I kicked off this summer with a trip to Switzerland and France. I’ve already posted my photos from the end of the trip when I spent my final 6 nights in Paris (
photos here). These are my photos from the start of the trip. I stayed for 3 nights in Geneva and used it as my base for visiting other areas along the shore of Lake Geneva/lac Léman. I very much enjoyed Switzerland!
1. Arriving at the train station at the Geneva airport.
2. Downtown Geneva train station.
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5. After checking into the Airbnb, we headed right to the waterfront for a stroll.
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16. Heading up to Geneva’s Vieille Ville (Old Town).
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37. Back to the waterfront for lunch.
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41. Checking out the botanic gardens.
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45. The next morning my friend and I took a train to Lausanne, which I found more enjoyable to explore than Geneva (not that I disliked Geneva).
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50. Checking out the main cathedral.
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56. Exploring Lausanne’s Vieille Ville which was very lively and vibrant on this Saturday afternoon.
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68. Now heading downhill toward the waterfront through Ouchy, the lovely port and resort area for Lausanne.
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70. Stopping at the Beau Rivage for an afternoon glass of wine and snacks.
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75. Can’t visit Lausanne without a visit to the Olympic Museum since it is the home of the International Olympic Committee.
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78. Strolling along the waterfront after visiting the Olympic Museum.
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82. It’s a lengthy uphill hike back to the main train station. Fortunately, Lausanne has an automated Metro line running north-south, allowing for a quick & easy ride back up to the main train station.
83. They even have platform screen doors!
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87. Arriving at the main train station to make our way back to Geneva.
88. Back in Geneva.
89. Heading off to dinner in Geneva’s Vieille Ville.
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94. Sunday morning was quiet on the downtown streets of Geneva as my friend and I made our way to the train station to travel off to the eastern end of Lake Geneva/lac Léman.
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97. Arriving at Château de Chillon.
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102. Such beautiful views from the castle, including of the snow-capped Alps.
103. We walked along the waterfront from the castle to Montreux. This walk may have been my favorite experience of my entire time in Switzerland and France. It was such a beautiful environment! Here the trail parallels the train line.
104. The micro climate along the shore of Lake Geneva/lac Léman permits vineyards/wineries and so much flora!
105. Excited to see clay courts! Not something we see much of here in the USA.
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113. Arriving into Montreux.
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116. Queen had a recording studio here. Along the waterfront is this Freddie Mercury statue.
117. In the building housing the old recording studio (now a casino) there is now a free Queen exhibit in that space.
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124. Perhaps the most elaborate Belle Époque hotel in Montreux.
125. Across from the hotel is a garden celebrating Montreux’s famous history in the jazz world. The park includes the busts of numerous famous jazz artists.
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141. Time to head back to Geneva from the Montreux train station.
142. Back in Geneva.
143. Relaxing for a bit on our top floor terrace in downtown Geneva. The architecture of the neighborhood wasn’t particularly beautiful but the location was fantastic and incredibly walkable. So convenient!
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145. Heading out for our final evening in Geneva.
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149. Arriving at Gare de Geneve on Monday morning to head off to France.
150. And we’re off, next stop Grenoble!
I had a great time in Switzerland exploring some of the communities along beautiful Lake Geneva/lac Léman. Eventually I’ll post my photos from around France, which included time in Grenoble, Lyon, Avignon, Nimes, Montpellier, and Toulouse (along with a few side visits too).
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