TexasAggie

DH just had a work meeting come up in Geneva for mid-October. We have never been to Switzerland and just verified that the grandparents are willing to watch the kids for several days, giving me the opportunity to tag along.

We are looking at the following--

Depart 10/11 and arrive early morning 10/12
10/12 - try to stay awake - perhaps see one museum or one outdoor sight
10/13 - DH meeting (would love suggestions on what to see by myself!)
10/14 - DH in meeting for the morning
10/14 afternoon/evening - free
10/15 - free
10/16 - red eye back home

We like:
Ancient history (this is why we've done Italy 10 times and Greece 3x).
Historical Buildings - interesting churches, castles, palaces, places with a story
Street markets and street/casual food
Walking/hiking and exploring pretty gardens/trails (we lived in Colorado for many years and love to hike!)

Not really our thing-
Modern Art
Haute cuisine
High-end shopping

Normally, I am fanatical about doing my research thoroughly before asking questions. We have a lot going on at the moment though (many of you know that my oldest son has special needs), and this came up just today. We haven't had so much as a weekend away in almost 6 years, so for us, well - we are really, really excited. Thank you for any and all input.

Best,
Jill

kja

You might want to check my trip report -- long, but searchable. And do search, as I added some sections on Geneva and surrounds for friends who planned a visit to the area after I posted that report.

You might consider a meal at Bistrot du Boeuf Rouge, which still gets great reviews. Reservations are, IME, essential.

spaarne

<i> Geneva in mid-October for 4ish days - sightseeing input
Posted by: TexasAggie on Sep 8, 16 at 8:15pm</i>

For bargain shopping this is your opportunity to pick up some watches and Swiss Army knives. Take a stroll on Rue du Rhone.

swandav2000

Hi TexasAggie,

Here are some thoughts --

Ancient buildings

Nyon has a few Roman ruins as well as a wonderful Roman museum; Nyon is maybe 15 minutes from Geneva.

http://www.lake-geneva-switzerland.c...n-switzerland/

Avenches also has some Roman ruins and a Roman Museum; Avenches is about 2h from Geneva.

http://www.avenches.ch/en/siteetmuseeromains

Lutry is a lovely little wine-growing village in the Lavaux (vineyards between Lausanne & Vevey), and it has a sign-posted walk of its medieval buildings. Lutry will be about an hour from Geneva.

http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/lutry.html

There is an extensive/restored Roman site called Augusta Raurica outside of Basel. However, it's a bit tricky to get there by train, taking about 3h with 2 or 3 changes:

http://www.augustaraurica.ch/en/

If you're up for some **seriously** ancient structures, head to the Latenium Museum outside of Neuchatel. This museum covers the development of the region from the La Tene lake dwellers until today. Neuchatel is about 1h10 or 1h30 from Geneva, then you can take a town bus to get to the museum.

http://latenium.ch/en/

Yvoire sits just across the border in France, and it is a medieval village. I've only been there once, and I was bowled over by the number and gorgeousness of the flowers. It was truly stunning. But it's a small place, and there's not much to do but do some tourist shopping or eat.

http://www.yvoiretourism.com/chapitre1_en_1.html



For hiking --
There are tons of trails around the lake, but most of them will be through vineyards, not into the mountains. I'm not very familiar with hiking trails around Geneva, as I always visit the other end of the lake. But from Lutry there are a bunch of trails through the Lavaux, and you could end your day with a meal in the lovely town of Vevey. There are a few mountain trails above Vevey & Montreux, if you'd be interested in those (about 1h from Geneva).


Street Markets --
I'm sure there are a ton more of these, but the only one I know of is the Saturday morning market in Vevey, about 1h from Geneva. You probably can get more information about local markets if you email your hosts.

Hope this gets you started, and have fun as you plan!

s

joannyc

If you want excellent fondue, this restaurant is within walking distance of the Intercontinental Hotel (although I don't know where you are staying):

http://www.cafedusoleil.ch/site/fr/

And I have to second the Yvoire recommendation! It is a gorgeous little village, good for a half-day visit and lunch.

TexasAggie

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of this information!!!! Truly, I appreciate it so very much! I'll get to work looking into all of the suggestions and options above and post back with any questions when I've done my homework
Again, thank you.

swandav2000

Hi again,

Oh, I'm glad some of this seems to be right for you guys.

Just thinking about these things, and this might be a good full-day for your Saturday:

Take the train to Vevey and enjoy the market in the large square next to the lake. Take an hour or two to explore the winding lanes of the old town, next to the lake. Then take the train to Rivaz; if you're there in time for lunch, have lunch at the Auberge de Rivaz, right across the street from the dock. Then walk through the vineyards to Lutry, about 2h. In Lutry, explore the medieval buildings in town, have a snack, then go back to Geneva.

Have fun!

s

Pvoyageuse

From Annemasse or Veyrier (both accessible by public transportation from Geneva) take the cable car of Le Salève : http://www.geneva.info/saleve/

jahlie

Perfect timing! I'll be in Geneva the last week of October and have just started making plans for what to see and do. I'm reading this posting very carefully Since I've never been to Geneva before, I appreciate all the tips, especially about day trips to historic towns and villages, street markets and reasonable restaurants in Geneva. Wow, thanks