My Fellow EF users,

I am thinking of traveling in Cantons Vaud and Geneva in October and would like to know your suggestions regarding things to see and do, where to stay, and tips on how to organize my trip. So far, I am thinking of fitting in Montreux and the Chillon Castle, the Lavaux vineyards, Lausanne, and Geneva. I am sure I am missing other worthwhile places in the region so please enlighten me!

About me: I am traveling from Luzern, have a halbtax card, enjoy being active and outdoors, and would like to travel for 4-5 days.

Thanks!

The arboretum in Aubonne should be nice in autumn. From Montreux you could take the tourist train that goes to Gruyères and then the Cailler chocolate factory in Broc.

What kinds of things are you interested in? Landmarks? Scenery? Local cuisine? Outdoors/nature/hiking?

A couple ideas:

-lake walk from Lausanne to Morges
-Gruyere cheese & chocolate factories
-Nyon castle & lakefront
-ferry to Evian or Yvoire (from Lausanne or Nyon)
-train from Nyon to La Cure

Day Trips in the Lausanne/Lac Leman region

Steamer trip on Lac Leman
Fortifications at St. Maurice
Train trip into mountains - like Les Diablarets via Aigle
Morges
Prangins

Thanks for all the tips - I had not even heard of some of the ideas mentioned but am glad I asked! I am open to more ideas, especially scenic places, cultural experiences, and historical sites, if they have not already been mentioned.

If you're interested in historical sites, and you're in the Lavaux region,
you might consider vising St, Saphorin between Chardonne and Vevey.
It really is the most picturesque little village with a Gothic church built somewhere between 1520 and 1530 on Roman foundations.
The wine of St. Saphorin has a deservedly high reputation as the vineyard slopes, were the wine is produced, are particularly sunny, and the soil is perfect for the Chasselas and pinot-noir grapes.

I am certainly partial to a good pinot noir so I will keep that suggestion in mind. Thanks!

Before I moved to the 'urban delights' of Lausanne, the wine I produced was sold with a St. Saphorin label, at a suitably high price.
Now I can't even afford to buy the odd bottle

It`s worth taking the audio guide at Chateau de Chillon, I loved to hear about the history and anecdotes related to the castle.

You can get a little map of the Lavaux at the tourist office that contains walks and hikes through the vineyards with estimated times.

There`s a train going up to Rocher de Naye from Montreux. It`s a bit expensive but the views on the way up and from the top are awesome. Not recommended on hazy days though.

Thanks for the tip on Rocher de Naye. About how long does it take to get there from Montreux by public transport?

Also, thanks for the wine-tasting tips. I am quite partial to a good pinot noir and am hopeful to stumble across one or two while in the region!

It takes about 45 minutes till you`re at the top. You find more information here: http://www.goldenpass.ch/default.asp?Language=EN

If you love your jazz there is Chorus in center of Lausanne. A Euro real jazz club.

Reopening after summer shut shut down. Highly recommended.

http://www.chorus.ch/Chorus_Cadre.htm

With the halbtax its not too expensive, I paid 14CHF in one direction from Caux, I think its more like 17CHF from Montreux. The walk back down as far as Caux was 2.5hrs approx but very enjoyable, I guess it would be 3.5 back down to lakeside Montreux.

I'm not proud of taking the train up and walking down but I am carrying an injury

I had elderly visitors and took the train up and down. It`s ok with 1/2 tax but without it`s 66 CHF for a return trip from Montreux, which is expensive in my book.

Btw, did you go through the Grottes de Naye? Did you take lights along?

I didn't even know they existed! Definitely looks like a head torch would be required. Maybe I'll get a chance to check it out before winter.

I wanted to hike up Rocher de Naye but the elevation from Montreux to the top is too daunting (yet - maybe next year). But it`s probably fun to explore the Grottes!