Hi all,
I’m looking for advice on an 8-night road trip through the French and Swiss Alps in May. My partner and I will be traveling with our older parents (60s/70s, 6 people total). We plan to take the train from Paris to Geneva, then rent a car (SUV or minivan) for the trip. We're still debating the best itinerary and mode of transportation. While we're confident travelers and have driven through other parts of Europe, we've only traveled by train through Switzerland. It will also be my in-laws' first time in Europe. Given their age and pace, we're leaning toward a rental car for convenience with luggage, to avoid short train transfers, and to maximize our travel time while stopping in towns along the route (it'd stay parked once we arrive to the city and take public transportation for day trips).
Our initial thought is:
- Drive from Geneva to Annecy – Spend 2 nights in Annecy.
- Drive from Annecy to Chamonix – Spend 2 nights in Chamonix.
- Day drive from Chamonix to Interlaken – Stop in Martigny, then choose between either going through Gruyère or taking the Lötschberg car carrier train to Spiez, before continuing to Interlaken (3 nights near Grindelwald or Interlaken to explore the Jungfrau region).
- Final leg – Drive to either Montreux for 1-2 nights (then fly home from Geneva) or spend an additional night in Interlaken, or 1-2 nights in Lucerne (leisurely spa/lake boat day perhaps) or day in Zurich (then fly home from Zurich).
Would love any advice on:
- My thinking on renting vs. train/bus with older parents for convenience with luggage and to stop at small towns along the way, or would trains/buses work just as well, or a combination be better.
- Best places to Rent a Car: If not Geneva (to stay on the Swiss side), are there better rental locations, perhaps in a town along the way, to do a combination of car rental and public transport?
- Route Direction/Flow: Would it be better to change the route direction (starting vs. ending in Annecy), or does the current flow make sense for a relaxed pace?
- We've got a good handle on the top sights in these places, but is there anything else worth noting, and/or not to be missed towns/experiences.
Thanks in advance for your help! I truly appreciate all the insights!