flygirl

Because I just love thinking about possible trips, here's another one. Will I jump? Not sure yet. If I do, this would be over the week of Labor Day. Still warm, evenings would still be light until 8 PM I'd expect.

I am thinking of starting in Geneva (nonstop flight) and ending in Paris. Seven nights.

Annecy would be the first stop for two nights, Lyon would be a stop for at least a night if not two, Paris for two or three nights at the end. Enough? In making a day trip or two from Annecy and/or Lyon, where would you choose to go?

I usually rent a car but will I need one upon arrival in Lyon, I don't know. I'd expect in Annecy I'd benefit from a car especially if I wanted to day trip. Once I got to Lyon I'd either stay put for two days or if I wandered, I could take a train. After Lyon would be Paris and I'd just take a train from Lyon.

Thanks for any input. I have some other locations in mind for this week coming up but I can't resist thinking about this one...

Judy

Hi Flygirl, we happen to be flying from Norfolk to Geneva 9/2 to transfer to Annecy for 4 nights, Lyon for 3 nights and Paris for 2 weeks....your basic itinerary, but slower (we're older!) We opted not to bother with cars this trip.

In Annecy, we are boating to Talloires for one day with a lunch at Pere Bise, biking for a day and may do a trip to Mt Blanc for a day. We've not been to Lyon so feel that 2 1/2 days will be barely enough to see the city.

Let us know if you'll be in Annecy....maybe we can meet for a glass of wine.

Michael

The Col de la Forclaz above Lac d'Annecy is worth an excursion.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...ith/4861351236

StCirq

I would stay in Lyon for two whole days if this is your first trip. There is PLENTY to see and do. You won't need or want a car there. Not only is there a métro and buses, they have those handy bicycles you can rent to get around town (probably not to climb up to the mountain part of town, though! Actually, maybe in your case that would be just fine). I liked the Hotel La Résidence there, on one of the pedestrian-only streets. Quiet, big rooms, and nice staff.

flygirl

Thanks for the advice!

Judy, if I go, most definitely. I'd be delighted to meet you and your husband.

Michael, thank you - is that reachable by bike, or preferably a car?

StCirq - sounds like a plan. If I only am there two nights that is really just 1.5 days.

Still have not decided. I'm training for a century ride this fall and the smartest/by far the cheapest option would be for me to visit my own house near the beach. I can rent a bike and ride daily right from my house... visit Charleston, Savannah, etc. Slow down a little on my visits there, in other words.

But once a trip to France is in my head it's hard to dislodge.

Michael

The Col de la Forclaz would be reachable by bike only if you trained for the Tour de France.

Judy

Hmmmm, Charleston & Savannah are wonderful but in early September, could be a bit hot & humid!!

If you choose France, just e-mail me (address in my profile.) Depending on when you arrive, we can share our driver from Geneva to Annecy.

Michael

Annecy's elevation at lake level is 1300 ft. and the Col de la Forclaz is at 5,000 ft.

flygirl

Michael - point taken. I would use other means to get to the top.

Judy, will do!

flygirl

Judy: see you in Annecy!

By the way, are you the Judy (on fodors) who stayed at the Hotel Mansart in Paris a number of years ago? My old standby isn't free this time so I'm looking in other areas for a change...

avalon

Do not know annency but NO need for a car in Lyon, great transportation options, buses and trams and many place in walking distance. We stayed a few yards fro Place Bellcoeur and neaq the train station. It was easy to walk across to Old Towm and take the funicular to the Hill that prays. From pl Bellecouer there were buses to new town and the wonderful painted buildings, and the hill that works is walkable even for my old feet

Judy

Hi flygirl, no, I'm not that Judy...I'm the Gerard Darel Judy! When are you arriving in Geneva?