[Removed user]

26 May 2018 at 18:32:02 #816237

Hi – I am taking my 80 year old Dad and step mom to Switzerland June 12-June 21. We are staying in Lausanne for 3 nights. (both Dad and step mom are in great shape and hike, walk a bunch in NC where they live)

Dad wanted to explore small villages near Gruyeres and toward Fribourg for a day trip. I was wondering folks’ thoughts on taking train from Lausanne vs renting a car for a day. I have driven in France recently on vacation (Avignon to Lacoste and around the area) and also braved the tiny road in Ireland (!!) which was a bit stressful, but I managed. So, I think I can handle the driving. We mainly wanted the freedom to drive around and explore that a car would offer. I was thinking of renting for the day and taking the car from our hotel in Lausanne (we are staying at Beau-Rivage) just for the ease of picking up and dropping off, but was wondering if might be less difficult to take the train somewhere and pick up and drop off car elsewhere, say if Lausanne traffic is a problem.

Thanks for any suggestions or input. – Aimee

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[Removed user]

27 May 2018 at 8:12:14 #886379

Hi Aimee,

I don’t think you’ll find traffic in Switzerland too crazy (or the roads in that area too scary). It is a small country and not much traffic I’ve found. Mostly the concern is the alpine passes which you won’t be on.

This is really a post for our French region expert PeterLi as he knows the area well (hopefully he sees this post!) but I think the best decision is to decide where you are going first then see if it is accessible by train. If the whole point is to just wander and see what you see then the car is the way to go for a day.