We (two women) will be touring hopefully by train while spouses are skiing Haute to Haute from Chamonix to Zermatt.
Departing Chamonix (France) 4 Apr, arriving Zermatt Sun 9 Apr. We have these days to explore and hoping we can do all or most by train. Been researching all the options--wow! Realize that this time period also may be holiday "spring break" there? Open to all thoughts. What itinerary would work? Once in Zermatt, we meet up w/spouses and will hang for a day or two before heading to Geneva to depart back to U.S. Thanks in advance for input! - Robin
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
Definitely spend a couple of days in Chamonix and explore before you head north! Ride up to the Aguille du Midi, take the cogwheel train to the Mer du Glace, enjoy the town. Lots of nice shops and restaurants.
After Chamonix you have a lot of options!
You could head up north by train to Martigny, change trains and go to the eastern end of Lake Geneva. In Montreux you can visit Chateau Chillon, visit the old city of Lausanne, or take a day trip up to Gruyere. All connected by rail.
On the way from there up through Valais going towards Zermatt you could stop in Sion...beautiful old medieval town with two hills right in the middle topped by a ruined castle on one and an ancient church on the other. This valley area is dotted with castles and old villages to explore. You can take a gondola up to the top of Mont Fort, the highest peak in the area - views of the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps all around if you can hit it on a clear day. Highest bar in Europe!
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks so much! We are actually arriving in Chamonix on 30 Mar so plenty of time will be spent there. The skiers begin from there 04 Apr and end in Zermatt 09 Apr. Then we will spend 09-10 Apr in Zermatt, travel to Geneva fly out of Geneva 11 Apr. If you or anyone has any other thoughts, we are very open to suggestions!