Traveling from Paris to Locarno, Switzerland (June)

With 2 days to get there, you could do a nice route by train.There are several possibilities. One would be Paris to Montruex by the TGV to Lausanne, changing there for Montreux or a smaller town along the lake if you prefer. Paris to Montreux is only 4.5 hours, leaving you most of the afternoon to visit Chateau de Chillon (a castle that appeals to all ages) and/or explore the lakeside or vineyards. The next day, travel to Domodossola (1.5 hours from Montreux, via Brig) and catch the famed Centovalli railway that goes directly to Locarno: http://www.swisstravelsystem.ch/en/content/experiences/excursion-ideas/centovalli-train/ http://www.centovalli.ch/centovalli/home/home.php?lang=DE If you would prefer alps rather than lake for your stop on the way, you could go from Paris via Bern or Basel and pick up the main line running south to Brig. You could stay in Kandersteg, in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains, before you reach Brig, or transfer at Brig to Betten (10 minutes) and take a cablecar high up to one of my favorite villages in Switzerland. www.oeschinensee.ch www.bettmeralp.ch From either of these, you would continue the next day to Brig and then to Domodossola to catch the Centovalli Railway.

Thank you for your information. I will check out the websites. I heard of Montruex but I am not familiar with Domodossola.
Did you say Betten is your favorite village?

Nancy, The route suggested by Lola is about what I was going to suggest. The scenic Cento Valli railway would be a great way to get to Locarno. It's not surprising that you haven't heard of Domodossola. It's a fairly small town, and is the transfer point for the Cento Valli. One point to note is that you'll have to go downstairs (underground) at Domodossola to reach the Cento Valli station, as it's separate from the "regular" station. When you arrive in Locarno, the station is also underground. Your children may look twice when they see the abbreviation for the company that operates the Cento Valli. You'll probably be ready for lunch when you arrive in Locarno. There's a Manor restaurant across from the station that has an incredibly good buffet selection of "prepared-while-you-wait" foods. There's a McDonald's a short distance away if that's your preference. There are also lots of restaurants along Piazza Grande. Are you returning to Zurich when you leave Locarno? One option might be to take the boat to Stresa, and then connect with the trains back to Zurich. Happy travels!

I am glad Ken could answer about Domodossola as we have not actually done the Cebtovalli rail trip. My sister did with her family on their way to meet us in Switzerland and recommends it highly. And Ken is right about your kids having fun with the name. The transport network is Ferrvie Autolinee Regionale Ticinese and the acronym is on the website and some of the equipment. Betten is just the valley station for the cable car up to Bettmeralp. This is a small carfree village perched on a bench high above the valley. It is a ski resort in winter and a hiking and mountain biking base in summer. Very family-friendly. It is an easy walk to the lake above town ( no swimming though) and a bit more will take you to the ridge top with views of the huge Aletsch glacier. You may well walk through cows in the alps along the way. Or you can ride a lift up for the views. There are lots of photos on the website bettmeralp.ch. The neighboring village of Riederalp is a bit larger and has a nature center, alpine museum, and botanical garden. It is a 20 minute walk away, and has a chairlift ride to the ridge top where you can see the glacier and walk back to Bettmeralp.