Annecy/Lyon/Geneva

You should get a guidebook. Rick's guide books are good resources for suggestions on where to stay in your price range and how to get around. The guidebooks also have some useful French phrases that you should know. Most public libraries have them free to check out and they are also available for purchase on this site. https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/guidebooks/france

2nd Jazz's comments - all covered in Rick's France book; get at library or bookstore. Don't worry about not speaking French; English widely spoken. VRBO is nice for a longer stay, but for a few days or less, I think hotels make more sense, and much easier to change if your plans change. Enjoy your trip!

After looking at Rick's book check booking.com and look for B&B's/Hotels
above 8.6 rating and there is a lot of info on location etc, and most have
lenient cancelation clauses...works really well for me.

Agree with Bob that VRBO works well only for longer stays--for us usually 5 nights or more, and when we want to visit markets and buy supplies to eat some breakfasts and dinners in.

Hi, if it’s helpful, here’s our details when we were in Annecy & Lyon. We just traveled by train, also.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/3-weeks-in-italy-france-french-locations

Jean, thanks for linking your trip report. It will be helpful for our time in Lyon.

As far as what kind of lodging to book, some people prefer hotels with a front desk to help with any questions, some prefer apartments. We do both, leaning towards an apartment except for a stay of 2-3 nights or less. We are spending 4 nights in Lyon and I rented an apartment. I like having a washer and my husband likes to drink as much coffee as he wants.

Many thanks from everyone who responded and the advice offered!

Forgot to ask about the Covid testing. We have had our vaccinations and will carry our cards with us. I am hearing we also will need a negative Covid test within 72 hours of leaving the USA. What about going from Geneva into parts of France? And will we need another test going back into Geneva before our flight back to the states?
Any information regarding the tests, and where to get them when we are in France, would be appreciated.

Deborah....the COVID situation and travel is ever evolving as I am sure you are aware. We are leaving for Haute-Savoie on July 14. Landing at GVA and then proceeding to our family in Samoens. Currently, no testing needed to enter France or Switzerland if you are fully vaccinated for COVID with an approved vaccine. BUT, it's wise to track things from time to time for any rules that may change. That said, be aware that anywhere you may transit may have different rules. We are transiting LHR. Unfortunately, we will need a COVID test just to transit the airport. Keep hoping rules may change before our departure - but that seems highly unlikely. So, nasal swabs here we come!

There is a website that seems to provide pretty accurate advice for travel in these COVID times. It even allows you to enter transit airports to see how that may effect you plans. Here is the link: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions?affiliateId=americanairlines

Safe travels and good luck.

I spent almost two weeks in Geneva a couple years ago. We did a couple of fabulous walking tours. Toured the CERN as well. Also St. Peter’s Cathedral is a must. It’s a great example of the various architecture styles over the centuries.

Have a wonderful time!