Summer is the perfect time to head off to Europe for that much-needed family vacation, and if you’re wondering where to go, let us make it easy for you—Switzerland and Paris. These two destinations are a dream duo for Indian travelers. Switzerland enchants with its snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, and charming villages, while Paris dazzles with its iconic landmarks, cultural treasures, and the perfect dose of romance. Together, they promise an unforgettable holiday experience for families looking to escape the summer heat of India.
Let’s dive into why Switzerland and Paris are the ideal destinations for your next summer escape!
Best Months to Visit: Timing Your Summer Adventure Perfectly
Europe in summer is a delight, but knowing the best months to visit will ensure you have the most enjoyable experience.
- Switzerland: The ideal time to visit Switzerland is between April and September. During these months, you’ll enjoy comfortable weather suitable for all kinds of outdoor activities. What makes Switzerland unique is its micro-climates—you could be taking a leisurely boat ride on the azure waters of Lake Zurich, enjoying pleasant sunshine in Lucerne, Interlaken, and then experiencing snow on Mount Titlis or Jungfraujoch respectively on the very same day!
- Paris: The best time to visit the French capital is from April to September when the temperatures range between 20°C and 26°C. Summer in Paris means enjoying long days (up to 16 hours of daylight), picnics by the Seine River, and balmy evenings exploring the city’s iconic landmarks.
The combination of Switzerland’s magnificent alpine views and Paris’s vibrant city culture makes for a perfectly balanced holiday that satisfies everyone in the family.
Exploring Switzerland
Switzerland is a dream destination that feels like stepping into a postcard. From its shimmering blue lakes to majestic snow-capped mountains, the country captivates with its natural beauty and charm. Switzerland offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences, making it perfect for families looking for an unforgettable vacation. With stunning mountain peaks and Swiss village charm, Switzerland becomes a stress-free, family-friendly paradise, offering unforgettable holidays filled with stunning scenery, endless activities, and cherished memories.
1. Lake Zurich – A Relaxing Start to Your Trip
Begin your Swiss adventure with a visit to Lake Zurich. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely walk, indulging in local treats at a lakeside cafe, or hopping on a cruise that glides across the calm waters, this is the perfect way to ease into your vacation. The serene setting is perfect for families looking to relax and soak in the beauty of nature.
2. Mount Titlis- Experience Snow in the Summer
Ever wanted to experience snow even during the height of summer? Head to Mount Titlis, where your family can take a stunning cable car ride over snow-covered peaks. The Titlis cable cars take you from Engelberg to the top in about 30 minutes. It features the world’s first revolving aerial cableway, Titlis Rotair. The final leg of the journey to the summit takes around five minutes. Don’t miss the jaw-dropping Titlis Cliff Walk, Europe’s highest suspension bridge! Kids will be thrilled to play in the snow park, while adults can take in panoramic views that simply must be seen to be believed.
3. Zermatt: A Perfect Swiss Escape for Families
Zermatt is a stunning alpine village in Switzerland, famous for the iconic Matterhorn mountain. This charming, car-free destination is ideal for a relaxing and adventurous family holiday. Whether it’s taking a scenic train ride on the Gornergrat Railway to enjoy breathtaking mountain views or exploring the fascinating Glacier Palace with its magical ice sculptures, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy. During summer, families can go hiking or walking along easy trails surrounded by incredible scenery, while winter offers fun activities like skiing and snow play for kids. The cozy restaurants serve delicious Swiss food, perfect for unwinding after a day outdoors. Zermatt is a wonderful mix of adventure and beauty, creating lasting memories for the whole family!
4. Interlaken to Zweisimmen to Montreux: A Scenic Golden Pass Journey
The Golden Pass Line is one of Switzerland’s most scenic train journeys that takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes. The route is fully included in the Swiss Travel Pass. Traveling from Interlaken to Zweisimmen to Montreux, this route offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, lush green meadows, and charming Swiss villages. Starting in Interlaken, you’ll marvel at stunning lake vistas before heading through Zweisimmen’s quaint alpine landscapes. From there, the train winds its way to Montreux, where grand views of Lake Geneva and vineyards await. The train’s large panoramic windows ensure everyone—kids and adults—soaks in the beauty of Switzerland during this relaxing ride. It’s a picturesque, stress-free way to explore the country and a must-try for any family holiday in Switzerland. A truly magical journey!
5. Scenic Trains: Explore Switzerland’s Stunning Landscapes
Switzerland’s scenic trains offer an unforgettable way to experience the country’s breathtaking beauty, making them perfect for family holidays.
Zermatt to St. Moritz (Glacier Express)
The Glacier Express, called the “slowest express train,” connects Zermatt to St. Moritz. This incredible route takes you through stunning alpine meadows, dramatic valleys, and iconic landmarks like the Rhine Gorge and the Landwasser Viaduct. Perfect for families, panoramic windows offer breathtaking views while kids enjoy the excitement of crossing bridges and tunnels on this unforgettable journey.
Lucerne to Montreux (GoldenPass Route)
The GoldenPass Line route from Lucerne to Montreux is a jaw-dropping journey through picturesque Swiss landscapes. Families can enjoy scenic lake views, rolling vineyards, and charming villages. Travel in comfortable panoramic coaches for maximum views of Switzerland’s beauty. This route transitions Alpine settings into lakeside elegance, making it one of the most memorable trips for families.
Montreux to Zermatt (GoldenPass Line Extension)
The Montreux to Zermatt route is part of the breathtaking GoldenPass Line. It takes passengers through vineyard-covered hills, canyon-like valleys, and dramatic alpine peaks. The luxurious ride ensures comfort and spectacular views, perfectly linking the serene Riviera atmosphere of Montreux with Zermatt’s rugged alpine charm.
St. Moritz to Tirano (Bernina Express)
The Bernina Express journey from St. Moritz to Tirano is an incredible adventure through the UNESCO-listed Albula-Bernina region. This Alpine route features stunning glaciers, vibrant lakes, transitioning from snowy peaks to lush Italian landscapes. The kids will love crossing the iconic Brusio Circular Viaduct! This magical train ride blends engineering marvels with nature’s beauty.
Lugano to Lucerne (Gotthard Panorama Express)
The Gotthard Panorama Express combines an epic train ride from Lugano to Lucerne with a scenic steamboat cruise. Families witness dramatic alpine landscapes, historic Gotthard tunnels, and serene lakesides. This route blends adventure and relaxation, offering spectacular views of lush hills and quaint towns. It’s an ideal family-friendly way to experience Switzerland’s diversity and natural beauty.
Swiss Pass to Travel with Ease and Comfort
Switzerland’s comprehensive rail network is among the most efficient in the world, making it easy to navigate the country with convenience and comfort. The Swiss Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats, allowing families to explore popular destinations like Interlaken, Lucerne, and Geneva seamlessly. The pass is an ideal choice for hassle-free journeys through Switzerland’s stunning landscapes, from rolling hills and shimmering lakes to charming villages and snow-capped mountains.
For families, the Swiss Pass comes with added perks: kids under 6 years old travel free, while families with kids aged 6 to 15 can enjoy great savings with the Swiss Family Card. This ensures affordable and stress-free travel for larger groups.
Key Features of the Swiss Pass:
- Unlimited Travel: Covers trains, buses, boats, cable cars, and other Swiss public transportation.
- Flexible Duration Options: Choose passes for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days.
- Scenic Freedom: Travel through Switzerland’s picturesque countryside, from Alpine vistas to iconic lakes.
- Swiss Family Card: Children aged 6-15 travel free when accompanied by a parent.
The Swiss Family Card can be obtained online through Rail Europe when booking an adult pass. To avail of this offer, select a child and an adult under “Passengers” and choose a pass labeled “with Swiss Family Card” to apply for free travel for children.
Indeed, the Swiss Pass is your passport to experiencing Switzerland’s beauty at a relaxed pace, ensuring every family member enjoys a smooth, scenic adventure.
Exploring Paris
Paris, the enchanting “City of Love,” is equally a delight for families, offering a rich array of experiences that cater to children and adults alike. With moderate summer weather, long daylight hours, and a perfect mix of history, culture, and modern attractions, Paris invites families to explore, learn, relax, and bond together. It’s a city where treasured family moments are made effortlessly!
1. Eiffel Tower: An Experience Like No Other
No trip to Paris is complete without a stop at the iconic Eiffel Tower. The kids will squeal with excitement as they ascend the tower to see panoramic views of the city, while parents can steal a quiet moment to marvel at the unparalleled beauty of Paris. If you’re visiting during the evening, the tower sparkles every hour—a magical sight that makes the visit extra special.
Can’t wait to experience the magical Eiffel Tower? Connect with Infinite Journeys for customized Europe tour packages from Pune.
2. Louvre Museum: A Dose of Culture and History
Introduce your family to some of the greatest works of art in the world at the Louvre Museum, home to the legendary Mona Lisa. What truly elevates the Louvre as a family outing is its child-centric features. The museum organizes activities specifically designed for younger visitors, such as scavenger hunts and storytelling tours that present art and history in fun ways. A visit to the Louvre is not just about admiring art—it’s about making it come alive. Whether you choose a self-guided tour or book one with an expert guide, your family will leave with a deeper appreciation for global culture, exciting stories behind the exhibits, and the joy of learning together.
3. Notre Dame Cathedral: A Marvel of Gothic Architecture
The majestic Notre Dame Cathedral is a sight to behold. Standing tall along the Seine River, this majestic cathedral is not just a religious monument but also a symbol of Paris’s rich history, cultural significance, and artistic brilliance. The first thing your family will notice when approaching the cathedral is its detailed Gothic façade. Its soaring towers, intricate sculptures, and the air of medieval mystique ensure that every generation finds something to appreciate. Even if you’re only taking in the exterior, the cathedral has the power to transport you and your family back to a time of knights, kings, and legends. The area around the cathedral is fantastic for family photos and picnics too.
4. Seine River Cruise: Sparkling Paris at Night
One of the most enchanting ways to explore Paris is through an evening Illuminations Cruise on the Seine River. It’s an experience that will leave both young and old spellbound. What makes the Illuminations Cruise so special is that it appeals to all ages. Many cruises also include multilingual audio guides or smartphone apps for travelers to learn about the history and cultural significance of the landmarks along the way. This transforms the cruise into not only a visual spectacle but also an educational journey, ensuring that both kids and adults walk away with fun facts about the city.
5. Disneyland Paris: A Dream Come True for Kids (and Adults)
Last but certainly not least, a trip to Disneyland Paris will be the ultimate highlight for your kids. From thrilling rides and enchanting parades to interactive Disney shows, this is where children and adults alike can live out their fairytales. The absolute highlight? The breathtaking fireworks display over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, a dazzling spectacle that will leave your entire family spellbound. It’s a truly unforgettable, fairy-tale experience for all!
Ready to Plan Your Summer Holidays in Europe?
By now, you’re probably mentally packing your bags and planning your journey to Switzerland and Paris. But here’s the question—how do you plan a trip as seamless and memorable as this one? That’s where we come in!
At Infinite Journeys, we specialize in curating customized Europe tour packages from Pune, and we take pride in offering personalized itineraries designed to cater to your family’s unique preferences. Whether you want to explore every nook and cranny of the Swiss Alps, spend extra time at Disneyland Paris, or blend in offbeat experiences with the classics, we’ve got you covered. Our goal is simple—to bring your dream vacation to life without the stress of planning.
So, what are you waiting for? Experience the joy of customized Switzerland and Paris family holiday travel, where every element is designed just for you and your loved ones- let’s make this summer unforgettable!
