15 days in France, Zermatt & Bern Itinerary

A beautiful and romantic city fit for any itinerary, Paris brims with historic associations and remains vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Chapelle Notre Dame de la Medaille Miraculeuse and Musee des Arts Forains. Get some cultural insight at Eiffel Tower and Champs-Elysees. Step out of Paris with an excursion to Chateau de Chantilly in Chantilly--about 56 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: contemplate the long history of Arc de Triomphe, examine the collection at Musee Nissim de Camondo, take an in-depth tour of Memorial De La Shoah, and head off the coast to Ile Saint-Louis.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Paris trip planner.

If you are flying in from France, the closest major airports are Paris-Orly Airport, Charles de Gaulle International Airport and Paris Beauvais Tillé Airport. Expect a daytime high around 12°C in November, and nighttime lows around 6°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Tue) so you can travel to Sarlat-la-Caneda.

Sarlat-la-Caneda is the capital of the former Périgord Noir, now referred to as the Aquitaine region that is home to a historical area consisting of impeccably preserved 14th-century buildings and sites.

Chateau de Beynac and Grotte du Pech-Merle are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Chateau de Bonaguil and Chateau de Bridoire will appeal to history buffs. Take a break from Sarlat-la-Caneda with a short trip to Vesunna in Perigueux, about 1h 10 min away. Next up on the itinerary: explore the historical opulence of Chateau de Castelnaud, don't miss a visit to Vieux Sarlat, and steep yourself in history at The Maison Forte de Reignac.

To find ratings, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Sarlat-la-Caneda road trip tool .

Getting from Paris to Sarlat-la-Caneda by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. While traveling from Paris, expect somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Sarlat-la-Caneda, ranging from highs of 17°C to lows of 5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Fri) early enough to drive to Chamonix.

"Situated near the massive peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges and, most notably, the Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix is one of the oldest ski resorts in France and known as the Alpine Capital of the World.

Kick off your visit on the 30th (Sat): fly down the slopes at Sport 2000 Cham'Sport Aiguille du Midi, then take in the awesome beauty at Brevent Cable Car, then glide through the air with a parasailing or paragliding tour, and finally see the interesting displays at Le Musee Alpin. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 1st (Sun): contemplate the waterfront views at Lac Blanc, then take in the awesome beauty at Aiguille des Grands Montets, and then stroll the grounds of Chamonix Cemetery.

For more things to do, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Chamonix attractions planning site .

Getting from Sarlat-la-Caneda to Chamonix by car takes about 7 hours. Other options: do a combination of train, flight, and bus; or do a combination of train, flight, and shuttle. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Sun) to allow time to take a train to Zermatt.

Best known as home the Matterhorn mountain, Zermatt serves as a chic ski resort town of the Swiss Alps.

On the 2nd (Mon), take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at The Matterhorn, then take in panoramic vistas at Sunnegga, and then see the interesting displays at Matterhorn Museum - Zermatlantis. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: fly down the slopes at Matterhorn Ski Paradise, then make a trip to Roemisch-katholische Kirche Tasch, and then learn more about the world around you at Ecomuseum.

To find other places to visit, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Zermatt vacation builder app .

Traveling by train from Chamonix to Zermatt takes 4.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Tue) to allow time to take a train to Bern.

The capital and political center of Switzerland, Bern sits on a peninsula formed by the U-shaped River Aare.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Chateau de Chillon and Castle of Gruyeres. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at The Olympic Museum Lausanne (Musee Olympique) and Fondation Pierre Gianadda. Explore Bern's surroundings by going to Chaplin's World (in Corsier-sur-Vevey), Lausanne (Cathedrale de Lausanne & Collection de l'Art Brut) and Freddie Mercury Statue (in Montreux). The adventure continues: wander the streets of UNESCO-Altstadt von Bern, take in the spiritual surroundings of The Cathedral of Bern, explore the world behind art at Fondation Beyeler, and pause for some photo ops at Zahringerdenkmal monument.

To see photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Bern road trip website .

Traveling by train from Zermatt to Bern takes 2.5 hours. In December, plan for daily highs up to 5°C, and evening lows to -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Sat) to allow time to travel back home.