Is Geneva worth a day?
 

DH and I are attempting to put together a last minute trip to Europe this September. I know, I know, why don't we wait until the last minute! Right now we have a frequent flyer miles flight on hold from Newark to Geneva, and then from Paris to Newark. WE have been to Annecy, Lyon etc. WE are thinking of heading back to Lyon and then Burgundy and ending in Paris. But, is Geneva worth a day. It would be the first day, so jet lag is an issue. It doesn't look like we can get a train from Geneva to Annecy, so if we go back there we would have to rent a car and drive (jet lag again!). We can get a train from Geneva to Lyon, but it looks like we have to get into town from the airport - no train at the airport. Any suggestions. Is Geneva worth a day? Many thanks

Hi Lori,

According to http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en
there is an IR train from Geneva airport into town.

You can be in Lyon 2 hr after you get out of the airport.

I would go on to Lyon.

((I))

I'm confused if you're asking about Geneva or Lyon. But there is most definitely a train station AT the Geneva airport. It is attached to the airport (you hardly realize you've changed buildings). To get into downtown Geneva (where you'd need to maybe make a train connection?)... is the first stop on the route about 8 mins. from the airport.

I used to live in Geneva so I'm rather fond of it and think it's worth a visit, even for just a day. There is a train station at the airport with regular departures to the center of town. Although it is a major city in Switzerland, it does not feel too busy or crowded, so it's a good place to explore, even with jet lag. Head towards the old town, there are some great antique stores, bookstores and restaurants. The Cathedral and surrounding square is a peaceful area to relax and regroup. The promenade by the lake is lovely, on a clear day you can even see Mont Blanc. Lyon and Annecy are wonderful as well. Whatever you decide, have a great trip!

Geneva gets short shrift on this forum. It really depends on how much time you have, but I've enjoyed the time I spent in Geneva (on three occasions).

I know you haven't quite asked this, but just next to Geneva, on the French side, is a lovely medieval town of Yvoire. Yes, it has tourists, but so does Annecy and it is still worth it. I don't think Geneva is worth even a day because even the Cathedral Square is not very different from other French/Swiss Cathedral squares. But then again, if you have jet lag and don't have energy to focus on Geneva, not much is lost.

Having a day in Geneva, somehow I'd head to the lake. Either within Geneva or out to Vevey or Montreux. To me, one of the towns on the train would be a perfect place to get over jet lag and start your trip.

That was a timely suggestion about Yvoire...I'll be staying a few kms away in Douvane. Any more tips about this area?

^^^

Bonjour RonZ,

Why are you staying in Douvaine instead of somewhere nicer close to the lake (like Yvoire itself, Messery, Nernier, or Excenevex? I live not far from Douvaine and except for the Sunday morning market, there is not much to recommend it for tourism: lots of traffic and nothing to visit.

Anyway, if you have to stay in Douvaine, there's a couple good restaurants: La Mijote for French cuisine (good value), Lotus Bleu for Asiatic food (Vietnamese and Thai), and La Cassolette in Massongy/Sous-Etraz (excellent French food, good prices - I go there at least once a week). There's also the Auberge Gourmande in Massongy, excellent but a little more expensive. Avoid the Japanese restaurant just outside Douvaine ...

Bonjour Lori,

weather in September is usually fairly nice, so a day in Geneva could include a leisurely walk in the Old Town, around the lake, and even a short cruise. I second the idea of a visit to Yvoire by boat. Local culinary specialty is fresh fish from the lake.

Florence--

Actually I'm on the lake in Yvoire at the Hotel du Port. Douvaine was in the address, hence the confusion.

Ronz,

If you go to Yvoire by car, try to avoid Douvaine since there are very often long delays. From Geneva, follow the signs along the lake towards Evian, and turn left once you're in Vésenaz, follow Hermance, then Thonon/Chens/Yvoire. The route is much more scenic and you hardly ever have to stop (unless you want to visit Hermance, worth a few minutes stroll and has a couple good art galleries).

For a good meal with a wonderful view of the Swiss coast of the lake, go to Sechex (left after Bonnatrait on the way to Thonon) and eat at the terrasse of either Les Cygnes or Les Pecheurs, reservation necessary for a good table outside. I think you can get there by boat from Yvoire but you'll have to ask at the tourist office.

Lori and Ronz, If neither of you has been to the Swiss lavaux region of Lac Leman, you should give it a look. You can walk from village to village through the vineyards. If you're interested in spending some time in the area, just see some of the threads here about Montreux or Vevey; the possibilities described will be possible from Geneve or Yvoire as well. (Including Chillon's castle)

Ronz, even though Yvoire is a tourist magnet (as are many pretty places), if you're staying there, you'll experience its quiet times in the early morning and late afternoons. Actually, that's probably a good reason to stay in a popular village rather than daytripping to it. By the way, Nyon, just across the lake by boat, is an interesting town. J.

As far as walking the vineyards, I had a telephone call yesterday with a really bad weather report from the Lausanne to Montreux area last week. A horrible hail storm, bad enough to break windows and damage crops. They are worried the wine crop may be ruined this year.

Bonjour Suze,

It is unfortunately right, we had a very short but violent hail storm last Monday, with winds reported at 165 km/h. The vineyards are ruined 80 - 100% in some areas from Geneva to Montreux on both sides of the lake and there will be precious little wine this year :-(

However, the view from the vineyards above Montreux and Vevey will still be worth going.

I would love to know more about the areas noted in jmw's post. Also, we will be coming to Yvoire from Villers le Lac and will be needing a good driving route.

www.vevey.ch
www.montreux.ch

Very much so. But one day is enough for most. Take the boat tour that points out the sights from the water.

Many thanks all. We are going to spend one day in Geneva, our first day. It looks like a good place to get ourselves together, relax, and adapt. We booked the Best Western Strasbourg-Univers since it is walking distance from the train station, where we will catch a train the next day to Lyon. Restaurant suggestions?