Chamonix

The easiest way to get there is probably one of the many Shuttle services. The cheapest method is a shared trip in a van, and it's best to pre-book those for travel each way.

It's difficult to suggest which activity is the "best bang for the buck", as everyone's preferences are different. You haven't provided much information on yourself or your interests. If you want to see some spectacular scenery, take the cable cars to the Aguille du Midi, and perhaps the other cable car across to Pointe Helbronner. One important point to mention is that you'll need to be aware of the altitude, as the top of the site is at about 12,600 feet. If you start to feel "unwell", head back to Chamonix as quickly as possible.

If you want a more "adventurous" day, you could consider signing up for one of the Paragliding trips, which will provide a spectacular view not seen by most visitors. If inclined you can take the train to the Mer-de-Glace and walk on the glacier.

You might find it helpful to check your local Library and have a look at the RS France guidebook.

Thanks for the response! Do you know if those shuttles come through and pick up in the city center of Geneva? Thus far the one I have seen only advertise from the airport? Have you heard of Brevent? I saw that was a cheaper option, but does it still provide the same type of views/experience?

My wife and I visited on a day trip from Annecy with a rental car in 2010. In terms of activities, the rack railroad up to the Mer de Glace was amazing. You get to walk right into the glacier.. in comparison, on our fall 2016 Alaska cruise we never got closer that a quarter mile from a glacier. I think the cable cars (gondolas) are probably even more spectacular in the right weather, but we did not make it there until the afternoon and things were fogged in. The lifts are a lot more expensive than the rack railroad, and both are best visited in the morning. At least that was the cast in late May when we visited.

The Shuttles typically stop at both the airport and the main train station. Here are few that you could check out....

• http://www.chamonix.com/chamonix-valley-transfers,109-711796,en.html
• http://www.chamexpress.com/?gclid=CP22nsLXi9QCFZBefgod3osPug

There are lots of others providing similar service.