Milan to Paris through Switzerland

This thread is more likely to get more replies than the one posted in the TV section. However, my response is on that one.

There is an EC train every 2 hours from Milan to Zurich, takes 4 hours, and has some rather dramatic scenery. Once in Zurich, there is a TGV every 2 hours to Paris Gare de Lyon takes 4 hours, then with a change to the RER B to CDG.

this should be a nice trip

To begin with, could you clarify a few points....

• You have five days to make the trip from Milan to Paris?
• Is there any specific part of Switzerland you're interested in seeing?
• What time is your departing flight from CDG?
• What time-of-year will this trip be taking place?

The Berner Oberland region of Switzerland (outside of Interlaken) is a big favourite with many here, so that would be a good area to consider. If you'd like to spend a few days in an area of incredible mountain scenery, here are a few notes on travel routes......

1. Milan to Interlaken is ~3 - 5.5 hours, depending on which train you use. You could easily have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Milan, and be in Lauterbrunnen in mid-afternoon.
2. Interlaken Ost to Paris is ~5 -6 hours, with at least one change in Basel. Again you could leave after breakfast and be in Paris by mid-to-late afternoon. You may have to spend one night in Paris prior to your flight.

There are a number of towns you could stay in, depending on your preferences. Lauterbrunnen is a good central hub for travelling to both sides of the valley. If you'd prefer to stay higher in the mountains, have a look at Mürren, Gimmelwald or Wengen. Have a look at the Guidebook for sightseeing options, but some that you could consider.....

• Take the mountain lifts to the Schilthorn or Jungfrau (pricey but spectacular)
• Hiking - there are LOTS of choices in that area!
• Visit Trummelbach Falls
• Take the train to Interlaken and take a boat cruise on one of the lakes.

If you would prefer more of a big city experience with lots of sightseeing options, spending a few days in Lucerne would be an excellent choice.

Thanks for the replies, I wanted to stay in Paris for two nights but it seems I'm trying to do too much in a short time.
I probably have only one night available if I am going to stay in Switzerland! But even if I go through I would be happy if I can see something of the mountains.
I am TRAVELLING now and will be in Milan from Florence in two days my flight is on the 29th June.
Thanks so much for your help. I wish I'd found your sight earlier.
Jane

Jane,

A quick visit to both Switzerland and Paris should still be possible, as you've got some time to work with (although I'm not quite clear on why you have only one night available for Switzerland - how long are you staying in Milan?). Is this somewhat what you have in mind.....

• June 21 - Florence
• June 22 - Train to Milan
• June 23 - Milan, touring
• June 24 - Milan, touring
• June 25 - Train to Switzerland (morning), touring (afternoon and evening). Probably a good idea to arrange an early departure from Milan.
• June 26 - Train from Switzerland to Paris (depart morning, arrive Paris afternoon). Do you have accommodations booked in Paris, and if so, which area?
• June 27 - Paris, Touring
• June 28 - Paris, touring
• June 29 - Outbound flight from Paris / CDG

If you are able to squeeze in an extra night for the Berner Oberland, it would allow you to see more of the area. If you're travelling solo and just want "basic" accommodations, there's a Hostel in Lauterbrunnen and also the famous Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald. As you're travelling now, I'm assuming you don't have a Guidebook available.

The group here can provide more specific information on touring and transportation in Switzerland once you have your plans sorted and a bit more definite.

The only issue could be finding accommodations on short notice. One point to mention about Switzerland is that it tends to be somewhat on the "expensive" side (if that's a concern).

If you do not need to spend time in Milan you could continue on to Varenna on Lake Como ( a one-hour ride). Last-minute lodging may be tough so book something online before you do this. From Varenna you continue to Tirano where you can catch the Bernina Express, the most scenic of Switzerland's named scenic train rides. Ride as far as Pontresina and spend the night there.

From Pontresina you head to Chur and then to Basel where you catch the train to Paris. If this idea appeals to you, people here can suggest a nice place to spend a night or two between Pontresina and Basel. I will have to look at a train map to see if the Berner Oberland as suggested by Ken would fit in this plan.

Google "Swiss synoptic map" to see a map of the Swiss rail network.

Hi, if lodging in Veranna is going to be difficult is there a train straight to tirano? And is accommodation there as difficult?

Yes the train from Milan continues on to Tirano, and it is not the big name resort that Varenna is (hey, no lake). So you probably will have no trouble finding a place to stay. But do check out Varenna first.

Yes, there is a direct train to Tirano. However, I'm not sure that would be as desirable a location to stay as Varenna or the Berner Oberland. I was only in Tirano for a few hours but was definitely "underwhelmed".

You should be able to find accommodations in either Varenna or Bellagio, but you may have to adjust your budget according to what you can find. Do you need suggestions on accommodations in Varenna or the Berner Oberland?