kk

We will be in Paris in mid April, going to Swiss Alps for a few days and then to Venice. Only have time for 2 full days in Swiss Alps- Any sugggestions on Swiss destination coming from Paris, keeping in mind that it's on to Venice from there. Prefer a small, scenic alpine village with great views. Thanks... kk

s

kk,<BR><BR>Here are some suggestions.<BR><BR>Gstaad, pop 2000, alt 3543 ft. My (very) old Michelin Green Guide starts with this description: "Gstaad lies at the junction of four gently sloping valleys on the boundary between the Bernese and Vaud Alps." The train to Gstaad leaves Paris at 8.40, arriving at 3.45 pm after changing in Geneva & Montreux (or leaving at 10.30, arriving at 5.45 pm, or leaving at 1.40 & arriving at 7.45 pm).<BR><BR>Wengen, no pop given; alt 4183 ft. Green Guide: ". . .shoulder of Alpine pastures and forests . . . unique point of view .. . delight constantly renewed . . . " You can get to Wengen by leaving Paris at 8.40 & arriving at 4.24 pm or leaving at 10.30 & arriving at 6.19 pm with changes in Geneva, Berne, Interlaken, & Lauterbrunnen.<BR><BR>Kandersteg, pop 1077, alt 3858 ft. Green Guide: " . . . at the foot of rugged escarpments that frame the snow-peaks of the Blumlisalp to the east and dip into a green Alpine basin." Trains leave Paris at 8.40 & arrive at 3.24 or 10.30 & arriving at 5.24, changing at Geneva & Berne.<BR><BR>Zermatt, pop 4225, alt 5302. Trains to Zermatt leave Paris at 8.40 & arrive at 4.43 or 10.30 & arriving at 6.43 pm, changing at Geneva & Visp.<BR><BR>Personally, I would elect either Wengen or Gstaad for both stunning views and ample alpine walks. I didn't care much for Zermatt, but lots of others here love it. You can check out these websites to get some views of each place:<BR>www.gstaad.ch, www.wengen.com, www.kandersteg.ch, www.zermatt.ch.<BR><BR>If you notice that all these train connections change at Geneva, you might want to check out a resort in the French alps instead?<BR><BR>s

Beth

My husband and I did this trip last year -- 5 days in Paris, 5 in the Alps, and 3 in Venice. We took the high speed TGV from Paris to Bern (about 4.5 hours if I'm remembering right). Then we took trains from Bern to Interlaken and then onto Muerren, Switzerland. The trip from Bern to Muerren involved changing trains a few times but since the Swiss rail system runs so smoothly, it was no problem. Plus, the scenery was fantastic. I would highly recommend staying somewhere in the Berner Oberland.

kk

S and Beth- Thanks so much for the very helpful info. S- maybe I will also check into Annecy or Chamonix. Beth- I've heard the Berner Oberland is really nice. Again, thanks. kk

Tony

kk.<BR><BR>If you do choose Annecy or Chamonix, there are direct TGV trains from Paris to Annecy, bypassing Geneva. There is a slowish train from Annecy to Chamonix.<BR>From Chamonix there is a regular train service to Martigny in Switzerland - usually one connecting change en route from where there are direct trains to Milan, then Venice.<BR>Another (easier) option is a TGV from Paris to Lausanne, from where there are frequent trains to Montreux, which is a small lakeside resort town on Lake Geneva, which could be an ideal base for funicular rides into the mountains, or lake steamer cruises etc. To me Montreux offers more variety than Chamonix. From Montreux there are regular trains (change at Sion mostly) to Milan, then Venice.<BR>Having said all that the Interlaken/Oberland option is still probably the best.