I am going to visit a friend in Geneva for 8 days. During weekdays while he is at work, I plan to travel by myself in Switzerland and France. I definitely want to see Lyon and Dijon because I like history and architechture. What about Switerland? I am dying to see the Alps. Where should I go? I plan to stay in a different city other than Geneva for two or three days. I saw some group tours online to Mont Blanc and other mountain peaks. Each tour costs from $190 to $250. It is pricy but they all got great reviews. Should I do it? I am not familiar with the whole country. I am also confused about which train ticket I should buy since I want to do the scenic route and go to France.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, GA, US
4 posts
BTW, I will be in Geneva from 9/30-10/7.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
J. A couple of thoughts. If you are considering Chamonix-Mt. Blanc, there is a direct shuttle from the Geneva airport. Departs every 45 minutes. Fare is 29Euro. The train will take you 3-4 hours with 3-4 train changes. Will you be staying overnight in Chamonix? If yes, I recommend Hotel L'Oustalet. 110E/night. It's 2 blocks from the gondola station. We stayed there and we've done the gondola. Once in Chamonix-Mt. Blanc, at least take the gondola to the Auiguille du Midi. The fare per person for us last year was 42.50Euro. If the skies are clear you won't believe the views. You don't need a tour; you can easily do this by yourself. You can even see the top of the Matterhorn from Auiguille du Midi (it's really small and not easy to spot but you can see it). If you want to see more of the Alps, I would suggest a stay in Muerren. The Hotel Fontana is very reasonable. Or, if you want to stay in Lauterbrunnen, the Hotel Staubbach is very reasonable. From Muerren, you are at 5,200' and you will see the Alps on steroids. As a side note, the Atlanta Rick Steves travel group meets this Saturday. Under General Europe, you'll see the invitation from Sharon. We meet out here this Saturday as well. You can get lots of help from the group.
Posted by
Dallas, Texas, USA
501 posts
Rick Steve's France guidebook should help with train travel. On your way to Lyon and Dijon, stop in Annecy prior to going to Mount Blanc. You did not state when you were going, weather could effect some of your planning and the advise people on this board might give you.Ricks Switzerland guidebook will help you determine what you want to do in Switz. Even a used GB will help. My suggestion is head towards Berner Oberland- Murren area. Are you doing this as day trips or Spending the night in certain cities? I think point to point tickets for France. Switzerland is a little pricey, you'll have to do the math, depending on where and what you want to see to determine is a half fare card would benefit you. Good Luck! Luzern is also a nice one day city.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, GA, US
4 posts
Hi, thank you so much for the advices. I am trying to spend less money for accommondation. If I can do a day trip, I would do it. Is day-trip to Lyon, Dijon, and Muerren and nearby mountains (each) doable? Am I gonig to stress myself too much by rushing to train station? If I plan to stay in Muerren, do i have to reserve a place to stay?
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32853 posts
Muerren is a small town, not much bigger than a village, and rooms can be scarce. From Genf Lyon is less than 2 hours each way by train. Dijon is nearly 3 each way. What you save on hotels you may burn in train fare, back and forth each day.
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4140 posts
Just a quick note. Larry has given you very accurate and as usual good advice . We stayed at L'Oustalet last september and felt as he does . It was really lovely .
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
From Geneva, you are much closer to the Pennine Alps than the Berner Oberland. I might recommend looking in this area instead.