My son and I are traveling in August through France and will be spending 2-3 days in Geneva. I would like to take him to the Alps similar to the experience I had on Mt Pilates. Is there anything similar or better near Geneva? Also, what are some things we need to see? I have heard Annacey is beautiful, Montreux, the train ride to Interlaken, and several other things. I love the Swiss culture and seeing the cows, hearing the bells, etc.
Thank you for your help!
Posted by
California 🦋
5294 posts
Angela
My daughter and I enjoyed our visit to Chamonix and Annecy last May.
We actually flew into Geneva, then took a shuttle to Chamonix where we stayed a few days, prior to going to Annecy. The Alps are amazingly beautiful but Annecy became our favorite place.
Just google images of Annecy and you'll see the beautiful crystal clear lake, the mountains in the background, and all the colorful flower boxes hanging from the the railing along the canals. We also enjoyed the street markets while in Annecy, and the best ice cream at 'Glaces des Alpes'!
Enjoy your trip with your son!
Posted by
Montreux, Switzerland
262 posts
I would take him here. It's beautiful and easy to see from Geneva.
http://www.goldenpass.ch/en/goldenpass/offer/view?id=12
Chateau Chillon is very popular with visitors and an easy train from Geneva. Google Canton of Vaud tourism. You will see everything on offer in the area.
Posted by
Grand Rapids, MI
768 posts
I agree with Chamonix. You can pick up a relatively cheap bus to there from Gare Routier, which is a bus station half-way between Gare Cornavin and the lake.
If you have limited time you can get up the smaller mountain overlooking Geneva called the Saleve. Instructions here: http://www.glocals.com/forums/geneva/where-how-in-geneva/Sal--ve-by-bus--50168.htm
You don't say how old your son is, but here are things my pre-teens liked:
small zoo in Jardin Boutanique (north side of lake)
free bike rental (see geneveroule.ch )
climbing the bell tower at John Calvin's church
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
Another nice place with excellent views is up at the top of the ski slopes at Verbier. You can drive from Geneva, take the road to the top of the ski slope (past many cows with bells!), and eat at a great little restaurant with a deck called Croix de Coeur. There is a flat walking path from there with views to the Italian and French Alps...it's a stunning place! About a 1 hour 45 minute drive from Geneva. Chamonix is just as beautiful and is about an hour from Geneva. If you want Switzerland though then Verbier is one of the closer places from Geneva to be up in the Alps.