Through the French part of Switzerland
A drive through the French-speaking Switzerland combines alpine elegance, crystal-clear lakes, and charming towns into an experience that is perfect for a carefree convertible tour. The region stretches from the shores of Lake Geneva to the Jura heights, offering landscapes ideal for an extended drive. For those planning a varied convertible tour in Switzerland, this region presents a mix of culture, nature, and relaxed enjoyment – perfect for slowing down and enjoying the open road.
Route Overview
The tour begins in Geneva, follows along Lake Geneva to Lausanne, continues through Vevey and Montreux to the idyllic Château de Chillon. It then ascends to Gruyères before concluding in Fribourg, Neuchâtel, and Yverdon-les-Bains. This convertible route connects the highlights of French-speaking Switzerland and is ideally suited for a diverse convertible journey, where urban culture, lakeside romance, and mountain panoramas seamlessly blend together.
Geneva – the Elegant Start
Geneva is the perfect starting point for your convertible road trip. The city is surrounded by the Alps and directly located on Lake Geneva, allowing you to enjoy expansive views of the water right from the start. The Jet d’Eau, the powerful fountain, dominates the cityscape and is a popular photo spot. In the streets of the old town, elegant boutiques, cafés, and historic buildings mix together. If you have some time, you can find numerous places near the lakeside promenade that are perfect for an initial break – with views of the glimmering water surface.
Along Lake Geneva to Lausanne
The journey to Lausanne is one of the most beautiful stretches of the entire convertible route. The road winds closely along the lake, while the vineyards of Lavaux gently rise. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a paradise for wine lovers and also provides ideal photo stops for convertible drivers. The drive feels like a panorama of lake, vines, and Alps that unfolds anew with each kilometer.
Lausanne itself impresses with its steep alleys, the old district around the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, and the vibrant port district of Ouchy. You can take a relaxing break by the lakeshore before continuing on. Many restaurants and cafés located right on the promenade are perfect for recharging for the next leg of the journey.
Vevey, Montreux and the Château de Chillon
Vevey is a place full of elegance and ease. The lakeside promenade is spacious, lined with palm trees and views of the mountains. The journey continues to Montreux, where a hint of Riviera feeling can be felt. The palms, neatly kept parks, and the backdrop of the lake make every convertible tour feel like a little vacation. Especially beautiful is the drive between Montreux and the Château de Chillon, which sits directly on the shore. The medieval water castle is one of Switzerland's most famous buildings and serves as a great stop for those who want to connect culture and nature.
Gruyères – Culinary Delights and Alpine Views
From the gentle shores of the lake, the convertible route now leads into the mountains. Gruyères is a picturesque town famous for its namesake cheese specialty. The drive there takes you through green hills and open valleys, ideal for a peaceful convertible road trip that showcases the alpine side of French-speaking Switzerland. The old town with its castle and traditional houses feels like it's from another time. In one of the restaurants, you can enjoy regional specialties; fondue and raclette are simply a must here.
Fribourg, Neuchâtel and Yverdon-les-Bains – A Grand Finale with Historical Flair
The journey continues to Fribourg, a city full of bridges, medieval buildings, and impressive views. The deep gorge of the Saane gives the city a unique dramatic appeal, and the old districts invite you to take small walks. Here, too, you can often find places with beautiful views nearby, perfect for short breaks.
The final stretch of the convertible journey leads to Neuchâtel. The yellowish sandstone buildings, the lakeside promenade, and the wide view over Lake Neuchâtel form an elegant conclusion before the drive continues to Yverdon-les-Bains. This spa resort at the southern end of the lake harmoniously rounds off the tour. The thermal springs, parks, and old town provide a relaxing finish to an extensive convertible road trip before you must leave the open road behind.
Conclusion – Through the French-speaking Switzerland in a Convertible
This route combines coastal flair, vineyards, alpine idyll, and historical cities into a versatile experience. The mixture of vibrant places and quiet lakeside promenades makes it an ideal convertible tour in Switzerland. Whether Geneva, Lausanne, Lavaux, Montreux, Gruyères, Fribourg, Neuchâtel, or Yverdon-les-Bains – each leg opens new perspectives and shows how varied a convertible tour can be. From lakeshores to mountain ridges to medieval cities, this convertible journey offers everything that makes a successful drive in open cars.