Switzerland by train

We live right near the old line that did Paris to Bern (near Interlaken) direct - ever since 1863- for Thomas Cook's clients - but sadly, although the line still exists, travellers have to change at a small station in Eastern France (Frasne) now (since 3 years ago).

The direct line now goes via Basel - no change to Interlaken from Paris:

www.interlaken.ch/en/tgv-line-paris-to-interlaken.html

From personal experience and from these more up to date comments, I'd say the train version of the journey isn't gonna be pleasant for anyone frail or easily tired.

Thanks so much to all of you for your help.

jura2 - I will email you - thanks so much for all ideas.

There is a Parkinson's support society in Switzerland too, but their site is only in French, German and Italian - but happy to contact them with any of your questions.

www.parkinson.ch/index.php?id=1&no_cache=1&L=2

The TGV trains are really comfortable- but I'd say you two should travel first class.

Apparently, if you go via Brussels rather than Paris, there is no need to change stations, someone just told me.

And was told this site is very helpful:

www.seat61.com

We use a rail card called Two Together. You need photos passport size. It saved quite a lot. Could you do rail from South Wales and overnight at St Pancras then probably get through with an early start to interlaken the following day?

A friend swears by www.sendmybag and only carries a small carry on case and never goes anywhere except by train.

There is also a Facebook page called

TGV Lyria

How is your husband with reading now? I've recently read a book 'Slow train to Switzerland' by an English man called Diccon Bewes - he and his mum re-enact the first journey to Switzerland, via Chamonix- with clients (1863 from top of head)- from the notes he made and the diary of Miss Jemima, and her drawings/sketches.

They end up in the Interlaken region, or as we call it here- the Bernese Alps (Wengen, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen) and then on to Bern, Neuchâtel (my home town) and on to Paris on the newly opened Paris-Bern line - which passes right by our house still - sadly now with a change in the small town of Frasne since the last few years.

Thanks jura2 - he loves reading and I have ordered the kindle version. It looks fascinating and encompasses places we know. I am sure he will enjoy it.

Great, I learnt so much from it. As you know, I lived all my adult life in the UK- I know a lot more about UK history and geography, etc, than about Switzerland's, strangely enough.

And having lived for so long in Leicester, used to teach in Loughborough, and have a holiday flat in Market Harborough- Thomas Cook's story is very close to my heart.

Yes and you do not have to change stations in Brussels either, Gare du Midi is the international terminal for all the trains here.
I am disabled and find it very user friendly.

jura2 - I have just pm'd you with a query about health care. Hope you are following gransnet just now! x

Bon voyage Luckygirl and family - hope all goes really well and that you all have a wonderful time. Weather is great so my heart goes to you and your dear OH and all the family - have fun. Waving from the other side of the country- so wish we were nearer so we could meet and have coffee with you x

We did it!! - and it was wonderful!

OH struggled somewhat some of the time, but family all rallied round and helped him and gave me the opportunity to go out and about a bit. I loved it all. Lots of GC who all got on so well and loved being together.

The view from the house and the patio was sublime and, even though OH was not well enough to be out much, he had a lovely place to sit and relax.

All the medical contingency plans and insurances I had stayed firmly in the case and were not needed.

So - all round - a mad venture under the circumstances but a huge success.

Thanks to everyone who sent encouragement and ideas.

Luckygirl wonderful news. When you first posted, it seemed such a big undertaking, and very brave. You have a lovely family, sharing the care of your DH with you.
Thank you for coming back and telling us how much you enjoyed your trip. The memories will last for ever. Well done.

So glad all was well Luckygirl, and that you had a great time.

Great news. I'm so glad it all worked out. The thread caught my eye tonight as I remember when you first posted.

Marydoll you took the words out my mouth and since I’m also a Glasgow girl, they probably sounded exactly the same too!
Great news luckygirl

What a wonderful family you have Luckygirl - so caring to have taken all your husband's needs into consideration and I'm so happy you managed the journey and had a wonderful time. Switzerland is stunning - my husband lived there for 18 months in the Emmental area and the views from his apartment were amazing. Prior to that he used to make the journey by car regularly crossing from Hull to Rotterdam then driving all the way which he loved. We'd like to go back one day so a train trip sounds a fab way of doing it!

Lucky girl, So pleased all went well, it did seem mad initially, yet it worked. Lovely to have the family together, it’s going to be one to remember.

Jura, we are just back last night from market harborough, our first trip to Leicestershire, a lovely market town. Trouble is I have put on 4 lbs in just two days, what do they put in those cakes?!

grannyqueenie, ? You can take the girl out of Glasgow, but you will never take Glasgow out of the girl.