MODES OF TRANSPORTATION

 

By Train

 

If you plan to travel around Switzerland, you have a number of rail travel options. Although some special offers require that you be under 25 years old, there are other economical options for people who don't meet the age requirement. For example, the "voie 7" pass (track 7) which can get you free train travel after 19.00, anywhere in Switzerland, costs 129 CHF for one year. Another option is the CFF Demi-tarif card, which costs 165 CHF for a one-year subscription, and entitles you half-price travel within Switzerland and reductions on some tickets to Germany and Austria, when purchased in Switzerland.

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For more information, for the map of validity for the Half-Fare Card visit: http://www.voie7.ch/abos-billets/abos/demi-tarif

 

Day passes are available for approximately 40 CHF from the Swiss Transport and Environment Association (www.vcs-ate.ch). Note that these passes must be purchased three days in advance. You can order tickets via the web, or by phone at +41 84 884 1148 (Monday-Friday, 8.00-17.30). For more information, visit the ATE web site. Click on the small ATE logo for the French version; click "Produits", then "Guichet ATE", and finally, "Cartes journalières".

 

Air
 

To explore the rest of Europe from Geneva, check out EasyJet.com and Fly Baboo. They both have cheap fares to a number of European destinations. Also, Swiss.com advertises on-line specials as well as "last minute" fares, posted each Wednesday at noon.

 

ACTIVITIES

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Hiking Le Saleve

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Looking over the city like a big brother, Mount Saleve sits in Geneva’s backyard just 5km from the city center. A monthly bus pass also includes free access to the telepherique which goes up the Salève. (For students 25 years old and under, this would otherwise cost 12 CHF, return.) There are beautiful views of the Jura and the Mont- Blanc from the top, as well as nice walking trails.

 

The Friends of the Saleve association takes groups up for free every Sunday, or you can go on your own pretty easily.

A cable car makes the trip up and down even easier. There are also at least two launch stations for paragliders, so bring your chute if you're so inclined.

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Note: for those without a bus pass and who want to try save 12 CHF by making the hike, this is not recommended unless you are an experienced hiker, with good maps and proper equipment. It is easy to get on the wrong trail and end up in a dangerous situation, especially if it starts to rain or get dark.

 

Wine Tasting

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Although not known for its wine, Geneva’s wine growing region is easily the most picturesque in the world and the largest in Switzerland, producing 13.5 million liters annually. Most vineyards offer tasting, though some by appointment only. See www.wine.ch/index.htm for a complete list of wineries and events.

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La Route de Vignoble or the ‘Road of the Vineyard’ (www.routeduvignoble.ch) is a popular tasting route connecting some forty vineyards in and around Geneva. The route is well marked and easily conquered by bike or on foot.

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A similar course at Parcours Dardagny (www.balade-viticole.com) presents a full history of winegrowing in Geneva along a 7km trail through the Dardagny vineyard with tasting in the main house.

 

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Rafting and Kayaking

With two raging rivers running through town, Geneva has prime rapids right at its doorstep.

 

Rafting Adventure Centre

Location: Quai des Vernets 8

Contact: 079 213 4140 

Website: https://rafting.ch/home/

The Centre offers multiple tours including daily half day rafting trips down the Arve River for 75CHF and full day excursions on the Dranse for 95CHF. Kayaking and canoeing adventures are organized by request. Beautiful scenery is guaranteed but don’t expect to stay dry for too long.

 

Rafting Loisirs

Location: Chemin des Marais 52, Veyrier

Contact: 022 784 0205

Website: www.rafting-loisirs.ch

Located in Veyrier, Loisirs offers two basic rafting and kayaking courses, both on the Rhone River, from Jonction to Passerelle de Chèvre and from Chancy to the Carnot Bridge. Both trips are suitable for beginners and last approximately two hours. 70 CHF per person. 

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Skiing

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With over 200 ski resorts with 100km of the city, Geneva is arguably the greatest skiing hub in the world. The Gare Routiere Bus Station offers daily round trips, including lift tickets, to top ski destinations including Chamonix, Clusaz, Avoriaz, Diablerets, Les Gets, Les Houches, Flaine, Grand Bornand and Contamines. 

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Check www.gare-routiere.ch for reservations and departure times.

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There are also a number of ski clubs in Geneva that organize regular outings for all experience levels. Check with the Ski Club of Geneva (www.skiclubgeneve.ch) for the latest news and information.

 

Geneva is ideally situated to explore the surrounding lake and mountainside areas. There are countless smaller towns and villages within easy reach of the city just waiting to be discovered by adventurous day trippers.

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DESTINATIONS

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Lausanne

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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.

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Pays De Gex (St. Genis - Gex - Divonne)

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Pays de Gex and its surrounding towns are famous for the local hot springs that permeate the area and are said to have healing powers. Every town has its own resort with public thermal baths and adjoining health and spa facilities. Located just 15 km north of Geneva at the foot of the Jura mountain range. Divonne lies on the border with French-speaking Switzerland, between the foot of the Jura mountains and Lake Geneva. In Divonne, there is a lively market on Sundays and a succession of cultural and sporting events throughout the year.
 

Montreux

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For the first two weeks in July, Montreux transforms into the coolest place in Switzerland during the world famous Montreux jazz festival (www.montreuxjazz.com/). But Montreux is worth visiting anytime of year for its incredible close up views of the Swiss Alps looming overhead and its beautiful lakefront promenade. The city was originally intended as a resort area and retains its resort atmosphere with many large old-style hotels located throughout the city.

 

Chillon

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Chillon castle (http://www.chillon.ch/en/index.cfm) 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.

 

Gruyeres

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If you’re looking for the consummate Swiss alpine village, look no further than Gruyeres (www.la-gruyere.ch/). 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.

 

Annemasse

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Annemasse is located just over the boarder in France at the foot of Mont Saleve. The town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with skydiving, parasailing and paragliding ranking among the most popular sports due the town’s close proximity the mountains. The nearby villages of Ville-La-Grand, Gaillard, Ambilly, Vetraz-Monthoux, and Etremieres are equally as active and as beautiful and offer quaint alternatives to the more touristic Annemasse.
 

Annecy

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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 its 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.
 

Chamonix

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Located across the Arve Valley approximately 90 minutes from Geneva by car, Chamonix is home to world class ski resorts and abounding with outdoor activities of every extreme. The two stage cable car to the top of the Aiguille du Midi is popular with day trippers and promises second-to-none views of the Alps on a clear day.

 

Zermatt And The Matterhorn

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The railway has direct connections in Brig and Visp to the modern narrow-gauge railway of the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway, which arrives in Zermatt after an hour and a half ride through the rugged and romantic Nicolaital valley.

 

For more information on what to do in Zermatt: https://www.zermatt.ch/en

 

The Matterhorn (German), Cervino (Italian) or Cervin (French), is a mountain in the Pennine Alps. With its 4,478 metres (14,692 ft) high summit, lying on the border between Switzerland and Italy, it is one of the highest peaks in the Alps and its 1,200 metres (3,937 ft) north face is one of the Great north faces of the Alps.