<![CDATA[Day trip from Switzerland to France]]>Hi


Will be travelling to Switzerland with 2 adults and 2 teens, would like to pop over to France for a day trip if time permits. Can those whom have been kindly advise if it’s worth travelling to Chamonix Mont Blanc or any other suggestions?

Many thanks in advance.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/38390/day-trip-from-switzerland-to-franceRSS for NodeSat, 18 Apr 2026 02:48:28 GMTTue, 24 Jul 2012 05:04:58 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Sun, 21 Oct 2012 10:26:06 GMT]]>hi nani,


yes, toilets are very hard to find indeed… we usually go whenever we see even if not urgent… alternatively, u can go to the restaurants’ restrooms during meal times… it is a must…

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/881076https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/881076Sun, 21 Oct 2012 10:26:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Sun, 21 Oct 2012 09:53:11 GMT]]>fable, thank you for your input.


Happened to hearsay that public toilet is difficult to locate and some even cost CHF2 :roll:

Glad to know that drinking water is easily available as that is the basic necessities.

Now...I am just worry about the daylight issue, as we'll be on F&E during christmas period, my concern is about travelling time and opening hours of attractions/supermarket/etc.

I am planning to go on the Bernina express, goldenpass etc. Any advise on how to go about, where to board this train and duration? Can it be part of my moving from place to place itinerary?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/881062https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/881062Sun, 21 Oct 2012 09:53:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Sun, 21 Oct 2012 09:17:39 GMT]]>

nani:
Can someone please provide some basic info on:


. anyone bought Swiss Pass upon arrival at Zurich airport, was it tedious?
. public toilets isn't easy to find? Isn't chargeable?
. Drinking water, how much per bottle?
. public transport interval, what is the average waiting time?
. Daylight duration during Dec?

and any others info a first timer needs to know please?

Many thanks in advance 🙂
I was based in Zurich for a month in June this year and visited most places within a 2 hour radius of the city with 7 year old ds. The staff at the rail office at the Zurich airport were very helpful and helped us with everything we needed with no fuss.

Toilets are easy to find and very clean. Most toilets are free, except for some at the train station.

Switzerland has wonderful clean water - you really don't have to buy any bottled water. Most places will have drinking fountains scattered all over, and as the tourist guidebook says, even the toilet water is drinkable! We just carried a water bottle and refilled it whenever we needed to.

Public transport is excellent (so much better than Singapore!). Waiting time depends on where you are (in Zurich 3 -4 min vs smaller town every half hour), but Switzerland is famous for its on-time public transport system, so its very easy to plan your trips (and if you're a minute late, you've probably missed your train!). You can use the http://www.sbb.ch to plan your trips.

If you are planning to visit tourist-y places, I recommend that you first ask at the train station office if there are any Railaway deals. I used these extensively - they are package train ticket + entry deals that will give you at least a 10% discount off both. You can even get them for your children with junior travelcards which allow them to travel free with a parent.

On Sundays, most supermarkets are closed, but there's usually a supermarket at the train station and that will be open if you need any provisions.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/881047https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/881047Sun, 21 Oct 2012 09:17:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Sun, 21 Oct 2012 08:25:56 GMT]]>Can someone please provide some basic info on:


. anyone bought Swiss Pass upon arrival at Zurich airport, was it tedious?
. public toilets isn't easy to find? Isn't chargeable?
. Drinking water, how much per bottle?
. public transport interval, what is the average waiting time?
. Daylight duration during Dec?

and any others info a first timer needs to know please?

Many thanks in advance 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/881010https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/881010Sun, 21 Oct 2012 08:25:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 13:26:05 GMT]]>

Imami:
Can't remember the name... Very sorry. Not sure if it was alpina, alfa or alpine something. It's not a very expensive place. Very Cosy chalet style. Very near the station.


:thankyou:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/825296https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/825296Fri, 17 Aug 2012 13:26:05 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 13:05:31 GMT]]>Can’t remember the name… Very sorry. Not sure if it was alpina, alfa or alpine something. It’s not a very expensive place. Very Cosy chalet style. Very near the station.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/825273https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/825273Fri, 17 Aug 2012 13:05:31 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 10:02:52 GMT]]>Zermatt is nice. Stayed there for four days and saw snow for the first time 😉


Our room has a great view of the Matterhorn. Did the glacier express, took Cogwheel railway up to gornergrat. Nice, will do again when my child is a little older.[/quote]

Where did you stay at ZErmatt?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/825130https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/825130Fri, 17 Aug 2012 10:02:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 08:55:03 GMT]]>

GLORYmum:
verykiasu2010:

[quote=\"nani\"]Anyone been to Evian-les-Bains, from Lausanne before, isn't worth a visit?


Thanks

I drove half way and turned back, and went to this place http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Diablerets

fantastic for the kids

Hi VeryKiasu2010,
Please share your itinerary?
Will kids get bored with the long train ride?
Which train express to go for if have time only for two?

Anyone been to Zermatt ?[/quote]Zermatt is nice. Stayed there for four days and saw snow for the first time 😉

Our room has a great view of the Matterhorn. Did the glacier express, took Cogwheel railway up to gornergrat. Nice, will do again when my child is a little older.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/825072https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/825072Fri, 17 Aug 2012 08:55:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 08:21:48 GMT]]>

GLORYmum:
Annecy, beside Lake Annecy, is beautiful, half an hour from Geneva in France, just after Thoiry


I believe winter there is beautiful. (being there in summer only)

I have been to Swiss in every season, Jungfrau & Grindelwald in winter is fantastic, even if you have been there in summer. It is a different world altogether

If you like cheese, go see Gruyere and visit the cheese factory and have a nice cheese fundue for lunch

Interlaken, Lake Thun, beautiful too

for driving in winter, like 3Boys said, is tricky if you have to get into small road without snow plough in regular service to clear the road....the snow could build up quickly on the road and becomes dangerous when climbing uphill and going downhill.....jam brake too hard means down the valley...


Hi, when does it begin to snow in Switzerland ?[/quote]

late november

for places like Jungfrau, Zermatt, and some mountain passes they are snow covered all year round[/quote]



Hi thanks, mid oct no snow may still be safe to drive. Where Do u book the accommodation and car rental?[/quote]
Car booked with either Avis or hertz online, hotel via booking.com

October is chilly but nice autumn in Lausanne

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/825031https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/825031Fri, 17 Aug 2012 08:21:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 05:34:11 GMT]]>Annecy, beside Lake Annecy, is beautiful, half an hour from Geneva in France, just after Thoiry


I believe winter there is beautiful. (being there in summer only)

I have been to Swiss in every season, Jungfrau & Grindelwald in winter is fantastic, even if you have been there in summer. It is a different world altogether

If you like cheese, go see Gruyere and visit the cheese factory and have a nice cheese fundue for lunch

Interlaken, Lake Thun, beautiful too

for driving in winter, like 3Boys said, is tricky if you have to get into small road without snow plough in regular service to clear the road…the snow could build up quickly on the road and becomes dangerous when climbing uphill and going downhill…jam brake too hard means down the valley…[/quote]



Hi, when does it begin to snow in Switzerland ?[/quote]

late november

for places like Jungfrau, Zermatt, and some mountain passes they are snow covered all year round[/quote]



Hi thanks, mid oct no snow may still be safe to drive. Where Do u book the accommodation and car rental?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824912https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824912Fri, 17 Aug 2012 05:34:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 04:25:57 GMT]]>

GLORYmum:
verykiasu2010:

[quote=\"nani\"]Thank you for your advice. Would you have any other suggestions on where can we do for a day trip to france, besides Chamonix/Mont Blanc? Was hoping to look at some town or unique place in France border rather than alps again.


Annecy, beside Lake Annecy, is beautiful, half an hour from Geneva in France, just after Thoiry

I believe winter there is beautiful. (being there in summer only)

I have been to Swiss in every season, Jungfrau & Grindelwald in winter is fantastic, even if you have been there in summer. It is a different world altogether

If you like cheese, go see Gruyere and visit the cheese factory and have a nice cheese fundue for lunch

Interlaken, Lake Thun, beautiful too

for driving in winter, like 3Boys said, is tricky if you have to get into small road without snow plough in regular service to clear the road....the snow could build up quickly on the road and becomes dangerous when climbing uphill and going downhill.....jam brake too hard means down the valley...



Hi, when does it begin to snow in Switzerland ?[/quote]late november

for places like Jungfrau, Zermatt, and some mountain passes they are snow covered all year round

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824862https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824862Fri, 17 Aug 2012 04:25:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 01:11:24 GMT]]>

verykiasu2010:
nani:

Thank you for your advice. Would you have any other suggestions on where can we do for a day trip to france, besides Chamonix/Mont Blanc? Was hoping to look at some town or unique place in France border rather than alps again.


Annecy, beside Lake Annecy, is beautiful, half an hour from Geneva in France, just after Thoiry

I believe winter there is beautiful. (being there in summer only)

I have been to Swiss in every season, Jungfrau & Grindelwald in winter is fantastic, even if you have been there in summer. It is a different world altogether

If you like cheese, go see Gruyere and visit the cheese factory and have a nice cheese fundue for lunch

Interlaken, Lake Thun, beautiful too

for driving in winter, like 3Boys said, is tricky if you have to get into small road without snow plough in regular service to clear the road....the snow could build up quickly on the road and becomes dangerous when climbing uphill and going downhill.....jam brake too hard means down the valley...



Hi, when does it begin to snow in Switzerland ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824654https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824654Fri, 17 Aug 2012 01:11:24 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 16:49:14 GMT]]>

nani:
Thank you for your advice. Would you have any other suggestions on where can we do for a day trip to france, besides Chamonix/Mont Blanc? Was hoping to look at some town or unique place in France border rather than alps again.

Annecy, beside Lake Annecy, is beautiful, half an hour from Geneva in France, just after Thoiry

I believe winter there is beautiful. (being there in summer only)

I have been to Swiss in every season, Jungfrau & Grindelwald in winter is fantastic, even if you have been there in summer. It is a different world altogether

If you like cheese, go see Gruyere and visit the cheese factory and have a nice cheese fundue for lunch

Interlaken, Lake Thun, beautiful too

for driving in winter, like 3Boys said, is tricky if you have to get into small road without snow plough in regular service to clear the road....the snow could build up quickly on the road and becomes dangerous when climbing uphill and going downhill.....jam brake too hard means down the valley...

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824587https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824587Thu, 16 Aug 2012 16:49:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:53:18 GMT]]>

3Boys:
nani:

We'll be there during in winter in mid dec and we're not driving. We'll be on the 15 day swiss pass.


Where are you staying in Luzern?

The transportation museum is very interesting and well worth a visit. Pilatus too, easy enough access, but you are already doing a number of mountains.

Swiss roads are ok, but winter driving is altogether a different kettle of fish and I also would not recommend unless one were experienced.

We're staying in central Luzern near train station, yes planning to do pilatus too. Hence don't wanna to anymore alps if we can do a day trip to France.

We've done a couple of winter driving in Aussie and Japan but don't feel comfortable doing in Europe or US furthermore is left hand drive, that's why we chose the Swiss pass instead.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824204https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824204Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:53:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:41:15 GMT]]>

nani:
We'll be there during in winter in mid dec and we're not driving. We'll be on the 15 day swiss pass.

Where are you staying in Luzern?

The transportation museum is very interesting and well worth a visit. Pilatus too, easy enough access, but you are already doing a number of mountains.

Swiss roads are ok, but winter driving is altogether a different kettle of fish and I also would not recommend unless one were experienced.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824199https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824199Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:41:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:30:07 GMT]]>going out now, come back here tonite

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824189https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824189Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:30:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:21:10 GMT]]>Thank you for your advice. Would you have any other suggestions on where can we do for a day trip to france, besides Chamonix/Mont Blanc? Was hoping to look at some town or unique place in France border rather than alps again.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824180https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824180Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:21:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:20:57 GMT]]>Anyone been to Zermatt ?[/quote]


have not tried the train before. every time was self-drive.

if traveling with family and luggage, self drive could be more economical and convenient, especially when moving from place to place and car is able to bring you any where. imagine from train stations, luggage etc, taxi is expensive and not that easy to just hail a taxi on the road side, plus if you are also carrying water, drinks, snacks, jackets, etc[/quote]


yeah i would love to self-drive but was afraid of the different drive wheel and the cold weather. we are planing to go mid Oct. Do you still have the details of where you stayed and places visited, can pm me please? thanks in advance.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824179https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824179Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:20:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:17:58 GMT]]>

GLORYmum:
verykiasu2010:

[quote=\"nani\"]Anyone been to Evian-les-Bains, from Lausanne before, isn't worth a visit?


Thanks

I drove half way and turned back, and went to this place http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Diablerets

fantastic for the kids



Hi VeryKiasu2010,
Please share your itinerary?
Will kids get bored with the long train ride?
Which train express to go for if have time only for two?

Anyone been to Zermatt ?[/quote]have not tried the train before. every time was self-drive.

if traveling with family and luggage, self drive could be more economical and convenient, especially when moving from place to place and car is able to bring you any where. imagine from train stations, luggage etc, taxi is expensive and not that easy to just hail a taxi on the road side, plus if you are also carrying water, drinks, snacks, jackets, etc

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824176https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824176Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:17:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:16:32 GMT]]>We’ll be there during in winter in mid dec and we’re not driving. We’ll be on the 15 day swiss pass.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824174https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824174Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:16:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:13:27 GMT]]>

nani:
verykiasu2010:

[quote=\"nani\"]Anyone been to Evian-les-Bains, from Lausanne before, isn't worth a visit?


Thanks

I drove half way and turned back, and went to this place http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Diablerets

fantastic for the kids

Thanks, I googled http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Tourism-g199031-Les_Diablerets_Vaud-Vacations.html

Is this just another alps? Can advise what is fantastic for the kids?

Our objective is to pop by France.[/quote]kids would love the play grounds and adults can picnic there after the kids played enough

this is opposite direction from going to France. In summer, day trip to Chamonix from Geneva is feasible, lunch in Chamonix and dinner in Annecy, enroute can explore the Roman ruins

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824171https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824171Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:13:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:08:49 GMT]]>

verykiasu2010:
nani:

Anyone been to Evian-les-Bains, from Lausanne before, isn't worth a visit?


Thanks

I drove half way and turned back, and went to this place http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Diablerets

fantastic for the kids



Hi VeryKiasu2010,
Please share your itinerary?
Will kids get bored with the long train ride?
Which train express to go for if have time only for two?

Anyone been to Zermatt ?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824167https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824167Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:08:49 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:00:57 GMT]]>

verykiasu2010:
nani:

Anyone been to Evian-les-Bains, from Lausanne before, isn't worth a visit?


Thanks

I drove half way and turned back, and went to this place http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Diablerets

fantastic for the kids

Thanks, I googled http://www.tripadvisor.com.sg/Tourism-g199031-Les_Diablerets_Vaud-Vacations.html

Is this just another alps? Can advise what is fantastic for the kids?

Our objective is to pop by France.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824158https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824158Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:00:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Day trip from Switzerland to France on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 08:51:37 GMT]]>

nani:
Anyone been to Evian-les-Bains, from Lausanne before, isn't worth a visit?


Thanks
I drove half way and turned back, and went to this place http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Diablerets

fantastic for the kids

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824153https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824153Thu, 16 Aug 2012 08:51:37 GMT