Foucart-Dever wrote:
1) Where in Switzerland? We want a hiking the Alps experience.

I'd recommend the Bernese Oberland. Stop--but don't stay--in Interlaken,
then head up into the mountains. (Plenty of rentals and hotels in the towns
up there.) There are trails at all levels, plus trains, lifts, and
funiculars galore.

Berne makes an interesting stop for a few hours, too.

For added adventure, consider taking a night train to Interlaken from Paris.

Your whole itinerary works well with rail, but even if you'd like the
freedom a car can provide I think one would just be a hassle for the first
part of your trip, at least through Munich.

Have a great trip!