If you’re seeking a Swiss vacation with a French twist, make your way to Geneva.
This global city, home to some of the world’s largest organizations, boasts postcard-perfect views, museums aplenty, and Europe’s largest alpine lake. Yet, one of the best reasons to visit Geneva might be its prime location near Switzerland’s border with France.
Whether you’re in the mood for Swiss chocolate or French baguettes, Geneva is your ticket to discovering the best of both worlds.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Didier Marti. Image Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
Best day trips from Geneva to Swiss cities by train
Lausanne day trip from Geneva
Arrival station: Lausanne
Journey time: from 35m
Don’t blink or you’ll miss the journey from Geneva to Lausanne, a gem of a city that extends over three hills and is home to the International Olympic Committee. You can brush up on more than 100 years of sports history at The Olympic Museum, try local delicacies like cabbage-filled sausage, or visit the largest freshwater aquarium-vivarium in Europe.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld. Image Location: Bern, Switzerland
Bern day trip from Geneva
Arrival station: Bern
Journey time: from 1h 44m
From Gothic architecture to manicured parks and a variety of cultural institutions, Switzerland’s capital has something for everyone. Stroll the streets to admire the UNESCO World Heritage landmarks dating back to medieval times, see the world’s largest collection of works by Paul Klee, or wander through the enchanting Rose Garden. For a bird’s eye view of the city, climb to the top of the Bern Minster cathedral – the tallest church tower in Switzerland.
Zürich day trip from Geneva
Arrival station: Zürich
Journey time: from 2h 41m
A walk through the historic Old Town, a ride to the top of the Grossmünster, Zürich’s famous medieval church, and lunch at a café overlooking the Limmat River are the only plans you need for a relaxing day in the city. If you have a couple of hours to spare, hike to the top of the Uetliberg, Zürich’s own mountain, for an unforgettable sunset.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Amanda Pang. Image Location: Interlaken, Switzerland
Interlaken day trip from Geneva
Arrival station: Interlaken Ost
Journey time: from 2h 44m
Adventure awaits in Interlaken, the iconic resort destination nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Will you swim, take a boat cruise, sign up for tandem paragliding, or ride the train all the way to the top of Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe?
Image Credit: Getty Images, lucentius. Image Location: Chamonix, France
Best day trips from Geneva to France by train
Chamonix day trip from Geneva
Arrival station: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Journey time: from 2h 17m
Known as one of the European mountain capitals and a top destination for skiers, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc serves up stunning views of snow-capped peaks, including Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. Fun fact: this popular resort town hosted the first-ever Winter Olympics in 1924.
Image Credit: Getty Images, SCStock. Image Location: Annecy, France
Annecy day trip from Geneva
Arrival station: Annecy
Journey time: from 1h 7m
You’ll think you stepped into a fairy tale in this quaint town dubbed the “Venice of the Alps,” where a network of emerald-green canals winds under cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses. For a primer on Annecy history, head to Château d'Annecy, the medieval residence of the Counts of Geneva.
Lyon day trip from Geneva
Arrival station: Lyon Part-Dieu
Journey time: from 1h 53m
Paris may be nicknamed “The City of Light,” but if you wish to see the annual Fête des Lumières – a kaleidoscopic festival of lights – visit Lyon in December. Planning a summer trip? Soak up local trends at the famous Les Puces du Canal flea market or commune with nature at Parc de la Tête d'Or, the largest urban park in France.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Montmarte, Paris, France
Paris day trip from Geneva
Arrival station: Paris Gare de Lyon
Journey time: from 3h 13m
Whether this is your first visit to Paris or your 20th, there is always plenty to see, hear and savor in the city that needs no introduction. If you depart from Geneva in the morning, you’ll have plenty of time to check out The Louvre, stroll through historic Montmartre, and cap off the day with a boat ride down the Seine before taking the train back in the evening.
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Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Janoka82. Image Location: Switzerland