Exploring The French Side of Switzerland: 4 Magical Days Exploring an Unforgettable Region
Babymoon 1.0 In Switzerland
In September 2021, almost 1.5 months before the birth of our daughter, we spent a memorable long weekend in the French side of Switzerland. We explored beautiful parts of Gruyeres, Sion, Montreux, Vevey and Lausanne.
Our hotel was located in Lausanne, which served as an ideal base as we drove to our planned destinations each day. We loved how the rolling vineyards and the dramatic expanses of Lake Geneva joined us on our long drives. We wanted to experience something grand before starting our lives as parents, and this trip was the ultimate checklist for that special chapter.
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Arriving in Lausanne
- Via Train or Bus: Lausanne is centrally located with excellent rail connections through Geneva, Bern and Valais. To check schedules and book your ticket, use the Busbud platform here.
- Via Flight: Fly into Geneva Airport to experience the beautiful city of Lausanne while enjoying Halal food. To find the best deals on airfare, search and book your flights here.
Getting Around and Staying in Switzerland
- Going Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
- Stay Connected: To navigate the city like a local and share your photos in real time, we recommend getting an eSIM. Pick the option that suits your needs:
- We recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly and basic plan. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim is our top-pick for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Where to Stay: To make the most of your trip, I recommend booking one of these hotels.
Day 1: Historic Castles and Sweet Traditions
Maison Cailler
On Friday afternoon, we drove from Zürich to Broc in the Gruyere region to arrive at our very first destination, Maison Cailler. The entry ticket was 17 CHF. Due to the pandemic health measures in place at the time, our indoor exploration was limited to 1 hour.
We both love visiting chocolate factories and museums, so this was an essential stop. At Maison Cailler, we learned all about the rich history of chocolate making through a beautifully designed interactive tour. To make the experience even better, the tour included free access to a wide variety of delicious chocolate samples.
Saint-Germain Castle
Our vacations are never complete without visiting a castle or two. Saint-Germain Castle, located in the historic medieval center of Gruyères, was our second and final stop of the day. The ticket cost 13 CHF and we spent about an hour exploring the grounds.
The walk leading up to the castle was exceptionally romantic, surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery. Inside, the property showcases artifacts spanning eight centuries, reflecting the heritage of the region. While the structure is intimate in size and does not take very long to walk through, the absolute highlight for us was the beautiful stained glass windows visible throughout the building.
Day 2: Underground Wonders, High Peaks, and Lakeside Sunsets
Lac Souterrain de St-Leonard
Our second day started with a scenic drive from Lausanne to the Lac Souterrain de St-Leonard, located near Sion. We booked our tickets online in advance for 12 CHF, and the entire experience lasted an hour.
This incredible site is the largest natural underground lake in Europe. We joined a guided boat tour with a small group of people, gliding across the water in the quiet, subterranean cavern. Being underground and navigating the waters in the dimly lit atmosphere felt deeply magical. Although it was a bit chilly inside, the unique beauty of the cave formations was stunning. We thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience and highly recommend it as a romantic activity for couples.
Chateau de Tourbillon and Basilique de Valère
From the underground lake, we drove to a parking spot in the town of Sion. From there, we set out on foot toward the historic Chateau de Tourbillon.
To reach the top, we followed an ascending path that is quite steep and rugged, meaning it might not be fully safe for young children. However, walking all the way up rewards you with the most spectacular panoramic views of the valley. From the vantage point of Chateau de Tourbillon, we could see the towering Basilique de Valère standing proudly on the opposite hill, looking absolutely magnificent. The challenging walk was completely worth it to experience the raw, historic beauty of the ruins. We spent nearly 2 hours in total walking up, exploring the castle grounds, and descending back to the town.
Lake Geneva at Montreux
Next, we drove from Sion to the popular lakeside resort town of Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. We wanted to find a reliable spot for dinner and chose one of the local Halal restaurants in the area.
After a satisfying meal, we spent nearly two hours walking along the elegant lakeside promenade and exploring the lively surroundings. The evening weather was exceptionally pleasant. We stood by the water and watched a spectacular sunset over Lake Geneva before driving back to our hotel base in Lausanne.
Day 3: Miniature Trains and Iconic Panoramic Views
Swiss Vapeur Parc
Our third day began with a trip to the Swiss Vapeur Parc, situated in Le Bouveret within the Canton of Valais. The entry ticket cost 13.30 CHF and we spent 2 hours exploring the park.
Pro-tip: Secure your ticket using the widget below to skip the long waiting queues.
The outdoor park displays meticulously crafted miniature versions of various buildings, complex railway networks, historic trains, and steam engines. There are even small, functional railway stations where you can board and ride high-quality replicas of different trains. We had an absolute blast and felt just like little kids riding the miniature trains through the landscapes. We even treated ourselves to ice cream at one of the onsite restaurants to fully embrace our inner child. This park is an excellent recommendation for families with kids as well as adults who share a love for trains.
Chillon Castle
From Swiss Vapeur Parc, we drove along the coast to our next destination, the famous Chillon Castle located just outside Montreux. Because this historic landmark is incredibly popular with both international tourists and Swiss locals, securing a parking space required some patience.
Pro-tip: Secure your ticket for Chillon Castle using the widget below to save time.
The entrance ticket cost 15 CHF, and we spent a little over 2 hours exploring. Chillon Castle is a true icon of the French side of Switzerland, frequently featured on magazine covers, travel postcards, and billboards. Positioned directly on the banks of Lake Geneva, the architectural lines are stunning, and the waterfront setting makes it incredibly romantic.
Inside, we walked through the grand reception halls, the historic chapel, and the deep prison cells. The underground vaults felt a bit eerie, and listening to the history behind the famous poem “The Prisoner of Chillon” gave us chills. I will leave the specific details out of this guide because it is an experience you truly need to discover for yourself while standing inside those very walls.
Cantonal and University Library of Lausanne
After wrapping up our time at Chillon Castle, we enjoyed an early dinner and drove back to Lausanne to spend the evening walking through the city streets. During our stroll, we happened upon the Cantonal and University Library of Lausanne and stopped to admire its striking architectural design.
Lausanne Cathedral
The second architectural masterpiece we encountered on our urban walk was the Cathedral of Lausanne. The dramatic Gothic structure stood out beautifully against the evening sky. While we chose to stay outside rather than heading indoors, we spent some time admiring the grand exterior details before walking a bit further and returning to our hotel room.
Day 4: Wildlife Encounters and Cinematic History
Aquatis Aquarium-Vivarium
The final day of our babymoon journey began with a morning visit to Aquatis, located right in Lausanne. The entry ticket was 29 CHF and we spent roughly 2 hours exploring the facility.
While we have visited several impressive aquariums and zoos over our years of traveling, this specific aquarium-vivarium caught our attention because it houses a Komodo Dragon. We observed a vast collection of freshwater fish, unique amphibians, and reptiles, but the absolute highlight was getting to see the majestic Komodo Dragon from a safe, close proximity.
Servion Zoo
Next, we drove to the Servion Zoo, which is located in the nearby municipality of Servion, a quick 15 minute drive from Aquatis. The ticket cost 14 CHF and we stayed for about 90 minutes. The zoo is beautifully maintained and home to many fascinating species. The animals we enjoyed observing the most were the Siberian tigers, snow leopards, alpacas, and the playful arctic foxes.
Chaplin’s World
Our final destination of the vacation before making the drive back home to Zürich was Chaplin’s World in Corsier-sur-Vevey. We spent almost 2 hours on the property, and the entrance ticket was 30 CHF.
This immersive museum is built directly on the real estate of Charlie Chaplin’s former estate. We toured the historic house where he lived with his family, viewing intimate photographs and reading detailed historical accounts of his private life. From there, we moved into the modern Hollywood style museum building, which chronicles his legendary professional career and cinematic achievements. Finally, we took a peaceful stroll through the massive, manicured gardens, enjoying a romantic walk along the paths where his family used to gather. Chaplin’s World is a highly recommended experience for any fan of classic cinema.
Restaurants
Chez Bilia (Montreux)
- 🥘Cuisine: Authentic Indian (Kashmiri Specialties)
- ⭐ Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 🌙 Halal Status: Halal Meat Served
- 🌐 Website: restaurantchezbilia.ch
- 💰 Budget: CHF 20–CHF 45 per person
During our exploration of Montreux, we discovered Chez Bilia, an authentic Indian restaurant. The staff confirmed that they serve Halal chicken, so we gladly took a table to enjoy our dinner.
We ordered butter chicken, palak paneer, fresh naan, and refreshing mango lassis. The food was delicious, and the naans were perfectly prepared. We loved the dining experience so much that it is a meal we still fondly talk about today. If you are looking for excellent, high quality Halal South Asian food while visiting Montreux, we highly recommend stopping by Chez Bilia.
Final Remarks
Our exploration of Lausanne, Gruyeres, Sion, Vevey, Montreux and nearby areas was a completely different side of Switzerland that we totally loved. We adored most of the attractions that we visited and it was the perfect vacation before finally settling in as parents. Babymoon 1.0 couldn’t have been better than this.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the French region of Switzerland easy to navigate by car?
Yes, the road infrastructure is excellent, and driving along Lake Geneva and through the vineyard routes offers beautiful panoramic views. Keep in mind that popular tourist sites like Chillon Castle can have competitive parking, so arriving early is recommended.
Are there good halal food options near Montreux and Lake Geneva?
Yes, cities along Lake Geneva like Montreux and Lausanne offer excellent dining options for Muslim travelers. For instance, Chez Bilia in Montreux serves delicious Halal Indian cuisine, making it easy to find great meals during your trip.
Is the hike to Chateau de Tourbillon safe during pregnancy?
The walk up to Chateau de Tourbillon in Sion involves a steady, steep incline on a rugged path. While the views at the top are spectacular, it requires careful stepping and a moderate level of physical effort, so take your time, wear supportive footwear, and listen to your body if you are traveling during pregnancy.
