Hello.
For the first part of our trip we are thinking of basing ourselves in Geneva. The idea us to see Geneva itself, where we also meet friends. One day trip to Lausanne and one day to Chillon and Vevey passing Montreux. From photos of Montreux I feltvit was too touristy. We have no need to see Freddie statue either. So I am wondering if we are right to prefer Geneva as a Base rather than Montreux. Someone warned against Lausanne because complexity of navigation of the city and the transport. Thanks.
Posted by
Maryland
989 posts
What do you like to/plan to do? About Lausanne it seemed lovely to us, although it is built on several steep hills so one must traverse bridges or take the funicular to get around frequently. It is also has lovely vineyards to visit and sample nearby.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
12058 posts
We loved Lausanne! The public transport is good and can be used to minimize the up-and-down trekking. Nice lakefront (IMO better than Geneva’s), good vibe. We found Geneva a bit boring, less charming, than Lausanne. Vevey is a nice choice too and I would stay there if I return.
Posted by
6039 posts
I liked Montreux, which I felt was low-key and pleasant with gorgeous views--but it was the first place I stayed in Switzerland so I was going to be gobsmacked regardless (don't think I would have liked Geneva as much though, and it gets little love on the forum)--I thought Chillon castle was pretty amazing and definitely worth a day trip. I would look at Lausanne and Vevey to stay. It just depends on the size of place you prefer. I think Montreux might be convenient for mountain trips, but it's a short train ride regardless.
Posted by
SoCal
1951 posts
We're staying in Geneva right at this moment, and it's a very good headquarters city for exploring the Swiss and French Savoie. Annecy and Chamonix are a quick trip from here, as are Lausanne and Montreux. Even Bern is a scant 2 hours away. There's certainly enough to see in the city to fill up a couple of days, and Lac Leman is very pretty.
Posted by
West Michigan
440 posts
And from Nyon, you could take the ferry across to Yvoire (in France). Beautiful old town, full of flowers.
Posted by
OP
16 posts
Thanks everyone. Our choice of Geneva was based on the following:
More hotels so slightly cheaper prices possible to find (for example Hotel Cristal or Cornavain).
More eating places
If staying close to the station easy access to our daytrip places (Lausanne, Chillon)
Easier city to navigate
I admit I find it less charming than vevey or Lausanne. But I was warned on another forum that Lausanne trains are more complicated, in terms of accessing other areas and making daytrips.
Montreux... it felt a bit too resorty from photos. Am I wrong? I also have a meeting on one of our days in Geneva any way. Does it make sense to cut our stays to two nights in each area?
After this area we go for one night to Zermatt (the weather-dependent nature of the destination convinced me to give it just one night,).
Thanks again