2-Week France and Switzerland Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week France And Switzerland tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaFrance and Switzerland travel expert at TourRadar

• 13 Days Tour du Mont Blanc, incl. Chamonix and Courmayeur

  The path between France and Switzerland leads over Col de Balme (2200m). Lake Champex and the Grand Balcon Sud offer spectacular views of Mont Blanc (4801m). Features boutique hotel stays, expert guides, and daily luggage transfers.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Chamonix, France

    Start your journey in Chamonix, the perfect base for mountain adventures. Take the first day to adjust to the altitude and explore. The Brevent cable car offers incredible views of Mont Blanc. One traveler shared: "The actual trek around Mont Blanc is majestic and quite frequently breathtaking (both literally and figuratively). Stunning vistas, snow capped glaciers, green meadows and forests create a feeling of awe that is the Alps."

    
  • Day 3

    Les Houches to Les Contamines (5 hours)

    Begin with the Bellevue cable car to skip the tough initial climb. Cross the Bionnassy Glacier melt stream on a suspension bridge then tackle Col de Tricot (2,120m). The route ends with a pleasant descent through alpine meadows to Les Contamines. Book your cable car tickets early to avoid the peak season crowds in July and August.

    
  • Day 4

    Les Contamines to Les Chapieux (8 hours)

    Your day starts at the beautiful Baroque church of Notre Dame de la Gorge. Follow an old Roman road up to Col du Bonhomme (2,329m) and Col de la Croix de Bonhomme (2,450m). Spend the night in a historic 19th-century hotel in Les Chapieux. Pack extra layers since afternoon storms often roll through the cols.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Into Italy via Col de la Seigne to Courmayeur (8 hours)

    Enter Italy at Col de la Seigne (2,516m). Stop for authentic Italian coffee at Refugio Elisabetta. Pick between the high route or valley path to Courmayeur based on weather. The next day is perfect for exploring this Italian resort town or taking a side trip to historic Aosta.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Val Ferret to La Fouly (6 hours)

    The trail leads through larch forests to Refuge Bertone. If weather permits take the Mont de la Saxe ridge route. Cross Grand Col Ferret into Switzerland with a stop at Refuge Elena. A beautiful descent through flower-filled meadows brings you to Hotel Edelweiss in La Fouly.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Champex to Martigny (7 hours)

    Walk through pine forests and traditional Alpine villages to reach lakeside Champex. Cross the demanding Fenetre d'Arpette (2,665m), the trek's highest point. One hiker noted: "Although the tour operator mentioned training importance, this should be stressed more greatly. The actual route taken may not end up being the same route chosen for the day."

    
  • Days 11-13

    Back to France via Col de Balme

    Climb to Col de Balme (2,200m) for sweeping Mont Blanc views. Take the Grand Balcon Sud path past Lac Blanc. Get there early to capture classic reflection photos. Return to Chamonix using the Plan Praz cable car. Transfer to Geneva on your final morning.

    

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• 11 Day Western Europe Itinerary, incl. Barcelona and London

  Geneva's UN headquarters, Gruyères' cheese heritage, and Paris' iconic sites showcase two nations' highlights. The adventure includes Glacier 3000 and Chillon Castle, with comfortable stays in Leysin's Alpine Classic Hotel.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Barcelona & Catalonia

    Spend your first day exploring Barcelona's Gaudi architecture and Las Ramblas. The El Born district is perfect for authentic tapas in the evening. Head to Girona the next day (90 minutes by road) and walk through its historic Jewish quarter with its narrow streets that come alive at night.

    
  • Days 3-4

    French Provence & Swiss Alps

    Visit Arles to see its Roman amphitheater. Stop at Carrières des Lumières for their innovative art shows. Get there before 10 AM to avoid crowds. Make your way to Chambery to experience its medieval atmosphere. Take the route to Switzerland through Geneva. Stop at the Maison Cailler chocolate factory near Gruyères. Book your tasting ahead since spots fill up fast. End your day in Leysin where you'll get beautiful views of Mont Blanc.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Swiss Cities & Alsace

    Visit the suspended bridge at Glacier 3000 if weather allows. Check conditions before you go. Stop in Interlaken for lunch and try the local rösti at Restaurant Stadthaus. Continue to Lucerne and Zurich. The next day, visit Strasbourg where you can take great photos of the half-timbered houses in the Petite France district.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Paris & Normandy

    Give Paris two full days. Start at Versailles early (before 9 AM) to avoid tour groups. Explore Montmartre next. Book your Eiffel Tower visit for late afternoon when lines are shorter and you can catch the sunset. Take a Seine cruise to see Paris from the water. Visit Rouen and its Gothic cathedral. A recent visitor shared: "The light through the cathedral's stained glass at sunset creates an unforgettable atmosphere - definitely time your visit for late afternoon."

    
  • Days 9-11

    England & London

    Take the Channel crossing to Canterbury and continue to London. Visit Tower Bridge at dusk to see it lit up. Use your final days to explore the British Museum (go right when it opens) and browse Camden Market's unique shops.

    

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• 12 Day the Alps Itinerary, incl. Mont Blanc Circuit & Chamonix

  This challenging Alpine trek from Les Houches to Chamonix spans 12 days. Charming towns like Les Contamines and Champex-Lac welcome visitors with 3-4* hotels. Half-board meals and comfortable lodging complement trails including Col du Bonhomme and Fenêtre d'Arpette.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Les Houches to Les Contamines, France

    Take the Bellevue cable car from Les Houches to start your journey. You'll spend your first full day on forested trails with views of the Bionnassay Valley. "The views of Mont Blanc and the Alps' foothills were constant companions throughout the day." Book the first cable car of the day to avoid crowds and get the most out of your hiking time.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Les Chapieux & Italian Border

    The Col du Bonhomme climb takes about 6-7 hours. Getting to Les Chapieux requires planning. Public shuttles only run between June 25th and August 27th. Outside these dates you'll need private transfers. Your next stop is Refuge Elisabetta in Italy after crossing Col de la Seigne. Pack light since there's no luggage transport to the refuge.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Courmayeur to Swiss Border

    Take the morning bus from Courmayeur to Val Ferret. Buy your tickets ahead of time. The hike to La Fouly in Switzerland includes crossing Grand Col Ferret pass. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms which are common in summer. The next day offers easier hiking through Swiss villages to Champex with its beautiful lake.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Swiss Alpine Villages

    The Fenêtre d'Arpette section reaches 2,750m, the highest point of your journey. "Bring proper hiking poles for the descent - it's steep and can be slippery." Bad weather? Take the alternate Col de Bovine route. From Trient you'll cross back to France via Col de la Balme to reach Argentière.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Balcon des Aiguilles Rouges to Chamonix

    The Balcon trail offers incredible views of Mont Blanc. You can hike all the way down or take the La Flégère cable car to Chamonix. Check the cable car schedule the night before as it can change with weather conditions.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Chamonix Exploration

    Spend your final days in Chamonix. The Aiguille du Midi cable car gives you amazing views but book well ahead, especially during peak season. "The earlier you go up, the better chance of clear skies." End your trip with a visit to the Mer de Glace glacier.

    

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