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Help with Itinerary and Rail info- France and Switzerland

Hi all!
I'm having fun researching but a bit overwhelmed trying to figure out an itinerary and the rail system in Europe and what makes the most sense. I am planning a multi-generation family trip for next summer (late June 2026). The loose plan is to fly to Paris and spend a few days there. We would then travel by train to Switzerland (via Basel? do we need to spend time there?) and explore the areas around Thun, Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen (where should we base?). Then we would like to see Lausanne. After that we want to wrap up the trip back in France with a stay in Provence (possibly St. Remy) and fly out of Marseilles. We have 13 days (could possibly do 14), leaving on a saturday and then returning on a Friday or maybe Saturday.

Has someone planned a similar trip and can help me with logistics? I'd love to do as much as possible by train.

If this helps:
6 adults ranging from 43-75 years old
3 kids ranging from 10-14 years old

Thank you in advance for any insight and suggestions!

Posted by
35347 posts

a couple of questions

are those ages what they will be at the time of the trip - or ages today?

any mobility issues or stamina issues for anybody in the family?

are the numbers likely to be correct for the trip or may some drop out or more join?

Is this your first trip to Europe?

Regarding the Swiss bases, have you either bought or borrowed Rick Steves Switzerland from the library? Lots of eexcellent advice in there...

Posted by
5 posts

Thanks for responding, Nigel!
Those are the ages at the time of the trip and there are no significant mobility issues. The numbers should stay the same as the goal is to take a family trip. We are all fairly well travelled but, except for the Paris part, this is mostly new ground- especially the train part. We recently traveled from Barcelona to Seville and then to Madrid via train. It was so easy but this involves two countries and smaller towns.

A few years ago my parents traveled to Zurich, Lucerne and Lausanne so I think she does have the book. I'll check!

Thanks!

Posted by
3232 posts

In the Bernese Oberland any place will do. Staying up in the mountains (Wengen, Murren) has its charms, but staying lower, eg Spiez or Thun works too. It is very easy to get around, so only pick one base.

Getting from Paris to any place in Switzerland is easy. Just use www.sbb.ch. But June next year is far away. You will not be able to book trains till at least March.

Getting from somewhere in Switzerland to somewhere else in Switzerland is easy too. Again: www.sbb.ch

In the Provence you may want to have a vehicle. Take a train to Avignon TGV, and rent a car from there. For train times and prices again use www.sbb.ch :-)