Going to Switzerland and France Next Month

[TehRoflCopter]

I'm going to be in Switzerland and France the last two weeks of August. We're flying into Zurich, going by Berne, skipping Geneva (I've heard there isn't much to do), and then heading to Paris. I was wondering what the can't miss spots are, especially for music/gear and food (I'm a foodie with a discriminating palate well suited to French food ), and what smaller towns to stop at along the way. Discuss.

[scottice]

The Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower. Bring your stack of cash.

[Jared Lash]

My favorite stops in Switzerland were Wengen (with a side trip up to the Jungfrau) and Lucerne. Both are probably considered pretty touristy to Swiss residents, but I liked them a lot.

Have fun!

[bmc]

When in Switzerland, get down to Lucerne. Definitiely worth checking out. On to Interlaken to take the train to Jungfrau at the top of the Alps. Seeing the Matterhorn from Zermat is worthwhile.

I'm in Geneva. It is boring. It's pretty. It's a two day city (can see everything you need to see in two days). The last two weeks of August is when the royal families of the Middle East descend on Geneva. They all hang out here in late July and August.

The far end of the lake from here is Montreux, where the Jazz festival is taking place right now. It's stunningly beautiful down there.

In terms of gear, forget it. Stupid prices. Take a US price and multiply by three and they'll tell you it's on sale.

Food wise, Switzerland is a let down for international food. In terms of Swiss food, it's going to be a combination of cheese, potatoes, ham, bread, dried meats.

If you really like food, hit Lyon enroute to Paris. It continues to be regarded as THE place in France for food. I have never had a disappointing meal in that town. Furthermore, it's a very pretty city that is definitely worth checking out. Very nice place. Very interesting shops. We try to get down 1-2 a year. It's about 1.5 hours from here.

Also enroute to Paris is the Burgundy region of France. If you love Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, that is the benchmark region on the planet. Lots of canals in that area with canal boat rentals and cruises. The capital city of the region is Dijon (as in mustard).

Have a good trip. Paris will be deserted. It's August. Vacation month for France. They'll all be on the Mediterranean. You will see a lot of shops closed in France and Switzerland in August. It's weird. You'll walk up to a music store and there'll be a sign saying "Closed for three weeks vacation." Expect that throughout Switzerland and France.

Also...expect serious heat. Late August can climb to 35C.

Have a great trip. It's a nice part of the world.

[BassManPatsFan]

Paris will most certainly be deserted. I was there for a month this summer in june and july and there were a lot of people, but I've been before in august and it's way different. Seeing Paris is great when there aren't thousands of tourists all over the place, but when a lot of the shops and restaurants are closed, it's kind of a let down (this is France we're talking about; they don't like to work at all). The best time to go is probably spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and there aren't too many tourists.

[bmc]

Originally Posted by BassManPatsFan

Seeing Paris is great when there aren't thousands of tourists all over the place, but when a lot of the shops and restaurants are closed, it's kind of a let down (this is France we're talking about; they don't like to work at all). The best time to go is probably spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and there aren't too many tourists.

August is dead. You'll find them all on the motorway to Marseilles.

One strange feature of life here is how private business close for 2-3 weeks holidays in August. You'll head downtown to your favorite music store, park six blocks away and get their to find a sign saying "Closed for vacation for 3 weeks".

People like to enjoy life over here and taking time off is a good way to do that. Can't fault them for it

[TehRoflCopter]

We're flying out this Saturday!

We will go to Zurich, Berne, Lausanne, and then Paris. I just hope that the best restaurants/bakeries in Paris aren't closed.

[bmc]

Originally Posted by TehRoflCopter

We're flying out this Saturday!

We will go to Zurich, Berne, Lausanne, and then Paris. I just hope that the best restaurants/bakeries in Paris aren't closed.

Taking the train from Lausanne to Paris or making your way through Geneva first to catch the TGV?

If the latter, pm me and I'll treat you and yours to a good coffee.

I'm about 38 miles out of Lausanne. PM if you want some ideas of things to do while in Lausanne.

Enjoy the trip.

[scottice]

Have an excellent time! Let us know how it went when you return... we want pictures.

I'll be in Paris on my honeymoon October 1st-9th. Cannot wait!!!