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Help with Switzerland/France itinerary

I thought I might cross post here since right now it's looking like I might spend more time in France.

Hi!

My boyfriend and I booked a spontaneous flight deal to Geneva for late May 2026. We could really use some help narrowing down where we should go and what is the best way to optimize our time. For reference, we are both mid to late 20s. We love great food, beautiful scenery, outdoor activities like cycling or hiking (though we aren't like avid or intense outdoorsy people), wandering around, and museums/historical sites. This is the mock itinerary I've come up with. I'd love feedback on if it's feasible, if the places I have listed are worth seeing, and or any alternatives anyone can suggest.

I am a bit worried about the weather and running out of things to do/planning a bad trip.

We are also trying to decide if we skip Switzerland all together and focus on France.

Itinerary: Day 1- arrive in Geneva and take a train to Basel. Use basel as a base for day trips.

Day 2- Colmar day trip

Day 3- Strasbourg day trip (Is the Alsace region a good place to visit outside of Christmas markets?)

Day 4- travel to Bern and use Bern as a base.

Day 5- Day trip to Gruyeres.

Day 6- Day trip to Grindelwald.

Day 7- Travel to Annecy.

Day 8 and 9- explore Annecy

Day 10- day trip to Lyon

Day 11- day trip to Chamonix

Day 12- travel back to Geneva for flight home the next day.

If anyone has any experience or feedback related to Alsace, Lyon, Dijon, Annecy, and Charmonix or other places during the end of May, I would appreciate it!

Thank you in advance!

Posted by
560 posts

I have lived and worked in this area and will respond over the next few days. I can assure you that you won't run out of things to see or do.

To help me come up with suggestions, can you tell me where you're from (generally -- not looking for an address) and what kind of geographic areas you've already experienced or enjoyed in your life?

Posted by
7831 posts

Will you have a car or use public transportation? Annency to Lyon is quite lengthy via train. Have you looked at google maps to estimate travel time.

It doesn't look like you really have time to explore Basel, itself? same with Bern?

We liked Bern for a day, Basel its a pretty, colorful little city. We love Alsace, especially the little wine villages like Eguisheim, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, etc. Colmar and Strasbourg are nice. Even nicer, the little villages.

Posted by
6749 posts

Days 4,5, and 6 should find you sleeping in the Berner Oberland. Switzerland is know for its majestic Alps, so why visit the cities? Granted you're a little early for some mountain trails and lifts to be open, but the scenery will still be fantastic. Push the mountains towards the end of your trip, and if possible, push the Swiss part into June.
Have a wonderful trip!

Posted by
17 posts

You picked some great locales!

YES... the Alsace region (Colmar & Strasbourg) is amazing! It's like traveling through a fairy tale.
Also, loved Geneva, Annecy, Lyon (try to go to Perouges-medieval city), Annecy is lovely (try to take a boat tour), and Chamonix is fantastic!!!!

Be sure to post a Trip Report when you come back!

Posted by
5 posts

Thanks so much, Bob! I appreciate your time!

I'm a currently a US resident. I've also spent a significant amount of time in Scotland as that's where my dad is from.

My partner and I have only been on one other trip together that wasn't family oriented, and that was to Rome and Florence. We absolutely loved it, but we're looking for something that is a slightly different pace. I hope that helps! Thank you!

Posted by
5 posts

Hi Jules,

We were hoping to rely on public transportation and avoid renting a car if possible.

Posted by
7831 posts

Just a quick look on Google Maps, Annency to Lyon is quite a journey on public transportation. I'm just looking at Google maps, and I think it is 2 hours each direction.