Independent travel guide to Geneva and its surroundings. New guides, itineraries and field reports on Lake Geneva, the Old Town and the Jet d'Eau, CERN and international Geneva, Carouge and the Salève, plus Lausanne, Lavaux and Montreux, Yvoire and Évian, Annecy, Chamonix and Mont Blanc, Gruyères, and Valais and Zermatt.https://www.geneva-trip.com/en-ushttps://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/annecy-vs-yvoire-which-day-trip/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/annecy-vs-yvoire-which-day-trip/Annecy or Yvoire from Geneva? A first-person comparison of both French day trips, by time, pace, and what each place is actually like.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTAnnecyYvoireday tripsFranceLake Geneva2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/best-time-to-visit-geneva/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/best-time-to-visit-geneva/When to visit Geneva depends on what you're after: lake, mountains, budget, or fewer crowds. Here's my honest breakdown by traveler profile.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTGenevabest time to visitseasonstravel planning2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/cern-visit-what-you-can-really-see/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/cern-visit-what-you-can-really-see/What a CERN visit actually gets you, why booking ahead matters, and why the underground detectors aren't always part of it.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCERNGenevascienceday trips2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/chamonix-vs-zermatt-from-geneva/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/chamonix-vs-zermatt-from-geneva/Chamonix is a 1-hour day trip from Geneva; Zermatt is a 4-hour trip that needs a night. Here's how I decide which mountain to visit.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTChamonixZermattMont BlancMatterhornday trips2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/crossing-into-france-from-geneva/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/crossing-into-france-from-geneva/How border crossings from Geneva into France really work: ID rules, customs checks, the airport's French sector, and travel times to Chamonix, Annecy.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTFranceBorder CrossingDay TripsGeneva Airport2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/does-it-snow-in-geneva/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/does-it-snow-in-geneva/Geneva rarely gets serious snow — it sits at 375m by the lake. Here's what actually happens in winter, and where to find real snow nearby.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTGenevawintersnowweather2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/free-things-to-do-in-geneva/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/free-things-to-do-in-geneva/What's actually free in Geneva, what needs booking weeks ahead, and what I'd stop calling free entirely — from someone who checked.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTBudgetGenevaFree Activities2026CERNhttps://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/geneva-airport-french-sector-explained/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/geneva-airport-french-sector-explained/How Geneva Airport's French sector actually works: what it lets you skip, what ID you still need, and how to find it on arrival.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTGeneva AirportFranceChamonixTransport2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/geneva-in-summer-lake-season/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/geneva-in-summer-lake-season/What June-August in Geneva really feels like: swimming spots, the Jet d'eau, lake cruises, long light, crowds, and what to book ahead.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTGenevaLake GenevaSummerSwimming2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/geneva-in-winter-what-is-open/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/geneva-in-winter-what-is-open/I checked what really runs in Geneva in winter: museums, CERN, the Christmas market, the Jet d'eau, and the Bains des Pâquis sauna.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTgenevawinterwhat to do2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/geneva-old-town-what-to-see/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/geneva-old-town-what-to-see/How Geneva's Old Town is actually laid out, where the hills and cobbles are, and a sensible order to walk St-Pierre Cathedral and its streets.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTGenevaOld TownSwitzerland2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/geneva-transport-card-what-it-covers/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/geneva-transport-card-what-it-covers/The free Geneva Transport Card comes from your hotel, not a booth. Here's what it covers, how long it lasts, and what to confirm at check-in.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTGenevatransportbudget travel2026practical tipshttps://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/geneva-vs-zurich-which-to-visit/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/geneva-vs-zurich-which-to-visit/Geneva or Zurich? A first-person breakdown of language, lake, access to the Alps and France, and train times, without declaring a fake winner.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTGenevaZurichSwitzerland2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/geneva-with-kids-what-actually-works/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/geneva-with-kids-what-actually-works/What really works with children in Geneva: Bains des Pâquis, the Jet d'eau from the pier, lakefront parks, and short outings over long formal tours.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTGenevafamily travelkids2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/getting-to-chamonix-from-geneva-airport/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/getting-to-chamonix-from-geneva-airport/How I actually get from Geneva Airport to Chamonix — shuttles, private transfers, bus/train, and car rental, with honest price and time ranges.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTChamonixGeneva AirportTransportMont Blanc2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/is-geneva-expensive-real-prices/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/is-geneva-expensive-real-prices/Real Geneva prices in Swiss francs for coffee, lunch and transport, and why the city's cost reputation is only half the story.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTGenevabudget travelSwitzerlandSwiss francs2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/jet-deau-when-it-actually-runs/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/jet-deau-when-it-actually-runs/Geneva's Jet d'eau is free and iconic, but wind, cold and maintenance switch it off. Here's what I've learned about seeing it running.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTGenevaJet d'eaufree things to do2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/lavaux-vs-valais-wine-country/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/lavaux-vs-valais-wine-country/Lavaux and Valais are not the same trip. I compare distance from Geneva, scenery, and grapes so you pick the right one for your time.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTLavauxValaiswineLake GenevaSwitzerland2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/matterhorn-from-geneva-the-real-distance/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/matterhorn-from-geneva-the-real-distance/The Matterhorn isn't visible from Geneva and isn't nearby — it's in Zermatt, about 4 hours away, and not even the Alps' highest peak.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTMatterhornZermattGenevaValaisDay Trips2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/mont-blanc-is-in-france-not-switzerland/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/mont-blanc-is-in-france-not-switzerland/Mont Blanc, Chamonix and the Aiguille du Midi sit in France, not Switzerland — the real geography, and how to get there from Geneva.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTMont BlancChamonixFranceday trips from Geneva2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/paying-in-francs-not-euros/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/paying-in-francs-not-euros/Switzerland isn't in the EU and Geneva uses francs, not euros. Here's what paying in euros actually costs you, and what I do instead.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTgenevacurrencyswiss francsbudgeting2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/switzerland-is-in-schengen-not-the-eu/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/switzerland-is-in-schengen-not-the-eu/Switzerland is in Schengen but not the EU — here's what that really means for border checks, currency, and customs around Geneva.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTSwitzerlandSchengenEuropean UnionBorder Crossing2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/tipping-in-switzerland-what-is-expected/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/tipping-in-switzerland-what-is-expected/Service is included by law in Swiss prices. Here's what I actually do at restaurants, bars, taxis and hotels in Geneva — no percentage math required.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTtippingswitzerlandgenevabudget2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/trains-versus-buses-around-lake-geneva/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/trains-versus-buses-around-lake-geneva/How I actually get between Geneva, Nyon, Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux — when the train wins, when the bus is the only option, and what the transport card.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTlake genevapublic transporttrainsswitzerland2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/two-days-in-geneva-is-it-enough/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/two-days-in-geneva-is-it-enough/Two days covers Geneva's center comfortably, but not a mountain or France day trip too. Here's the honest time math.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTGenevaTrip PlanningItinerarySwitzerland2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/why-geneva-is-not-the-swiss-capital/https://www.geneva-trip.com/blog/why-geneva-is-not-the-swiss-capital/Geneva isn't Switzerland's capital — Bern is. Here's why that surprises visitors, and what Geneva's real status actually means.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTGenevaSwitzerlandBernSwiss capital2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/aigle-castles-chillon/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/aigle-castles-chillon/Château d'Aigle is a land-locked medieval fortress ringed by vineyards, home to the Wine Museum — a different kind of castle from Chillon.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTAiglecastlewine museumChablaisday trip2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/aigle-wine-lavaux/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/aigle-wine-lavaux/Aigle pairs a moated medieval castle with Chablais vineyards beyond Lavaux, an easy train ride from Geneva via Lausanne or Montreux.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTAiglewinecastleChablaisVaud2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/aiguille-du-midi-glacier-snow/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/aiguille-du-midi-glacier-snow/How the Aiguille du Midi cable car works, what altitude and weather really mean for your visit, and how to book a timed slot from Chamonix.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTAiguille du MidiChamonixMont Blanccable car2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/aiguille-du-midi-mont-blanc-excursions/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/aiguille-du-midi-mont-blanc-excursions/How to visit the Aiguille du Midi from Geneva: cable car tickets, altitude effects, and honest odds of seeing Mont Blanc on the day.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTAiguille du MidiChamonixMont Blanccable car2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/annecy-adventure-sports/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/annecy-adventure-sports/Canyoning in the gorges du Fier, via ferrata off Mont Veyrier, kayaking the lake: ground and water adventure sports around Annecy, from Geneva.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTAnnecyadventure sportscanyoninghikingLake Annecy2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/annecy-airport-transfers/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/annecy-airport-transfers/How to get from Geneva Airport to Annecy: shared shuttle, taxi, car rental, or train, with prices, times, and the border and currency change.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTannecyairport-transfersgeneva-airportfrance2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/annecy-bike-scooter-tours/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/annecy-bike-scooter-tours/A flat, traffic-free cycle path runs along Lake Annecy from the old town toward Talloires. What to expect, how to rent, and when to go.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTAnnecyLake Annecycyclingday trips2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/annecy-day-trips/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/annecy-day-trips/Plan a day trip to Annecy from Geneva: border crossing, travel times, the old town canals, Lake Annecy, and Talloires.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTAnnecyday tripsFranceLake Annecy2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/annecy-food-tours/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/annecy-food-tours/A guide to eating your way through Annecy's old town and market halls — tartiflette, reblochon, diots — as a day trip from Geneva, in euros.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTAnnecyfood toursSavoyard cuisineday trips from Geneva2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/annecy-paragliding-flights/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/annecy-paragliding-flights/How tandem paragliding over Lake Annecy works: launch site, season, weather limits, and what you'll actually see from the air.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTAnnecyparaglidingLake Annecyadventure sports2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/annecy-photo-sessions/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/annecy-photo-sessions/Where to photograph Annecy's canals, bridges and Palais de l'Isle, and how to time an early visit from Geneva around the summer crowds.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTAnnecyphotographyday trip from Genevaold town2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/annecy-scenic-flights/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/annecy-scenic-flights/How to see Lake Annecy's turquoise water from the air, near Geneva: paragliding, light aircraft and microlight options, prices and conditions.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTAnnecyscenic flightsparaglidingLake Annecyday trip from Geneva2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/annecy-walking-tours/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/annecy-walking-tours/A self-paced walk through Annecy's old town, following the Thiou canal from the Palais de l'Isle to the lake shore.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTAnnecywalking tourold towncanals2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/carouge-food-tours/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/carouge-food-tours/Where to eat and wander in Carouge, Genevas 18th-century Sardinian-built quarter of courtyard cafes, ceramicists and market stalls.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCarougeGenevafood toursartisans2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/carouge-games-workshops/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/carouge-games-workshops/How to book hands-on artisan workshops in Geneva's Carouge district: jewellery, ceramics, and small-group sessions with local makers.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCarougeGenevaworkshopsartisans2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/carouge-walking-tours/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/carouge-walking-tours/A walking guide to Carouge, Geneva's 18th-century Sardinian-built district of ochre courtyards, artisan studios, cafés and a lively market.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCarougeGenevawalking tourold town alternative2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/cern-museums-landmarks/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/cern-museums-landmarks/CERN near Geneva is free to visit but booking-only. What's open without a slot, what needs weeks of lead time, and how to get there.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTCERNscienceGenevamuseums2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/chamonix-adventure-sports/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/chamonix-adventure-sports/Aiguille du Midi, Mer de Glace, via ferrata and paragliding around Chamonix, near Geneva — what each activity really involves, and what to book ahead.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTChamonixMont Blancadventure sportsAiguille du MidiMer de Glace2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/chamonix-airport-transfers/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/chamonix-airport-transfers/How to get from Geneva Airport to Chamonix: shuttle, taxi, car rental or train, with real travel times and the border crossing explained.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTChamonixGeneva Airportairport transfersMont Blanc2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/chamonix-cheese-fondue/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/chamonix-cheese-fondue/Where to eat authentic Savoyard fondue in Chamonix, priced in euros, made with comté, beaufort and reblochon rather than Swiss cheeses.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTchamonixfonduesavoiefrance2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/chamonix-day-trips/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/chamonix-day-trips/Plan a Chamonix day trip from Geneva: border crossing, Aiguille du Midi cable car, Mer de Glace, altitude tips and realistic timing.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTChamonixMont Blancday tripsAiguille du MidiMer de Glace2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/chamonix-hiking/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/chamonix-hiking/Chamonix hiking trails from Geneva: Grand Balcon Sud, Lac Blanc, Plan de l'Aiguille — routes, distances, difficulty and what to know before you go.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTChamonixhikingMont Blancday trips from Geneva2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/chamonix-mont-blanc-excursions/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/chamonix-mont-blanc-excursions/Chamonix as a base for Mont Blanc, reached from Geneva in about 1-1.5 hours by car, across the French border into euro pricing.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTChamonixMont Blancday trips from GenevaFrance2026https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/chamonix-paragliding-flights/https://www.geneva-trip.com/guides/chamonix-paragliding-flights/Tandem paragliding above Chamonix and the Mont Blanc glaciers: how it works, what it costs, when flights actually happen, and how to get there.Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMTChamonixparaglidingMont BlancFrance2026