We will be arriving in Geneva in June and heading for the wine country in France. Before we leave, we would like to experience a gondola ride. Is there one in this area? I will be renting a car from the French side of the Geneva airport. If we take a few hours and drive into Switerland, will crossing the border take much time and cost much money?
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
35232 posts
There's no extra visa required for entry into Switzerland, and now that the Swiss have joined the Schengen gang not much time. Certainly less than crossing into Canada from Illinois. Crossing the border is no hassle really at all any more.. If you are caught driving on Swiss Autoroutes/Autobahns without the CHF40 Vignette you will be up for a big fine. When you get the car you should be able to ask that you get a car with one on.
Posted by
OP
Schaumburg, Illinois, USA
80 posts
Thank you for the information on crossing the border. I will not need to drive the car into Switerland if there is a resort or park that has a gondola ride in France. By looking at a map, looks the the French Alps are around Geneva. Can we stay in France and enjoy a gondola ride or do they all depart in Switzerland ? We will need to be in Dijon that evening.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
You could drive to Chamonix and take a ride there and be in Burgundy by the evening.
Posted by
S.F. Bay Area, CA, United States
1878 posts
I second the idea of going to Chamonix, they have a number of gindolas/lifts. Rick's book has great information about the lifts. The day we were there this past April, the mountains were obscured by clouds so it was not worth it to go up. They also have a rack railroad up to see the glacier which we did do, and which was very worthwhile. (Not as high up as the lifts take you so we were able to enjoy the views.) According to the guidebooks, it helps to get their early because the clouds come later in the day.