The Geneva region has much to offer in terms of culture and possibilities for recreational activities. Located at the western extremity of Lake Geneva (or "Lac Le"man"), in the southwest of Switzerland, Geneva is a gracious lakeside city framed by the Alps and the Jura mountains and divided in two by the Rhône River. The city is skirted by vineyards with France on its doorstep.
Life revolves around the lake with fashionable hotels and restaurants on the right bank, business and shopping on the left bank, and, perched on a hill, a wonderful old town. Wherever you are in Geneva, you won"t have to look far to enjoy the mountain views, with Europe"s highest mountain, the Mont Blanc (4,807m) in France, providing a majestic backdrop to the city. Geneva has an abundance of parks and lakeside promenades. On a sunny spring day, enjoy a stroll along the lakeside, a cruise on the lake, or a bicycle ride through the surrounding countryside.
Photos courtesy of Geneva tourist office: Gerard Chardonnens, Franck Auberson.
Why not combine your trip with a few day"s vacation? Take the opportunity to visit one of many spectacular mountain resorts, where you can enjoy beautiful walks or even some late season skiing, or simply relax and admire the stunning scenery. Many destinations are easily accessible from Geneva.
For further information on rail tickets and resort hotel accommodation for Swiss destinations, please contact the Agence de voyages CFF. Tel: +41 900 300 300, www.sbb.ch
Zermatt This traditional alpine village is home to the mesmerising and unforgettable Matterhorn. The resort enjoys the longest ski season in the Alps. Skiing is often still possible at the end of April. There are 394km of ski runs and slopes ranging from the simplest to the most challenging. The high-capacity cableways, mountain railways and ski-lifts operate between 1,600m and 3,820m in three ski areas, one of which also connects with Breuil-Cervinia (Italy). Zermatt is car-free. Rail journey time from Geneva Airport is 3 ½ hours.
Crans-Montana This is another of Switzerland"s big world-famous ski resorts, occupying what is claimed to be the sunniest plateau in the Alps, facing south over the Rhône valley, with a spectacular panorama of mountain peaks. It is renowned as one of the glitziest resorts with some of the finest shopping in the Alps. Rail and postal bus journey time from Geneva Airport is 3 hours.
Gstaad This charming, attractive village full of restored wooden chalets is located in the Gstaad-Saanenland region in the cantons of Berne and Vaud. It has an excellent reputation for easy-intermediate skiing with its 63 lifts that whisk you up to between 1,000 and 3,000 metres ("Glacier 3000"). Thanks to the Glacier, skiing is possible until the beginning of May. Rail journey time from Geneva Airport is 2 hours 50 mins.
Leukerbad This thermal town is located at 1,411m with a stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps. In addition to its alpine thermal baths and health centre that provide the largest thermal bath facilities in Europe, Leukerbad offers a wide range of activities. Rail journey time from Geneva Airport is 2 hours 50 mins.
Chamonix (France) This is one of France’s most famous mountain resorts, renowned for its proximity to Europe’s highest mountain – the Mont Blanc – and the magnificent views that it offers of this and nearby glaciers. On a clear day, a trip in the “Aiguille du Midi" cable car is highly recommended, for the best views of the Mont Blanc and a breathtaking panorama. Chamonix is around one and a half hour’s drive from Geneva by car. It is also possible to take a coach there, from Geneva Airport. Photo: O.T. Chamonix Mont-Blanc
For further information on rail tickets and resort hotel accommodation for Swiss destinations, please contact the Agence de voyages CFF. Tel: +41 900 300 300, www.sbb.ch
An active cultural life and outstanding shopping characterise the cities of Lausanne, Montreux and Yverdon-les-Bains.
Lausanne Lausanne"s geographical location could hardly be more picturesque. Built on three hills, combining Lake Geneva with a panorama of the Alps, surrounding vineyards and parks, this, the "Olympic capital" since 1994, is home to the Olympic Museum and to the world-famous Be"jart ballet. The medieval town centre is full of small alleys and boutiques, cafe"s and restaurants. The town"s youthful spirit is maintained by Lausanne"s uniquely diverse multi-ethnic population of students attracted by the University of Lausanne, Switzerland"s largest university. Rail journey time from Geneva Airport is 50 mins. Photos: Regis; Berbard H. Bissat -- Colombo/diapo.ch
Montreux-Vevey The "pearls of the Swiss Riviera" are situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. Montreux and Vevey benefit from 15 kms of lakeside, the spectacular panorama of the snow-capped Dents-du-Midi mountains, a lake with steamships plying up and down, and hotels with the charm of the "Belle Epoque". The mild climate guarantees plenty of sun and pleasant temperatures. Both towns provide for an intense cultural experience with exhibitions and concerts. The impressive medieval Chateau de Chillon, only 3km away on the lakeshore, should not be missed. Rail journey time from Geneva Airport is 1 hour and 25 mins.
Gruyères The town of Gruyères is in the mountainous La Gruyère region, criss-crossed by deep and narrow valleys sheltering traditional wood-built hamlets. Gruyères is a paradise for hikers and mountain-bikers and is also the base camp for many interesting excursions to a modern demonstration dairy where you can watch the cheesemaking process close up, a Nestlé chocolate factory, the medieval city of Gruyères with its fairytale castle or the cable cars from Charmey and Moléson. Rail journey time from Geneva Airport is 2 hours and 15 mins.
Yverdon-les-Bains This busy attractive market town on the southern tip of the Lac de Neuchatel, is best known as a spa resort. In addition to its thermal springs, it also has exhibitions, galleries and is handy as a basis for trips into the Vaudois hinterland around Vallorbe and the little-visited Vallee" de Joux. Rail journey time from Geneva Airport is 1 hour and 15 mins.
Annecy (France) Annecy is one of the most beautiful towns in the Haute-Savoie region of France. It is situated on the shores of the lake of the same name, with a backdrop of spectacular mountains that plunge down into the water. It has a medieval old town, with delightful bridges and canals and a good choice of restaurants. Annecy is less than one hour’s drive away by car from Geneva. Photo: Office de Tourisme de l"Agglomeration d"Annecy
For further information on rail tickets and resort hotel accommodation for Swiss destinations, please contact the Agence de voyages CFF. Tel: +41 900 300 300, www.sbb.ch
