Arriving very early in morning in Geneva, Switz soon. Would like to spend 2 days, 1 night in France before a longer stay in Switzerland near Nuechantal. What would be a nice small town with easy train access? Thought of Annecy, but train connections do not seem good. Would like to hike, bike, and would be fun to see a castle or very historic part of town. We will be 2 adults, each with 2 kids, so renting a car that seats 6 is super expensive. Also might rain the first day, so a town with an indoor activity option would be good. Would also be open to small town in Switzerland, but thought France would be fun since we will be right on the border. Thanks for any advice!
Posted by
Green Bay
21153 posts
Yes, the French towns around Geneva are virtually indistinguishable culturally from Switzerland, except when you go to the cash register. For a short time, stick to Switzerland. I'd say Murten, but its just a short hop away from Neuchatel.
Posted by
Keizer, Oregon, USA
588 posts
Sorry but I think Murten was boring. The RS tours no longer spend one night in Murten. Annecy is wonderful. Absolutely gorgeous and a boat trip on the lake was a highlight. Paragliders galore.
I would return to Annecy. Loved Chamonix but not sure of the connections. Montreaux is delightful but expensive.
Posted by
Somerville, MA
653 posts
Annecy is my vote. Been there twice, last time with kids. Lots of fun things to do.
-Matt
Posted by
California 🦋
5293 posts
Another vote for Annecy!
We just spent 3 amazing days there.
Perhaps you can take a shuttle from Geneva to Annecy.
Posted by
OP
33 posts
Thanks for suggestions! I love Annecy too, but there are no good train connections (we arrive at 5 am). We will be in Switzerland 10 days, so would be fun to spend 2 in France if there is a good, easy, frequent train connection. Anything similar to Annecy? Or in Switzerland if not in France? Thanks!!
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
There is fairly frequent bus service from Geneva to Annecy. Some buses go from the airport and the center of Geneva, others only from the center: http://www.hautesavoie.fr/sites/default/files/cg74/Publications_officielles/Fiches_horaires_LIHSA/t72_annecy_cruseilles_st_ju_geneve.pdf
We've stayed in Segny, France, about 15 minutes by bus from the airport, a couple of times. There's an outstanding B&B, and a great restaurant, cheese shop, and boulangerie. But absolutely nothing else.
Posted by
Somerville, MA
653 posts
What have you scoped out already so we know what you are considering? The Jura is pretty remote and I would guess that if transportation to Annecy, which is only 45 minutes away by car/bus, is not ideal then most of the Jura will be similarly difficult to get to.