Transfers from Geneva to Courmayeur are relatively commonplace, particularly for those heading for ski holidays. Yet regarding Geneva as merely a transit airport is to miss an opportunity. It's a beautiful place in its own right and well worth exploring.
Getting to the slopes
Whether it's for a winter ski holiday or you're off to do some summer walking and cycling in the mountains, Courmayeur is a very popular destination and Geneva is a commonly used arrival airport.
The resort's attractions are very well known and it might be understandable if holidaymakers heading there simply regarded the journey from the airport at Geneva to Courmeyeur to be something that needed to be got over with as fast as possible. If so though, that might be missing an opportunity to explore the Swiss city itself - it is a fascinating destination and spending a day or two there might allow you to diversify your holiday experience.
The Swiss city as a destination
This is an old city with roots that go back to the pre-Roman period. Located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, it was for many centuries largely or completely independent as a republic. It was temporarily annexed by France during the French Revolutionary and Directory periods in the very late 18th and earlier 19th centuries, but after the end of the Napoleonic wars the French were removed and the city and area admitted to Switzerland. Interestingly, parts of the wider municipality actually sit on French territory. It has become a major centre of world diplomacy, humanitarian endeavour, science (e.g. CERN) and finance.
Places to see
The city sits on a lake with stunning scenery backdrops and a word famous water-jet.
Strolling or cycling around the lake is a great experience. The entire old town is a wealth of interesting streets, shops and cafés. If you like historical sights and sites, you won't be disappointed.
The St Pierre cathedral is a beautiful 14th century building with later additions. The magnificent gold-topped domes of the Russian Orthodox Church are also a must.
You should also visit the Mallet House and Museum or The Museum of Art and History - both great cultural centres.
If you'd like to see a different view of the city and save a little of your leg muscles for when you reach the mountains, you might want to head for the Quai du Mont Blanc where you'll be able to take a boat trip along the river. There's also a famous museum dedicated to Voltaire, and the Conservatoire and Botanical Gardens are well worth strolling around.
The bottom line is simple. This is a truly beautiful city and, if you are in transit from Geneva to Courmeyeur, finding a little time to look around might be a really rewarding experience.
Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you're looking for Geneva to Courmeyeur transfer, Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don't miss your car on your holiday abroad.
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