Exploring France and Switzerland: A Perfect Summer Holiday Itinerary
- ashishmathur58
- Apr 3
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 5
Exploring France and Switzerland
Exploring France and Switzerland: A Perfect Summer Holiday Itinerary
### Day 1: Arrival in Paris – The City of Lights
The last week of June marked the beginning of summer holidays in North India, making it the perfect time for a family trip to France and Switzerland. To maximize our time, we took a direct Air France flight to Paris.
After checking in at Novotel Gare du lyon, we enjoyed a light lunch before heading to the most iconic landmark—**Eiffel Tower**. Having pre-booked summit tickets saved us precious time, and the breathtaking panoramic views from the top were unforgettable. We also picked up some charming souvenirs from the Eiffel Tower gift shop.
As the sun began to set, we embarked on a Seine River cruise with Bateaux Parisiens. Opting for a sightseeing cruise instead of a dinner one allowed us to soak in stunning views of Paris landmarks like Notre-Dame, Musée d’Orsay, and Pont Alexandre III. The shimmering lights of the city made it a magical experience.
After an early dinner, we returned to our hotel for a good night’s rest before an exciting day ahead.
### Day 2: Paris – Cathedrals, Museums, and Shopping
We started our day with a metro ride to Cathédrale Notre-Dame, marveling at its intricate Gothic architecture. A leisurely stroll along the Seine River led us to a cozy café, where we enjoyed warm croissants and coffee.
Next on our itinerary was the Louvre Museum—an absolute must-visit! The Mona Lisa, though the star attraction, is just a small part of this vast museum. With exhibits spanning from ancient Egypt to Renaissance masterpieces, one could easily spend an entire day here.
In the evening, we headed to the iconic Champs-Élysées, getting off near the Arc de Triomphe. Strolling past high-end stores and charming boutiques, we soaked in the Parisian vibe. We chose a cozy café near McDonald's with open seating for dinner—perfect for people-watching and unwinding after a long day.
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### Day 3: The Royal Grandeur of Palace of Versailles
An early start took us to Palace of Versailles, one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. We opted for an audio guide, which gave us deeper insight into the palace’s fascinating history and the lives of King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. The Hall of Mirrors was a highlight, reflecting the opulence of French royalty.
After a long walk through the breathtaking gardens, we grabbed a quick snack at the palace café. While slightly pricey, it was refreshing after hours of exploration.
Returning to Paris in the evening, we retired early, gearing up for an exciting day at Disneyland Paris.
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### Day 4: A Magical Day at Disneyland Paris
Our day at Disneyland Paris was nothing short of magical! The Disney characters, thrilling rides, and enchanting castles made for an unforgettable experience. Though we had to endure some long queues, it was all worth it—especially for the kids.
The highlight of the day? The Disney Parade! Watching beloved characters come to life in a dazzling show was pure joy for both kids and adults. As night fell, we returned to Gare du Nord and had dinner at a café opposite the station before calling it a day.
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### Day 5: Paris to Luzern – Welcome to Switzerland
The next morning, we boarded the TGV to Basel, seamlessly connecting to the Swiss train network to reach Luzern, our base for the next three nights. Upon arrival, we checked into Ibis Styles Hotel and treated ourselves to a long-awaited Indian meal—finally indulging in dal, roti, and tandoori chicken after days of French cuisine!
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### Day 6: Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
Switzerland greeted us with clear skies as we took a direct train to Interlaken, our connection point for Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe. Since we had pre-booked our Swiss Travel Pass and Jungfraujoch tickets in India, we simply exchanged them at Interlaken OST and embarked on our Alpine adventure.
The journey itself was breathtaking—**snow-capped peaks, picturesque villages, and charming wooden chalets**. Upon reaching the summit, we stood in awe at the highest railway station in Europe, surrounded by endless white landscapes.
Lunch at the Bollywood Restaurant offered simple yet delicious Indian fare, adding a homely touch to our Swiss experience. After clicking the customary photos at the Top of Europe, we made our way back to Interlaken and then Luzern.
💡 Travel Tip: If your budget allows, staying in Interlaken instead of Luzern is a great option as it’s a beautiful town with plenty to explore.
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### Day 7: Mount Titlis – Snow Adventures & Bollywood Nostalgia
Our next adventure took us to Mount Titlis, famous for its Rotair cable car and Ice Flyer. We took an early train to Engelberg, the nearest station to the Titlis cable car station. Instead of taking a bus, we enjoyed a scenic walk through DDLJ filming locations, a dream for Bollywood fans.
At the top, we were delighted to find a cutout of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol from the iconic movie. The snow activities and breathtaking views made it an unforgettable experience.
After a fun-filled day, we returned to Luzern and ended the evening with a fine dining experience at Old Swiss House.
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### Day 8: Exploring Luzern & Farewell to Switzerland
On our final day, we took a morning stroll through Old Town Luzern, just a few blocks from the train station. We admired the Chapel Bridge, explored charming alleyways, and enjoyed the relaxed Swiss atmosphere.
In the afternoon, we boarded a direct train from Luzern to Zurich Airport and checked into Novotel Zurich Airport Hotel, chosen for its proximity to the airport as we had an early morning flight.
Before bidding Switzerland farewell, we took a tram to the city center for last-minute shopping of Swiss chocolates and souvenirs from the renowned Bahnhofstrasse. Ending our trip with a delectable seafood dinner at Nordsee, we reflected on our incredible journey.
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### Final Thoughts
Our France and Switzerland trip was an incredible mix of history, adventure, and scenic beauty. From the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower to the magical Disneyland, and from the majestic Swiss Alps to the charming streets of Luzern, every moment was special.
💡 Travel Tips for Future Visitors:
- Pre-book tickets to major attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Jungfraujoch to save time.
- Get a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited train, bus, and boat rides—it’s totally worth it.
- Plan your itinerary well, but leave some room for spontaneous discoveries!
With hearts full of memories, we returned home, already dreaming of our next adventure! ✈️🏔️🏰
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