We are flying into Geneva in late August, early afternoon. We had planned to take the train from the Geneva airport to Sion and then postbus to Evolene from where we are hiking the Haute Route. But we find we have an extra day before we hike. Where to spend that day is my question. Will be a bit jet lagged but want to see the sights. Not interested in Geneva; smaller more rural and/or historic communities are more desired. I suppose we could travel past Sion then come back on the train the next day to catch the post bus to get to Evolene? So, on the train route, between Geneva and Sion or beyond Sion a bit? Suggestions? Thank you
Posted by
Green Bay
21145 posts
Vevey or Montreux on the lake. Visit Chateau Chillon. Freddie Mercury statue on the lake shore. Walk by the Casino humming "Smoke on the Water".
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
Sion is actually worth spending some time in! If I were getting over jet lag it would be a lovely, quite place to relax for a day. It has a beautiful little town core with two tall hills in the middle. One is topped by a ruined castle - Chateau de Tourbillon - get the caretaker to take you in to see the frescoes. If he likes you he'll unlock a small wooden door and take you in to see the others. Even though you might not speak French, act like you understand and he'll just keep showing you things! It's pretty cool!
On the other hill there is an ancient fortified church called the Valere Basilica. It has the oldest working pipe organ in Europe. The church dates to the 1100s and it remains relatively unaltered. It has some of the oldest painted surfaces in Europe and they are quite beautiful. The organ is from somewhere around 1400. There are some later additions to the church but it really is unique from most churches in Europe. Lots of hidden, ancient graffiti which I love looking at!
All up and down the valley there are many castles in various states of ruin that can be visited...most of them are just open for anyone to wander in. There is also a breathtaking suspended footbridge stretched over a valley just above Sion. One of the unique things in the area are the bises...very old troughs that were designed to take water from the high mountains down to the orchards and vineyards in the valley below. You can find maps of them online - some of them are quite dramatic to walk along. Speaking of vineyards...the vineyards of Valais are amazing. They look like green, patchwork quilts draped along the sides of the whole valley.
You'll love the Haute Route!! Some of the most amazing views anywhere...I have only hiked pieces of it but wow!
If you do end up staying along Lake Geneva then I would highly recommend Vevey - less "discovered" but just as beautiful as any of the other villages that are more well-known.