Cdg to Lucerne

If you are arriving from an international leg, the usual advice about spending your first night close by applies. Also be careful of your time of departure -- the traffic getting out of the area can be thick.

(I've not done these full routes at once, but have been to most parts). If you are going through the northern route, it will take you by Nancy and Colmar and then to Basel. They are all are great stops. The fastest route may be the one that skirts Troyes, then runs through Basel. There is also a southern route just through Dijon but I've not been through that particular area of the Jura (I used to pass through more towards the south). Another alternative if you are actually not returning to France by car is to train it to Basel (TGV from Paris Gare du Nord) and pick a Swiss car there to avoid the large drop-off fee.

You can fly nonstop from CDG to Zurich (1h 15m) for $71 and take a direct train from the Zurich airport to Lucerne (1h 15m) and rent a car in Zurich. Otherwise, you can drive the 414-mile trip in 6h 30m and sleep in Dijon which is the halfway point.

It would be most imprudent to drive any distance if you're arriving CDG after an all-night flight from the USA. Stay close to Paris the first day, take the train to Dijon, or fly from CDG to Zurich.

What time of year will you be traveling? What route are you planning to take? How would you like to divide up the drive meaning do you want to stop close to halfway between CDG and Lucerne, closer to CDG, or closer to Lucerne etc? How far out of your way are you willing to go to get to this one night stop? Are you looking for a "stop and rest but not really explore" spot or are you looking for a place to visit on the way to Lucerne? If you are planning to travel via A5 and you want a "quick access to the highway' spot, I suggest Hotel Le Val Loret which is about 2.5 hours from CDG but is about 5 hours from Lucerne.

JHK, appreciate your reply. Getting frustrated with not getting an answer but a lecture on driving. We are thinking halfway. One town that sounded good was Langres (noted for their cheese) . We have been to france many times and have done road trips. Love the journey!

Are you arriving at CDG via an intercontinental flight?
What time of day is your arrival?
Are you accustomed to driving in France (Europe)?
You looking for a place to sleep, or a place for a short visit?