Geneva Motorshow roadtrip

[VCE]

Good morning all,

Sorry if here is already a thread on this, have searched but not found anything yet.

Is anyone driving to the Geneva motorshow from the U.K.?

[Vaud]

I've done before but these days I think it's a waste of time.

Very heavy fines in France, increasingly policed. Swiss have zero tolerance. Carnet needed. Winter tyres, etc.

If you have a week and make it a gastronomic exploration, or go skiing for a few days as well above Sierre or Verbier then it might be viable, but to be honest you might as well just fly.

[Geo22]

Hi, Yes I am.

A friend and I are taking 2 cars and 2 days to travel. Hoping to do a bit of exploring and find some fun roads.

[VCE]

What dates you going bud? We're doing 16-19th...along the lines of:

Thurs: Leave UK and drive to Geneva
Fri: Motorshow
Sat: Leave and stop in Paris
Sun: Return to UK

[Geo22]

Ah we are the week before:

Heading out early doors on Thursday 9th
Stop somewhere TBC
arrive in Geneva Friday 10th
Sat: Motor show
Sunday: Recover from Saturday night\maybe more motor show\start drive home
Monday finish drive home.

Looking forward to it bit of adventure!

[Vaud]

If you want a little drive and recovery, then try the thermal baths. Les Bains de Saillon or Les Bains d'Ovronnaz are both very nice. The former is in the valley, the latter high up. Both ~90-120 mins from Geneva.


The towns along the lake are pleasant if a bit expensive and touristy (Vevey and Montreux are ok), depending on the weather.

Many of the more fun drives over high passes will be closed.

Alternatively, if you stay around Geneva, the old town is quite nice. Plenty of good restaurants. For good value food (there is some real rubbish in Geneva), "Chez ma cousine" is great (taste and value) for rotisserie chicken.

Around Geneva, if you are a geek - you may get a tour around CERN if you get lucky (though not underground) and book in advance.

Don't forget that you will get charged for a vignette to drive on Swiss motorways and dual carriageways (40CHF)

There is some great skiing further up into the Valais on both sides, but you would probably want more than a day. If you pushed it and stayed at say, Sion overnight after the show then you could get up to Grans-Montana or Grimentz for a days skiing with ease. technically you don't need Winter Tyres, but a set of snow socks might be handy if you head up high.

Oh, and don't speed. The fines are horrific and they have no tolerance.

[VCE]

Awesome stuff bud - thanks for the advice - really appreciate it

[Vaud]

Oh, Globus is a department store in Geneva in the old town. Also good for lunch and where a lot of locals go. Not particularly Swiss food, but the quality is good and it is very fast service. Not a bad place to buy some local Swiss produce (deli/supermarket in the basement)

[Geo22]

Thanks from me also, we've not put to much of a plan together yet so this gives us some good starting points!

[ImJimbo]

We went there and back in a day from Bristol last year. I'm gutted that I can't find decent flights this year.

My 2p, from what I've heard it's super busy at the show if you visit over the weekend. If you can visit the show on a week day, I'd do that.

[WillS66]

Geo22 said:

Ah we are the week before:

Heading out early doors on Thursday 9th
Stop somewhere TBC
arrive in Geneva Friday 10th
Sat: Motor show
Sunday: Recover from Saturday night\maybe more motor show\start drive home
Monday finish drive home.

Looking forward to it bit of adventure!

I'll be there for the motor show that weekend but I'm taking the easy option and flying out/back.

WillS.

[Geo22]

That does seem like the sensible option!

We wanted to make it a bit more of a driving holiday as I am replacing Le Mans with this trip this year.
I have a baby due in July and my wife was a bit edgy about me being so far away just in case we have an early appearance.