We will be visiting the Loire Valley in July and are considering driving from there to Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland since we will have a car. Has anyone ever done this that can advise if this is a good or bad idea and why? I am afraid of heights and can't tell from the maps I've looked at if there are any mountain passes we would have to pass through.
Posted by
Green Bay
20090 posts
Assume you will be returning the car to France to avoid drop off fees. If you go by way of Basel, there are no mountain pass to deal with. You must stop at the border and purchase a Swiss Vignette and attach it to your windshield in the proper spot.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
It's a lot of driving but if you have the time and can make stops along the way it could be a fun road trip.
I wouldn't do it if pressed for time--would take the very excellent trains instead.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32209 posts
CM,
In addition to the Swiss Highway Tax Vignette mentioned above (hefty fines collected on the spot if you're caught without it). For driving in France, it's also highly advisable for each driver listed on the rental form to have an International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L The permits are easily available for a small fee at any AAA / CAA office, and are valid for one year.
Posted by
OP
Oklahoma City
237 posts
Thanks for the helpful info. everyone.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
If you are afraid of heights you will have a problem in Lauterbrunnen. Lauterbrunnen itself is OK, and you follow the valley up from Interlaken, but if you want to go anywhere else (and that is the point of being there) it involves going up the sides of the valley.
Click here for photo.
That is Lauterbrunnen in the valley. The photo is taken from Wengen, which looks close on a map, but is up the valley side. The road ends at Lauterbrunnen. You need to get a train from there to Wengen, and onward further up the mountain.
Approaching the Jungfrau area from the west (France) you don't have to go over any passes, you are following valleys into the mountains.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32752 posts
If you go up the Wengen side a nice time can be had using only trains, and you can stay well away from cliff edges, unless a photo like the one above would do you in - seeing scenery way below but from a distance. If you go up the other side of the valley, across from Wengen you must use a pretty vertical and awe inspiring cable car towards either Gimmelwald or Mürren which might cause you a concern.