Switzerland

[Jamrollypolly]

Hi

My family (dh, dd 13 & ds 8) and I will be visiting Switzerland for 4 nights over the Easter holidays. We are staying in Geneva but have hired a car.

I would really love to go on one of the scenic trains like the golden pass, has anyone been on it? Is it worth it? There appears to be a lot of passes online, which is very confusing, but I'm not sure if they are worth it for a 4 night trip.

What are the must see sites? Would anyone like to share any local knowledge? Dos and don'ts. I am aware Switzerland is very expensive, where is the best place to eat out? Do they cater well for vegetarians? I know when I have been to Paris I found it very difficult, although things may have improved now. Do most people understand English? I am a little rusty.

I know there is a holiday section on the site but I would really appreciate advice from people who are or have lived in Switzerland too, to get a local perspective!

Thanks

Thanks. We are staying just over the border in Ferney Voltaire. We accidentally booked it believing it was in Geneva but have been assured it's quite close. Does anyone have experience of crossing the border between Geneva and Ferney Voltaire?

Just make sure the car has an up to date Vignette on it to get to Switzerland, if you do they'll most likely wave you through.

There are rules about what you can take over the border but that's mainly for locals shopping in France e.g. 500g of red meat per person, 5 liters of milk etc. you can download a copy online.

We are hiring the car from Geneva airport do hire cars already have a vignette on? Any tips on driving?

It should have a vignette but do check if you collect on the French side of the airport.

Ferney is literally on the border, no problems crossing into Switzerland. If you have hired your car on the Swiss side in the airport, it will have a vignette, but if on the French side, we have been caught before without a vignette and it was a nightmare, why we didn't just buy one at the border, I will never know!

Train journeys are really expensive! We have done one from Interlaken into the mountains which was amazing though quite a drive there and back in one day.

Lake cruise from Nyon to Yvoire is nice.

As for vegi food, not great really, fondue? Bains de Paquis is a lovely place to eat in the centre of town though you might be limited to cheese and salad. Brunch perhaps?

Options for vegetarians are usually pizza, pasta or raclette.