French timetables for this summer are not published yet. Check back in March-April. You can have a look at the current timetables, they shouldn't change much.
This journey is indeed possible in about 4h. Reservations are mandatory on French fast/high-speed trains limiting your flexibility :
- 10€ limited fare, then 20€ domestic jourmey
- 29€ TGV to Switzerland
If you wish to save money take the TGV from Paris to Strasbourg or Mulhouse and switch to a fast (200 km/h) regional train across the border. Extra change but it doesn't take much longer and trains are very frequent.
I appreciate it! does the Eurail global pass cover the trains within France that you described above?
thanks
Yes all trains in France are included except :
- Ouigo low-cost high-speed and regular trains
- Frecciarossa
- Paris RER network
The vast majority of Swiss trains are included too. Most exceptions are railways to mountain peaks (25-50% discount). Boats on Lake Thun and Brienz are fully included, a great deal! :)