BEST DAY TRIPS FROM GENEVA IN FEBRUARY 2019
by Alexandra Belz
Want to get out of Geneva for a day trip to do something different? Check out our list below for some great suggestions during February.
NIGHT SKIING IN ST. CERGUE
Last month we featured St. Cergue for snow shoeing and fondue and we hope you enjoyed this activity. Why not try the night skiing–dinner package this time?
The three slopes in the village of St. Cergue are illuminated from Thursday to Saturday from 18:00- 21:30 and are ideal for families (for beginners and advanced skiers). After the runs you can enjoy a fondue in one of the partner restaurants ( see list below).
The package can be purchased directly at the ski lift office in the village of St. Cergue and costs CHF 33,00 per person (ski rental not included).
WHERE
Téléskis de St-Cergue
Place Sy- Vieuxville
1264 Saint-Cergue
0041- (0)22 360 0275
Time to travel to this destination from Geneva will be about one hour.
MORE INFO
Partner restaurants:
Maison de Ville 0041- (0)22 360 0110 www.mdv-st-cerque.ch
Restaurant du Jura 0041- (0)22 360 1131 www.cafe-restaurant-du-jura.ch
La Trélasse 0041- (0)22 360 1289. www.latrelasse.ch
La Poste 0041- (0)22 360 1212 www.delaposte.ch
YVERDON-LES-BAINS Thermal baths
Now, here is a day away – or even better a whole weekend – from Geneva with a spa-like relaxation effect for you AND your children. On the edge of lake Neuchâtel you will find the Yverdon-les-Bains spa resort amongst the beautiful setting of the Jura mountains. The indoor and outdoor, up to 34 degrees heated thermal pools with their high-sulphur hot spring water can be frequented all year around. All pools have waterfalls, Jacuzzis, massage jets and leisure beds and will create memorable moments.
The Thermal Baths also have a state-of-the-art fitness centre including classes, a wellness area with two saunas and three hammams.
WHERE
Grand Hotel & Centre Thermal
Avenue des Bains 22
CH- 1400 Yverdon-les-Bains
0041- (0)24 424 64 64
MORE INFO
Opening hours seven days a week: Monday-Friday 08:00- 21:00
Saturday-Sunday 09:00-18:00
Prices for 3-hour session:
Adults ( from 16 years) CHF19,00
Child ( 4-15 years) CHF11,50
Child (under 4 years) free
Time to travel to this destination from Geneva will be about one hour 30 minutes.
WINTER ROLLER COASTER – Les Carroz, Grand Massif
SPEED DRAGOZ is a fantastic Alpine roller coaster that is open every day of the week. You will climb 350 meters and descend 850 meters in about 4 minutes. While the ride can be taken alone, we suggest to make use of the option with two people and hire virtual reality glasses for one of the participants for some extra fun. Prepare for some adrenaline increase while the sledge takes you partially through the forest and passages with different speeds and altitudes. Children from four years of age can take the ride (with an adult). Les Carroz also offers plenty of possibilities for a day of skiing as well as lot’s of choices for traditional French restaurants.
WHERE
Les Carroz Tourism Office
9 Place de L` Ambience
F- 74300 Les Carroz
0031 (0) 4 50 900 00 04
Depart for the roller coaster is at Kédeuze Gondola lift
MORE INFO
Prices: 1 ride Euro 7,00
5 rides Euro 30,00
10 rides Euro 55,00
Rental of VR glasses Euro 6,00
Offer for two passengers including VR glasses Euro 20,00
0031 (0)4 50 90 00 04
Time to travel to this destination from Geneva is about two hours.
The Alpine roller coaster in COL DE LA FAUCILLE is a similar set- up to the one in Les Carroz and it is only an hour away from Geneva.
It’s 1,3 km long rail is fitted just above the ground, secured with side nets and some of the passages are quite steep-climbing 400 meters and descending 950 meters with 90 meter of altitude difference… a guaranteed amazing experience. Children from 11 years old can ride alone.
Col de la Faucille is a smaller ski area at around 1300 meters height and the possibility to go up to about 1500 meters to Petite Mont Rond and to Mont Rond (1600 meters), so why not combine a skiing day with the the roller coaster rides?
WHERE
Col de la Faucille- at the heart of the ski station (Montrond cable car departure)
01170 Gex
France
MORE INFO
Roller coaster rides:
Prices: 1 ride Euro 6,00
10 rides Euro 50,00
Ski-pass:
Prices: Euro 29,00 for adults for a day
Euro 27,00 for adults for 3-hours
Other options available on the website.
Time to travel to this destination from Geneva is about one hour.
LUNCH IN MEGÈVE
Even though not the cheapest recommendation, we warmly suggest driving at least once to gorgeous Megève for a day. Stroll through this incredibly beautiful and cosy mountain village along the pedestrianised centre of town with its medieval cobbled streets. Great for window shopping, even if some shops may be out of your budget reach. The architecture of the buildings around the market place and the little stream running through the village gives you the feeling of being on a mini holiday.
And why not indulge and have a hot chocolate on the heated terrace of café Ladurée?
Of course, you can stay in the village and have lunch in one of the many great restaurants but we suggest you take the cable car of Rochebrune (a bit of a walk uphill) to Super Megève Restaurant. This charming place offers a panoramic terrace with stunning views of the French Alps. The food is not cheap but very tasty (traditional French dishes, different salads) and they offer an outside barbecue with freshly grilled steaks and other meats. Of course, skiing at Rochebrune for the day is an excellent option as there are slopes for beginners and advanced skiers. You can rent skis and buy a day ski pass directly at Rochebrune cable car station.
TOP TIP
Arrive before midday or after 14.00 to get a table without reservation, or make the reservation in advance.
WHERE
Restaurant Super Megève
Rochebrune
F- 74120 Megève
Booking by phone: 0031- (0)4 50 21 22 05
MORE INFO
Time to travel to this destination from Geneva is about 1 hour 30 minutes
