We are ending the My Way Alpine trip in Chamonix on a Fri and flying out of Geneva early Sunday morning. Ive read that Geneva is not that interesting and it was suggested to take the train from Chamonix to Geneva for the views. We plan to to go to Chateau de Chillon as a day trip from Geneva, but is there a more interesting place to head directly to for Fri day and night and Sat day instead of Geneva? Thanks for your advice!
Posted by
California 🦋
5202 posts
I'd suggest you consider going to Annecy. It's an easy 2Hr, 15min train ride from Chamonix.
Annecy is a beautiful town with a crystal clear lake surrounded by mountains & channels running through the old town.
If you decide to visit Annecy, make sure to try the delicious ice cream @ Glacier des Alpes!
Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thanks for suggestion Priscilla!
Posted by
9 posts
Annecy is really beautiful and will worth half a day. Geneva is not that boring. You can easily spend there a day and have no regrets about that. Chillon castle is a gem, but Montreux disappointed me. You can also have a short visit to Vevey which is charming.
Posted by
Montreux, Switzerland
262 posts
If you plan to visit Chateau Chillon, I'd consider staying overnight in Vevey on Friday evening. Chateau Chillon is an easy 10 min bus or train ride from Vevey. It's a charming town and on Saturday morning, Vevey has the market in the center which is nice to walk around. Weather permitting, when you visit Chateau Chillon, either take the bus to Montreux Marche and walk along the lake to the Chateau or take the boat from Vevey. I do not recommend taking the bus all the way to Chateau Chillon unless it's pouring as it's not the most scenic of rides. Geneva is a lovely city and worth a visit if you have the time.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thanks for all the advice! Annecy sounds great! I reserved a night at Annecy but getting there and back seem difficult with multiple train or bus transfers so I'm still unsure If I want to try it. I may consider Vervy overnight to visit the Chateau de Chillion. Thanks again all!
Posted by
Vancouver, BC, Canada
41 posts
We did almost the same excursion this past July. Very easy actually. Take the train to St Gervais les Bains then switch trains for a direct train to Annecy. In the train station in Chamonix there is a counter where you can talk to a person who will book the trains for you. Annecy is very beautiful and definitely worth the time.
Posted by
9 posts
With so little time left you should pick only one destination to explore, unless you want to drive. I would rent a car in Chamonix on Friday and drop it off on the french side of Geneva airport on Sunday. Driving you will be able to see much more.