If you're deciding between France and Switzerland, or trying to figure out which European country fits your travel style, this one's for you.
Our Year Living in the French Alps
France Switzerland Boarder
In 2013-14, my family and I had the honor of living in France for just over a year. We lived in Albertville, in the French Alps, close to where the borders of France, Switzerland, and Italy meet. It was lovely and we enjoyed crossing those borders on occasion. One memory from that time is whenever we would come back from Switzerland, we always joked that we were leaving the "land of perfection" and going back to France, where things were "delightfully dirty."
Ariel view of a roundabout in Switzerland
Switzerland: Spotless, Orderly & Fairy-Tale Perfect
You see, Switzerland is one of those places that is super-ordered. The roads are neatly painted, city streets are kept nearly spotless, buildings are uniformly tidy, and rules are followed keenly. Some places in Switzerland have super-precise lane lines painted even in their smaller roundabouts, which probably make the French shake their heads.
Streets in Paris showcasing the Eiffel tower
France: Relaxed, Lived-In, & Imperfect
France was a little looser. It would by no means be considered dirty, but it wasn't "practically perfect in every way," as Mary Poppins would say. It had its small flaws a bit more unhidden. France for us was like being in someone's home where there might be a dirty dish on the counter, or the curtains are a bit faded – someplace you feel at ease. Switzerland felt as if it had that impeccable gleam of perfection, almost like a fairy tale.
What Cultural Differences Reveal About a Country
Now in making this comparison, I don't wish to disparage the Swiss nor the French. I love both places and their people very much. What I'm attempting to point out is that these differences are just a part of those cultures and it's fun to understand the spirit that has led those places to have their differences. You'll find these differences as you cross borders all around the world, where you can perceive each culture's priorities and values, through not only the cleanliness of their towns, but in their attitudes, their postures, their dress, their foods… so many unspoken things are out there if we're open to seeing them.
Now that I've made you either love or hate both Switzerland and France, I will say that people have different tolerances for cultural differences, and that's OK. Some feel completely out of place if they're in the neighboring zip code, while others jump out of the car screaming with excitement when they're halfway across the planet. We're all different and that's the beauty of things in this world. Just know that differences don't mean right or wrong. They just mean…different!
How to Choose the Right European Destination for Your Travel Style
So as travelers, what do we do with these observations? I'll give you a couple ideas.
Match the Destination to Your Personality
One travel strategy could be that if you know that you value neatness and near-perfection, yes, a visit to Geneva, Zurich, Tokyo, or someplace similar is a great choice for you. If you like things a bit more on the casual side (like my family), look for spending time in France, Italy, Spain, the UK. All of this is to say that we can help you find places to visit that match your preferences, whether it's cleanliness, climate, outgoingness…whatever the distinguishing features might be. It keeps the familiar close.
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Another completely different approach as a traveler might be to recognize the habits of a place and, despite knowing you might be taken out of your comfort zone, embrace the local vibe for your time on vacation. Some people like to relax by diving in and absorbing the culture of a place in a personal way, even if it's a stretch. It's kind of like escaping themselves for a time.
Let Us Help You Find Your European Happy Place
Either way can be valid. At the end of the day, it's a matter of knowing yourself and knowing how you would enjoy your vacation the most. And just as important is finding a destination that pleases you – that's key. We are more than happy to help you figure out your ideal vacation happy place. Reach out, and let's talk it through.
Our travels are our own, so let's make yours fit you!
Meet The Author
Meet Chris Gassler
Chris Gassler is a Europe-focused travel advisor and fluent French speaker who has lived abroad and traveled extensively across the continent. Through Hidden Pearl Travel, he helps travelers plan well-paced, deeply personal trips that feel intentional rather than overwhelming.
