10 Beautiful Day Trips from Geneva You’ll Love to Take!

Last Updated on 26th June 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.

Geneva is Switzerland’s second most populous city. Surrounded by mountains, it is best known as the birthplace of watchmaking and famed for its chocolate. Geneva sits on the Switzerland-France border offering countless possibilities when it comes to finding day trips.

Beyond the city boundaries lies an abundance of destinations you might not have heard of, and thanks to its geographical location a blend of cultures too. From charming lakeside towns, medieval treasures and mountain retreats, to vineyards and châteaus, here’s your ultimate guide to the best day trips from Geneva!

Getting around

As when travelling through much of Europe outside of the big cities, the easiest way to get to many of these destinations tends to be with your own transport (check car rental comparison prices here). However, Geneva is well connected by public transport and it’s completely possible to rely on trains and buses to reach most destinations.

What’s important to mention about these day trips is that a lot of the locations are based in France, which you need to keep in mind when using currency. Although most major stores in Switzerland will accept euros, that is not the case in France with the Swiss franc. So, be sure to keep this in mind when travelling between the two countries!

10+ Best Day Trips

Annecy, France

Close to Colmar and on the Swiss-French border, the charming lakeside town of Annecy awes travellers throughout the year. Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the Alps’ thanks to its abundance of waterways snaking their way through the pretty town.

You’ll want to allow yourself at least two to three hours during your time in Annecy to simply wander around its little streets. Here, you can explore the picturesque old town, the impressive Cathedral of Saint Pierre and the Renaissance palace turned museum, Château d’Annecy.

One of the most iconic things to visit in Annecy is Palais de l’Île, a mesmerising 12th-century building that looks as if it’s been plucked straight out of a fairytale. Once a former prison, mint, and administrative centre, today the building is a museum showcasing its former uses.

Situated next to the Medieval settlement lies the stunning Lake Annecy, which boasts crystal-clear waters and several beaches scattered around its shoreline. A beautiful spot to admire views of the lake from is the  ‘Lover’s Bridge’. Local legends suggest that if two lovers kiss in the middle of the bridge then they will stay together for life!

Annecy offers visitors a taste of history, allowing them to soak up its charm, as well as enjoy the abundance of outdoor pursuits available. Whether it’s swimming, sailing in the lake, or venturing along one of the many nearby hiking trails, there’s something for everyone in this little town.

By car: The fastest route takes just under 1 hour to drive.

Public transport: The train takes 1.5 hours (1 change). Alternatively, you could opt to book a Annecy Half-Day Trip from Geneva.

Mont Salève, France

Situated just across the French border, Mont Salève is hands down, the easiest day trip from Geneva and a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural landscape!

Mont Salève, better known as just Salève, is a mountain of the French Prealps. Although it lies within the French side of the border, the mountain has come to be a symbol of Geneva and is very much part of the city’s identity.

It’s a popular destination for those looking for a tranquil and relaxing escape from city life. Salève has been nicknamed the ‘balcony of Geneva’ thanks to the stunning panoramic views it offers at the top.

Stretching 1,379 meters high into the sky, on a clear day it’s even possible to see one of Europe’s most popular mountains, Mont Blanc. The summit is reachable via a 5-minute cable car or a hike which takes just under 3 hours to complete and is considered to be a moderately challenging route.

By car: The fastest route takes around 40 minutes to drive.

Public transport: Take the bus line number 8 and get off at the stop Veyrier Douane, this will take around 25 minutes. You can take the cable car from here.

Lake Tour of the Lake of Geneva

Lake Geneva, known as Lac Léman in French, is the largest body of water in the Alps region. The crescent-shaped lake is shared over Switzerland and France, so taking a tour by water means you can technically hop from one country to another.

Lake Geneva is considered a resort city and is brimming with things to see and do. Whether it’s exploring the nature trails, relaxing on one of the many beaches, or visiting one of the museums that are dotted about in the area. It’s also a great spot for those who love water activities such as paddle boarding, water skiing and snorkelling.

One of the best ways to view the Geneva skyline and its surrounding mountains is by water. And, if you’re lucky to be on the boat at the right time, you may get to see the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain shoot water a whopping 140 meters high into the sky. Book a scenic lake tour like this one.

By car: Driving around the entirety of Lake Geneva takes around 2 hours, so it really depends on which part you go to.

Public transport: The best way to get around Lake Geneva is either by train (45 minutes) or the bus line number 271 (1.5 hours). Or, by boat!

Château de Chillon, Switzerland

This stunning island medieval castle can be found on the shores of Lake Geneva and is often said to be the most beautiful castle in Switzerland, and as such its beauty makes it the country’s most visited historic monument.

The castle keep and chapel are said to be the earliest parts of the castle, dating back to the 11th century. The ancient structure is widely considered one of the best-preserved medieval European castles.

For a small fee, you can visit the castle and take a guided tour of its underground passageways, grand banquet hall and famous latrines! (there are way more toilets in this castle than any other in Europe…and they are over 700 years old).

On a clear day, the castle’s many turrets, spires, and beautiful architecture reflect perfectly on the surface of the lake, offering visitors an enchanting view of the medieval fortress (and that Instagram picture-perfect shot)!

By car: The fastest route takes 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive.

Public transport: Take the train to Veytaux-Chillon, this takes around 1 hour 20 minutes, and there are trains that leave every 10 minutes.

Chamonix & Mont Blanc, France

Nestled at the foot of the towering mountain Mont Blanc lies Chamonix, a small resort area which sits at the junction between Switzerland, France and Italy. The Chamonix Valley is best known as a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts, with cable cars running up to the summit all year round.

Mont Blanc is the highest peak of the Alps, standing at a staggering 4,809 meters, and as such, it is one of the tallest mountains in Europe. Reaching the summit of Mont Blanc has become an ultimate objective for mountaineers all across the world!

By car: The fastest route to Chamonix takes around 1 hour 10 minutes.

Public transport: A direct bus takes 1 hour 10 minutes.

Montreux, France

Montreux is a cultural hub that, similar to Geneva, sits on Lake Geneva and is surrounded by mountains. The city is best known for its Jazz Festival, September Music Festival and other music events that bring the vibrant city to life each year.

Explore the old town which exudes art and creativity as it clings to the steep slopes of the hillside. Here you’ll find breathtaking views and the beautiful 15th-century church of Saint-Vincent.

The old part of the city is also the starting point for the famous Chauderon Gorges path, which is a unique and stunning trail that leads into the natural landscape.

By car: The fastest route takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to drive.

Public transport: A direct train takes just over 1 hour.

Yvoire, France

The floral town of Yvoire is a medieval delight where the fragrant scent of flowers can be smelt throughout. Located in France, this beautiful village is known for its charm and the alleyways that connect it to Lake Geneva.

The most unique and beautiful attraction to visit in Yvoire is the enchanting, Garden of Five Senses. This glorious oasis of green draws inspiration from the Middle Ages and comprises of eight different gardens within the grounds. Introducing a sensory overload, visitors are welcome to experience the various odours, textures, flavours and virtues of their plant collection.

Within the medieval village, you can also see its fortified remains and take a photograph of the beautiful Château d’Yvoire, which was built in 1305, though it is not open to the public.

By car: The fastest route takes 45 minutes to drive.

Public transport: The best way is to take the bus line 271, which also takes around 45 minutes.

Lavaux Vineyards, Switzerland

Most people don’t think of wine when they think of Switzerland. But Switzerland is blessed with possibly the most beautiful wine region in the world!

Known as the Vineyard Terraces of Lavaux, this unique wine region is one of Switzerland’s hidden gems and is named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stunning terraced vineyards of the region trace back to the 11th century and sprawl out across a steep hill along the coast.

The region is dominated by three different grape varieties, making delicious white wine from Chasselas and velvety red wines from Pinot Noir and Gamay grapes, covering around 85% of the wine produced.

There are around 200 wineries in the Lavaux region, many of which have been owned by the same family for generations. From the wineries along the Vineyard Terraces of Lavaux, you can see across Lake Geneva to the French Alps, offering visitors a truly enchanting place to sip on a glass of local wine!

By car: To visit more than a handful of wineries and go winery hopping (especially to the more remote ones), you will need your own transport or take a taxi around.

Public transport: If you have a whole day to visit the vineyards, there is a train station in the nearby village of Saint-Saphorin, from here you can plan a route and enjoy a hike through the Swiss wine countryside.

Gruyères, Switzerland

It will probably come as no surprise that Gruyères is home to the world-famous Gruyère cheese. Perched atop a hillside, nestled between the rolling green hills of the landscape, the historic town of Gruyères boasts stunning views of the Swiss Prealps and is filled with several heritage sites of national significance.

Of course, no visit to Gruyères would be complete without sampling some cheese! The classic way to consume cheese in Switzerland is to have it in the gooey and melted form of cheese fondue, often served with bread or potatoes and pickles.

Home to an abundance of unique museums including the Tibet Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of Buddhist art in the world, more than 350 works of Himalayan art that date back to the 6th century.

There’s also the HR Giger Museum which showcases the works of the Swiss artist Hans Ruedi Giger, known for his participation in the film Alien. Be prepared for a surreal and nightmarish visit here!

Walk along the ramparts promenade and take in the remains of Gruyère’s medieval fortifications and the surrounding views. And, at the highest point of the village, you can visit the 13th-century castle which is one of the most famous in Switzerland and is best known for being adorned with beautiful stained glass windows.

By car: The fastest route to drive takes around 1 hour 50 minutes.

Public transport: There’s no direct way to get there via train, you will need to make a couple of changes and it takes around 2 hours 10 minutes to get there.

Pérouges, France

As if stepping back in time, Pérouges is filled with quaint cobbled lanes and architecture that’s straight from the Middle Ages. This well-preserved and peaceful village is often ranked as one of the most beautiful villages in France, and after a visit to Pérouges you will understand why!

The population of Pérouges is around 1,200, but only 80 inhabitants reside within the main walls of the city. The village itself is perched atop a hill that overlooks views of the River Ain.

Simply wandering around and soaking up the charm and tranquillity of the town is the best way to experience Pérouges. You’ll likely only need 1-1.5 hours exploring here as the village is pretty tiny.

By car: The fastest route takes 1.5 hours to drive.

Public transport: You can take a direct train which takes around 1 hour 40 minutes to Meximieux – Pérouges, from here it is a 30 minute walk.

Lausanne, Switzerland

The city of Lausanne is characterised by its charming Swiss architecture and fairytale rooftops. Situated just across the lake from France boasting of views overlooking the beautiful Lac Léman and over towards the Alps.

Simply wandering around the cobbled lanes and seeing what treasures you stumble across is the best way to experience Lausanne. Take a peek inside the Palais Rumine and explore the natural science and history museum it houses or visit Musée de l’Elysée, which is one of the most important museums dedicated to photography.

In the city, you’ll also find Lausanne Cathedral which is reputedly the most beautiful Gothic building in Switzerland, and also a museum dedicated entirely to the Olympics. After all, Lausanne is home to the International Olympic Committee Headquarters!

By car: The fastest route to drive is 1.5 hours.

Public transport: A direct train takes around 40 minutes.

Evian les Bains, France

More famously known as the home of Evian water, where the water is “the way nature intended”, Evian les Bains is located in France and thanks to its proximity to the city, can easily be seen as a day trip from Lausanne.

Evian-Les-Bains is a French spa resort town that sits on the water’s edge and whose natural spring water has long been bottled up and sold as the popular natural mineral water you’ve likely purchased at one time in a supermarket.

Aside from bottled water, Evian les Bains is famed for its thermal pools and for its steep incline of roads that lead to breathtaking views overlooking Switzerland!

How to get there: The best way to reach Evian les Bains is to take a ferry from Lausanne. There are no car ferries, so it’s pedestrian only. The journey takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, if you want to drive it takes around 1 hour to drive from Lausanne.

Looking for more travel inspiration while visiting Geneva? It’s no secret that Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. That’s why we’ve created a useful guide on how to visit Geneva on a budget!

Enjoyed reading about the best day trips to take from Geneva? Pin this article now, read it again later: