24 days in Switzerland and 4 days in Chamonix, France – Aug/Sep 2024
A traveler and her husband, both in their 60s, shared their month-long trip through Switzerland and Chamonix, highlighting their preference for walking through neighborhoods and trying local eateries. They explored cities like Geneva, Chamonix, Martigny, Sion, Arolla, Sierre, Zermatt, and Lausanne, opting for public transportation and staying in small towns to avoid tourist crowds.
- Avoid renting a car; public transportation in Switzerland is easy, flexible, and affordable.
- Use the Swiss Travel Pass for additional savings on transport and entry fees.
- Stay in smaller towns for a more authentic experience and to learn about local history and culture.
- Keep your luggage light with a small carry-on and backpack; doing laundry can help minimize what you need to bring.
AI-generated summary-
My husband and I are in our 60s and fit. We tend to not do many touristy things on vacation. We do not rush from one thing to the next. We enjoy getting to know neighborhoods through walking, and trying small restaurants, pubs, etc.
We did: 2N Geneva area, 4N Chamonix
Then, he: 12N Walker’s Haute Route — while I: 3N Martigny, 2N Sion, 1N Arolla, 6N Sierre
Later, we: 3N Zermatt, 3N Lausanne, 1N Geneva area
Takeaways:
- No need for esim; our T-Mobile Magenta plan cost no extra and provided signal 98% of the time
- No rental car: public transportation easy, flexible, affordable. All tickets purchased with SBB app except for buses in Geneva and SwissTours bus to Chamonix.
- Stay in small towns for a less-touristy feel, learn about fascinating history and culture
- We each had a small carry-on (Away luggage) and a backpack: did laundry as needed, got only small souvenirs
- Use MeteoSwiss app for accurate weather forecast
- Airline cup holder (flat, bendable) allows you to have a drink without a tray table (Amazon FresherAcc brand)
Day 1: Chicago O’Hare United 787 overnight flight (big plane, smooth ride) to Munich
Day 2: Munich->Geneva flight, quick bus ride to Ferney-Voltaire, FR Airbnb
Day 3: Bus to Geneva (https://www.myswissalps.com/town/geneva/), explored the city, lots of sun to adjust to time zone, overnight Ferney-Voltaire
Day 4: Bus to Geneva airport, then bus to Chamonix, FR. Uber or train to Les Pelerins neighborhood.
Days 5-7: Explored Chamonix. Used the Airbnb-provided bikes. Find the field where paragliders reach land and watch them arrive! The quiches, bread, and bakery in local shops are excellent.
Days 8-10: Martigny
- Martigny Guest card – allowed for many free and lower-cost venues
- Pierre Gianadda Foundation – Cultural museum built around ancient Roman ruins, hosting art exhibitions, and classical/opera concerts. Temporary exhibit was Renoir and Cezanne.
- Roman amphitheater – historical landmark
- St Bernard museum – Training and breeding center with exhibits on rescue dogs
Days 11-12: Sion
- Château de Tourbillon – castle
- Basilique de Valère – hilltop castle, church
- History Museum
- Old Penitentiary Museum
Day 13: Bus to Arolla to meet husband for one night
Days 14-19: Sierre
- Funicular – to Crans-Montana
- Gerond swimming pool
- Massage
- Château Ravire – winery
Days 20-22: Zermatt (https://www.myswissalps.com/town/zermatt/)
- Matterhorn museum
Days 23-25: Lausanne (https://www.myswissalps.com/town/lausanne/)
- Sauvabelin Tower
- Lausanne History Museum
Day 26: Ferney-Voltaire, FR
Day 27: Flights home: Geneva->Munich->Chicago
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Hi j_k
Thank you for an extremely interesting report.
Your most important point is number 2. ‘No rental car: public transportation easy, flexible, affordable’. All visitors to Switzerland from North America should note that point, especially the word ‘flexible’. There was no need to worry about where you parked the car. No need to worry about possible damage to the car. No need to be constantly ‘going back to the car’.
As to your point 4, ALL visitors to Switzerland should note what you say. Your vacation lasted nearly a month, but you managed to ‘travel light’. You just had to do some laundry and get only small souvenirs!
Very best wishes
Roger
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