Hello,
My husband and I are going back to France for the Holidays and wanted to spend a few days in eastern France/Switzerland early December. We're not interested in skiing or the big cities, just a relaxing few days. Maybe take a Gondola ride up the Alps, eat an authentic fondue, maybe a sleigh ride. I've looked online for tips on which towns to go to. We probably won't rent a car so it needs to be train accessible. Your recommendations will be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9099 posts
The Berner Oberland is the most accessible area. But in December most all the hotels in the small mountain villages close down until the ski season stats up in January. But you should be able find lodging in Interlaken, Grindelwald, and possibly Lauterbrunnen. You should get a copy of Rick's Switzerland guidebook, he has entire chapter devoted to the region.
Posted by
Milwaukee
194 posts
For eastern France, I would recommend Chambery, with side trips, if you want, to Annecy and Grenoble. I spent a summer in Chambery and it's a wonderful, beautiful smaller town. There are lots of great restaurants, shops and sites to see. We had a wonderful fondue meal and the area where Chambery is, Savoie, has a great traditional meal: tartiflette (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tartiflette). Yum! Annecy is also beautiful and Grenoble was fun for a day trip--there is also a gondola-type thing that takes you to the top of a mountain in town.
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
I chose Interlaken because you can get to any other point in Switzerland easily by train. Another visit we stayed in Andermatt for the same reason.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32200 posts
Julie,
I'd also suggest the Berner Oberland region, especially as you just want a "relaxing few days". It is accessible by train (via Interlaken East station).
Check Rick's book for details on which lodgings may be operating during the time you'll be there. In addition to Lauterbrunnen and of course Rick's favourite, Gimmelwald, you could also check Murren.
Although it's a bit expensive, you would probably enjoy the trip to the Schilthorn / Piz Gloria where the movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" was partially filmed. The view from the revolving restaurant is fantastic! The trip to the Schilthorn requires four different Cable Car trips if you're travelling from Stechelberg (the valley bottom). I believe the Schilthornbahn re-opens after maintenance on Dec. 5th.
There would probably be a greater variety of evening activities at Interlaken, so that would be a good choice too. There are some elegant old Hotels there (albeit expensive). If you used Interlaken as a base, you could always take day trips to Murren, the Schilthorn or other nearby locations.
Happy travels!
PS: You might want to move this to the "To The West" section, which is for Switzerland posts; you may get a greater variety of replies?