Holidayjj

We only have two days in Geneva (May). My questions are should be stay in the City and see sights from that location or stay at a hotel in Montreux (which we were told not to miss) I understand Montreux is approx. 2 hrs. from airport.. Any help would be great Thank you.

PalenQ

Montreux is 75 minutes from Geneva Airport - usually involving and including a simple change of trains at Geneva Cornavin (main) train station. Twice hourly - just buy tickets when you land - no need to pre-book, etc on these trains.

For lots of good info on Swiss trains check out www.swisstravelsystem.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

Vevey is another more romantic and smaller place than modern Geneva - many seem to prefer Vevey even over Montreux - Vevey lovingly sticks out into Lake Geneva - can't go wrong with either one.

Take boat trips on the lake from either Vevey and Montreux - one nice float goes across the lake to Evian-les-Bains, a spiffy French resort - famous for Evian bottled water.

Don't miss the Chateau Chillon lakeside just a few miles from Montreux - lovely walks along the lake on paths or you can go by bus, train or boat right to the castle - the train line incredibly seems to run right thru the castle, made famous by Lord Byron I believe.

A day in each Montreux and Vevey would be great and very relaxing compared IME to Geneva, which does have its good points but just that those other two smaller towns will more fulfill your idea of old-worldish Europe.

joannyc

I'd go to Montreux. Lovely town. See the Chateau de Chillon, go to Gruyere for fondue, Broc for the chocolate factory.

Yvoire, France is between Geneva and Montreux. It is a gorgeous, medieval town along the lake and well worth a few hours.

https://www.google.com/search?q=yvoi...w=1280&bih=902

suze

Geneva doesn't do a thing for me.

I'd stay out in Vevey or Montreux (they are a bit over 1 hour from the airport by train, not nearly 2 hours) and spend all my time between those two. They are incredibly charming, beautiful towns, right on Lac Leman, mountains in the distance. Stunning. http://www.montreux.ch/

Geneva is a huge international-style city, nothing very "Swiss" feeling about it imo.

suze

Check the train schedule. When I was there (5 times, but not for awhile now) there was one train each hour that went straight thru out to Vevey and Montreux. Others you had to switch in Lausanne.

PalenQ

Yes suze is right - direct trains hourly to Montreux right from the airport - otherwise a simple change of trains in Lausanne, not Geneva Cornavin as I incorrectly said above.

Holidayjj

Thank you all for your quick responses. I will definitely NOT stay in Geneva. Train definitely seems the way to go and knowing it runs hourly and located at airport. Piece of cake. Or should I say chocolate. Thank you

suze

If you happen to be in Vevey on Tues or Sat morning or Montreux on Fri morning find the open air farmers street markets, they are wonderful!

Old Town Montreux, Chateau de Chillon, Rochers de Naye tram (if the weather's good), and strolling the lakeside quai in both towns are all interesting things to see & do.

swandav2000

Hi Holidayjj,

Where are you going next on your trip?

The best way to get to Chillon imo is to walk there from Montreux along the flowered lakeside path, about 45 minutes. It's lovely to continue walking along the path to the next town, Villeneuve, which is another 45 minutes -- tourists never get that far! You can have a bit to eat in Villeneuve, then take the town bus #201 back to Montreux (your hosts will give you a Riviera Card, which makes the busses free).

Another good thing to do is to explore the vineyard town of Lutry. You can take the ferry to Lutry, enjoying the views of the Lavaux vineyards on the way, then explore the town and have a bit to eat. Then, you can walk through the glorious vineyards to Cully (about 2h) or to Rivaz (about 3h), then catch a train back to Montreux. If you want a shorter vineyard walk, just take the train to Chexbres and walk down to Rivaz, about 30 minutes.

Yes, exploring the old town of Montreux is fabulous, again where few tourists go. Just walk uphill from anywhere in town, and you'll be in the old town -- wander around and enjoy the views over the town and the lake from the terrace of the church up there, then continue on to Glion using the steps through the forrest. Have a bite to eat or a drink on the terrace of the Hotel Victoria, with views over to France. You can come back down on the Funicular, which runs every 15 minutes and is free with your Riviera Card.

Yes, the old town of Vevey is also worth half of a day -- its tangled streets lined with cafes and boutiques lie right next to the lake, so just get lost there until you find a nice spot for a meal.

With only two days, it would seem that you don't have the time to see Gruyeres or Broc, but if you are continuing to somewhere else in Switzerland, you may be able to see them enroute.

Have fun as you plan!

s

PalenQ

the thing I love about Vevey is that it sticks out into the lake - I picnicked on a spit of land jutting out - what an appetizing view!

suze

Wandering Vevey (per Swandav's post) if you are there mid-day watch for the workmen's lunch specials that the local places offer. You'll see a blackboard in front with one dish featured that's the special that day at that café and for a very decent price. Drink carafe house wine. Those were my best meals in Switzerland.

neckervd

Direct trains from Geneva airport to Montreux run every 30 min from 5.53am until 22.23, journey time 75min.
For panoramic views to Mont Blanc and all over Lake Geneva, you may also check accommodation at Caux, Mont Pelerin and Jongny.