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An 8-day itinerary through France & Switzerland

France and Switzerland are, in my opinion, two of the best countries for a Europe road trip. That’s if you’re a mountain lover like I am. In fact, I think the Swiss Alps takes the top spot for the most breathtaking mountain views I’ve ever witnessed. Road tripping through France and Switzerland is also a #vanlife dream. Opening up your doors to enjoy your coffee with a view of the mountains? Yes please.

For help planning your France and Switzerland road trip, check out this planning guide.

There’s something about the fresh mountain air, turquoise lakes and layers of foliage that surround you on a road trip in the Alps that captures a little more of my heart every time I visit.. The trails in Chamonix and Evolène are some of the best I’ve ever experienced, and the Via Ferrata I completed in Nax was one of the most surreal mountain experiences of mine to date. And then there is the magic of Annecy, where you can meander around the streets of the old town and enjoy the epitome of lake life too.

I’ve put together this France and Switzerland road trip itinerary, starting and finishing in Geneva, so that you can enjoy all of these beautiful places too. I designed it as a road trip, but it is doable on public transport (travelling just takes longer, so you may want to extend your stay to account for this).

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An 8-day itinerary for the French & Swiss Alps

A Swiss Alps road trip: Montreux, Evolene, Saint-Luc and Veyonnaz

Day 1

We’re going to start this France and Switzerland road trip itinerary in Geneva, the second-largest city in Switzerland. Known for its good chocolate, cheese fondue, beautiful watches and diversity and creativity, this cultural playground is the perfect place to start your itinerary.

Getting to Geneva...

With hundreds of international flights per day, it’s pretty easy to fly into Geneva Airport (GVA). From there you can pick up your rental car and get behind the wheel ready to start this Switzerland road trip! Check out flights to Geneva on Skyscanner here.

If you’re doing this itinerary with public transport, or not picking up your car until you need to leave Geneva, then it’s still easy to get from Geneva Airport to the city centre. The airport is only 4km outside of the city, and there are several public transport links (bus, train) in and out.

If you’re driving to Geneva from the UK, don’t feel the need to do the drive all at once. Consider stopping in…

  • Reims: the champagne region
  • Lyon: foody central!
  • Dijon: part of the wine region of Burgundy 

You can also save on tolls by taking a longer route through Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany.

Where to stay in Geneva...

When I visited Geneva, I got the opportunity to stay at the luxurious Hotel d’Angleterre, right on the waterfront. Check out my stay here.

Alternatively, you could check out AirBnb, booking.com, or camp!

The best things to do in Geneva...

Don’t worry if you can’t fit everything in on day 1; this road trip itinerary also ends in Geneva, so you can keep exploring then!

MY FIRST VIA FERRATA IN NAX, SWITZERLAND AND A NIGHT AT HOTEL D’ANGLETERRE IN GENEVA

Day 2: Lausanne

Geneva to Lausanne

Yes, you read that correctly; if you fancy a more unique form of transport, you can get a boat across Lake Geneva to Lausanne in just under 4 hours! Check out tickets here.

Lausanne is famous for its postcard-perfect views of mountains, green trees and the beautiful lake. It’s also globally famous for its food: chocolate, wine, and cheese!

Where to stay in Lausanne...

For the best places to stay in Lausanne, check out AirBnb, booking.com, or campsites!

The best things to do in Lausanne...

A Swiss Alps road trip: Montreux, Evolene, Saint-Luc and Veyonnaz | Where's Mollie? A travel and adventure lifestyle blog

Day 3: Evolène

Lausanne to Evolène:

With picture perfect mountain views on your doorstep, Evolène, the fourth largest commune in Switzerland, is a must-visit on your Switzerland road trip. In winter you’ll be greeted with blankets of snow and in summer you can enjoy the 250km of hiking trails on offer.

Where to stay in Evolène...

When I visited Evolène, I stayed in this beautiful hotel that I found on Airbnb. For more places to stay in Evolène, check out AirBnb, booking.com, or campsites!

The best things to do in Evolène...

Day 4: Nax

Evolène to Nax:

Nax guarantees fun for every mountain lover, hiking enthusiast and avid climber. It’s part of the Val d’Hérens at 1286m high, and you should expect panoramic views, snow sports and summer walks, traditions such as the raclette, and beautiful, local wine.

Where to stay in Nax...

When I was in Nax we stayed at Grand Paradis, an amazing campsite. Don’t be put off by the website and bad photos and reviews; I promise the facilities and views are amazing! For more places to stay in Nax, check out AirBnb, booking.com, or campsites!

The best things to do in Nax...

See what I did during my stay in Nax here, including my first ever Via Ferrata experience!

Days 5 and 6: Chamonix

Nax to Chamonix:

Chamonix is one of my favourite mountain towns in France, and looking at the pictures, it’s easy to see why you must include a visit on your France road trip. In fact, it’s so nice that after first visiting during my French Alps road trip, I spent a considerable amount of time there in summer with my van, enjoying nature and the outdoors at its finest. Check out my summer guide to Chamonix here.

Where to stay in Chamonix...

Accommodation in Chamonix is expensive because of its popularity. When I stayed during my French Alps road trip, I camped a 3-4 minute drive outside of Chamonix at La Mer de Glace. Alternatively, check out Airbnb or booking.com

For tips on saving money during your France and Switzerland road trip, check out this blog post.

The best things to do in Chamonix...

Days 6 and 7: Annecy

Chamonix to Annecy:

Annecy is one of my favourite places in the world. I’ve been three times – a spring weekend, part of an Alps road trip, and in my van during summer – and I can tell you for certain that I will be back. 

I love it so much, that it deserves two days in this itinerary. Spend one day meandering around the old town, getting coffee, looking in the independent boutiques and snacking from the boulangeries. For the second day, head to the beauty that is Lake Annecy and spend a day on or by the water.

Where to stay in Annecy...

It’s definitely best to stay in the centre of Annecy if you can, because then you have the Old Town and Lake Annecy on your doorstep. For the best places to stay in Annecy, check out AirBnb, booking.com, or campsites!

The best things to do in Annecy...

Day 8: Geneva

Annecy to Geneva:

Back to Geneva! Squeeze in any adventures and sightseeing that you didn’t manage on day 1, and then, unfortunately, it’s time to head home.

MY FIRST VIA FERRATA IN NAX, SWITZERLAND AND A NIGHT AT HOTEL D’ANGLETERRE IN GENEVA

Watch my first French and Swiss Alps road trip come to life here...

Have you been on a France and Switzerland road trip?

What are your favourite things to do in France and Switzerland? Anything you’d add to this Europe road trip itinerary?

Love as always and happy adventuring,

Mollie.

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An 8-day itinerary through France & SwitzerlandAn 8-day itinerary through France & SwitzerlandAn 8-day itinerary through France & Switzerland
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IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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