Located at the northern end of the lake of the same name, Zurich, with its 440,180 inhabitants (1.5 million for the conurbation), is Switzerland's largest city. With some fifty museums in all fields, the lake and surrounding mountains, parks and luxury boutiques, public baths, trendy bars, top chocolatiers, gourmet restaurants and underground clubs, it's a top tourist destination! Stretching along the banks of the River Limmat, the city is home to magnificent old quarters and historic landmarks that are not to be missed. It prides itself on being a "little big city", and despite its economic importance, it maintains a warm, provincial atmosphere. Zurich is regularly voted one of the 3 cities with the best quality of life in the world.

What to visit Zurich?

When to go to Zurich?

When to go to Zürich? From June to September, during the summer season, pleasant temperatures allow for a wide variety of outdoor activities. If you visit Switzerland in the spring or fall, you can avoid the crowds of tourists and get better rates at hotels. However, remember to bring an umbrella! If you want to enjoy winter sports, the season usually starts at the end of November and ends when the snow melts in early spring. Considering that Switzerland has two peak tourist seasons - July to August, and December to March for winter sports - the best time to go to Zurich is certainly late spring and early fall. But ultimately, to know when to go to Zürich, ask yourself how you want to enjoy the city.

In spring and summer. You'll enjoy the lake activities - swimming, sailing or pedal boating - as well as a variety of festivals.

In the fall, the vineyards are in beautiful colors, there are fewer tourists and more traditional village festivals.

Winter. The snow is an opportunity to escape to the heights for a day of skiing or snowshoeing.

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Weather at the moment

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Weather all year round

The Swiss plateau where Zürich is located is subject to weather conditions equivalent to those in the Paris region. In summer, the shores of the lake are very pleasant and ideal for water sports. In winter, Zürich's temperatures are around 0°C and the sky is often overcast, but the nearby ski slopes offer the opportunity to enjoy winter sports.

Jan.
-3° /
Feb.
-2° /
Mar.
/ 10°
Apr.
/ 15°
May
/ 19°
June
12° / 23°
Jul.
14° / 25°
Aug.
13° / 24°
Sept.
11° / 20°
Oct.
/ 14°
Nov.
/
Dec.
-2° /
Budget

The currency is the Swiss franc (CHF). Like Geneva, Zurich is reputed to be an excessively expensive Swiss city, but one should not forget that Swiss employees are the best paid in Europe. For tourists, the price of food (meat, fruit...) is indeed frightening. On the other hand, the prices of fish, gasoline and electronics are more reassuring in Zurich. In addition, the overall price level is relatively stable (less than 1% inflation).

Procedures

For a stay of less than three months in Zurich, a valid identity card or passport is required for nationals of Europe, North America, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and some Latin American countries. Beyond three months, an authorization must be requested from the cantonal authorities according to the duration of your stay: the short-term authorization (less than one year), the residence authorization (of limited duration) and the settlement authorization (of indefinite duration). So no visa for Zurich.

Health

You do not run any risk when you go to Switzerland and Zurich. Simply check that your vaccines are up to date (DT Polio, etc.). In case of illness, it is necessary to contact the French consulate. He will be in charge of helping you, accompanying you and providing you with a list of French-speaking doctors. In the event of a serious problem, he or she also informs the family and decides on repatriation. For information on emergencies and facilities, visit www.pasteur.fr - Switzerland has a very good reputation for care. Obviously, the prices are not the same as in France.... Most of the medicines that are obtained without a prescription in France are also available without a prescription in Switzerland. There are of course exceptions but they do not concern the usual medicines; for others and treatments, take what you need with you. Water is drinkable in Zurich.

How to go to Zurich? Our advice & tips

It is possible to use the services of tour operators and other specialists in the region to organize your stay in Zurich and German-speaking Switzerland: all-inclusive stay, family or honeymoon trip, tailor-made tour... Everything is possible. We can also combine a visit to Zurich with a visit to the rest of Switzerland.

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

For a direct return flight from northern France to Zurich, count between €100 and €250. More attractive rates can be obtained from low-cost airlines. SNCF operates five TGV trains a day between Paris and Zurich from Gare de Lyon. The complete and direct journey takes a good four hours. It takes about a hundred euros for a round trip without a discount card. You can also travel to German-speaking Switzerland with your personal vehicle.

By car, bicycle or public transport, it is very easy to get around Zürich and the rest of Switzerland. The city is very well served by public transport (streetcar, bus, train...) and these are very efficient. You will often have to use the train and bus network.

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Pictures and images Zurich

Tramway. anderm - Shutterstock.com
Vue sur Zürich. NavinTar - Shutterstock.com
Croisière à la découverte de Zürich. S-F - Shutterstock.com
Rives de la Limmat et architecture zurichoise. iStockphoto.com/tupungato

Discover Zurich

When to travel?

When to go to Zürich? From June to September, during the summer season, pleasant temperatures allow for a wide varie...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

The Swiss plateau where Zürich is located is subject to weather conditions equivalent to those in the Paris region....
Read more about it

Budget

The currency is the Swiss franc (CHF). Like Geneva, Zurich is reputed to be an excessively expensive Swiss city, but...
Read more about it

Formalities

For a stay of less than three months in Zurich, a valid identity card or passport is required for nationals of Europe...
Read more about it

Health

You do not run any risk when you go to Switzerland and Zurich. Simply check that your vaccines are up to date (DT Pol...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

For a direct return flight from northern France to Zurich, count between €100 and €250. More attractive rates can...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

It is possible to use the services of tour operators and other specialists in the region to organize your stay in Zur...
Read more about it

Getting around

By car, bicycle or public transport, it is very easy to get around Zürich and the rest of Switzerland. The city is v...
Read more about it

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