18 trips around Geneva

Are you in Geneva and want to explore the region for a day? Here's our selection of trips around Geneva!

Switzerland’s gateway, Geneva is a city known to be the seat of many international organizations. It is also a city where quality of life, on the shore of Lake Geneva, is excellent, despite a very high cost of living. But Geneva is also the ideal starting point for a day’s excursions. Whether they are around the lake or above, at the mountain, in France or in Switzerland (and even at the same time, surprise!), there are for all tastes. Here are the rides around Geneva that Wanderlix has selected for you!

1. Lake Geneva

Cruises

It is possible to walk around Geneva without leaving the city! To do this, just board from the Geneva radius to spend the day on the lake during a cruise. An original idea to discover the coastal wonders of Switzerland’s largest lake and escape a few hours.

Cycling tours

Always from Geneva and if you like cycling, do not hesitate to junction your bicycle to travel the roads around the lake. A good part of the journey is marked for a safe ride.

You can reach Lausanne, Évian or Montreux. If you are well trained and had the love of the pedal, it is even possible to ride the lake but the legs will be heavy in the evening!

2. Yvoire

Unknown city, Yvoire borders Lake Geneva on the French side and offers a wonderful ride around Geneva. It is even part of the association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France . On the menu you will discover a medieval village fortified and well preserved for a walk between paved streets and stone houses.

It is the castle of Yvoire, dating from the 13th century and private property, which is the symbol of this medieval era. The other remarkable point of the village is the Jardin des Cinq Sens, located in front of the castle, allows to discover many plants through a plant labyrinth. Finally, don’t hesitate to taste the fishes of Lake Geneva including one of the many restaurants.

3. Annecy

The beautiful Annecy is a must-see for walks around Geneva. Known as the Venice of the Alps, it would be almost there for its wonderful old town with its canal du Thiou, its stone houses and its castle. The canal cruise is the best way to admire it as close as possible.

The other main visit of the city is the Lake Annecy , place for hiking , various activities and rest. We can even do stand-up paddle!

4. Lausanne

The capital of Olympism is a beautiful discovery. Of course, it’s a trip around Geneva that is compulsory for sports enthusiasts with its Olympic Museum that makes unanimous for its excellence and its very beautiful general setting.

Then you can walk in the old town with its paved alleys and sometimes (very!) leaned. The organ is undoubtedly the place of the Palud, its colourful fountain and its animated clock with its parade every day at 9am and 7pm! Don't miss the beautiful cathedral either. Finally, if the weather allows, you can pre-fill on one of the beaches of the lake!

5. Thonon-les-Bains

Ah, Thonon, she's decidedly hard to make a name! It must be said that it is very different from its famous neighbor Évian: mineral water, spa, shores of Lake Geneva... Yet, Thonon has unique riches that make the city a pleasant ride among the rides around Geneva.

Let us quote from the beginning the estate of the Ripaille and its castle, a 13th century manor house surrounded by an important wine estate. Also don’t hesitate to borrow the funicular to enjoy the superb view from Belvedere Park. Finally, you can discover the ecomusée devoted to fishing.

6. Evian-les-Bains

The famous neighbor of Thonon! If some feel it a little bling-bling. Evian, it is nevertheless a city where it makes good living and offering beautiful walks. Of course, you can enjoy the casino or the large swimming pool on the lake.

However, you would pass next to the richness of this thermal city. You can already visit one of the city’s famous spas for a few moments of relaxation or enjoy the many activities offered on the lake. It is also possible to visit the beautiful Light Palace during an exhibition. Finally, we also discover the source of the famous water, the source Cachat !

7. Lake Joux

If you want a water plan in the middle of nature, then go to Lake Joux, the largest in Jura . A unique place for relaxation the time of a trip around Geneva. In the beautiful days, you can enjoy a picnic, a swimming and activities of the lake.

In all seasons, except the days of great cold, it is the ideal place for hiking, cycling or simply enjoying the fresh air of the mountain all around.

8. Parc nature régional Jura Vaudois

It is in this park that Lake Joux is located to which one can devote the day. But many other activities are possible. We discover a breathtaking nature by taking advantage of magnificent views to discover charming villages. Quite rare today, we can also cross cows at liberty!

9. La Clusaz

From Geneva, you can enjoy the 132km ski resort of La Clusaz, the resort being very close. It has retained its authenticity as a village of the Aravis where the Savoyard chalet has not left room for large residences.

Also fans of powder will be enchanted by the variety of ski resorts. In the summer, you can enjoy beautiful mountain hikes, sports activities such as mountain biking and pure air.

10. Monts Jura

Situated on three ski areas, Monts Jura is an accessible ski resort for a walk around Geneva. With 60km of slopes, it is suitable for all types of skiers and has a majority of green and blue slopes, ideal for beginners.

In the summer, there are many mountain bike trails and hikes. Don’t miss the walk to the top of the Faucille Pass, from which a magnificent view of Lake Geneva awaits you.

11. Saint-Gingolph

Ok, Saint-Gingolph is not as magical as other cities bordering Lake Geneva, even if you can make some nice walks or recharge.

But the main attraction of the village is that it is simply separated in two by the Franco-Swis border! So yes, officially, there are two Saint-Gingolph, one in France and Switzerland. Schengen obliges, this border is rather symbolic, even if control is not excluded. Passing from one side to another, you can clearly see the difference between the two villages!

12. Megève

The chic Megève can accommodate travellers for a day’s time for a ride around Geneva. Of course, winter is conducive to the traditional mountain activities with nearly 480km of slopes.

Yet it is summer that reveals all the charms of the resort. Megève is indeed a medieval and authentic mountain village, which has preserved all its ancient charm. Hiking all around also allows you to discover a beautiful region!

13. Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Regardless of the season, the Chamonix Mont-Blanc station is one of the most important walks around Geneva. Of course, in winter, you can practice skiing on a hundred tracks for all levels and enjoy a magnificent setting.

In the summer, you can make beautiful hikes or, for experienced mountaineers, climb very high, up to Mont Blanc for the best trained! In all seasons, the cable car scary of the Aiguille du Midi takes you to almost 4,000 meters, for an unforgettable panorama

14. La Riviera vaudoise

From Corsica to Villeneuve, including the famous Montreux, is what is called the Vaudian Riviera. Integrament located in the canton of Vaud, it is 13km from a beautiful coast to discover charming villages.

These villages include Veytaux and its castle, Vevey, Villeneuve or La Tour-de-Peilz. Also don’t miss the Chaplin’s World Museum, located in Corsier-sur-Vevey in the old house of the famous actor.

15. Montreux

To see/to do: Statue of Freddie Mercury and Queen The Studio Experience, Casino, Château de Chillon, Promenade au bord du lac / 93km Geneva, Train from Geneva in 58 minutes, 1h10 by car

Nicknamed the capital of the Vaudian Riviera, Montreux deserves one of these walks around Geneva alone. It must be said that she resembles a city of the Côte d’Azur , with this side a little jet-set and the presence of a large casino. But Montreux, it is also a pleasant city where to spend the day, especially walking along the lake.

Montreux is the former residence of Freddie Mercury and its statue, a raised arm, is the emblem of the city! Inside the casino, we discover a studio where Queen recorded some albums. Finally, the castle of Chillon in Veytaux, mentioned in the previous paragraph, is close to the city.

16. Gruyères

Dear cheese lovers, this trip around Geneva is made for you! It is indeed in this district of Gruyère (without s) that the famous yellow cheese was invented. The city of Gruyères (with s) is the symbol and welcomes the Maison du Gruyère to discover how the cheese is made, as well as its huge vats.

But reducing Gruyères to his cheese would be to him injure. Indeed, it is a beautiful medieval village with an old pedestrian town where paved streets and typical houses of the region cross. There is also a beautiful castle dating from the 15th century. Finally, for lovers of futuristic and strange art or simply by curiosity, visit the HR Giger Museum, named after a Swiss artist.

17. Lake Neuchâtel

One of the largest Swiss lakes is a beautiful setting for a relaxing moment. Less frequented than Lake Geneva, it is a popular place for nautical activities and hikes in summer, as well as walks along the lake in all seasons.

Through a cruise, it is possible to navigate on this lake and its two neighbors, Lac de Bienne and Lac de Morat.

18. Glacier 3000

We finish our selection by Glacier 3000, among the most amazing rides around Geneva. At the top you will discover a splendid panorama, attractions including a small Russian mountain and a bridge to pass from one ridge to another.

Sensations guaranteed!