Western Switzerland in 4 days
Day 1: Geneva
The absolut icon of Geneva is it's "jet d'eau", a roughly 150m tall fountain in the lake (still Europes tallest I believe). For best views, head to Quai du Mont-Blanc in the late afternoon, but make sure to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The operating hours vary throughout the year, you'll find a link below to check.
Afterwards, stroll along Quai du Mont-Blanc towards Phare des Pâquis to enjoy more views of Genevas iconic Jet d'Eau and the lake front.
Geneva is a fantastic city for shopping, offering a mix of luxury boutiques, department stores, and charming local shops. Head to Rue du Rhône and the many surrounding streets for all your needs.
From Quai du Mont-Blanc, you can stroll along the beautiful lakeside towards Parc Mon Repos for beautiful views of the city, the mountains and if your lucky, one of the historic steamboats on the lake. You'll pass Bains des Pâquis, where you can take a little detour for more photos of the fountain or to take a swim in the lake.
Once you reach Parc Mon Repos, head away from the lake, towards Place des Nations. The main entrance of the United Nations offis is pretty impressive, especially with its "Broken Chair". This is a monumental sculpture, designed by Swiss artist Daniel Berset, standing 12 meters high. It depicts a giant chair with a broken leg: a powerful symbol to represents opposition to land mines and cluster bombs.
Check the link below if you are interested in visiting the UN building.
While you are close by, you might consider visiting the botanical garden. If in season, the rose garden is truly fantastic.
If you have time left, consider heading out to "La jonction": Here, the two rivers Rhône and Arve meet and whilst the first brings calm and clear waters after crossing the lake, the later brings sand and soil from the mountains, resulting in a spectacular view at this point. You'll have to walk to the Viaduc de la Jonction, if you are by car, park at Cimetière de Saint-Georges.
Day 2: Lausanne & Le Lavaux
Lausanne was recently voted "best small city in the world" and I think there is something to that. Between its lovely old town with the gothic cathedral and the chill lakefront, there is lots to explore. Other than Geneva, Lausanne is the second urban center in the region. While it's certainly less international, the universities and the Olympic Commitee that has it's headquarters here, still draw a divers crowd.
The city is built on several hills (three to be exact) so expect some workout when exploring the city yet on the plus side, expect many lovely views over the town and the lake.
Lausanne Cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, completed in the 13th century. The interior and rose window are stunning and additionally, you can enjoy great views over the city from either the bell tower or the little plaza in front of the cathedral. One unique feature is the night watchman who still calls out the hours from the belfry every night, a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages.
Make sure to explore the "cité", the part of old town that used to house mainly the clergy. It now is a mix of apartements and offices and also a few quirky bars. Do not miss the castle, originally built as a residence for the bishop, it now houses the regional government.
One of the most beautiful spots in old town is Place de la Palud. The talking clock recites some of the key historic moments of the state, animated with figurines. The town hall building is beautifully decorated and offers light shows for National Day in August and in December.
Heading up or down to the cathedral, you'll pass the "Escaliers du Marché": covered wooden stairs that also date back to the 13th century. They used to offer protected access between the Cathedral and Place de la Palud.
Around these little streets you'll also find a lot of shops and boutiques.
Once you've had enough of the up and down of the city center and old town, head to the lake front. Ouchy-Olympique serves as a starting point for lake cruises, you can enjoy a coffee/drink/ice cream/crêpe in one of the cute restaurants or simply take a nice stroll along the promenade.
Considering itself the "Olympic City" thanks to the seat of the IOC in town, naturally there is an Olympic Museum and it's a 10/10! It has a fantastic display of the history of the olympic games and a floor dedicated to special exhibits. Check out their website for the latest information. Plan 1,5-2 hours for a visit.
There is also a kids parcours with some activies, although I'd say your kids should be at least 5 years old to truly appreciate it.
Just outside of Lausanne is the stunning "Lavaux": an area of terraced vineyards along the shores of Lake Geneva, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's famous for its picturesque landscapes and excellent wines.
You can walk between the many tiny, super charming villages of the region and there are several signed walks available. But don't forget: I said "terraced vineyards". Expect steep roads and as soon as the soon is out, it gets hot and there is VERY limited shade available. Bring enough water if you plan to walk.
The much easier way to explore Lavaux is by taking the Lavaux Express, a charming train that winds through the vineyards. The train offers several routes, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views and learn about the region's history.
The lake cruise between Lausanne and Vevey also offers fantastic views up to the terraces.
Day 3: Château de Chillon & Montreux region
Funny enough, the opposite end of Lake Geneva features another fantastic sight in the lake: Chillon Castle was built on a rock close to the shore. It makes a great view, no matter if you plan to visit the castle itself or only come for the photo. There is a garden and a tiny pier. You can take a lovely walk between Montreux and the castle, all along the lake. In summer there are several lovely lakeside bars and you have the possibility to rent bikes.
Montreux is a small town, famous for the Montreux Jazz Festival (come in July!) and the very pleasant, often sunny climate that attracts many well-known guests. The Montreux Jazz Festival brought an abundant music history to town and a few statues remember some special guests. Deep Purple famously wrote their song "Smoke on the water" in Montreux, inspired by the lake. Spring, summer and fall are great to just take a stroll along the lake and through the village, discovering the statues, sipping some wine of the region or enjoy an icecream on a terrace. There is also a great Christmas Market with a flying Santa, usually from end of November until XMAS. Absolutely try a cup of mulled wine and if you haven't tasted a Raclette or Fondue, it's time to go for it! Come in the late afternoon for all the charming lights and avoid weekends if you can.
If the weather plays in your favour, the mountains above Montreux offer some AMAZING views. The following places take a bit of time to get to, so plan ahead.
Le Coucou is a restaurant with views that leave you speechless. Enjoy your coffee, a glass of wine or champagne looking at lake Geneva, the French Alps, the Swiss pre-alps and the vineyards of Lavaux. It doesn't get much better than this.
Side note for the music aficionados: Claude Nobs former home, where he hosted a great number of music stars, is right next door.
For even more mountain feeling but still enjoying those lake views, head to Rochers de Naye. From up here you'll even see Mont Blanc and the Bernese Alpes. It takes about 1hr on a small train up to the top and there is a restaurant for all your needs. Depending on how sporty you feel, there are several short walks including an alpine garden, longer hikes of various difficulties as well as a via ferrata that start or end here.
Another interesting sight nearby is the Charlie Chaplin World in Vevey, situated in one of his former homes. As you walk through the different rooms, you can follow Chaplins life and the development of his career, his family life and there are many videos to watch.
Day 4: Choose your favorite daytrip
On your last day in the region, I suggest to do a daytrip to one of these places.
Gruyères
In the charming medieval town of Gruyères it's all about cheese (& meringue), there is even a delisious cheese of the same name. Picturesque streets lined with traditional houses lead up to the stunning castle towering above the tiny village. In the warm season, every house is proudly decorated with many flowers, making the whole scene pretty picture perfect. To take a little break from all this quaintness, visit the HR Giger bar and museum. Swiss artist Giger's masterful designs for the movie "Alien" (by Ridley Scott) earned him an Oscar.
Don't miss the chance to visit the cheese factory and enjoy some traditional fondue while you're here.
Located nearby is the Maison Cailler Swiss Chocolate factory. This factory offers tours and workshops where you can learn about chocolate making and taste delicious Swiss chocolate.
Yvoire
Head over to France for picturesque Yvoire. Yvoire is another beautiful medieval village located on the shores of Lake Geneva. It's known for its charming cobblestone streets and stunning flower displays. One of the highlights is the Garden of Five Senses, where you can enjoy a sensory experience with various plants. The historic Yvoire castle offers great views of the lake.
The mountains
On a clear day, you can enjoy mountain views pretty much everywhere in this region. But if you want to really head to the mountains, I suggest one of theses places.
My top pick is Les Diablerets with the Peak Walk on Glacier 3000. The views up top are absolutely breathtaking! The walk across the suspension bridge can be a bit scary, but it's not a must for the views. Access is free with your cable car ticket.
From the mountain station you can also head out on a (secured) glacier walk. It takes about 1hr (one way) from Scex Rouge mountain station to Refuge de l'espace, a restaurant on the edge of the glacier with fantastic views over Valais and countless rows of mountains. Bring proper hiking or snow boots, as obviously, there is always snow to pass. For a map, follow the link under Refuge de l'espace.
If you are based in Geneva, consider Chamonix in neighbouring France. The village is very pleasant in any season and offers pleanty of restaurants and shops. It's a real outdoor heaven, you can hike, moutainbike, mountaineer, ski, paraglide, downhill, you name it. But even if you like a slower pace, thanks to funiculars and cable cars you have very easy access to visit the mountains and glaciers.
I recommend to rent a car for a trip to the mountains, as it gives you much more freedom to explore on your own pace.
Extra: Take a cruise!
A cruise on the lake is an excellent option to discover this region and will even get you to your next destination while you sit back, relax and enjoy the views. In summer, several historic "Belle Epoque" steamboats offer different cruises or you can just take them to your next stop. You can usually hop-on and off at any stop, if you book the full cruise. Late fall through early spring, the schedule is reduced and cruises limited to the weekend.
Some favorites: > Lausanne to Vevey (or vice-versa) to take in the steepness of the Lavaux vineyards> cruise past the Chillon castle from either Vevey or Montreux to Villeneuve> there is just something about approaching the Jet d'Eaux in Geneva, coming down from Nyon or Coppet
Hotel favorites
Regardless if you travel by car or train/public transport, the whole region is very well connected. You can easily pick one of the suggested places as a base and visit the others without spending more than 1,5hrs in transit (one way).
Geneva
Lausanne
Small town charm
You prefer it a bit calmer? Look no further and choose one of these hotels along the lake Geneva with small town charm.
I hope you enjoy your stay in this beautiful region!
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