Road Trip from Paris to Switzerland
With stops in Switzerland’s major cities and picturesque towns, this once-in-a-lifetime European road trip travels through the lush Burgundy region of France and the breathtaking Swiss Alps. You’ll get to see postcard-perfect scenery and taste famous wines and cheeses where they come from.
It takes eleven hours to drive the 880 kilometers from Paris to Switzerland. Dijon, Lyon, Auxerre, the Swiss Alps, the woodlands of Bourgogne-Franche-Comte, Zürich, Bern, Geneva, Lucerne, Andermatt, Lausanne, and Saas-Fee will all be on your itinerary.
This is the journey for you if the thought of snow-capped peaks and clean mountain air excites you. Find out the best routes to go and what to see and do along the journey by reading on.
How long would the road trip take from Paris to Switzerland?
| Route | Distance | Driving time |
| The Zurich Route | 880 Kilometers | 11 hours |
| The Geneva Route | 840 Kilometers | 09 hours 50 minutes |
| The Entire Round Trip | 1720 Kilometers | 20 hours 30 minutes |
Without considering the time spent at any stops along the way, the 880-kilometer Zurich Route from Paris to the Swiss Alps takes 11 hours to drive. It is the best way to get via the major cities on the German side of Switzerland, as well as across France and the mountains.
The Geneva Route continues where the Zurich Route leaves off, passing through French Switzerland’s lakeside cities before returning to France via the Alps. Driving this 840-kilometer route takes nine hours and fifty minutes.
It will take 20 hours and 30 minutes to drive the 1,720 km round-trip distance, and we advise allowing 7-8 days to really enjoy the journey. This will allow you to spend enough time relaxing in the mountain cabins, lakeside sun loungers, and gingerbread huts along the route.
Ideal road trip route from Paris to Switzerland
A breathtaking journey through mountain panoramas, verdant valleys, and charming towns awaits you whether you choose to drive part of the road or the entire round.
The Zurich Route passes via the vineyards of picturesque Bourgogne, known for its exquisite wines and local specialties Beef Bourguignon.
You’ll travel through the towering Alps and into the German-influenced region of Switzerland, making stops in the smaller resort towns of Andermatt and Saas-Fee as well as larger cities like Lucerne and Zürich.
Beginning in the Alpine resort of Saas-Fee, the Geneva Route circles via the breathtaking lakeside cities of French Switzerland, such as Lausanne and Geneva, before returning to Paris.
From your starting point, you will have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking mountain journey to Bern, which is home to the Lindt chocolate factory and features gorgeous medieval buildings.
The Zurich Route
Great hiking and biking paths may be found in Gâtinais Français Natural Regional Park, which is accessible from Paris via the Boulevard Périphérique and A6 south.
Travel back on the A6 and take the A38 exit to Dijon. To get to Dijon—the origin of the well-known mustard that bears the city’s name—follow A38 and proceed on D905. To taste their Burgundy wines, take the A39 out of Dijon and take a quick detour to Auxonne.
Make the turn for A36 shortly. Cross the Swiss border and enter Basel, renowned art town, by turning onto E25. Just after you bridge the Aare River, bear left to continue on A3, then follow the signs for Route 1. To get to Zurich, keep traveling on Route 1.
From Zürich, take the A3 south and then the A4. To get to Lucerne, take Route 2 after turning left to join A14. To get to Andermatt, take the A2 and weave through the mountains. Take Gotthardstrasse to Route 19 and follow the signs for Saas-Fee after you’ve hit some of their well-known ski slopes.
Best places to stop between Paris and Switzerland
Along the road, there are numerous incredibly beautiful towns and villages, and both sections of the route offer an abundance of breathtaking mountain scenery.
We’ve picked some of our favorite spots for parking and exploring, but you should definitely factor in some time for a few unplanned stops for breathtaking views and hot chocolate.
Explore the arts in Zürich
The largest city in Switzerland, Zurich, is just over halfway along the Zurich Route and is well worth a night or two of exploring. Beautiful golden churches, upscale shopping, and excellent fine dining may all be seen while strolling through the city.
World-class opera, ballet, and theater performances may be found at the stunning Opernhaus Zurich, which is situated directly along the Zürichsee and occupies a sizable central area. Why not try to witness a performance?
It is worthwhile to spend a few hours in Kunsthaus, a museum with an unmatched collection kept in a grand bronze building. Works from well-known artists as well as up-and-coming Swiss artists can be found here.
Visit the Chinagarten Zurich, a distinctive park and garden that offers visitors a strollable tour of classic Chinese buildings, to stretch your legs.
The Opera Hotel Zurich is a top-notch hotel that faces the magnificent opera house and is only a short stroll from the lake. There is an on-site restaurant and café, and free entry to a sizable breakfast buffet is included with all reservations.
The Bahnhofstrasse shopping district and other museums are just a short stroll from this hotel, which is perfectly situated in the upscale Seefeld neighborhood in the heart of Zurich. If you wish to go farther beyond the city, it also offers convenient access to Zürich’s public transit system.
Relish lakeside luxury in Geneva
The final Swiss city on this route before returning to France is located around halfway down the Geneva Route. A visit to Geneva, a beautiful and ancient lakeside city, is highly recommended.
Some of the biggest organizations in the world, such as the UN, World Health Organization, World Trade Organization, and Red Cross, are based there. It is often referred to as the capital of luxury watches and jewelry.
The Geneva Water Fountain, a striking water jet that shoots far into the sky from Lake Geneva, is impossible to miss. The Flower Clock, an outdoor clock constructed completely of flowers, is another iconic symbol in the area.
St Pierre Cathedral, which was built in the 12th century and has stunning Roman Catholic architecture, is worth a visit. Bonus: admission is free.
The five-star Hotel Metropole Geneve offers breathtaking views of the lake and an opulent stay that fits the surroundings. It features a fantastic on-site restaurant serving contemporary Italian food from the area, as well as a summertime lounge where you can have luscious cocktails while taking in the scenery.
With its location atop Geneva’s historic fortifications, the hotel is in the center of the city and close to many interesting sights, such as the Patek Philippe Museum.
A delightful stop at Lausanne
The chic hotel itself is a landmark; the Park Wing, which offers rooms with individual balconies and is situated in the middle of a city park, and the Savoy Wing, which is housed in an Art Nouveau-style building with views of the lake.
With two full-service spas, a 24-hour fitness facility, and a separate spa section for female customers who prefer seclusion, the facilities here are unparalleled. There is a restaurant, bar, terrace bar, and cigar lounge on the premises, and breakfast is complimentary.
Places to see on a road trip from Paris to Switzerland
Switzerland offers beautiful parks and museums of high art, while the classic French countryside is full with historic buildings and marketplaces. Along the journey, you’ll enjoy some delectable local cuisine and your share of cultural events.
The Zurich Route
1.Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne-An incredible collection of medieval and Renaissance treasures can be found in this medieval mansion located in the center of Dijon.
2.Les Halles Market- Admire the abundance of delectable fruit and Burgundian-style goods at this classic French market. Don’t forget to come in the morning!
3.Maille Dijon Mustard- Fans of the well-known Dijon mustard should visit this tiny boutique in the city’s commercial area, where they can make personalized mustard pots and get free samples.
4.Consortium Museum-Explore one-of-a-kind modern art displays at the Consortium Museum, which also has a wonderful library with rare art publications.
5.Lake Tille-During the summer, Lake Tille is open and a great place to swim or have a picnic.
6.Sanctuaire Notre Dame de Mont Roland- Take a look at this majestic structures, which is glowing at night.
7.Mulhouse, France- Visit Mulhouse, which is close to the German and Swiss borders and has a magnificent Gothic temple from the 12th century.
8.Aargau Jura Park- Explore this regional natural park, which has many hiking and biking paths across breathtaking Swiss scenery.
9.Swiss Museum of Transport- This interactive museum has a recognizable exterior, exhibits artwork by Hans Enri, and a planetarium.
The Geneva Route
1.Diemtigtal Nature Park- Discover this charming park, which is well-known for its winter activities and is situated in a breathtaking alpine valley.
2.Zentrum Paul Klee- Explore the two exhibition halls of this iconic Bern art museum, which is solely devoted to Paul Klee’s artwork.
3.Museum of Fine Arts Bern- This museum, which opened in 1879 and is situated beside the Aare River, features pieces by well-known painters like Picasso and Oppenheim.
4.Käfigturm- Located in the heart of Bern, this 49-meter baroque tower dates back to 1644 and has a stunning clock and bell.
5.Papiliorama- This butterfly habitat and animal park, which is approximately 15 minutes off-route, is home to a variety of nocturnal animals and insects.
6.Chateau de Chenaux- Stop off your car and stroll about the grounds of this stunning chateau, which is situated on the shores of Neuchatel Lake.
7.The Olympic Museum- This museum, which is centrally located in Lausanne, features permanent exhibitions concerning Olympic athletes and architects.
8.Vufflens Castle-This charming castle, which is 15 minutes off the main road and has lovely grounds, is the ideal place to stop.
9.Annecy, France- Drive approximately one hour to your destination and explore this picturesque village by the lake. You can swim in Annecy Lake’s refreshingly clear waters or go on a bike tour of the lake!
10.Lyon, France- Known as the “Gastronomical Capital of the World,” this stunning medieval city may be added to your itinerary in a matter of hours!
Both routes
1.Gatinais Francais Natural Regional Park-Take a bike ride through this beautiful park, which has sandstone, old houses, and large areas of forest.
2.Ile de France Prehistory Museum- With 600,000 years of discovered antiquities from the Ile de France, this museum is situated in the little hamlet of Nemours and is encircled by woodland.
3.Auxerre, France- Explore this little town, which is a nice place to stop for lunch and is well-known for its ancient architecture, canal walks.
Ideal time to go on a road trip from Paris to Switzerland
Switzerland is a fantastic destination at any time of year.Switzerland is renowned for its natural beauty, which includes alpine valleys and hilly landscapes.
It is just as stunning in the green summer months as it is when covered in a blanket of snow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I stop between Paris and Switzerland?
The best cities between Zurich and Paris. Marne-la-Vallee, Colmar, Basel, Beaune, Dijon, Freiburg im Breisgau, Besancon, Fontainebleau, Mulhouse, and Gerardmer are the best cities between Paris and Zurich. The route’s most visited city is Marne-la-Vallee. Paris is less than an hour away, and Zurich is six hours away.
How many days are enough for Switzerland and Paris?
The best time to visit Paris (a must for first-timers) really depends on your interests, but most people think that three days is plenty to see all of the city’s attractions including Versailles. However, you’ll need four to five days if you want to visit Disneyland and enjoy museums and shopping.
What is Switzerland famous for?
Switzerland is well known for its exquisite natural scenery, especially the Alps, as well as its fine chocolate, effective public transportation, and accurate timepieces. It is renowned for its long-standing neutrality as well as its delectable cuisine, which includes raclette and fondue.
What is Switzerland’s national food?
One of Switzerland’s most famous national meals is rosti, which is made with thinly grated potatoes and pan-fried till golden and crisp. Farmers in the Bern canton would customarily eat rosti for breakfast, however no one knows when it was initially prepared.
Best time to visit Paris to Switzerland?
Depending on your preferences, the ideal season to travel to Switzerland from Paris is either winter (December to March) for skiing and winter sports or late spring to early fall (April to September) for mild weather and outdoor activities.
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