Excursions
For a Half Day
Chteau de Chillon and Montreux: Situated on the north shore, at the eastern end of Lake Geneva, Montreux is the gateway to skiing resorts, such as Gstaad, as well as the mountains of the Valais Cantan (of which the Matterhorn is the most famous). The town is 93km (58 miles) from Geneva and can be reached by frequent trains and ferries during the summer. Montreaux is excellent for all kinds of sports (including mountain-biking, rafting and paragliding) and close to the most famous chteau in Switzerland, the Chteau de Chillon (website: www.chillon.ch), open daily 0900-1815 from April to September, 1000-1200 and 1330-1600 from October to March). Entrance is SFr8.50. Built on Roman foundations in the 13th century, the chteau was visited by Byron, who sailed here with Shelley and consequently wrote the prose poem Prisoner of Chillon (1816). From Montreaux, the chteau can be reached by a 45-minute walk along Lake Geneva, or directly by tram 1. Montreux Tourism Pavilion Information Centre, Place du Dbarcadre (tel: (021) 962 8436; fax: (021) 963 8113; e-mail: tourism@montreux.ch; website: www.montreux.ch/tourism), provides further information.
For a Whole Day
Lausanne: This lakeside city, just 61km (38 miles) from Geneva, is easily reached by a 40-minute train journey from Cornavin station. Lausanne’s pedestrianised, hilly streets are perfect for wandering. The Rue du Pont leads to the Place de la Palud, with its fountain and Renaissance Mairie (town hall). Nearby, the turreted towers of the Romanesque-Gothic cathedral offer the best views of Lausanne, Lake Geneva and the Savoy Alps. The Muse Historique de Lausanne has a rich collection of religious art, while the Muse Cantonal des Beaux-Arts displays local artists. To the city’s south, at Quai d’Ouchy, the Olympic Museum vaunts the sporting history of Lausanne, the ‘Olympic World Capital’ (website: www.museum.olympic.org). Lausanne Tourisme is located at Avenue de Rhodanie 2, 1000 Lausanne 6 (tel: (021) 613 7373; fax: (021) 616 8647; e-mail: information@lausanne-tourisme.ch; website: www.lausanne-tourisme.ch).
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Excursions