Chamonix vs Normandy vs Zermatt

Not an answer, but some things to consider:

1) Option 1 & 3: How are you getting from Paris to Colmar? And where are you picking up your rented car?
The best solution is rail to Colmar, and pick up the car there.

2) Where are you returning the car? Or where are you going after Switzerland?
If you rent in France and return in Switzerland, this will have a large surcharge.

3) Zermatt, and some places in Berner Oberland (Wengen, Mürren) are car-free. If you go there, the car has to stay in paid parking further down the valley.

Depending on how many days you have, I would skip Normandy, too much driving. Plenty to see in Alsace (around Colmar). Your son would probably like Haut-Koenigsbourg castle.
Website: http://www.haut-koenigsbourg.fr/en/
The Alsace wine route is full of pretty little towns: https://www.alsace-wine-route.com/

Chris
I will take the tgv to colmar
If i am going to chamonix will pick the car from colmar and drop in chamonix. If i am going to B.O area will just take the train.

We will surely goto colmar.. we are 3 days there and will cover rhe castle also.
We were also 3 nights 2 days in chamonix but just now got to know the hellbronner section would be closed. So now m confused is it worth to visit chamonix.

Rose

We traveled all over Europe with kids, including pre-teens and teens. Yes, museums can be a bit much for them, but learning history and culture can enrich their lives.

If you go to Normandy don't miss the Bayeux Tapestry, it is amazing. I think your son would appreciate the beautifully 900 year old story of the Norman invasion of England.

You’ve asked strangers for advice... I’ll give you my take which won’t gain much traction. Visit Normandy. While it’s pretty, the reason to visit is to learn the horrors of war which should be remembered. by all. Too often, wars are portrayed as antiseptic events by the “winning” side.

I vote for option #3 using only trains. Paris >> Colmar >> B.O. >> Zermatt all connect nicely by train and you wouldn't have to rent a car. Furthermore, the Alps are wonderful for children. My fondest memory of traveling to Europe as a kid with my parents was hiking in the Swiss Alps.

Thanks all for the replies
I have decided to pick colmar and then chamonix.
Really appreciate all the help given.

I love history and museums .

As a child (12) I was taken to see the Bayeux tapestries , interested me for like five minutes . As
As for scenic - I thought Zeramtt was so beautiful , took a few easy hikes , took the Gornergrat train to a amazing view point where you can look into Italy and see Mont Blanc and other notable peaks !!

I love history and museums .

As a child (12) I was taken to see the Bayeux tapestries , interested me for like five minutes . As
As for scenic - I thought Zeramtt was so beautiful , took a few easy hikes , took the Gornergrat train to a amazing view point where you can look into Italy and see Mont Blanc and other notable peaks !!

I'm more likely to head to (probably rainy) Normandy in May than (probably still snow covered and possibly socked in) Alps destinations. Visiting the Alps when it's cloudy isn't worth a vacation. I visited Berchtesgaden when it was overcast. I enjoyed the Salt Mine but you have no idea you are even in the mountains. If snow closes roads and trails (which can happen in May), it may be a wasted effort.

Plenty of nice things in Normandy besides WWII history.