Switzerland by train

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

There is also a Facebook page called

TGV Lyria

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

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?

And was told this site is very helpful:

www.seat61.com

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

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

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

Thanks so much to all of you for your help.

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

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.

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

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

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).

Swiss Rail Tickets | STC Switzerland Travel Centre

switzerlandtravelcentre.co.uk/

Hello luckygirl- sorry, only just seen your post. You are welcome to pm anytime of course. I live in the French speaking part - and will look for services to Interlaken later.

From St Pancras, it is so easy to get on Eurostar to Gare du Nord. We normally take the metro to get to Gare de Lyon to get on TGV- but in your case, it is much easier to go by taxi- it is not a long ride at all- and all on Eastern Paris- but it is better to book taxi in advance. Again I'll have a look at how to do that later.

We always take the TGV Lyria towards Lausanne, and stop at our local French station. But for Interlaken, will look which option is best.

Normally though, we drive these days. We never do it in one go these days- and stop half way. Stopping on the way at Hôtel Val Moret near Châlon is great- parking right in front of room- and then easy walk to excellent restaurant. Ask for a room in the block nearest to restaurant. And perhaps another stop near us in Pontarlier - several hôtels have disabled units. Happy to help with details and to meet up too.

If you do decide to go by train- it is a very long day especially from South Wales- so perhaps a night in Paris near Gare de Lyon?

Just remember that changing from Gar du Nord to Gar du Anything Else is all a metro or taxi journey across Paris. Just like the pesky London stations.

All great advice - and Mark at Seat61 has been great.

Large minibus is one option we have thought about and it is still there in the background as an option.

Could someone tell me what a "travel together" permit is and what benefits it confers?

Many thanks to all. x