a few days in Geneva and France

We went, we saw, we conquered.

The weekend away started rather badly. I didn't realise that the kennel near our house operated at different times during the summer and winter months, so when I took the pets there on Friday to hand them in, they were closed. I missed it by 15 minutes! I rushed back home and called them to see if they could help me out just this once, because our flight was scheduled for 6am the following morning. The old geezer that answered the phone refused to budge no matter how much I begged and pleaded. I was almost in tears by then, but luckily I found a pet sitter who unusually had no bookings for the weekend, and she was able to take the dogs in. Phew. After all that, the whippets were much happier staying with her and her dog and kids, and they had a huge garden and farm fields to play in.

Then it got interesting.

We hired a car at the airport, and I was the designated driver. What is the problem with that, you ask? Well, let me remind you that here in sunny England we drive on the wrong side of the road. In Switzerland (and the rest of Europe) they drive on the right and the steering wheel is on the left and the gears are on the right. Plus, they have trams in Geneva. Everywhere. And narrow streets. And people honk and hoot at you.

Driving in Germany was easy, and Calgary was a breeze. This was something else. Plus the little car we hired stalled on me several times. I just couldn't get the hang of that silly clutch. I've never had that problem before. It wasn't me, it was the car. Honest. I'm a good driver.

Mr Fluff had to navigate with maps that were too small to read and our stupid sat-nav that operates on twenty year old maps and knows nothing of the new road lay-outs. We both shouted a lot, just like the good old days before proper GPS.

Thankfully we managed to find every place we were looking for without incident. A little stress doesn't count, and I successfully managed to stop myself from accidentally bashing into an assholetwatwanker who hooted at us non-stop for stalling once at a traffic light just as we exited the airport, and then for not speeding! He raced past us and deliberately cut me off. I had to swerve to avoid him crashing into us. Bastard. Then he got stuck in front of me at every traffic light all the way into Geneva. How we laughed! That was justice served, me thinks :0)

Our hotel was great, situated near the main train station where we parked and only a few blocks from the lake, surrounded by great restaurants. They let us check in early which was very kind of them. The only problem was that the room was right next to the lift (noisy) and we had to keep the bathroom door closed or the ventilation system would send fumes smelling of stale smoke or fuel into our room.

The rooms were very clean and we had a large choice of goodies at breakfast, so a very pleasant stay.

Geneva is a beautiful, romantic city. It took my breath away, and it is the middle of winter! Just imagine what it must look like in spring, summer and autumn! Luscious with greenery and bright flowers that hug the lake shore. And the people were all very friendly and helpful. There is so much to say about Geneva, but I won't say too much here. It is better that you visit Geneva yourself.

What I will say is that people there look happy and healthy. You will find people on their bikes or skates or jogging any time of the day. They get out and enjoy the weather and the pretty sights. Those not in the city are in the mountains skiing or taking part in some winter activity. In the summer months they sail and row and fish and pedal, or hike and climb and bike. You name it, they do it. You see lots of families out and about, and so many kids, all on their bikes, or scooters or skates.

Another thing I would like to point out about Geneva is that the food is great, the chocolate is fantastic and the wine is even better. They grow their own wine there, and it is magnificent! Don't tell anyone though, it is a closely guarded secret ;0)
They don't export their wine, so unless you live there you're seriously missing out. Gorgeous, gorgeous wine. Wow.

I took hundreds of photos, and here is a very small sample for you to enjoy.

one of the main shopping streets

they brew their own beer

Reformation wall. (these guys were practicing with swords)

ice rink

Nude sun worshippers. This is on the lake, where you can enjoy a sauna/turkish bath/hammam or massage, or just a dip in the lake

We spent all of Saturday in Geneva. On Sunday we drove to Annecy, a gorgeous French lake town between Geneva and the Alps. It is a favourite holiday spot for tourists and Frenchies alike. It bustles all year round thanks to its proximity to the fantastic ski resorts nearby, its lake and the old town with its canals and cobbled streets. They call it Little Venice.

There is a large Expat community there. Many people live there but work in Geneva. It's a bit of a drive, and you have to stop at two tolls (you only pay once) as well as the border crossing into Switzerland. In fact, many people who are employed in Geneva choose to live in France. It is cheaper, and much of Geneva is surrounded by France, so it is not difficult to do.

Have a look at some of the pics of Annecy.

Bridge of Love

slides!

We also popped into Bonneville, a French village about 30 minutes outside Geneva and on the road to the mountains. It was Sunday afternoon, so everything was closed and the village was deserted. It has a river next to it and is almost entirely surrounded by mountains.

This is Bonneville.

On Monday we visited a small, sleepy town called Rolle (Switzerland) on the northern shore of Lake Geneva. It lies about half way between Geneva and Lausanne, about 20 minutes drive from Geneva. Rolle sits happily in the wine growing region, with hilly vineyards behind it, the lake in front and a stunning view of the Alps. We were there on a misty-lake day, but you can just imagine what it must look like in summer.

This is Rolle.

lake view apartments

water cat

Finally, on our last morning before we had to catch our afternoon flight back to London, we drove to Aix-les-Bains, another French town on a pretty lake. You pass Annecy and drive another 15 minutes or so to get there, and it is on the road to Chambery and Grenoble. We didn't have much time there. All we could do was admire the view for a while and then we had to drive to the airport. Not a bad way to say Au Revoir to France and Switzerland, in my opinion!

This is the Petit Port in Aix-les-Bains and a house with a view.

This is Lake Geneva (the Swiss side), and the last pic is of Lake Geneva with the Jura mountains to the right and the Alps to the left.

Phew! A jam-packed weekend, what else?

xx