flying to geneva on November - need ideas!
Apr 15th, 2013, 02:10 AM
#1
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flying to geneva on November - need ideas!
Hi,
I have tickets to Geneva for a weekend in November. (4 full days). I need ideas for a place to stay (public transportation only).
My main concern is where there are places around Geneva (even 2-3 hours ride) which are full of people during November and all restaurants/coffee shops are open - not seedy, secure to walk during evening/night and lively. Any ideas? We defenitely don't want to find ourselves in an empy place. We are a couple in our 30's
Is it more reasonable to stay around Geneva lake and go for a day trip to Lavey-les-Bains or stay in Lavey-les-Bains?
I have tickets to Geneva for a weekend in November. (4 full days). I need ideas for a place to stay (public transportation only).
My main concern is where there are places around Geneva (even 2-3 hours ride) which are full of people during November and all restaurants/coffee shops are open - not seedy, secure to walk during evening/night and lively. Any ideas? We defenitely don't want to find ourselves in an empy place. We are a couple in our 30's
Is it more reasonable to stay around Geneva lake and go for a day trip to Lavey-les-Bains or stay in Lavey-les-Bains?
Apr 15th, 2013, 05:19 AM
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Hi bat123,
Exactly when in November? Montreux fills up with folks in mid- to late- November when the Christmas markets open; in fact, it can be elbow-to-elbow along the lakeside promenade then. It opens 22 November this year.
s
Exactly when in November? Montreux fills up with folks in mid- to late- November when the Christmas markets open; in fact, it can be elbow-to-elbow along the lakeside promenade then. It opens 22 November this year.
s
Apr 15th, 2013, 12:18 PM
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Well I'll be there untill 19 November but I guess everything will be ready for Christmas. I've read Lausanne is too much uphill and downhill, is it? Will Montreux be with many people, all coffee shops open etc? How about Vevey?
Apr 15th, 2013, 12:34 PM
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"I've read Lausanne is too much uphill and downhill, is it?"
It is, but there is a metro (and buses and escalators) to take you up and down hill. Why wouldn't coffe shops and restaurants be closed in November? Switzerland is not a theme park which opens in summer only.
It is, but there is a metro (and buses and escalators) to take you up and down hill. Why wouldn't coffe shops and restaurants be closed in November? Switzerland is not a theme park which opens in summer only.
Apr 15th, 2013, 09:23 PM
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Hi again,
Vevey is less of a resort town and more residential than Montreux -- it's always going. There is a market in the main square on Saturday mornings (maybe on Tuesday also, or that may be only in the summer).
Yes, as Pvoyageuse notes, restaurants and cafes will be open in both Montreux and Vevey. These aren't ski resorts that effectively close down when the cable cars shut for maintenance -- there are usually some number of tourists in town throughout the year. Also, Montreux is host to three hotel schools, so there are always folks there.
Have fun as you plan!
s
Vevey is less of a resort town and more residential than Montreux -- it's always going. There is a market in the main square on Saturday mornings (maybe on Tuesday also, or that may be only in the summer).
Yes, as Pvoyageuse notes, restaurants and cafes will be open in both Montreux and Vevey. These aren't ski resorts that effectively close down when the cable cars shut for maintenance -- there are usually some number of tourists in town throughout the year. Also, Montreux is host to three hotel schools, so there are always folks there.
Have fun as you plan!
s
Apr 15th, 2013, 10:58 PM
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I'd argue Lavey les Bains is a great place to go year-round if you like spas/relaxation. One of my favorite experiences in Switzerland was spending a December afternoon there in the outdoor thermal baths while it was 0 degrees and looking at the snow-covered mountains (and yes, plenty of locals enjoy it year-round as well). Maybe not worth an overnight there, but if you can go, go!
As for other attractions, I echo the suggestions of Lausanne and Montreux. Unless international orgs or CERN interest you, I'd argue you'll enjoy yourself in these other places more than in Geneva.
As for other attractions, I echo the suggestions of Lausanne and Montreux. Unless international orgs or CERN interest you, I'd argue you'll enjoy yourself in these other places more than in Geneva.
