Switzerland is such a beautiful country and if your experience is anything like ours you have friends and family members wanting to come visit and explore this unique place where we live. You can take them to the iconic Jet d’eau fountain, but where do you go next? Some of the ladies of the American International Women’s Club of Geneva got together to share their favorite places to take their guests. I have compiled them in a handy list below:
1. Free Walking Tour of Geneva
This is a great way to see the city with guests. It is different every time. Check their calendar to see what days are available. The tour lasts about two hours. The group meets by the clock tower at the Bel Air tram stop. It is free, but tips are appreciated.
2. First Sunday Historic Tram Tour
This historic tram was first constructed in 1901 and travels through the heart of the Old Town from Gare Cornavin to Lancey-Bachet only on the first Sundays of April through October. Check out the website for specific times.
3. Pointe de la Jonction
The Arve and Rhone rivers come together in a spectacular way near downtown Geneva. You can view this junction from above from the Viaduc de la Jonction or walk to the point and see it up close.
4. Summer music concerts with Musiques en ete
Concerts take place throughout the summer at Parc la Grange. Bring a blanket and a picnic for an afternoon or evening of music.
5. Cool off in the lake!
Bain de Paquis on the right bank and Genève Plage on the left bank are great places to go swimming in the lake on a hot summer day. Genève Plage is also a public pool with a beach.
6. Lunch or Dinner Cruises on Lake Geneva.
You can enjoy an afternoon or evening cruising on the lake while you enjoy a lovely meal or fondue. Boats leave from Geneva, Lausanne or Montreux.
7. Chateau de Nyon, Yvoire, Geneva Loop by boat.
It was suggested to take the train to Nyon, visit the Chateau de Nyon, then take the boat to the medieval town of Yvoire, France. Enjoy walking around Yvoire, have lunch, do some shopping at the quaint shops and then take the boat back to Geneva for a full day experience.
8. Take a hike on the Narcissus Trail in May and June.
These white daffodils bloom in late spring above Vevey and are accessible by train and foot. In addition to viewing the white fields of mountain flowers, you can enjoy spectacular Alpine and lake views.
If you enjoy the Olympics I highly recommend the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, the home of the International Olympic Committee. There are amazing displays of medals from each of the games, the relay torches and many famous team jerseys and costumes. It is also in a beautiful location overlooking the lake.
This is one of the most visited sites in Switzerland. It is a very well restored medieval castle near Montreux that sits on the lake! Learn the history of the region and the Counts of Savoy who occupied the castle from the 12tht to 16th centuries by following the self guided tour.
11. Gruyères
This village is also a favorite place to take guests. About an hour and a half from Geneva you can visit the charming village and chateau on the hill, take a tour of La Maison du Gruyere to see how Gruyere cheese is made and end with chocolate at the Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory.
12. Rochers de Naye
Take the cogwheel train above Montreux for spectacular views of the Swiss and French Alps. Various activities await at 2000 meters including dining, hiking and visiting an alpine garden. Santa visits every December, too!
Just over the border in Ferney Voltaire, France you can explore Voltaire’s home where he lived the last years of his life. It is decorated in the style of his era with interesting furniture and decorations. There are other exhibits, as well.
14. The Toblerone Trail
For those wanting to hike among Switzerland’s history, visit the Toblerone Trail. This line of large concrete pyramids were installed to protect the rest of Switzerland from an invasion during World War II. The trail is beautiful in any season, but can be muddy just after rain.
Hopefully this list of interesting places in the Geneva environs will help you the next time you have out of town visitors. What is your favorite place to take your guests? Add your suggestions in the comments.
Living In Geneva 