Road trip from Geneva: Tips for excursion destinations
There are many destinations around Lake Geneva that you can visit with your camper. The Swiss Riviera on Lake Geneva is beautiful almost everywhere. Vineyards, mountain panoramas and idyllic villages will enchant you. In keeping with this, you’ll find campsites almost everywhere around the lake. But of course, we’ll also look a little further afield: to France and Italy, to give you even more ideas for your road trip and convince you why campervan hire in Geneva is an excellent idea.
Highlights in Switzerland around Geneva
Lavaux vineyard terraces and Swiss Riviera: There are many charming wine villages right on the shores of Lake Geneva. The best known are the vineyards of Lavaux not far from Lausanne. Here you can experience a wonderful stay: great wines and beautiful landscapes. The most famous villages are Lutry Cully, Saint Saphorin, Rivaz, Chexbres.
The medieval town of Gruyères: This beautiful town in the northeast of Lake Geneva is synonymous with two Swiss specialties: cheese and chocolate. Visit the chocolate and cheese factory, and enjoy a real cheese fondue for lunch.
Thrills on Glacier 3000: Glacier 3000 is located in the Parc des Diables and can be reached by cable car. The first suspension bridge in the world that connects two peaks – the Peak Walk – provides a special thrill. From up there you have a wonderful view of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc Massif, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Highlights in France not far from Geneva
Annecy: It only takes 45 minutes by camper from Geneva to Annecy – “the Venice of the Alps”. Like Geneva, Annecy is also situated on a beautiful lake. Enjoy the old town with its waterways, the beautiful half-timbered houses, and the lakeside promenade with a view of the mountains.
Geopark des Bauges: Whether it’s hiking, snowshoeing, MTB trails, caving, canyoning, climbing or skiing, and snowboarding in winter, you’re sure to find your outdoor adventure to suit you in the Geopark des Bauges near Annecy.
Chamonix and Mont Blanc: Hire your campervan in Geneva and drive through the beautiful Arve Valley towards Chamonix before reaching the foot of the highest peak in the Alps. Either hike to get closer to Mont Blanc or take the Aiguille du Midi cable car to the top and enjoy the incredible views of the highest mountain in the Alps.
Hiking in the Haut-Jura & discovering regional specialties: rent a camper in Geneva and spend your holidays in the Haut-Jura Nature Park. On the Rando Nature Haut Jura site, you can plan your hikes while visiting cheese makers, beekeepers, and other local producers. Be sure to try the four cheese specialities from the Jura: Comté, Morbier, Bleu de Gex and Mont d’Or.
Mountain bike tour through the Haut-Jura nature park: with Jurassic Velo-Tours, you can find your nearest Jura mountain bike hire shop (E-MTB and MTB) and discover the “Jurassic Velo-Tours” stages using an app.
Road trip to Lyon: Take a road trip to the third-largest city in France and get to know and love the beautiful old town of Lyon. If you rent a campervan in Geneva, you can be in Lyon in just 3.5 hours by car.
Tips for a road trip to Italy from Geneva
Aosta Valley and Grand Paradiso National Park: Discover the Italian Alps around Aosta and hike in the Grand Paradiso Park. The Grand Paradiso is divided into the valleys: Valle Orco, Valle Soana, Valle di Cogne, Valsavarenche and Valle di Rhêmes. Everywhere you will find a network of hiking trails and cycling routes. If you wish, you can also take part in guided mountain hikes. There is also the Paradisia botanical alpine garden and, of course, ski slopes in winter.
Turin: In just 3.5 hours from Geneva, you can be in the Italian metropolis of Turin and the beautiful Piedmont region. Walk in the footsteps of the Romans and the Dukes of Savoy. Taste homemade pasta à la mama and Turin specialities such as bicerin, grissini and martini, which originated in Turin.