Day trip suggestions from Geneva, Switzerland?

[Jose R. Garrigo]

I need ideas for four or five day trips out of Geneva, Switzerland.  Can any Tripatino make suggestions?

[Max Pesling]

Hi Jose, Geneva itself is a pleasant enough city, but you're right, daytrips are essential to discovering a region with greater riches. I spent a summer in Geneva a few years ago, and I confess, but for daytrips, I would've gone mad. Some say I did anyway. In any event, here's my choice, based on my own experience. I got the actual descriptions from http://www.geneva.info/trips/ , where you'll find some other options (e.g., if you're a skier, etc.). Enjoy your trip, you'll have a blast!

 

Lausanne
Famous for its beautiful lakeside promenades, Lausanne is located just 55 km from Geneva. Lausanne’s beautiful port includes its own Old Town dating back to the 14th century as well as the ultra-modern Olympic Museum, home to the International Olympic Committee. Lausanne has also become a hot spot for clubbers from around the region.

Gruyeres

If you’re looking for the consummate Swiss alpine village, look no further than Gruyeres. You can visit the famous Gruyeres cheese factory or just take in the breathtaking mountain views from one of the city’s many terraced restaurants. The sound of cowbells is never far off and you’ll never go hungry in this beloved Swiss berg. 
Chillon 

Chillon castle is Switzerland’s most famous castle situated on a rocky outcropping on Lake Geneva’s northern shore. The castle is fully restored and furnished with a collection of excavated antique weapons, chests and other items. Daily guided and self-guided tours are offered year round.

Annecy

To many, Annecy is the most beautiful city in all of France. The city – just 35 km south of Geneva – is a must for day trippers, especially in summer. The ancient town is known for it’s incredible lake front beaches along Lake Annecy and for the maze of ancient canals running through the old town, garnering Annecy the nickname “Venice of the Savoie.” The Palais de l'Isle, Saint Peter’s Cathedral, and Annecy Castle, are major historic monuments for when you get tired of the beach.

[Keith Kellett]

I will add my recommendation of Annecy; a beautiful city ... it's possible to take a cruise on the lake, too, said to be the cleanest and clearest in Europe.

[Jose R. Garrigo]

Hi Keith, Thanks for the tip.  Annecy must be beautiful because it has been suggested by all who recommended places to go on day trips from Geneva.  One even said that "it is the most beautiful city in all of France."  Quite a statement for a country that has so many beautiful cities.

[Keith Kellett]

 Hi, Jose!

 

If it's any help to you, I just uploaded a couple of pictures.

[Jose R. Garrigo]

Hi Max, Thanks for the helpful info.  Will try to do as you suggest except going mad there.  Jose Garrigo

[Evelyn Kanter]

Take either one of the wonderful Swiss trains or a lake steamer to Lausanne to see the Olympics Museum.  At the eastern end of the lake -- also accessible by regularly scheduled trains and steamers -- are two of my favorite places, Vevey and Montreaux.  If your visit is the same time as the world-famous Montreaux Jazz Festival, lucky you.  Two must-sees in Vevey -- the Charlie Chaplin Museum (he lived in Vevey for decades), and the food museum at the original headquarters of the Nestle company.  Or, you could go 'across the border' into France.  Have fun.

[Jose R. Garrigo]

Hi Evelyn, Thanks a million for the tips.  José

[Bert Yost]

You can drive from Geneva to Chamonix and then thru the mountain pass back Martigny, Montreux, and then to Lausanne.  With a stop for  lunch in Chamonix, it takes about 6-7 hours.  A day trip to Annemasse for the morning market is also a nice way

[Jose R. Garrigo]

Hi Bert, thanks a million for the tip.