Whether you want to explore the scenic sights of France or hit the ski slopes, there’s plenty to pack into your itinerary.
Car rental is a great way to see it all, as you’ll unlock all the freedom of the open road.
A city steeped in history
Geneva is at once charming and awe-inspiring, with quaintly colored buildings overlooking its colossal lake. It’s also the city many international organizations call home. Take a stroll and you’ll see Palais des Nations, where guided tours come in a rainbow of languages.
Geneva’s roots of power run far deeper. A quick historical tour will take you to St Pierre Cathedral and the Reformation Wall commemorating its most famous former resident – the theologian John Calvin.
Wander down the long staircase behind the cathedral and you’ll emerge in Place du Bourg-de-Four – the city’s oldest square, home to high-end stores, charming boutiques and restaurants overlooking majestic fountains.
Life by the lake
Some of the best things to do in Geneva revolve around its glorious lake. The Jet d’Eau is the surging 459-foot fountain that has defined Geneva’s cityscape since 1886.
Originally a hydraulic valve, the jet was redesigned when tourists began flocking to witness the cascades. Follow in their footsteps and make sure you don’t miss the chance to snap a photo.
There is plenty of life around these waters, including quality cafes and restaurants where you can take a pit stop and chow down on some local delights. A little further away, at Restaurant de la Barillette, traditional cheese fondue can be enjoyed with distant views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc.
Tropical Corner is home to great night spots and benefits from incredible views of the sunset. Or, slow down the pace at Bains des Paquis – a luxurious outdoor bath set on Lake Geneva’s pier. In winter, it transforms into a sauna.
Lush landscapes
North of Geneva, the French landscape is unspoiled and graced by miles of rolling greenery. Driving these roads is every motorist’s dream. There are several natural parks and Haut-Jura is one of the best – entwined with mountains and brimming with wildlife.
You’ll find the most incredible waterfalls tucked between tiny villages. At elegant Baume-les-Messieurs, the Cascade des Tufs waterfall and its surrounding caves offer some sights you’ll definitely never forget.
Scoping the slopes
The French Alps are located south of Geneva, so they are easy to reach in a rental car. The stunning mountain roads are half of the appeal – La Route des Grandes Alpes is one of the most impressive in France.
Some of the best ski slopes in Europe are located in the French Alps. Reaching the Megeve Ski Resort is easy – just take a six-mile detour from the main road from Geneva to Chamonix.
This year-round resort has something for the whole family, even if you’re not a seasoned skier. There’s an outdoor pool and designer fashion stores you can reach by horse-drawn taxi. It’s a place where old-world charm is very much alive.
Renting a car from Geneva’s French side is your first step to enjoying the most of what this stunning region has to offer.