hampton54

In September we're considering flying into Basil or Zurich, meet up with a couple in Interlaken for two days, then the four of us rent a car and drive through France to Paris for our flight home. We plan for 7-8 nights through France plus a final night near the Paris airport. We've been to Paris several times so there is no need to allow time to visit there. Our preference is for France's small countryside towns where possible. Any suggestions for a route through France?

StCirq

Before you proceed with your planning, have you checked out the enormous cost of renting a car in Switzerland and dropping it off in France?

hampton54

StCirq: Yes we have considered the expense of leaving the car in Paris. We are sharing expenses and the shared car is most likely cheaper than purchasing four train tickets at each and every stop, and certainly far more flexible in making travel plans. One of us previously lived in Europe and familiar with driving there. HAMPTON54

michele_d

We really enjoyed the Alsace region and the area surrounding Beaune. You could spend a few days in each area on your way to Paris.

stevelyon

How about the wine route? I havent done it myself but its on my list to do.

Michael

Take the train from Interlaken to Basel or Geneva and pick up the car on the French side of the airport. That way you will not have any cross-border drop off fee. With the time you have, you might want to visit the Jura from Geneva going north, and then stop by the Ronchamp Chapel, Troyes and Provins on your way to Paris. Or from the Jura veer to the west before reaching Besançon and visit some of Burgundy. I recommend getting some Michelin Green Guides to organize your itinerary.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...29919999/show/

These pictures are in reverse order, and or farther south than what I would recommend for your trip. But they will give you some ideas of what to see in eastern France besides Alsace and Burgundy. I also wrote a trip report that starts in Basel; click on my name to find it.