Classic Parisian café on Boulevard Saint-Germain; great for people-watching and a strong coffee before sightseeing. Café opens early and is ideal for a leisurely start.
World-class art collection including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo — the huge museum rewards a focused 1–2 hour visit; check that the Louvre is open (generally 9:00am–6:00pm; closed Tuesdays).
Walk around the island and view Notre-Dame from outside (interior access may be limited due to restoration); also visit Sainte-Chapelle if you like (stained glass; open typically 9:00am–5:00pm).
Impressionist masterpieces housed in a converted railway station — ideal complement to the Louvre for 1–2 hours (typically open 9:30am–6:00pm; check for late openings).
High-speed train from Paris Gare de Lyon to Zurich (about 4h); then a short connecting train to Lucerne (≈1h). Book seats in advance; trains run several times daily.
Take the classic boat + cogwheel railway/cable car loop (seasonal hours ~08:30–17:00) for panoramic alpine views; book tickets for the Golden Round Trip in advance.
Take the mountain trains via Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald up to Jungfraujoch for ice caves and panoramic views; trains operate early to mid-afternoon (check schedules) and the full excursion commonly takes 5–6 hours.
Return to Interlaken for a relaxed walk along the Aare River or an evening boat on Lake Brienz if timings allow (boats typically run into early evening).
Scenic multi-leg rail journey: Interlaken → Spiez/Zürich → Milan → Venice. Expect about 7–8 hours total travel; book international/EuroCity segments in advance.
Explore the opulent Doge's Palace and cross/photograph the Bridge of Sighs; palace hours commonly start around 8:30–9:00 and extend into the evening (check seasonal times).
Choose a restaurant near your departure point for easy transfer to trains/airport the next step; enjoy cicchetti or a risotto alla veneta as a farewell meal.