No budget for that trip to Europe this summer? Click no further.
I spent a short week in Geneva, Switzerland, for my 31st birthday and it was… fabulous. I fell in love with Geneva: The lake, the trains, the Old City, the countryside. It’s as European as European cities get–with fantastic wine and food and music and parks–but it’s small enough and easy enough to get around that you feel entirely at home, even as a tourist.
My favorite day trip was to Yvoire, France. It’s a 20-minute train ride to Nyon, then a 20-minute boat ride across Lake Geneva. You start to think that the boat ride alone is worth the trip until you get to Yvoire, which tops the boat ride with its gardens and cobblestone streets and perfectly preserved medieval village, castle and all. The Garden of the Five Senses, in the center of the village, is a traditional maze garden in five sections: one each for smell, taste, sight, sound, and touch.
Another great day trip is La Gruyere, where you can tour the Gruyere cheese factory, more medieval architecture, and yet another castle. It’s a bit of a longer trek: two hours from Geneva via train through Palezieux. But the train ride is lovely; it takes you through the lush, green Swiss countryside into the pre-Alpine terrain just north of Lausanne.
But you really needn’t leave Geneva at all to have a great time. Reservations are not required for dinner in Geneva. Simply stroll the streets of the Old City until you find a spot at an outdoor table. The fondue is good, of course, but so is the fish and game. My favorite dish was something of breakfast for dinner: a fried egg over hashbrowns with steamed vegetables and melted cheese. It was darn good with a glass of red wine.
If you’ve slashed your vacation budget this summer, simply click the movie file below for a quick virtual getaway. I shot three times this many pictures, to be honest, but did my best to pare them down for you. With the gorgeous light and beautiful scenery of Geneva, it was hard to take a bad shot.
This is my gift to you, a virtual vacation, free of charge, with no jet lag and no suitcase to unpack. Enjoy. Happy Summer.
We have been on the lookout for just the right getaway, looking at this post I’ve a much better understanding of what to do now. It is always wonderful to have someone else’s knowledge on locations to go prior to taking the actual plunge.
Love the photos Miriam. It does look like a fabulous trip!!
I saw you tweet about this earlier today – and saved it for when I came home from work tonight. I want to go to Europe SO much – and I think you’ve just now added Switzerland to my list of places to see.
Great pictures!
Thanks Julie! I hope you make it there. I had the BEST time! Let me know if you go. xoxox
absolutely breathtaking. i want to go to both places so bad! hopefully in the next couple of years. these photos are so gorgeous, they put me in such a daydreamy mood.
Thanks Kelly Ann! And don’t you just love the music? I’m so in love with the Isbells…
Thank you for the virtual vacation, so beautiful in its simplicity. Loved the music too!
Thank you Rebekah! Hope you are well. Yeah, download the Isbells’ album, it is so amazing!