France and Switzerland are the biggest countries in Europe. It can be a struggle to figure what to do and where to go. Here’s a France and Switzerland itinerary 10 days if you’re looking to get away for about 2 weeks but are unsure where to head off. The best spots with the best things to do and all details!
I still remember my first road trip through Switzerland and France.
I was still new to Europe and everything looked glorious. Switzerland was a fairytale!
If I were to pinpoint some of Europe’s most enchanting countries, France and Switzerland would be at the top of my list as due to sheer size the landscapes vary greatly. Both countries have so much to offer in terms of culture and history. The food scene, both in France and Switzerland, is just out of this world.
So when there are so many things to see, do, and EAT, this surely calls for a 10-day trip to France and Switzerland. Here I have for you a France and Switzerland Itinerary 10 days for an unforgettable Europe trip!
Resources to plan a last min France and Switzerland Itinerary
TOURS
2-Hour Guided Tour Through the Louvre
Geneva City Tour and Boat Cruise
Interlaken and Grindelwald Day Trip from Lucerne
France and Switzerland Itinerary 10 days
Best time to visit France and Switzerland
Europe is a continent that can be visited throughout the year and each season has its own unique charm and experiences. The best time to visit any European country depends on what you as a traveller seek. Planning the best itinerary for France and Switzerland similarly depends on your preferences.
Both countries are extremely popular destinations and offer many activities and attractions for you to plan an eventful 2 weeks in France and Switzerland.
Best time to plan a France and Switzerland itinerary
The best France and Switzerland itinerary would be anytime between April and September. when the temperatures in both countries are pleasant and warm. Prefer to visit France and Switzerland with the crowds? Plan a France Switzerland itinerary in Summer between June to August.
Or, like me, want to explore from France to Switzerland without staying in queues and being thronged by crowds? You have your answer, the shoulder seasons of Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October) are the time to plan a France and Switzerland itinerary 10 days.
This France Switzerland itinerary contains:
Cities – Paris, Lyon, Geneva, Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken
NOTE: If you’re pressed on time, swap Paris and Lyon for 4 days in Strasbourg and Colmar which are super picturesque as well! I included Paris and Lyon as many prefer to have those when visiting France
This France and Switzerland itinerary will take you through some of the most beautiful cities and destinations in both France and Switzerland.
The France Switzerland itinerary promises to be an all-in-one experience: from historical and architectural marvels to gastronomical delights, from relaxing experiences in the lap of the Swiss Alps to panoramic views from the top of Europe, this will be an adventure to cherish!
Day 1, 2 – Paris, France
I would recommend arriving in Paris a day before the start of this France and Switzerland itinerary so that you have plenty of time to settle in and rest your legs for feeling the magic of Paris. Day 1 of your France and Switzerland itinerary 10 days will go something like this:
Eiffel Tower
Start your day with an early visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower to avoid the crowds and to take in the mesmerizing view of the ‘City of Love’ from the top. You can book the tickets directly at the offices or through the website.
I would highly recommend this guided tour of Paris: Eiffel Tower Summit Floor Ticket & Seine River Cruise as you can skip the ticket line and directly head to the top of the tower. The best part? You will also get a flexible cruise ticket to see the sights of Paris from the Seine River Cruise!
DETAILS
Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France
Timings: 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.
Price: Check here
Louvre Museum
Next, head to one of the world’s largest and most famous museums, the Louvre, home to an incredibly diverse and extensive collection of art such as Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
You can spend hours exploring its vast collection but I would recommend this 2-Hour Guided Tour Through the Louvre for a quick experience that will take you through the most famous works of the Louvre.
DETAILS
Louvre Museum
Address: 75001 Paris, France
Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. / Tuesday closed
Price: Check here
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Head to the majestic Notre-Dam Cathedral, one of the most iconic landmarks of Paris, and the sight of many historic events. Sadly, as of date, you can only admire the exterior of the cathedral as it suffered a devastating fire in 2019.
Nevertheless, it is still an awe-inspiring sight to behold as its soaring Gothic architecture and intricate stone carvings are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the builders who constructed it over 800 years ago!
DETAILS
Notre-Dame de Paris
Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
Timings: Temporarily Closed
Price: Free
Tuileries Garden
After a rushing day full of sightseeing on the first day of the France and Switzerland itinerary take a breath and relax at the peaceful Tuileries Garden located in the heart of Paris. Grab a bite or have a refreshing drink at one of the several cafes and snack stands in the garden.
DETAILS
Tuileries Garden
Address: Pl. de la Concorde, 75001 Paris, France
Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Price: Free
Start day 2 of your France Switzerland itinerary by visiting:
Palace of Versailles
Located just outside Paris, the palace was once the home of Louis XIV and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the opulence and grandeur of the French monarchy. Don’t miss the Hall of Mirrors and the gardens.
DETAILS
Palace of Versailles
Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles, France
Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. / Monday closed
Price: Check here
Champs-Élysées
Return to Paris and visit the Champs-Élysées, one of the most famous avenues in the world, full of shops, restaurants, and theatres.
At the western end of the avenue is the Arc de Triomphe, which honours those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. From the top, you’ll have stunning views of the city, especially at night when the city is lit up.
DETAILS
Arc de Triomphe
Address: Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Price: Free to walk around / Climb to the top – 12 Euros (for foreigners) & 9 Euros (for EU residents)
Musée d’Orsay
Afterward, anyone interested in art should visit the Musée d’Orsay, which is housed in a former railway station and features an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, along with an extensive collection of decorative arts, including furniture, sculpture, and photography.
DETAILS
Musée d’Orsay
Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France
Timings: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. / Thursday – 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Price: Check here
With this, 2 days in Paris on the France and Switzerland itinerary 10 days comes to an end.
Our next stop is the city of Lyon. I suggest catching a late TGV fast train to Lyon, which takes around 2 hours. Or you can also catch the early train the next morning. The tickets for the train can be booked on this website.
Day 3, 4 – Lyon, France
Continuing on our France Switzerland itinerary and we reach Lyon, the gastronomical capital of France! You might be thinking why is it called so? That’s because the city has more restaurants per head than any other place in France and even perhaps Europe!
To get a glimpse of all the top attractions in Lyon, get on this Lyon City Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour, which is a one-day tour of the best spots in the city. Here are some of the best attractions which you must cover in Lyons in 2 days for this edition of the France and Switzerland itinerary:
Basilique Notre-Dame Fourviere
Your day starts with a visit to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a stunning basilica that overlooks the city. The views from here are breathtaking, and the basilica itself is a beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture.
DETAILS
Basilique Notre-Dame Fourviere
Address: 8 Pl. de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon, France
Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Price: Free
Vieux Lyon & Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Next, visit the historic district of Vieux Lyon. Explore the charming cobblestone streets and visit the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste and admire the colourful Renaissance buildings.
Built during between the 12th and 15th centuries, the cathedral features intricate carvings and beautiful sculptures. Don’t forget to see the astronomical clock which was built in the 14th century and still functions to this day!
If you can spare the time, do try this Vieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walking Guided Tour to learn about Lyon’s history and its gastronomic prowess!
DETAILS
Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Address: Pl. Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon, France
Timings: 8:15 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. / Saturday & Sunday – 8:15 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Price: Free
Musée des Confluences
Any visit to Lyons for a France and Switzerland itinerary 10 days is incomplete without a halt at the Musée des Confluences!
The most striking feature of the museum is the modern design, a perfect contrast with the historic buildings of the city.
The museum’s permanent collection is divided into three main sections: the Origin of the World, the Species Theatre, and the Societies Gallery, each dealing with a different sphere of the evolution of life, such as the creation of the universe, diversity of life on Earth and the history of human societies, with a range of artifacts and exhibits.
DETAILS
Musée des Confluences
Address: 86 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon, France
Timings: 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. / First Thursday of the month: 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Price: Full – 9 Euros / Concession – 6 Euros
Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière
Make your last stop of the day at the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière situated on the hill of Fourvière overlooking the city. The museum showcases the history of the Gallo-Roman civilization that once thrived in the region and its exhibits include mosaics, sculptures, pottery, and other artifacts that were unearthed during excavations in the region.
Do visit the reconstructed amphitheatre to experience what it would have been like to attend a gladiatorial contest during the Roman era!
DETAILS
Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière
Address: 17 Rue Cleberg, 69005 Lyon, France
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Price: Check here
As you explore Lyon, do not forget to indulge in the city’s famous cuisine! For lunch, head to a traditional Bouchon, a type of restaurant that specializes in Lyonnaise cuisine. Le Bouchon des Filles is a great choice, offering traditional dishes like quenelles and andouillette.
The 2nd day of the France and Switzerland itinerary in Lyon covers the following spots
Musée Miniature et Cinéma
First on the list of attractions in this France Switzerland itinerary is the Musée Miniature et Cinéma, a fascinating museum that showcases miniature models and special effects from famous movies. Star War fans and Ringers (fans of the Lord of the Rings trilogy) will have the time of their life as they gaze upon a range of movie props and costumes from both the franchises!
Make sure to also try your hand at the Museum’s many interactive exhibits.
DETAILS
Musée Miniature et Cinéma
Address: 60 Rue Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon, France
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Price: Full – 12;5 Euros / Child – 9.5 Euros / Reduced – 10 Euros
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
Time for a mouth-water lunch at the Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a famous food market that features a wide variety of local and international cuisine. From fresh produce to cheesemakers to bakeries and pastries and gourmet restaurants, each better than the earlier, the 55 merchants in this market are sure to leave you confused!
Parc de la Tête d’Or
After a sumptuous lunch leaving you with a full tummy, take a walk through the beautiful botanical gardens of the Parc de la Tête d’Or, one of the largest urban parks in Europe. Do visit the zoo or take a boat ride on the lake.
DETAILS
Parc de la Tête d’Or
Address: 69006 Lyon, France
Timings: 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Price: Free
Aquarium de Lyon
End your second day and the trip to Lyon in this France and Switzerland Itinerary 10 days at the Lyon Aquarium, home to over 300 species of marine life, including fish, sharks, sea turtles, and more. The aquarium is divided into several themed zones, each showcasing different aquatic environments and the creatures that live within them.
You can get a unique perspective of the magnificent shark at the shark tunnel, where you walk through a tunnel surrounded by water, with sharks swimming all around you!
DETAILS
Aquarium de Lyon
Address: 7 Rue Stéphane Dechant, 69350 La Mulatière, France
Timings: 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Price: Check here
The next destination on France Switzerland itinerary is Geneva, just across the border from Lyon. If you are thinking of driving from France to Switzerland, now is your chance!
The drive will take around 1 hour 35 minutes and takes you through scenic countryside. If you are up for it, make a short halt at the city of Annecy on the road and explore the Old Town and the Lake.
Alternatively, you can also take a cab or a bus to reach Geneva.
Day 5 – Geneva, Switzerland
Day 5 of the France and Switzerland itinerary finally brings you to Geneva, the Peace Capital of the World! While Geneva deserves a lot more attention, for this France and Switzerland itinerary 10 days, one day is sufficient to explore the city itself.
I know, you might be fretting about how to cover such a big city in a day! Worry not, for this guided Geneva City Tour and Boat Cruise is the perfect answer to all your worries! This 3-hour guided tour will cover all the major attractions of Geneva and give you a glimpse into the city’s history, culture, and relationship with peace. The tour ends with a beautiful cruise along Lake Geneva.
Some of the sights that this tour will cover for the France Switzerland itinerary include:
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Old Town, which is full of charming cobblestone streets, picturesque alleys, and quaint shops.
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Reformation Wall, which commemorates Protestant Reformation and honours its key figures.
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Palace of Nations, housing the offices of the United Nations.
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United Nations Office, the European headquarters of the United Nations where you can learn about the organization’s history and current work.
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Jet d’ Eau, is a magnificent water fountain that shoots a column of water up to 140 meters high and is visible from many points in the city!
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St. Pierre’s Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic-style Church dating back to the 12th century.
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Flower Clock, is a clock made up of over 6,500 plants and flowers arranged in a clock face to honour Geneva’s reputation as the ‘City of Flowers’!
After a wholesome experience of the city, you can spend the rest of the day in the city. Try visiting some chocolate shops to get a closer look into the making of Swiss chocolates or you can also consider this Chocolate Flavor Walking Tour of Geneva.
Or, have lunch at one of the city’s famous eateries and try traditional foods such as Cardons, Pain Genevois, Rissoles aux Poires, or Longeole Sausage and prepare to head to our next destination, the city of Zurich!
To reach Zurich, you can catch a late direct train which will take around 3 hours. The tickets can be booked on this website. Or, you can also catch a direct flight which will take around 50 minutes.
Day 6, 7 – Zurich, Switzerland
As the France and Switzerland itinerary slowly draws to an end, you will find yourself in Zurich, a city with beautiful scenery, a rich culture, and historic landmarks. Zurich is a popular tourist destination and is a part of many Switzerland itineraries, so this city is a must-visit.
The first day in Zurich for the France Switzerland itinerary can be planned something like this:
Old Town
As with any European city teemed in history, Zurich’s old town, or Altstadt is full of narrow streets, colourful buildings, and historic landmarks. Be sure to visit Fraumünster Church, and Grossmünster Church, which are iconic churches of Zurich and are famous for their marvellous architecture.
If you want a more personal experience with a peek into Old Town’s history, you should not miss the Zurich Old Town Walking Tour, where your stops at top attractions are filled with entertaining stories and anecdotes.
Shop along with Bahnhofstrasse on the tour or stop for a short snack and coffee at one of the many cafes.
Kunsthaus Zurich
Head to the Kunsthaus Zurich, one of the most important art museums in Switzerland and featuring artworks by famous artists such as Van Gogh and Picasso spanning several centuries. The Museum itself is housed in a beautiful building, combing modern and traditional architecture. A treat for art lovers!
DETAILS
Kunsthaus Zurich
Address: Heimpl. 1/5, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Timings: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. / Wednesday & Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. / Monday closed
Price: Adult – CHF 23 / Reduced – CHF 18
Swiss National Museum
No visit to Zurich is complete without a halt at the Swiss National Museum. Housed in a stunning castle-like building, the museum features exhibits on Swiss history and culture and covers a wide range of topics, from prehistoric artifacts to contemporary art, and from traditional crafts to modern technology.
DETAILS
Address: Museumstrasse 2, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Timings: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. / Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. / Monday closed
Price: Adults – CHF 10 / Concession – CHF 8
On the 2nd day in Zurich it’s time to head into the mountains around Zurich
Felsenegg
Located on the outskirts of Zurich, Felsenegg is a mountain offering spectacular views of the city and the surrounding countryside and is perfect for a day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
To reach Felsenegg, take the Uetlibergbahn train from the Zurich main station to the Adliswil station, which is about a 20-minute ride. From there, catch the Felsenegg cable car, which will take you 800 meters up in just a few minutes! Or, the more adventurous ones can hike to the top from the station of Adliswil, which will take about an hour.
Felsenegg is truly a highlight of the France Switzerland itinerary!
At the top, you can enjoy the fascinating views of Zurich and the Lake in the distance, with the snow-covered Alps. As you soak in the views, don’t forget to try relishing fondue at the Gasthaus Felsenegg Inn!
You can also choose from the many hiking trails atop the mountain. I recommend doing the Planet Trail which takes you through a forested area, with signs and markers along the way that provide information about the planets and their features. The more seasoned hikers can hike to the summit of Uetliberg, the highest point in Zurich. This trail is around 10 kilometres and will take 3-4 hours. Other hiking options include a trek to the town of Buchenegg or Albis Pass.
As the Swiss Alps remain etched in your memory, head back to Zurich for the last leg of the France and Switzerland itinerary.
Lindt Home of Chocolate
But wait, I have another surprise in store! I don’t think there is a better way to end any trip to Zurich than with a visit to the Lindt Home of Chocolate!
Dive into the history of chocolate making in the Museum’s chocolate tour and experience the world of chocolate with all your senses. Remember the chocolate fountain in the movie ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’?
It pales in comparison to the fountain in this Museum! You also have the option of taking a chocolate course under the expert guidance of their Master Chocolatiers, very you can create your very own chocolate masterpieces.
Note: Early booking is a must for a visit to this Chocolate Home as it is an extremely famous attraction in Zurich. You can book the tickets on their official website below.
DETAILS
Lindt Home of Chocolate
Address: Schokoladenplatz 18802 Kilchberg Switzerland
Timings: Monday to Friday – 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. / Saturday & Sunday – 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Price: Check here
The last destination on this France and Switzerland itinerary 10 days is Lucerne, the ‘Gateway to Central Switzerland’!
Lucerne is just about 50 kilometers from Zurich and this calls for a road trip! The driving routes Switzerland are as it is scenic, and nothing different can be said for the route from Zurich to Lucerne.
In the 30-minute drive to Lucerne, you will be able to gaze upon the mighty Alps in the distance, along with Mount Pilatus, which soars over Lucerne. Lush greenery and rolling hills are constant companions.
You can head to Lucerne on the same day or leave early the next morning.
Day 8, 9 – Lucerne
Lucerne is a beautiful city in central Switzerland, full of history, culture, and beautiful scenery. Two days in Lucerne on this France and Switzerland itinerary are sure to go in a flash, with many things to see and do!
As for the itinerary on how to spend your time in Lucerne, have a look at my blog on ‘How many Days in Lucerne’, which has a 5-day itinerary for Lucerne and its many attractions.
You can follow the two-day itinerary for this trip. Or, if you are planning a France and Switzerland itinerary 12 days, the four-day itinerary gives you a full experience of the enchanting city of Lucerne.
Day 10 – Interlaken & Grindelwald
If you do not stay further in Lucerne, on the last day of the France and Switzerland itinerary 10 days, take a day trip to the nearby hill towns of Interlaken followed by Grindelwald.
Both Interlaken and Grindelwald are some of the best places to visit in Switzerland by car, so driving or taking a cab is a great idea. I highly recommend this full-day guided tour of Interlaken and Grindelwald Day Trip from Lucerne, where you can immerse yourself in Alpine beauty!
The drive through the Alps in a luxury coach is nothing short of mesmerizing and is sure to give you a dreamy experience of these hill towns.
After the day trip, you will be dropped back to Lucerne, from where it is time to bid adieu and head home, with memories of France and Switzerland in your heart and mind.
Itinerary options for your France and Switzerland trip
France Switzerland Austria Itinerary
You can also plan a 10-day itinerary including Austria, apart from France and Switzerland. Here’s how that could go:
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Day 1, 2 – Paris
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Day 3, 4 – Lyon
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Day 5, 6 – Zurich (with one day trip to Lucerne)
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Day 7, 8 – Innsbruck, check this itinerary
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Day 9 – Salzburg, where you should not miss the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Mozart’s Residence, Salzburg Cathedral, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress.
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Day 10 – Day Trip to Hallstatt, with a visit to the Mullbach waterfall, Bone House, and the Altaussee Salt Mine.
France Germany Switzerland Itinerary
Or, if you rather enjoy the beauty of Germany along with France and Switzerland, this is how you can plan it:
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Day 1, 2 – Paris
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Day 3, 4 – Strasbourg, where you should not miss the Strasbourg Cathedral, Palais Rohan, La Grande Île, and famous museums.
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Day 5 – Stuttgart, on your list should be a visit to the Mercedes-Benz Museum, the Fernsehturm, Wilhelma, and the Königstraße.
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Day 6, 7 – Munich, visit the Glockenspiel, Viktualienmarkt, Frauenkriche and the Deutsches Museum.
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Day 8, 9 – Zurich
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Day 10 – Lucerne
France Switzerland Italy Itinerary
Craving some authentic Italian Pizza while you tour France and Switzerland? You can easily plan an Italy Switzerland France itinerary! Here’s how:
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Day 1, 2 – Paris
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Day 3, 4 – Lyon
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Day 5, 6 – Bern, visit the Old Town, the Zytglogge Clock Tower, Bernese Minster, and the Parliament Building
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Day 7, 8 – Milan, check the 2 days in Milan itinerary
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Day 9, 10 – Venice, refer to this 2 Day Venice Itinerary
A France and Switzerland itinerary 10 days offers a perfect blend of history, culture, adventure, and natural beauty and is indeed a must-do. So, make sure you don’t miss out on the must do spots when heading off to these destinations!
France and Switzerland Itinerary 10 days FAQ’s
How long does it take to travel from France to Switzerland?
Depending on where you want to go and how you go, it can take around 5 hours by train and more than 10 hours by bus. If you catch a flight, the time taken will just be under 2 hours.
How many days are enough to visit Switzerland?
10-14 days minimum will be required to properly explore everything that Switzerland has to offer, however, you can get a broad view within a 5-7 day trip.
Is 10 days too long in Switzerland?
You can easily cover all the main attractions of Switzerland in 10 days without rushing. Plus, you will also have some leisure time at hand for some off-beat plans.
Is 10 days enough for France?
France is indeed a magical wonderland with many sights to see throughout the country and to get a complete feel of the country 10 days is sufficient.
Is Switzerland in France?
Well, let me put it this way – Switzerland is like that cousin of France who lives next door and shares some similar traits, like a love for cheese and wine.
But just like how you wouldn’t mistake your cousin for your sister, you can’t mistake Switzerland for France and both are different countries!
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