France & Switzerland Travel Guide: What to Do in Annecy, Marseille & Geneva
After spending an entire month roaming the streets of Europe, my love for travel has grown even deeper. So with Eurostar planning to expand its routes from London St Pancras—adding exciting new stops like Bordeaux, Cologne, Frankfurt, Geneva, Marseille, and even Zurich—I couldn’t help but get excited.
Currently, Eurostar offers services from London to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, but soon, a whole new array of beautiful European cities will be just a train ride away, opening endless opportunities for travelers and holidaymakers alike. But what do these stunning cities have to offer?
I thought I would share with you my personal experiences with two of these European cities; Geneva & Marseille.
What to Do in Geneva?
I visited Geneva, Switzerland in 2022 for a brief trip. Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, this stunning city is best known for being home to major international organisations, including the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the International Red Cross. But beyond its global significance, Geneva is famous for its luxury watchmaking and is home to iconic brands like Patek Philippe and Rolex. A visit to the Patek Philippe Museum offers a deep dive into the city’s centuries-old horology tradition, showcasing intricate timepieces dating back to the 16th century.
While Geneva may not have the dramatic mountain landscapes of Zermatt or the fairy-tale charm of Lucerne, it has a refined elegance of its own. One of my favourite experiences was wandering through the Old Town (Vieille Ville), where I found charming streets and spotted Emma Bridgewater mugs in a shop window – a nod to my Stoke-on-Trent roots.
If you’re wondering what to do in Geneva, there are plenty of incredible attractions to explore. Start with a lakeside walk to see the iconic Jet d’Eau, one of the tallest fountains in the world. Then, visit St. Pierre Cathedral, where you can climb the tower for panoramic views of Geneva and the Swiss Alps. For a cultural experience, explore the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire, which houses an impressive collection of fine art and historical artifacts. When I visited I also stopped at some free art gallery’s (i recommend using TikTok to find the free ones!). For something more offbeat, visit Carouge, Geneva’s artistic quarter, known for its Italian-inspired architecture, independent boutiques, and vibrant nightlife.
Of course, no trip to Geneva is complete without indulging in Swiss chocolate. Stop by renowned chocolatiers like Läderach, Auer Chocolatier, or Maison Cailler to sample some of the finest handmade treats in Switzerland.
Is this Venice 2.0?!
Annecy, Annecy, Annecy, how underrated you are! Annecy, France, affectionately known as “Little Venice”, is easily accessible from Geneva, Switzerland and is somewhere I could not recommend you to visit more. If you’re wondering how to get from Geneva to Annecy, there are several options, including buses, car rentals, and even scenic train rides. I took the train! This enchanting town, nestled in the French Alps, perfectly lives up to its nickname with its cobbled streets, colourful buildings, and winding canals that are straight out of a postcard. Annecy balances quaint charm with a lively, unmistakably European atmosphere, making it a fantastic place to visit.
One of my favourite memories of Annecy was its location beside the stunning Lake Annecy, surrounded by towering mountains. The Jardins de l’Europe (Gardens of Europe), Annecy’s lakeside park, offers romantic views of the lake and mountains. In Jardins de l’Europe, you’ll also find the Pont des Amours, an adorable footbridge perfect for photos! I remember this bridge very vividly, so it must have had a lasting impression. If you’re looking for what to see in Annecy, these spots are a must, and don’t forget your camera!
Annecy is also home to the Palais de l’Isle, a striking stone building in the Thiou River shaped like a boat. Although I didn’t know much about its history during my visit, learning that it once served as a residence, prison, courthouse, and mint has made it even more fascinating. So if you are wondering what to do in Annecy? Exploring its old town, visiting its historical sites, and simply soaking in its charming streets and gardens are some of the top activities.
Though I visited in summer, I’ve heard Annecy’s beauty is year-round. From snowy peaks and cozy winter vibes to sunny days with outdoor cafés and lively festivals, it’s a perfect destination no matter the season. I have heard that skiing in the nearby Alps and experiencing the Christmas markets are also highly recommended.
I have also heard that you must not miss the local cuisine. The town is located in the Savoie region, which is famous for rich, cheese-based dishes like fondue and tartiflette, ideal after a day of exploration (something I completely missed, which is a shame as I am a huge foodie). If you’re wondering where to stay in Annecy, there are plenty of charming hotels with lakeside views and boutique guesthouses in the old town. But remember you can also easily do this as a one day trip from Geneva.
Is Geneva Worth it?
Overall, while Geneva is a worthwhile destination to explore at least once, Annecy stole the show for me—its charm, beauty, and vibrant character make it the highlight of my Swiss-French adventure. So if you do grab that new train ride to Geneva, make sure to visit Annecy, France—it’s absolutely worth it!
What to Do in Marseille?
Another place on the proposed Eurostar expansion is the southern French city of Marseille. Now, Marseille and I have an interesting relationship—let me take you back to 2016. Picture a 13-year-old girl embarking on a family holiday to Marseille with her parents and grandma. We arrived at what appeared to be a rundown building, greeted by some sex workers outside. Supposedly, this was our holiday apartment?! My parents couldn’t get in contact with the owner, and non of those around had even heard of the guy who owned the apartment, so we weren’t even sure if we had a place to stay. Eventually, we reached the owner and were let into the apartment which was secured by, believe it or not, five bolts!
We visited Marseille, France, shortly after the unfortunate Nice terrorist attack, and the noticeable presence of soldiers made my mum feel safer, as she had been quite worried about travelling. While I don’t recall every detail from that trip, some memories stand out vividly. I remember the stunning façade of the Old Port in Marseille, where a row of charming cafés and restaurants lined the waterfront. Overlooking the city from a hill was the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, a historic fortress and church offering breathtaking panoramic views of Marseille (Be warned—Marseille weather can be extremely windy at the top, so check the forecast before you go up!).
With over 2,600 years of history, Marseille is a city that blends the ancient with the modern. If you’re looking for things to do in Marseille, start by wandering through the lively markets, exploring the historic Le Panier district, or taking a boat trip to the legendary Château d’If, made famous by The Count of Monte Cristo. We visited the Château d’If, and I remember getting some stunning pictures of the water there!
For those planning a visit, flights to Marseille likely arrive at Marseille Provence Airport, and from there, you can take a shuttle, taxi, or car hire from Marseille Airport to reach the city. If you’re arriving by train, Marseille Saint-Charles station is the main hub, conveniently connecting visitors to other French cities. When we visited we were going on a little French adventure, so we left by train, and headed to Montpelier. There are also loads of places to stay, but my top tip would be to make sure you go somewhere with a lot of good reviews (we had rats in and outside of our apartment building, which wasn’t a pleasant experience).
Despite some hiccups, Marseille remains a city of raw charm and enduring character. It’s a place I’d love to revisit one day, and I don’t want my experience to put people off (looking back its quite funny)!
