free or subsidised car parking. Likewise, staying further out of the centre is also where you will find the cheapest accommodation in Munich. If you are staying outside the city, there is a metro which is handy for getting into and around Munich. 

Bavarian Alps

This Bavaria road trip itinerary ends in Munich. However, if you have longer to spend travelling, you may want to extend your journey.

If you want to continue exploring the beautiful region of Bavaria, you may want to head south after Munich to the Bavarian Alps. Running through the centre of Bavarian Alps from Lindau to Konigssee is the German Alpine Road . This is the most popular route for a road trip in the Bavarian Alps, passing through a variety of breathtaking landscapes.

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Fab France and Switzerland Itinerary 10 days (2024) - The Best 2 weeks!

France and switzerland are the biggest countries in europe. it can be a struggle to figure what to do and where to go. here’s a france and switzerland itinerary 10 days if you’re looking to get away for about 2 weeks but are unsure where to head off. the best spots with the best things to do and all details.

I still remember my first road trip through Switzerland and France.

I was still new to Europe and everything looked glorious. Switzerland was a fairytale!

If I were to pinpoint some of  Europe’s  most enchanting countries, France and Switzerland would be at the top of my list as due to sheer size the landscapes vary greatly. Both countries have so much to offer in terms of culture and history. The food scene, both in France and Switzerland, is just out of this world.

So when there are so many things to see, do, and EAT, this surely calls for a 10-day trip to France and Switzerland. Here I have for you a France and Switzerland Itinerary 10 days for an unforgettable Europe trip!

PLANNING YOUR FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND ITINERARY| THE ESSENTIALS

Tours in France and Switzerland worth checking out

• 2-Hour Guided Tour Through the Louvre
• Geneva City Tour and Boat Cruise
• Interlaken and Grindelwald Day Trip from Lucerne

Where to stay in France and Switzerland

• Hotel du College de France in Paris
• Bayard Bellecour in Lyon
• Hotel Scheuble in Zurich

IN THIS GUIDE

France and Switzerland Itinerary 10 days

Best time to visit france and switzerland.

Europe  is a continent that can be visited throughout the year and each season has its own unique charm and experiences. The best time to visit any  European  country depends on what you as a traveller seek.  Planning the best itinerary for France and Switzerland similarly depends on your preferences.

Both countries are extremely popular destinations and offer many activities and attractions for you to plan an eventful 2 weeks in France and Switzerland.

Best time to plan a France and Switzerland itinerary

The best France and Switzerland itinerary would be anytime between April and September . when the temperatures in both countries are pleasant and warm. Prefer to visit France and Switzerland with the crowds? Plan a France Switzerland itinerary in Summer between June to August.

Or, like me, want to explore from France to Switzerland without staying in queues and being thronged by crowds? You have your answer, the shoulder seasons of Spring ( April to May) and Autumn (September to October) are the time to plan a France and Switzerland itinerary 10 days.

This France Switzerland itinerary contains:

Cities – paris, lyon, geneva, zurich, lucerne, interlaken.

NOTE: If you’re pressed on time, swap Paris and Lyon for 4 days in Strasbourg and Colmar which are super picturesque as well! I included Paris and Lyon as many prefer to have those when visiting France

This France and Switzerland itinerary will take you through some of the most beautiful cities and destinations in both France and Switzerland.

The France Switzerland itinerary promises to be an all-in-one experience: from historical and architectural marvels to gastronomical delights, from relaxing experiences in the lap of the Swiss Alps to panoramic views from the top of Europe, this will be an adventure to cherish!

Day 1, 2 – Paris, France

I would recommend arriving in Paris a day before the start of this France and Switzerland itinerary so that you have plenty of time to settle in and rest your legs for feeling the magic of Paris.

Consider booking the Hotel du College de France as this Paris city centre hotel is only a few minutes away from places like Noter-Dame Cathedral, the Pantheon, and the Luxembourg Gardens.

Day 1 of your France and Switzerland itinerary 10 days   will go something like this:

Eiffel Tower

Start your day with an early visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower to avoid the crowds and to take in the mesmerizing view of the ‘City of Love’ from the top. You can book the tickets directly at the offices or through the website.

I would highly recommend this guided tour of  Paris: Eiffel Tower Summit Floor Ticket & Seine River Cruise  as you can skip the ticket line and directly head to the top of the tower. The best part? You will also get a flexible cruise ticket to see the sights of Paris from the Seine River Cruise!

Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France

Timings: 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.

Price: Check here

Louvre Museum

Next, head to one of the world’s largest and most famous museums, the Louvre, home to an incredibly diverse and extensive collection of art such as Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

You can spend hours exploring its vast collection but I would recommend this  2-Hour Guided Tour Through the Louvre  for a quick experience that will take you through the most famous works of the Louvre.

Address: 75001 Paris, France

Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. / Tuesday closed

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Head to the majestic Notre-Dam Cathedral, one of the most iconic landmarks of Paris, and the sight of many historic events. Sadly, as of date, you can only admire the exterior of the cathedral as it suffered a devastating fire in 2019.

Nevertheless, it is still an awe-inspiring sight to behold as its soaring Gothic architecture and intricate stone carvings are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the builders who constructed it over 800 years ago!

Notre-Dame de Paris

Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France

Timings: Temporarily Closed

Price: Free

Tuileries Garden

After a rushing day full of sightseeing on the first day of the France and Switzerland itinerary take a breath and relax at the peaceful Tuileries Garden located in the heart of Paris. Grab a bite or have a refreshing drink at one of the several cafes and snack stands in the garden.

Address: Pl. de la Concorde, 75001 Paris, France

Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Start day 2 of your France Switzerland itinerary by visiting:

Palace of Versailles

Located just outside Paris, the palace was once the home of Louis XIV and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the opulence and grandeur of the French monarchy. Don’t miss the Hall of Mirrors and the gardens.

Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France

Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. / Monday closed

Champs-Élysées

Return to Paris and visit the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world, full of shops, restaurants, and theatres.

At the western end of the avenue is the Arc de Triomphe, which honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. From the top, you’ll have stunning views of the city, especially at night when the city is lit up.

Arc de Triomphe

Address: Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France

Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Price: Free to walk around / Climb to the top – 12 Euros (for foreigners) & 9 Euros (for EU residents)

Musée d’Orsay

Afterward, anyone interested in art should visit the Musée d’Orsay, which is housed in a former railway station and features an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, along with an extensive collection of decorative arts, including furniture, sculpture, and photography.

Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France

Timings: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. / Thursday – 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.

With this, 2 days in Paris on the France and Switzerland itinerary 10 days comes to an end.

Our next stop is the city of Lyon . I suggest catching a late TGV fast train to Lyon, which takes around 2 hours. Or you can also catch the early train the next morning. The tickets for the train can be booked on this website .

Day 3, 4 – Lyon, France

Continuing on our France Switzerland itinerary and we reach Lyon, the gastronomical capital of France! You might be thinking why is it called so? That’s because the city has more restaurants per head than any other place in France and even perhaps Europe!

To get a glimpse of all the top attractions in Lyon, get on this  Lyon City Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour , which is a one-day tour of the best spots in the city.

I suggest staying in Bayard Bellecour as this authentic historical house-turned-hotel is located right in the heart of Lyon. It offers amenities like free wifi, AC rooms, and homemade breakfast at affordable prices.

Here are some of the best attractions which you must cover in Lyons in 2 days for this edition of the France and Switzerland itinerary:

Basilique Notre-Dame Fourviere

Your day starts with a visit to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a stunning basilica that overlooks the city. The views from here are breathtaking, and the basilica itself is a beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture.

Address: 8 Pl. de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon, France

Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Vieux Lyon & Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste

Next, visit the historic district of Vieux Lyon. Explore the charming cobblestone streets and visit the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste and admire the colourful Renaissance buildings.

Built during between the 12th and 15th centuries, the cathedral features intricate carvings and beautiful sculptures. Don’t forget to see the astronomical clock which was built in the 14th century and still functions to this day!

If you can spare the time, do try this  Vieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walking Guided Tour  to learn about Lyon’s history and its gastronomic prowess!

Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste

Address: Pl. Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon, France

Timings: 8:15 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. / Saturday & Sunday – 8:15 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Musée des Confluences

Any visit to Lyons for a France and Switzerland itinerary 10 days is incomplete without a halt at the Musée des Confluences!

The most striking feature of the museum is the modern design, a perfect contrast with the historic buildings of the city.

The museum’s permanent collection is divided into three main sections: the Origin of the World, the Species Theatre, and the Societies Gallery, each dealing with a different sphere of the evolution of life, such as the creation of the universe, diversity of life on Earth and the history of human societies, with a range of artifacts and exhibits.

Address: 86 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon, France

Timings: 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. / First Thursday of the month: 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Price: Full – 9 Euros / Concession – 6 Euros

Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière

Make your last stop of the day at the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière situated on the hill of Fourvière overlooking the city. The museum showcases the history of the Gallo-Roman civilization that once thrived in the region and its exhibits include mosaics, sculptures, pottery, and other artifacts that were unearthed during excavations in the region.

Do visit the reconstructed amphitheatre to experience what it would have been like to attend a gladiatorial contest during the Roman era!

Address: 17 Rue Cleberg, 69005 Lyon, France

Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

As you explore Lyon, do not forget to indulge in the city’s famous cuisine! For lunch, head to a traditional Bouchon, a type of restaurant that specializes in Lyonnaise cuisine. Le Bouchon des Filles is a great choice, offering traditional dishes like quenelles and andouillette.

The 2nd day of the France and Switzerland itinerary in Lyon covers the following spots

Musée Miniature et Cinéma

First on the list of attractions in this France Switzerland itinerary is the Musée Miniature et Cinéma, a fascinating museum that showcases miniature models and special effects from famous movies. Star War fans and Ringers (fans of the Lord of the Rings trilogy) will have the time of their life as they gaze upon a range of movie props and costumes from both the franchises!

Make sure to also try your hand at the Museum’s many interactive exhibits.

Address: 60 Rue Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon, France

Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Price: Full – 12;5 Euros / Child – 9.5 Euros / Reduced – 10 Euros

Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Time for a mouth-water lunch at the Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a famous food market that features a wide variety of local and international cuisine. From fresh produce to cheesemakers to bakeries and pastries and gourmet restaurants, each better than the earlier, the 55 merchants in this market are sure to leave you confused!

Parc de la Tête d’Or

After a sumptuous lunch leaving you with a full tummy, take a walk through the beautiful botanical gardens of the Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of the largest urban parks in Europe. Do visit the zoo or take a boat ride on the lake.

Address: 69006 Lyon, France

Timings: 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Aquarium de Lyon

End your second day and the trip to Lyon in this France and Switzerland Itinerary 10 days at the Lyon Aquarium, home to over 300 species of marine life, including fish, sharks, sea turtles, and more. The aquarium is divided into several themed zones, each showcasing different aquatic environments and the creatures that live within them.

You can get a unique perspective of the magnificent shark at the shark tunnel, where you walk through a tunnel surrounded by water, with sharks swimming all around you!

Address: 7 Rue Stéphane Dechant, 69350 La Mulatière, France

Timings: 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The next destination on France Switzerland itinerary is  Geneva , just across the border from Lyon. If you are thinking of driving from France to Switzerland , now is your chance!

The drive will take around 1 hour 35 minutes and takes you through scenic countryside. If you are up for it, make a short halt at the city of Annecy on the road and explore the Old Town and the Lake.

Alternatively, you can also take a cab or a bus to reach Geneva.

Day 5 – Geneva, Switzerland

Day 5 of the France and Switzerland itinerary finally brings you to Geneva, the Peace Capital of the World! While Geneva deserves a lot more attention, for this France and Switzerland itinerary 10 days, one day is sufficient to explore the city itself.

I know, you might be fretting about how to cover such a big city in a day! Worry not, for this guided  Geneva City Tour and Boat Cruise  is the perfect answer to all your worries! This 3-hour guided tour will cover all the major attractions of Geneva and give you a glimpse into the city’s history, culture, and relationship with peace. The tour ends with a beautiful cruise along Lake Geneva.

Some of the sights that this tour will cover for the France Switzerland itinerary include:

Old Town, which is full of charming cobblestone streets, picturesque alleys, and quaint shops.

Reformation Wall, which commemorates Protestant Reformation and honours its key figures.

Palace of Nations, housing the offices of the United Nations.

United Nations Office, the European headquarters of the United Nations where you can learn about the organization’s history and current work.

Jet d’ Eau , is a magnificent water fountain that shoots a column of water up to 140 meters high and is visible from many points in the city!

St. Pierre’s Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic-style Church dating back to the 12th century.

Flower Clock, is a clock made up of over 6,500 plants and flowers arranged in a clock face to honour Geneva’s reputation as the ‘City of Flowers’!

After a wholesome experience of the city, you can spend the rest of the day in the city. Try visiting some chocolate shops to get a closer look into the making of Swiss chocolates or you can also consider this  Chocolate Flavor Walking Tour of Geneva .

Or, have lunch at one of the city’s famous eateries and try traditional foods such as Cardons, Pain Genevois, Rissoles aux Poires, or Longeole Sausage and prepare to head to our next destination, the city of Zurich!

To reach Zurich, you can catch a late direct train which will take around 3 hours. The tickets can be booked on this  website . Or, you can also catch a direct flight which will take around 50 minutes.

Day 6, 7 – Zurich, Switzerland

As the France and Switzerland itinerary slowly draws to an end, you will find yourself in Zurich, a city with beautiful scenery, a rich culture, and historic landmarks. Zurich is a popular tourist destination and is a part of many Switzerland itineraries, so this city is a must-visit.

Check this Hotel Scheuble in Zurich which is a stone’s throw away from the main train station.

The first day in Zurich for the France Switzerland itinerary can be planned something like this:

As with any European city teemed in history, Zurich’s old town, or Altstadt is full of narrow streets, colourful buildings, and historic landmarks.  Be sure to visit Fraumünster Church, and Grossmünster Church, which are iconic churches of Zurich and are famous for their marvellous architecture.

If you want a more personal experience with a peek into Old Town’s history, you should not miss the  Zurich Old Town Walking Tour , where your stops at top attractions are filled with entertaining stories and anecdotes.

Shop along with Bahnhofstrasse on the tour or stop for a short snack and coffee at one of the many cafes.

Kunsthaus Zurich

Head to the Kunsthaus Zurich, one of the most important art museums in Switzerland and featuring artworks by famous artists such as Van Gogh and Picasso spanning several centuries. The Museum itself is housed in a beautiful building, combing modern and traditional architecture. A treat for art lovers!

Address: Heimpl. 1/5, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Timings: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. / Wednesday & Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. / Monday closed

Price: Adult – CHF 23 / Reduced – CHF 18

Swiss National Museum

No visit to Zurich is complete without a halt at the Swiss National Museum. Housed in a stunning castle-like building, the museum features exhibits on Swiss history and culture and covers a wide range of topics, from prehistoric artifacts to contemporary art, and from traditional crafts to modern technology.

Address: Museumstrasse 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Timings: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. / Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. / Monday closed

Price: Adults – CHF 10 / Concession – CHF 8

On the 2nd day in Zurich it’s time to head into the mountains around Zurich

Located on the outskirts of Zurich,  Felsenegg  is a mountain offering spectacular views of the city and the surrounding countryside and is perfect for a day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

To reach Felsenegg, take the Uetlibergbahn train from the Zurich main station to the Adliswil station, which is about a 20-minute ride. From there, catch the Felsenegg cable car, which will take you 800 meters up in just a few minutes! Or, the more adventurous ones can hike to the top from the station of Adliswil, which will take about an hour.

Felsenegg is truly a highlight of the France Switzerland itinerary!

At the top, you can enjoy the fascinating views of Zurich and the Lake in the distance, with the snow-covered Alps. As you soak in the views, don’t forget to try relishing fondue at the Gasthaus Felsenegg Inn!

You can also choose from the many hiking trails atop the mountain. I recommend doing the Planet Trail which takes you through a forested area, with signs and markers along the way that provide information about the planets and their features. The more seasoned hikers can hike to the summit of Uetliberg, the highest point in Zurich. This trail is around 10 kilometres and will take 3-4 hours. Other hiking options include a trek to the town of Buchenegg or Albis Pass.

As the Swiss Alps remain etched in your memory, head back to Zurich for the last leg of the France and Switzerland itinerary.

Lindt Home of Chocolate

But wait, I have another surprise in store! I don’t think there is a better way to end any trip to Zurich than with a visit to the Lindt Home of Chocolate!

Dive into the history of chocolate making in the Museum’s chocolate tour and experience the world of chocolate with all your senses. Remember the chocolate fountain in the movie ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’?

It pales in comparison to the fountain in this Museum! You also have the option of taking a chocolate course under the expert guidance of their Master Chocolatiers, very you can create your very own chocolate masterpieces.

Note:  Early booking is a must for a visit to this Chocolate Home as it is an extremely famous attraction in Zurich. You can book the tickets on their official website below.

Address: Schokoladenplatz 18802 Kilchberg Switzerland

Timings: Monday to Friday – 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. / Saturday & Sunday – 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The last destination on this France and Switzerland itinerary 10 days is Lucerne, the ‘Gateway to Central Switzerland’!

Lucerne is just about 50 kilometers from Zurich and this calls for a road trip! The driving routes Switzerland are as it is scenic, and nothing different can be said for the route from Zurich to Lucerne.

In the 30-minute drive to Lucerne, you will be able to gaze upon the mighty Alps in the distance, along with Mount Pilatus, which soars over Lucerne. Lush greenery and rolling hills are constant companions.

You can head to Lucerne on the same day or leave early the next morning.

Day 8, 9 – Lucerne

Lucerne is a beautiful city in central Switzerland, full of history, culture, and beautiful scenery. Two days in  Lucerne  on this France and Switzerland itinerary are sure to go in a flash, with many things to see and do!

As for the itinerary on how to spend your time in Lucerne, have a look at my blog on ‘How many Days in Lucerne’, which has a 5-day itinerary for Lucerne and its many attractions.

You can follow the two-day itinerary for this trip. Or, if you are planning a France and Switzerland itinerary 12 days, the four-day itinerary gives you a full experience of the enchanting city of Lucerne.

Day 10 – Interlaken & Grindelwald

If you do not stay further in Lucerne, on the last day of the France and Switzerland itinerary 10 days, take a day trip to the nearby hill towns of Interlaken followed by Grindelwald.

Both Interlaken and Grindelwald are some of the best places to visit in Switzerland by car, so driving or taking a cab is a great idea. I highly recommend this full-day guided tour of  Interlaken and Grindelwald Day Trip from Lucerne , where you can immerse yourself in Alpine beauty!

The drive through the Alps in a luxury coach is nothing short of mesmerizing and is sure to give you a dreamy experience of these hill towns.

After the day trip, you will be dropped back to Lucerne, from where it is time to bid adieu and head home, with memories of France and Switzerland in your heart and mind.

Itinerary options for your France and Switzerland trip

France switzerland austria itinerary.

You can also plan a 10-day itinerary including Austria, apart from France and Switzerland. Here’s how that could go:

Day 1, 2 – Paris

Day 3, 4 – Lyon

Day 5, 6 – Zurich (with one day trip to Lucerne)

Day 7, 8 – Innsbruck, check this  itinerary

Day 9 – Salzburg, where you should not miss the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Mozart’s Residence, Salzburg Cathedral, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Day 10  – Day Trip to Hallstatt, with a visit to the Mullbach waterfall, Bone House, and the Altaussee Salt Mine.

France Germany Switzerland Itinerary

Or, if you rather enjoy the beauty of Germany along with France and Switzerland, this is how you can plan it:

Day 3, 4 – Strasbourg, where you should not miss the Strasbourg Cathedral, Palais Rohan, La Grande Île, and famous museums.

Day 5 – Stuttgart, on your list should be a visit to the Mercedes-Benz Museum, the Fernsehturm, Wilhelma, and the Königstraße.

Day 6, 7 – Munich, visit the Glockenspiel, Viktualienmarkt, Frauenkriche and the Deutsches Museum.

Day 8, 9  – Zurich

Day 10 – Lucerne

France Switzerland Italy Itinerary

Craving some authentic Italian Pizza while you tour France and Switzerland? You can easily plan an Italy Switzerland France itinerary! Here’s how:

Day 5, 6 – Bern, visit the Old Town, the Zytglogge Clock Tower, Bernese Minster, and the Parliament Building

Day 7, 8 – Milan, check the  2 days in Milan itinerary

Day 9, 10 – Venice, refer to this  2 Day Venice Itinerary

A France and Switzerland itinerary 10 days offers a perfect blend of history, culture, adventure, and natural beauty and is indeed a must-do. So, make sure you don’t miss out on the must do spots when heading off to these destinations!

France and Switzerland Itinerary 10 days FAQ’s

How long does it take to travel from france to switzerland.

Depending on where you want to go and how you go, it can take around 5 hours by train and more than 10 hours by bus. If you catch a flight, the time taken will just be under 2 hours.

How many days are enough to visit Switzerland?

10-14 days minimum will be required to properly explore everything that Switzerland has to offer, however, you can get a broad view within a 5-7 day trip.

Is 10 days too long in Switzerland?

You can easily cover all the main attractions of Switzerland in 10 days without rushing. Plus, you will also have some leisure time at hand for some off-beat plans.

Is 10 days enough for France?

France is indeed a magical wonderland with many sights to see throughout the country and to get a complete feel of the country 10 days is sufficient.

Is Switzerland in France?

Well, let me put it this way – Switzerland is like that cousin of France who lives next door and shares some similar traits, like a love for cheese and wine.

But just like how you wouldn’t mistake your cousin for your sister, you can’t mistake Switzerland for France and both are different countries!

Award-winning Analyst, multi-nominated digital content creator and photographer Lavina Dsouza's words capture stories about culture and tradition mainly through its food and people. She has written and contributed to publications such as The Washington Post, Lonely Planet and Matador Network, to name a few. She is the editor of UntraditionalHumans.com, a non-profit created to share inspiring stories from women of colour who break free from traditions and choose happiness.

She's also a speaker passionate about DEI and champions solo travel. She has collaborated with numerous renowned brands such as Intrepid Travel, TripAdvisor, Travel and Leisure and Adobe, to name a few.

She can be found on Twitter and Instagram.

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Our Family European Road Trip

This past summer our family of 4 (kids ages 6 and 16) went on a 2-week European roadtrip through Germany, Alsace (France), and Switzerland.   It took me several months to plan this roadtrip and I am happy to share our itinerary to inspire you to start planning yours!

We made 8 overnight stops on this roadtrip that started from Germany, and here they are, with driving mileages , VIA points and day trips from each stop.

STOP 1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany (1 night)

Drive: Frankfurt Airport, Germany, to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Miles : 115 (1hr 40 mins)

We flew into Frankfurt, Germany (from New York), took possession of our rental car and drove to our first destination, Rothenburg ob der Tauber (not to confuse with a couple of “other” German Rothenburgs). We explored this “straight from the fairy tale” medieval town (one of Germany’s best preserved) on foot – on our own during the day and with the Night Watchman’s Tour at night.

STOP 2. Munich, Germany (3 nights)

Drive: Rothenburg-ob der Tauber, Germany to Munich, Germany  ( VIA Nuremberg, Germany)

Miles: 160 (3 hrs.)

Day trips from Munich: Lake Chiemsee (islands Herreninsel and Fraueninsel); Salzburg, Austria

We left Rothenburg in the morning to start our drive South to Munich. On our way we stopped in Nuremburg to pay our tribute to WWII history at Memorial Nuremberg Trials . We highly recommend visiting this powerful Museum housed in the functioning Palace of Justice. (If not in use for current trials, you can see Room 600 where the actual trials over Nazi regime took place in 1945-1946.) Exhibit rooms tell the commanding story of this first ever International Military Tribunal: the defendants, the evidence, the prosecutors, the sentencing, and famous visitors from around the world. We followed along with the self-guided audio tours. To preserve the significance of the visit, we did not stop anywhere else in Nuremberg and spent the 1.5 hour drive to Munich in quiet reflection.

We spent the following three nights in Munich , the capital of Bavaria, a cosmopolitan city representing the Germany of today. Traditional beer houses, world class art museums, vibrant central squares Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz,  an epic day trip to the islands of Lake Chiemsee and Salzburg occupied our time in this modern city with a history. We left Munich wanting more of it. Stay tuned for my “three day Munich itinerary” post in the coming weeks .

STOP 3: Ettal, Germany (Bavarian Alps), 3 nights

Drive: Munich, Germany to Ettal, Germany ( VIA Lake Walchensee, Germany)

Miles: 75 (1 hr 40 mins.)

Day trips from Ettal: Neuschwanstein Castle, Fussen, Linderhof Castle, Zugspitze , Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Oberammergau.

When we practically tore ourselves from last minute Munich sightseeing in the afternoon, we headed south east in the direction of Garmsich-Partenkirchen to a small town of Ettal which we have chosen as our base to explore Bavarian Alps . Over the next couple of days we swam in Alpine lakes, admired more of King Ludwig II impressive creations set against the Alps, journeyed to the top of Germany (aka Zugspitze mountain ) and explored picturesque Bavarian towns of Oberammergau and Partenkirchen . And when we felt that we had enough of Bavarian country side, we headed to Switzerland.

STOP 4: Zurich, Switzerland (1 night)

Drive: Ettal, Germany to Zurich, Switzerland

Miles : 175 Miles (3.5 hours)

Our drive from Ettal to Zurich was the longest on our road trip. Our trip plan (and frankly, the budget) only allowed us a glimpse into this beautiful country, but we loved what we saw and will hopefully have a chance to explore more of Switzerland on another trip.

In elegant Zurich , the city of swans and fountains (not to mention the clocks and the banks, of course) we put Zurich Cards generously offered by Zurich Tourist Offic e to a good use. Here is our  “ 24 hour Zurich” post.

STOP 5: Lucerne (1 night)

Drive: Zurich, Switzerland to Lucerne, Switzerland

Miles : 35 ( 40 mins)

From Zurich we drove south for less than an hour to Lucerne , for another “ one-nighter ” (we managed to squeeze 2 full sightseeing days out of our stay in Lucerne). The old town with its unique covered bridges decorated with 17th century art, blue waters of Lake Lucerne surrounded by glorious mountain tops – one of which (Mount Pilatus) we journeyed to using 5 different transports, followed by a visit to the Transport Museum itself – f illed our 2 days in beautiful Lucerne to the fullest.

STOP 6: Ribeauville. (Alsace) France

Drive: Lucerne, Switzerland to Ribeauville, France (3 nights)

Miles : 110 (1.5 hrs.)

Day trips from Ribeauville : Colmar, Castle Haut-Koenigsbourg, Kayzerberg

We were only able to leave the awe inspiring Lake Lucerne at 8pm as the skies started to turn grey for the first time on our trip (this was actually welcomed after 8 days of sightseeing in intense heat).

At some point (we did not notice in the dark) during our 2 hour journey to Ribeauville we crossed the Swiss boarder over to France and found ourselves in the Alsatian wine region. We awoke in the morning to the views of the vineyards right outside our terrace. For the next 3 days the pace of our journey slowed down a bit, as we tasted local whites , walked cobblestone streets of charming towns on the Alsatian wine route and went on culinary adventures in tiny local restaurants (did you know that Alsace has the most Michelin stars restaurants in France?)

STOP 7: Baden-Baden, Germany (2 nights)

Drive: Ribeauville, France to Baden-Baden, Germany  ( VIA Strasbourg, France)

Miles : 77 (1.5 hrs)

We left our Ribeauville base in the morning but continued our exploration of Alsace as we headed to Alsatian capital of Strasbourg . We spent 6 busy hours putting Strasbourg City Pass to the test (it passed!) as we climbed Notre Dame Cathedral (once the tallest building in the world), toured canal-lined medieval Petite France quarter (Unesco World Heritage Site), took a boat tour along Ill river all the way to the European Parliament and admired ancient royal residence Palace Rohan which once housed Napoleon for the night.

As much as we admired Strasbourg, we were ready for some heavy duty relaxation that awaited us in the German spa town Baden-Baden at the foothills of the Black Forest .

We headed out to the famous Baden-Baden spas as soon as we unpacked. We spent the next 2 days soaking in the thermal waters of the town’s 2 main spas – Friedrichsbad and Caracalla , taking short breaks for art museums (which, may I say, included the world’s most beautiful casino decorated with original paintings and period furniture), a cable car ride up to mountain Mercur and a walk along famous Lichtentaler Allee, straight from the 19 century Russian novel. When asked if he would  do anything differently on our busy trip, my husband’s (aka designated driver and photographer) only regret was that we did not spent another day in Baden Baden’s spas.

STOP 8: Frankfurt Airport, Germany (1 night)

Drive: Baden-Baden, Germany to Frankfurt Airport, Germany ( VIA Bingen, Germany)

Miles :150 (2.5 hrs.)

On our last sightseeing day, after (yet another) last minute soak in the Baden’s thermal pools, we drove to Bingen to catch a cruise along the Rhine river. With its steep vineyards’ lined shores, dreamy villages of Bacharach, Boppard and St. Goar and a castle every hundred feet- it is no wonder Middle Rhine has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. We took a 4:30pm cruise with KD line out of Bingen to the village of St. Goar (and rode a train back to our car in Bingen).  We spent the night at the hotel at Frankfurt Airport before taking an early morning flight to New York.

It was a beautiful ending to the road trip quite out of the ordinary.

See HERE– Planning Family European Road Trip: What Worked and What Did Not .

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29 thoughts on “Our Family European Road Trip”

An absolutely epic trip! I am really envious. We have been to Austria (utterly beautiful!) a few times, including Lake Wolfgang and Salzburg last year, but we haven’t been to Germany with the children and would really love to. Can’t believe how much you fitted in! I’d love to try the Baden Baden spas, but also so much else…

Thanks, Sarah! It was a very busy but also very fulfilling trip! We saw a lot but also fit in quite a few relaxing spa visits with and without the kids (not just in Baden Baden).

You have just made me even more excited about my Christmas road trip in Europe. We will be doing most of the same route as you but are lucky to have 3 additional weeks to spread our wings even further. I look forward to reading more of this trip.

So lucky indeed, Dean! I hope you will be able to use some of my research. Come back soon for more!

What a wonderful trip! Sounds like the perfect way to explore the region. Look forward to reading more about it.

So you finally made it to Lucerne, Victoria. I remember earlier this year you were mentioning this in one of your comments. This is such an awesome itinerary! I’m sure you had a lot of fun.

What an awesome itinerary and family trip!! Those memories will last a lifetime!

Thank you, Alyssa, I agree and hope to be making new ones soon:)

ALLTID kjekt med bursdag! Du hadde en superfin ønskeliste. BS skjerf er en hit i dette huset ogsÃ¥. VÃ¥ger ikke si hvor mange jeg har….. Kos deg

MEGA productive! I’m so impressed, seriously, at how much you got done in just one weekend! We’ve been putting off working on our master bedroom (in a small ranch house it seems kind of ridiculous to call it a master, but whatevs) but this has me inspired to tackle it! Way to go!

It sounds like you squeezed a whole lot into your itinerary! You saw so many great places that I’m sure you have lots of stories to come. I’m especially looking forward to your city itineraries because it’s always been hard for me to decide what to see.

Glad you got a bit of spa down-time without the kids. We parents need that, especially when we are with them 24/7. Did you have a favorite spa?

Thanks for linking to #TheWeeklyPostcard. It will be fun to see what you share next.

Linda, it’s funny that you ask about the spas:). I liked Baden Baden spas a lot but I had very high expectations about them which is always difficult to deal with. I had very low expectations of the spa in Ribeauville and loved it. It was hard to bit the mountainous outdoors portion of that spa (the Vosges Mountains)

I am really impressed with how much ground you covered! How did you find it going to so many places in a relatively short period of time? We did a road trip this summer and stopped in 5 places over 2.5 weeks, which in hindsight was probably a bit too much (but still a lot of fun). It really does sound like a great trip though and you got to visit some of my favourite places in Europe!

Katja, while I don’t regret a single step on this trip, covering so much in so little time is challenging- with or without the kids! That said, stay tuned for my analysis of “good”, “bads” and “uglies” of planning a road trip.

What a great roadtrip. I like that you did this overview and included maps. It will be so helpful to others planning their own independent travels.

Thank you, Michele. It is also a helpful starting point for me to tell my travel stories from this trip.

What a fun road trip for the whole family!

What a fantastic family adventure! I’ve been a bit nervous of European road trips after driving in Spain a few years ago. You’ve inspired me though!

What a great road trip! I’m not very good at the planning of road trips so I’m very impressed with this.

Thank you, Shobha! Stay tuned for my planning tips post:)

We’ve done our share of road trips over the many years, and this itinerary is fantastic! As much as I love train travel in Europe, the freedom that a car affords our family really can’t be beat.

I agree, Claudia- road trips are something everyone with with kids (and luggage:) should consider in Europe

What a fun road trip, you covered so much ground! Looking forward to more of the travelogues!

What a jam packed trip, did you leave any stone unturned? Sounds like a spot on itinerary too, especially with the independence and flexibility of a car. I’d love to hear more about your visit to the Nuremburg Museum, we learnt so much about it in school as kids so I always find visits like these such a powerful lesson. And isn’t Colmar just so cute! We were there in Feb and didn’t want to leave!

Heather, thanks for stopping by! Nuremburg Trials Museum was a deeply moving experience, but not something I could do “justice” to within the format of this blog. I included the highlights in this post hoping that people would visit it for several hours of historical and may be personal reflections. On a lighter note- lovely Colmar- it was your post that inspired me to go to Colmar in the first place!

That looks like a great route. I’d love to do a road trip around Europe, but I think I’d find the whole driving on the wrong side of the road thing a bit stressful. Maybe I’d get used to it after a few days.

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Seems like you fully enjoyed your road trip and thats what we are hoping to achieve from our upcoming road trip as well. We would like to use your experience. Our road trip will be witnin Germany and Switzerland only. Infact we would like to spend more time in Switzerland and explore the real swiss beauty as mentioned in your blog as well. Any advise or comments or lesson learned?

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An Epic 12-Day Swiss, France, and Germany Luxury Itinerary

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with this 12-day itinerary that promises to take you through some of the most beautiful regions of Switzerland, France, and Germany. This action-packed itinerary is perfect for travelers who want to make the most of their time in Europe without sacrificing the opportunity to see some of the most iconic landmarks and scenic locations.

A tour at a glance

Day 1: arrival in zurich, switzerland, day 2: lucerne and mount pilatus, day 3: interlaken and grindelwald, day 4: geneva, switzerland, to annecy, france, day 5: lyon, france, day 6: strasbourg, france, day 7: heidelberg, germany, day 8: munich, germany, day 9: neuschwanstein castle and fssen, germany, day 10: salzburg, austria, day 11: rothenburg ob der tauber, germany, day 12: departure.

Our private tours typically range from $500 - $1000 per person/per night depending on chosen hotels and room categories, vehicles used, types of tours, flight cost, time of year and other factors. Make an inquiry for a customized trip quote.

Detailed Itinerary

Welcome to Zurich, Switzerland's largest city! After arriving at Zurich airport, meet your private guide, who will drive you to your hotel and have the rest of the day exploring this vibrant city. Take a stroll along the Limmat River and visit the charming Old Town, home to the famous Bahnhofstrasse shopping street. Try traditional Swiss dishes like cheese fondue or rsti at a local restaurant for lunch. In the evening, savor a Swiss chocolate tasting and sample some of Switzerland's famous chocolate. Return to your hotel for a delicious dinner and rest.

After breakfast, drive to Lucerne, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Explore the medieval Old Town, visit the iconic Chapel Bridge, and enjoy stunning views of Lake Lucerne. After lunch, take a scenic cogwheel train to the top of Mount Pilatus, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. In the evening, return to Zurich and indulge in local delicacies, such as bratwurst and beer. Return to hotel for dinner. 

After breakfast, head to Interlaken on a scenic two-hour train ride, a gateway to the Swiss Alps. Take a stroll around the town or opt for a more adventurous activity like paragliding or canyoning. After lunch, take a train to Grindelwald, a charming alpine village in the Jungfrau region. Admire the stunning views of the Eiger, Mnch, and Jungfrau peaks and take a walk around the town. In the evening, return to Interlaken for dinner and enjoy some Swiss wine.

After breakfast, take a train to Geneva, Switzerland's second-largest city. Visit the iconic Jet d'Eau fountain, explore the Old Town, and learn about the city's role as a hub of international diplomacy. In the afternoon, drive to Annecy, a picturesque town located in the French Alps . Take a stroll around the charming Old Town, visit the historic Chteau d'Annecy, and enjoy some local specialties, such as tartiflette and raclette, for dinner.

After breakfast, drive one hour and forty minutes to Lyon, France's gastronomic capital . Visit the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the city's famous traboules or hidden passageways. Sample some of Lyon's renowned cuisine for lunch, such as coq au vin or quenelles. In the afternoon, visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvire, which offers stunning views of the city, and take a walk along the Sane River. Try local wine and cheese at a traditional Bouchon or Lyonnais brasserie for dinner before returning to your hotel for rest. 

After breakfast, take a train to Strasbourg, a famous city for its stunning Gothic cathedral and historic Old Town. Visit the Cathdrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, explore the picturesque Petite France neighborhood, and take a boat tour of the canals. For lunch, try some local specialties, such as choucroute garnie or tarte flambe. In the evening, visit one of the city's many wing stubs or traditional Alsatian wine bars, and sample some of the local wines.

After breakfast, drive one hour and thirty minutes to Heidelberg, a charming university town on the banks of the Neckar River. Explore the historic Old Town of Germany , visit the iconic Heidelberg Castle, and walk around the famous Philosophers' Way. For lunch, try some local specialties, such as sauerbraten or sptzle. In the evening, take a walk along the Neckar River and enjoy the stunning views of the town's illuminated castle.

After breakfast, get a private four-hour drive to Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Visit the famous Marienplatz, home to the iconic Glockenspiel, and explore the historic Old Town. For lunch, try some local specialties, such as weiwurst or schnitzel. In the afternoon, visit the famous Hofbruhaus, a traditional Bavarian beer hall, and enjoy some local beer. In the evening, take a walk around Englischer Garten, Munich's famous city park. Check in to a luxury hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive two hours to Fssen, a charming town located in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps. Visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle , a stunning fairy tale castle that inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. After the castle visit, take a walk around Fssen and explore the town's charming streets and historic buildings. Try some local specialties, such as Kaiserschmarrn or apple strudel, for dinner. Return to Munich.

After breakfast, get a private two-hour drive to Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of Mozart and the city featured in the Sound of Music. Visit the historic Old Town and see the Mirabell Palace, the Getreidegasse, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress. For lunch, try some local specialties, such as Wiener Schnitzel or Salzburger Nockerl. In the afternoon, visit the Mozart Museum and learn about the life of this famous composer. Take a walk around the historic Salzach River and enjoy the stunning views of the city. Return to Munich for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, drive two hours to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a picturesque medieval town that has been perfectly preserved. Visit the historic Old Town and see the famous Plnlein corner, the town walls, and the Kobolzeller Tower. Try some local specialties, such as Schneeballen or Franconian sausages, for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum and learn about the history of law enforcement in Europe. Take a walk around the town and enjoy the charming streets and historic buildings. Return to Munich for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, your private guide will drive you to the Munich International Airport for your flight back home, with memories of the beautiful trip still vivid in your mind.

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A Week Long France Itinerary

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• France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Belgium in 10 days

September is always a good month to go on a trip in Europe. The busy holiday season is over and the weather is not too hot but still real nice! I called my Dad if he was open for a trip to either Sicily or Nice. He liked the idea of Nice and suggested: “instead of flying, let’s take the car”. Alright, but if we’re driving let’s extend the trip to visit more of Southern France and include Switzerland on the way back. A plan was formed!

France The first day was a >1.000 km drive to our first stop. From there we explored the Provence and the Côte d’Azur for 4 full days. Having a perfect sunny 30°C weather, we enjoyed the French smaller towns, the vibrant cities and the delicious cuisine. Read all Southern France in a separate post!

Italy To drive back via Switzerland, our path lead us through Italy for a day. Here we stopped in fashion city Milan. Just a quick stop to view the famous Duomo, walk a bit around the city and have a tasty lasagna.

Switzerland Mountain, tunnels, lakes, trains; these are the main items that describe our Swiss adventure. The country is absolute gorgeous with beautiful vistas. Definitely more expensive though; I believe we spend on average about 50% more on food, hotels, and anything really. I’m definitely super excited to have gotten the chance to visit. All photos and stories about Switzerland can be read here!

Germany After a stop in Basel we decided to spend the night in the more affordable Germany. Just across the border is Freiburg im Breisgau, a vibrant University city in Germany’s Black Forest. The Freiburg minster as central point in the Münsterplatz.

France And we’re back in France, now in Strasbourg, right at the French / German border. We stopped at the local tourist information to acquire a map including walking route. This was perfect to get a good idea of the various sights of the city, like the elaborate Notre Dame Cathedral, but also the Palais Rohan, the Barrage Vauban and the streets full with half-timbered houses.

The last stop in France was Nancy, a place where you usually drive right past on the A31 highway! Nancy definitely didn’t have the usual French vibe, probably because it’s not a place catered to tourists. Nonetheless it was good spot to spend the night while explore the old town.

Belgium Before going home it was time for a Belgium waffle in Liège. Unfortunately there was a lot of construction downtown to get a proper view of the city. For dinner we headed towards Maastricht in the Netherlands and drove home content, full with happy and exciting memories.

As tradition, my Dad lit a candle in several churches for my niece Estelle.

An overview of the entire road trip 😀

Esther Ruiterman

I'm Esther Ruiterman; photographer, blogger, traveller and creative thinker. Interests are: marketing, visual design, travel, photography, skiing and more.

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Arzo Travels

Solo Female Travel – Switzerland, Europe and Beyond

FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND ITINERARY IN 7-14 DAYS

FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND ITINERARY – EXPLORE THESE BEAUTIES

Table of Contents

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. 

DISCLAIMER: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. THIS MEANS I MIGHT EARN A SMALL COMMISSION WHEN YOU BUY A PRODUCT/SERVICE (AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU). MORE ABOUT IT  HERE .

FAQs: FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND ITINERARY

First things first, here are some FAQs, and then we will talk about the actual itinerary.

HOW MANY DAYS FOR A SWITZERLAND AND FRANCE TRIP

Here’s a possible breakdown of how to spend your time:

SWITZERLAND

• Geneva: 1-2 days
• Lausanne: 1 day
• Montreux: 1 day
• Glacier 3000: 1 day 
• Yvoire: 1 day
• Annecy: 1-2 days
• Chamonix and Mont Blanc: 2-3 days

This adds up to around 10-12 days, but you could add an extra day or two to any of the destinations depending on your interests. Additionally, you could consider adding other nearby destinations, such as Zermatt or Interlaken in Switzerland, if you have more time available.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how much time you want to spend in each place based on your interests and preferences.

HOW EXPENSIVE ARE SWITZERLAND AND FRANCE

France and Switzerland are relatively expensive destinations , especially in cities and tourist areas. However, the overall cost of your trip will depend on several factors, such as the time of year you visit, the type of accommodation you choose, and the activities and dining options you prefer.

Here are some general considerations for the costs of the above itinerary:

Accommodation : The cost of accommodation in Geneva and other Swiss cities is quite high, especially during peak tourist season. However, you may be able to find more affordable options in smaller towns or by booking in advance.

Transportation : Train travel in Switzerland and France can be quite expensive, but it’s also a very efficient and convenient way to get around. A Swiss Travel Pass or other regional travel pass might help you save money on transportation costs.

Food and drink : Dining out in Switzerland and France can also be pricey, especially in tourist areas. Look for local markets and grocery stores to save money on meals, or consider picnicking in scenic areas for a unique and affordable dining experience.

Overall, it’s possible to enjoy a trip to France and Switzerland on a budget , but it may require some planning and research to find the best deals and affordable options.

BEST WAY TO GET AROUND

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.

DO I NEED A VISIT FOR FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND

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.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME FOR A FRANCE + SWITZERLAND TRIP?

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.

WHAT TO PACK

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:

• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the cities and towns, as well as hiking boots if you plan to go hiking in the mountains.
• 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.
• Rain gear , including a waterproof jacket or poncho and umbrella, as rain showers are common in both countries, especially in the summer months.
• Swimsuit , as there are plenty of opportunities for swimming and water activities in Lake Geneva and the surrounding areas.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun during the day.
• Travel adapters to ensure that your electronics can be charged and used in both countries.
• A backpack or daypack for carrying essentials during the day, such as water, snacks, and a camera.
• Travel documents , including your passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, and any necessary vaccination certificates.
• A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the day, as tap water is safe to drink in both countries.
• 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.

1 DAY – GENEVA

Geneva is a city in Switzerland located on the banks of Lake Geneva. It is known as a global hub for diplomacy and is home to the United Nations headquarters and several other international organizations. Geneva also boasts a rich cultural scene with museums, galleries, and theaters, as well as outdoor attractions like parks and gardens.

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.

1 DAY – LAUSANNE

Lausanne is a picturesque city in Switzerland located on the shores of Lake Geneva. It is known for its historic architecture, lively cultural scene, and beautiful parks and gardens. Lausanne is also home to several museums and galleries, including the Olympic Museum which celebrates the city’s history as the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games.

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 .

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.

1 DAY – TRIP TO GLACIER 3000

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.

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.

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.

GET FROM LAKE GENEVA TO ANNECY

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! 

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.

2-3 DAY – CHAMONIX & MONT BLANC

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.

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.

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.

Switzerland has the Matterhorn and France (and Italy ) has the Mont Blanc – these two mountains are some of the most iconic in the world!

Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps , with an elevation of 4,810 meters (15,780 feet). It is located on the border between France and Italy and is a popular destination for mountaineers and tourists alike – and if you get the chance to add the Mont Blanc to your France and Switzerland itinerary, I highly suggest doing so.

The mountain is part of the Mont Blanc Massif, a range of mountains that includes several other peaks over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). The Mont Blanc range offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including glaciers, valleys, and lakes, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

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

A trip to France and Switzerland, covering places like Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux, Annecy, Yvoire, and Chamonix, is a fantastic experience that offers something for everyone. The France and Switzerland itinerary is packed with scenic beauty, outdoor activities, history, and culture.

Enjoy the stunning vistas of Lake Geneva, explore medieval villages, take cable car rides to the mountaintops, and indulge in world-class cuisine.

Overall, this itinerary is perfect for travelers who love adventure, culture, and natural beauty and want to experience the best of France and Switzerland in a short time.

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10 Day France and Switzerland Tours & Trips

• Choose from 25 France and Switzerland tours
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10 best France And Switzerland 10 day tour packages

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Spain and Switzerland with enchanted Alsace

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• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Explore Madrid's vibrant Plaza Mayor
• Visit the historic Poblet Abbey in Catalonia
• Tour the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes
• See sparkling glacial lakes and breathe fresh alpine air
• Stay in charming villages and quaint mountain huts
• Feast on hearty mountain cuisine like cheese fondue

“It was difficult but I had a great time with everyone.”

• Explore Bordeaux's historic center and wine museum
• Tour Heidelberg Castle and enjoy the views
• Visit Carrières de Lumières show in Les Baux

• Wine tasting
• Sample local pastries in Lausanne Cathedral
• Explore Paris by night on a guided walk
• Enjoy scenic train rides across Switzerland

• Ride the cable car to Bellevue
• Hike through the Bionnassay Valley
• Cross the Grand Col Ferret into Switzerland

• Christmas & New Year
• Cross into Italy with stunning glacier views
• Conclude with a panoramic trail of Mont-Blanc
• Explore Geneva's top attractions

• Explore Swiss forests and pastures
• Ride a cable car to La Flegere
• Cross the scenic Seigne pass

• Ride the gondola to the snowy peaks of Mt. Titlis
• Explore the Louvre Museum at your own pace
• Cruise down the River Seine on a glass boat

• Explore the Grand Balcon Sud route
• Cross the Grand Col Ferret into Italy
• Walk to view the Trient Glacier

“The scenery and the isolation. The food at each of the huts / hotels was excellent - better than i expected.”

• Hike over Col du Bonhomme to Chapieux
• Cross into Switzerland via Grand Col Ferret
• Start your adventure in Les Contamines

“We hiked the ~100 kilometers outlined by the 8-day tour and, while it was tough, we were well prepared for what to expect.”

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• Road to Nationals …

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