Geneva or Vevey or Montreau
Jan 7th, 2015, 10:11 PM
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Geneva or Vevey or Montreau
Dear All,
We will be arriving in Geneva in first week of May 2015.
We are 2 adults and 2 children of 14 and 13 years old.
Initially we had planned to proceed to Chamonix directly from Geneva airport.
But, now we wish to spend 3 nights in Geneva before we proceed to Chamonix.
I am unable to get a family room or a quad room. We would prefer a B&B as hotels near the Geneva station are quite expensive. Any suggestions are welcome. Our budget is around CHF 150/- - 200/-.
Is it worth staying in Geneva or should we look at Vevey or Montreau or any other small towns outside Geneva?
We are travelling first time to Switzerland and France so any recommendations are welcome. Kindly advise.
Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
We will be arriving in Geneva in first week of May 2015.
We are 2 adults and 2 children of 14 and 13 years old.
Initially we had planned to proceed to Chamonix directly from Geneva airport.
But, now we wish to spend 3 nights in Geneva before we proceed to Chamonix.
I am unable to get a family room or a quad room. We would prefer a B&B as hotels near the Geneva station are quite expensive. Any suggestions are welcome. Our budget is around CHF 150/- - 200/-.
Is it worth staying in Geneva or should we look at Vevey or Montreau or any other small towns outside Geneva?
We are travelling first time to Switzerland and France so any recommendations are welcome. Kindly advise.
Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
Jan 7th, 2015, 10:23 PM
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I think it really depends on what you want to do with your 3 nights in the area. If your main interest is in Geneva itself, finding a way to stay there or nearby could ultimately save you time and money. If your interest is in seeing the Lake Geneva area, then your options are much wider -- you could stay in Geneva or Vevey or Montreux or Lausanne or ... And if you do want to visit this broader area, try to stay near one of the train stations and consider the cost of trains before committing to a hotel that seems to cost less, but might cost more once you count transportation.
I trust you have consulted booking.com? Unfortunately, Switzerland is expensive....
Good luck!
I trust you have consulted booking.com? Unfortunately, Switzerland is expensive....
Good luck!
Jan 7th, 2015, 10:25 PM
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What are you going to do in Geneve? If no particular reason to be in Geneve why even consider staying there with high prices?
If you stay in Vevey or Montreux, and if you are using a train to get to Chamonix, you can take the southern route through Martigny-Vallorcine-Chamonix. The Martigny-Vallorcine is an underrated scenic train ride. The train feels more like a city tram and does not get filled with flag waving tour groups like the trains to Zermatt or to Jungfrau.
From Vevey/Montreux, you can visit the Chillon castle, Gruyères, Broc, Lausanne, etc.
If you stay in Vevey or Montreux, and if you are using a train to get to Chamonix, you can take the southern route through Martigny-Vallorcine-Chamonix. The Martigny-Vallorcine is an underrated scenic train ride. The train feels more like a city tram and does not get filled with flag waving tour groups like the trains to Zermatt or to Jungfrau.
From Vevey/Montreux, you can visit the Chillon castle, Gruyères, Broc, Lausanne, etc.
Jan 8th, 2015, 01:51 AM
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Thanks all. We are okay if we do a day trip to Geneva just to see the City. The other places Vevey/Montreau will be more interesting for kids and self. Any suggestions on which place to stay and the B&B recommendations.
If we take the train route Martigny-Chamonix are there too many changes as we will have bags and is it very long? Do we look at sbb.ch website for details?
Does the Swiss rail give concessions for family travel like dbahn for regional trains?
Request all experts of this region to give your valuable inputs for our first trip to Switzerland. What are the town websites that I should see?
Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
If we take the train route Martigny-Chamonix are there too many changes as we will have bags and is it very long? Do we look at sbb.ch website for details?
Does the Swiss rail give concessions for family travel like dbahn for regional trains?
Request all experts of this region to give your valuable inputs for our first trip to Switzerland. What are the town websites that I should see?
Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
Jan 8th, 2015, 03:19 AM
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Hi SKPKCP11,
I think that's a pretty low budget for 4 people for Montreux. But you can have a start at
www.booking.com
Input your dates, the number of folks, and the ages of the children, and see what comes up. I just did a dummy booking for 5-8 May for 4 people in 1 room, and there were a few hits:
Villa Toscane for 529€ in a junior suite (however, I don't like the location of this hotel)
Hotel Bon Port in a quad room for 553€.
For Vevey, the Hotel Negociants comes up for 599€ (2 bedroom apartment), and the Vevey Hotel Guesthouse for 500€ (for two twin rooms with a shared bathroom).
So, you could just rummage around and see what comes up. You can also change the search for 4 people in 2 rooms.
You can also look at one website for both towns:
www.montreux-vevey.com
Have fun as you plan!
s
I think that's a pretty low budget for 4 people for Montreux. But you can have a start at
www.booking.com
Input your dates, the number of folks, and the ages of the children, and see what comes up. I just did a dummy booking for 5-8 May for 4 people in 1 room, and there were a few hits:
Villa Toscane for 529€ in a junior suite (however, I don't like the location of this hotel)
Hotel Bon Port in a quad room for 553€.
For Vevey, the Hotel Negociants comes up for 599€ (2 bedroom apartment), and the Vevey Hotel Guesthouse for 500€ (for two twin rooms with a shared bathroom).
So, you could just rummage around and see what comes up. You can also change the search for 4 people in 2 rooms.
You can also look at one website for both towns:
www.montreux-vevey.com
Have fun as you plan!
s
Jan 8th, 2015, 07:14 AM
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Thanks Swandav2000. You have given me great advise earlier for my trips to Germany.
Can you PLEASE guide me where can I be based as regards so that we can see Chateau de Chillon and some other attractions in the area.
Would I be better off being based in Martigny? Then can I take a direct train to Chamonix?
What do you recommend?
Also is it better to buy point to point day tickets as we are only there for 3-4 days? Or
Should we take the family pass for Lake Geneva area? Not sure if Martigny is part of this area?
Does the Swiss rail have tickets where a maximum of 5 pax can travel on any slow train in the particular region?
Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
Can you PLEASE guide me where can I be based as regards so that we can see Chateau de Chillon and some other attractions in the area.
Would I be better off being based in Martigny? Then can I take a direct train to Chamonix?
What do you recommend?
Also is it better to buy point to point day tickets as we are only there for 3-4 days? Or
Should we take the family pass for Lake Geneva area? Not sure if Martigny is part of this area?
Does the Swiss rail have tickets where a maximum of 5 pax can travel on any slow train in the particular region?
Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
Jan 8th, 2015, 08:14 AM
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Hi again,
I'm happy to help with what I can --
Montreux is a lovely town nestled between the lake and the beginning of the pre-Alps at its rear. There is a lovely old town up in the hills where you can wander for hours, but imo the best part is the flowered lakeside promenade, which stretches almost from Vevey to/through Montreux to/past Chillon to the town of Villeneuve. It is the most touristed of the two, with lots of hotels and restaurants and shops (shops mainly on the main street in town).
Vevey is also a lovely town that's more spread out. Its old town is right next to the lake, and I adore meandering there around the winding streets and boutiques for hours. It also has a lakeside promenade, and it has flowers, but not as many/much as along Montreux; Vevey's promenade is characterized by old, stately trees. The town is far less touristy, and you're more likely to be shopping next to residents or long-term visitors as you wander the streets. It has fewer hotels but lots of restaurants.
Bus #201 links the towns, and you'll get a Riviera Card from your hosts that makes the busses free. So, you can stay at either one and spend time at the other quite easily and quickly. I would say to choose the one that just appeals to you more: touristy or not? more flowers or fewer? Or just go to the "images" search engine of google and do searches for each town and see which one appeals to you more.
I would not stay in Martigny. Martigny is a lovely town, true, but it's not on the lake -- which is the whole reason to visit, imo. I wouldn't spend 3 nights in a place that's not where you want to be just for the sake of a more convenient 10-minute train transfer.
The Riviera Card will give you free use of the busses and trains in the Lake Geneva area (between Vevey and Villeneuve but not Martigny), and it will give you 50% off on transport into the mountains or on the lakes.
No, there is no ticket where people can travel as a group on regional trains in Switzerland. Since you'll get the Riviera Card, you probably won't need any other ticket or discount card. The trip from the Geneva Airport to Montreux is 35 chf full price, and that's less than a day of a pass.
You should buy a Family Card though; that will make sure that your children travel for free. I'm not sure if you have to buy it since you won't be buying a pass for yourselves; I think it costs something like 20 chf if you aren't buying a pass for the parents. Here's the site:
http://www.swisstravelsystem.com/en/...mily-card.html
Maybe some others will know more about it.
Have fun as you plan!
s
I'm happy to help with what I can --
Montreux is a lovely town nestled between the lake and the beginning of the pre-Alps at its rear. There is a lovely old town up in the hills where you can wander for hours, but imo the best part is the flowered lakeside promenade, which stretches almost from Vevey to/through Montreux to/past Chillon to the town of Villeneuve. It is the most touristed of the two, with lots of hotels and restaurants and shops (shops mainly on the main street in town).
Vevey is also a lovely town that's more spread out. Its old town is right next to the lake, and I adore meandering there around the winding streets and boutiques for hours. It also has a lakeside promenade, and it has flowers, but not as many/much as along Montreux; Vevey's promenade is characterized by old, stately trees. The town is far less touristy, and you're more likely to be shopping next to residents or long-term visitors as you wander the streets. It has fewer hotels but lots of restaurants.
Bus #201 links the towns, and you'll get a Riviera Card from your hosts that makes the busses free. So, you can stay at either one and spend time at the other quite easily and quickly. I would say to choose the one that just appeals to you more: touristy or not? more flowers or fewer? Or just go to the "images" search engine of google and do searches for each town and see which one appeals to you more.
I would not stay in Martigny. Martigny is a lovely town, true, but it's not on the lake -- which is the whole reason to visit, imo. I wouldn't spend 3 nights in a place that's not where you want to be just for the sake of a more convenient 10-minute train transfer.
The Riviera Card will give you free use of the busses and trains in the Lake Geneva area (between Vevey and Villeneuve but not Martigny), and it will give you 50% off on transport into the mountains or on the lakes.
No, there is no ticket where people can travel as a group on regional trains in Switzerland. Since you'll get the Riviera Card, you probably won't need any other ticket or discount card. The trip from the Geneva Airport to Montreux is 35 chf full price, and that's less than a day of a pass.
You should buy a Family Card though; that will make sure that your children travel for free. I'm not sure if you have to buy it since you won't be buying a pass for yourselves; I think it costs something like 20 chf if you aren't buying a pass for the parents. Here's the site:
http://www.swisstravelsystem.com/en/...mily-card.html
Maybe some others will know more about it.
Have fun as you plan!
s
Jan 8th, 2015, 10:04 AM
#8
You may want to consider renting an apartment.
http://chalet.myswitzerland.com/holi...ntals/Montreux
http://chalet.myswitzerland.com/holi...ntals/Montreux
Jan 8th, 2015, 08:55 PM
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Yes, we have decided to be based for 3-4 nights in Montreux.
Just a couple of queries :
When we land at Geneva airport, do we buy Geneva airport to Montreux ticket in advance or we can buy after we land? Is there a discount for advance purchase?
Since children under 16 travel free do we buy tickets for 2 adults or do we need to buy tickets for all 4 of us? Just need to be sure that we are doing the right thing. Do not want any kind of trouble after our long flight.
Do we buy family card on our arrival at the airport?
For travelling from Montreux to Martigny do I buy train ticket online or in advance?
Also, Martigny to Chamonix tickets do we need to buy tickets in advance or once we are in Montreux?
Lastly, what are the must sees in the area using Riviera Card. I assume this card includes Geneva too? We love to do short walks in the gorges and do cable cars?
Kind regards,
SKCP11
Just a couple of queries :
When we land at Geneva airport, do we buy Geneva airport to Montreux ticket in advance or we can buy after we land? Is there a discount for advance purchase?
Since children under 16 travel free do we buy tickets for 2 adults or do we need to buy tickets for all 4 of us? Just need to be sure that we are doing the right thing. Do not want any kind of trouble after our long flight.
Do we buy family card on our arrival at the airport?
For travelling from Montreux to Martigny do I buy train ticket online or in advance?
Also, Martigny to Chamonix tickets do we need to buy tickets in advance or once we are in Montreux?
Lastly, what are the must sees in the area using Riviera Card. I assume this card includes Geneva too? We love to do short walks in the gorges and do cable cars?
Kind regards,
SKCP11
Jan 8th, 2015, 09:23 PM
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Hi again,
The lowest-fare tickets you can buy are called Supersaver -- here's the site for them:
http://www.swisstravelsystem.com/en/...mily-card.html
They are one-time only sales for specific routes at specific departure times, and you can only buy them beginning about 2 weeks early. I've found that the departures are not at all convenient for my travels -- like at 6 am or something.
Other than those Supersaver tickets, there is no discount for buying tickets ahead of time, so you are ok to just walk up and buy any Swiss train ticket on the spot. You will probably have to buy the Family Card for your children to travel for free, so make sure you have one before you board the train.
I would go to the train station at the Geneva airport (next door to the airport) and just tell the clerk that you want a Family Card and tickets for two to Montreux. You can also ask the clerk about the trip to Martigny, and s/he will give you all the information you need.
No, the Riviera Card does not include Geneva -- it only includes the portion between Vevey and Villeneuve.
Here are links to my "reviews" (with photos) of my favorite things to do from Montreux:
Montreux old town
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html
Lavaux
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html
Walks through the Lavaux vineyards
http://www.montreuxriviera.com/en/Cu...rekking_Lavaux
Promenade Fleuri
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html
Morges
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...rges_Vaud.html
Gruyeres
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR..._Fribourg.html
Saanen
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html
Gstaad
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html
Hope that gets you started -- ask as more questions come up!
s
The lowest-fare tickets you can buy are called Supersaver -- here's the site for them:
http://www.swisstravelsystem.com/en/...mily-card.html
They are one-time only sales for specific routes at specific departure times, and you can only buy them beginning about 2 weeks early. I've found that the departures are not at all convenient for my travels -- like at 6 am or something.
Other than those Supersaver tickets, there is no discount for buying tickets ahead of time, so you are ok to just walk up and buy any Swiss train ticket on the spot. You will probably have to buy the Family Card for your children to travel for free, so make sure you have one before you board the train.
I would go to the train station at the Geneva airport (next door to the airport) and just tell the clerk that you want a Family Card and tickets for two to Montreux. You can also ask the clerk about the trip to Martigny, and s/he will give you all the information you need.
No, the Riviera Card does not include Geneva -- it only includes the portion between Vevey and Villeneuve.
Here are links to my "reviews" (with photos) of my favorite things to do from Montreux:
Montreux old town
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html
Lavaux
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html
Walks through the Lavaux vineyards
http://www.montreuxriviera.com/en/Cu...rekking_Lavaux
Promenade Fleuri
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...reux_Vaud.html
Morges
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...rges_Vaud.html
Gruyeres
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR..._Fribourg.html
Saanen
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html
Gstaad
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html
Hope that gets you started -- ask as more questions come up!
s
Jan 9th, 2015, 05:37 AM
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Try the site www.hotelscombined.com. It will show you all the possibilities including what the hotel itself is charging. With booking.com it will only show you what they are offering. We did the Martigny train to Chamonix. Almost no one on it. Small. Clean. Beautiful views. Recommended.
Jan 9th, 2015, 05:45 AM
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Try the site www.hotelscombined.com. It will show you all the possibilities including what the hotel itself is charging. With booking.com it will only show you what they are offering. We did the Martigny train to Chamonix. Almost no one on it. Small. Clean. Beautiful views. Recommended.
Jan 9th, 2015, 06:22 AM
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If you like to walk through endless fields of blooming white narcissus flowers, then go by train from Montreux to Les Avants, by cablecar to Sonloup and walk to Restaurant La Cergnaule and farther on to Près de Billens ..... up to the Veveyse river and Les Paccots FR bus stop or Les Pléiades train stop if you like.
For a shorter walk, you may just go from Sonloup to Mount Cubly (and may be down to Chamby commuter train and historic steam train station). Best season for flowering narcissus in this area: May 5th - 20th.
For a shorter walk, you may just go from Sonloup to Mount Cubly (and may be down to Chamby commuter train and historic steam train station). Best season for flowering narcissus in this area: May 5th - 20th.
Jan 9th, 2015, 07:13 AM
#15
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Thanks a ton Swandav2000, Dianedancer, Nekervd.
This info is great.
Since we are foodies. What about the must eats in this area. Any local Swiss pastry shops and must try foods. Will I get rosti and fondue in May? Any other special treats which are must have? What are the local butcher shops called? Also will I get my annual fix of Schwein haxen I'm Switzerland and France?
Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
This info is great.
Since we are foodies. What about the must eats in this area. Any local Swiss pastry shops and must try foods. Will I get rosti and fondue in May? Any other special treats which are must have? What are the local butcher shops called? Also will I get my annual fix of Schwein haxen I'm Switzerland and France?
Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
Jan 9th, 2015, 07:33 AM
#16
I'm no train expert and travel solo, but I just purchase my train ticket from Geneva out to Vevey or Montreux when I land at the airport & walk over to the train station side (they are connected).
One thing to note is some trains on that route you have to transfer at Lausanne but at least one an hour goes straight thru.
One thing to note is some trains on that route you have to transfer at Lausanne but at least one an hour goes straight thru.
Jan 9th, 2015, 08:56 AM
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Some local specialities:
fresh fish from lake Geneva: filets de perche, filets de palee,
local sausages: saucisse vaudoise, saucisse au choux
Papet vaudois: a mix of leek, potatoes, cream, white wine from lake Geneva, usually served with saucisse vaudoise
Assiette valaisanne (cold dish): dried beef meat slices, about 1/20 mm thick, smoked ham, bacon, cheese from Valais, tomato slices, pickled gherkins and pearl onions, usually served with rye bread containing wal nuts
Raclette valaisanne: smelted Raccard cheese (from Valais), served with potatoes and pickled gherkins
fresh fish from lake Geneva: filets de perche, filets de palee,
local sausages: saucisse vaudoise, saucisse au choux
Papet vaudois: a mix of leek, potatoes, cream, white wine from lake Geneva, usually served with saucisse vaudoise
Assiette valaisanne (cold dish): dried beef meat slices, about 1/20 mm thick, smoked ham, bacon, cheese from Valais, tomato slices, pickled gherkins and pearl onions, usually served with rye bread containing wal nuts
Raclette valaisanne: smelted Raccard cheese (from Valais), served with potatoes and pickled gherkins
Jan 9th, 2015, 09:04 AM
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BTW: with Raclette and Assiette Valaisanne one usually drinks local white wines from Valais: Fendant, Johannisberg, Amigne, Arvine, Heida.....
with local fish, people usually drink local white wine from Lavaux area: Dezaley, Epesses, St-Saphorin, Villette, Villeneuve....
with Papet, one drinks local red wine: Salvagnin
with local fish, people usually drink local white wine from Lavaux area: Dezaley, Epesses, St-Saphorin, Villette, Villeneuve....
with Papet, one drinks local red wine: Salvagnin
Jan 9th, 2015, 05:20 PM
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Thanks Neckervd and Suze for the lovely info.
Neckervd I am a beer drinker and enjoy the german beers which I will surely miss on my this trip. I do not care for wines but I like to try the sweet wine - my taste is not really evolved for wine. Which wines are sweet?
Anyways any local pastries to try or any chain pastry shop names.
We used to enjoy the getting picnic lunch from the local metzgerie. Are these kind of metzegeries also there in Switzerland and France? What are they called in this area?
What about Schwein Haxen, fondue, rosti? Are these available in restaurants?
Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
Neckervd I am a beer drinker and enjoy the german beers which I will surely miss on my this trip. I do not care for wines but I like to try the sweet wine - my taste is not really evolved for wine. Which wines are sweet?
Anyways any local pastries to try or any chain pastry shop names.
We used to enjoy the getting picnic lunch from the local metzgerie. Are these kind of metzegeries also there in Switzerland and France? What are they called in this area?
What about Schwein Haxen, fondue, rosti? Are these available in restaurants?
Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
