Switzerland + France

Geneva

On the 19th of September we flew from Budapest to Geneva where we spent the night at a hostel and explored the city.

Driving from Geneva to Chamonix

The following day we rented a car and drove to Chamonix, France to meet my parents who hired an apartment for the weekend. 

Chamonix is a small ski town in the French alps, located 2 hours west of Geneva. It is known for its extreme ski runs, hiking and it's cable car that takes you to the top of Mount-Blanc.

View from our Apartment's Balcony in Chamonix

The apartment we stayed in was very extremely warm and cozy. The balcony backed on to the towns gushing river which also overlooked the surrounding mountain slopes. 

Chamonix Cable Car to Mount Blanc

The following day we went in the cable car to the top of the mountain - over 4000 meters above sea level. It was very cold at the top with many glaciers and snow slopes surrounding the main building where the cable car stopped.

View from the top of Mount Blanc

Afterwards we went hiking around the edge of the mountain. It took roughly 3 hours and was quite strenuous although very peaceful and beautiful! At the end of the walk there was a train which took us back into town where we soaked up the last bit of sunlight while enjoying a well deserved beer.

Hiking Trail around Mount Blanc

After-Hike Beers at Moo Bar

The following day we did a trip to Annecy, a larger town located a couple of hours from Chamonix. The town was very beautiful with many small cobbled streets selling market food and there was also a river, lined with restaurants and Ice cream shops. As it was a Sunday many families were out having long lunches, enjoying the last of the summer sun.

Annecy, France

The Market and Cafes along the river in Annecy, France

That afternoon I said goodbye to my Parents who had to be in Geneva to begin their tour of Switzerland. Then we headed back to Chamonix for one more night and in the morning drove to Zurich. The drive took roughly 3 hours and was very straight forward once we got on the freeway. 

Zurich, Switerland

That night we caught an overnight train to Vienna so we got to spend the afternoon exploring.