We will be touring Provence and Burgundy for 10 days by car in late Sept->Oct. We fly out of Zurich-no option to change this unfortunately. Currently planning 3 additional nights in Lauterbrunnen so we’re close by train to Zurich. What I can’t figure out is which is the best place to end our time in France and to catch the train to Lauterbrunnen. Seems like Lyon, Dijon, Beaune and even Annecy or Chamonix are options. They are all similar travel times and could work with our itinerary.
Is there any advantage/disadvantage to one over the other? Is one route more scenic, easier to negotiate, better for rental car drop off, etc.?
Any input would be appreciated! Thank you!
Posted by
Paris
7312 posts
If you end up in Burgundy, it makes sense to return the car in Dijon and take the train in Dijon with the following route: Dijon - Frasne - Neuchatel - Berne - Interlaken - Lauterbrunnen. Or Dijon - Lausanne - Berne - Interlaken - Lautebrunnen, but it costs more and takes a hair longer.
I don't think you have time to include Annecy / Chamonix with 10 days in France including Provence & Burgundy.
Posted by
Green Bay
21216 posts
Assuming you rented the car in France, you could drive to Basel Airport, which is actually in France, drop the car there, then take the bus to Basel SBB station and get a direct train to Interlaken Ost and change to the train to Lauterbrunnen.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you. I’ll look into both these options. Helps me narrow things down
Posted by
Wengen
2522 posts
Basel will be easiest. From Dijon there are only a handful of trains, and most go to Basel anyway. And you need to book these in advance.
From Basel airport you basically have a connection to Lauterbrunnen every half hour, and there is no need for advance booking. Just turn up, buy ticket and go. (And you can buy a ticket Basel Airport - Lauterbrunnen that covers the whole route).