Day Itinerary
23 Activities
Day 2
150 mi4 mi
Picturesque Landscapes, Delicious Cheeses And... Aliens
Today will be a day full of surprises, flavors and movie landscapes. Starting in Fribourg, a medieval city founded in 1157. From the tower of its cathedral you will see the whole area of the Swiss pre-Alps and you will be amazed by the landscapes. Then you´ll go to the medieval village of Gruyere... yes... cheese... mmmm. You may never imagine the surprises that await you there, literally, from another world.
Later, you´ll stroll through Nyon, which will fill our eyes with the infinite blue of Lake Geneva and surprise you with its Roman ruins dating from the first century BC. Today's trip will reach its end at sunset in Annecy. This beautiful Venice of the Alps, will invite you to get lost in its narrow streets and illuminated canals. It will be like a dream, but very real and never to be forgotten.
Later, you´ll stroll through Nyon, which will fill our eyes with the infinite blue of Lake Geneva and surprise you with its Roman ruins dating from the first century BC. Today's trip will reach its end at sunset in Annecy. This beautiful Venice of the Alps, will invite you to get lost in its narrow streets and illuminated canals. It will be like a dream, but very real and never to be forgotten.
20.7 mi
40 min
09:401 min
Parking des Alpes Fribourg SA
Parking
Open Details
Welcome to Freiburg!!
A city that despite of being founded in 1157 still preserves its historical district intact and will make you feel like walking through an open-air museum.
It´s a good idea to leave the car in this parking lot that has an ideal location for what we are interested in seeing.
It´s a good idea to leave the car in this parking lot that has an ideal location for what we are interested in seeing.
0.3 mi
10 min
09:5515 min
Table du Bourg
Landmark
Open Details
This is a very picturesque pedestrian street and is the entrance to the Old Town. Walking down this street you will reach a panoramic viewpoint from where you will see the cathedral tower, the fountain of St. George and the city's administrative offices building which also has a Gothic style.
A fun alternative is to ride a small tourist train that takes you, in a one-hour tour, to the main points of the city, it is very interesting especially if you are traveling with kids.
For more information click here
A fun alternative is to ride a small tourist train that takes you, in a one-hour tour, to the main points of the city, it is very interesting especially if you are traveling with kids.
For more information click here
0.2 mi
5 min
10:2530 min
St-Nicolas Cathedral
Landmark
Open Details
This true jewel of the Gothic style, built between 1283 and 1490, is the great protagonist of this medieval city. From its tower that measures 76 meters and after climbing the 365 steps of spiral staircase leading to its top, you can enjoy spectacular views of the city and the Swiss Alps.
A curious fact: The cathedral has no bell tower although it was planned to put one in the plans of the building. It is believed that the engineers miscalculated the weight and also, in turn, did not have sufficient funds, so they decided to make only a single tower. Another curious fact is that, in order to raise funds to finance its completion, in 1370 a decree stipulated that those who received important inheritances, had to pay in cash the equivalent of the value of the most expensive garment that the deceased had.
The entrance to the nave of the cathedral can be done at any time of the year and is free of charge. On the other hand, the ascent to the tower can be done from March 1st to November 30th from 10:00 to 18:00 h. (Sundays and holidays from 11:00 to 17:00 h.). Here you have all the information.
A curious fact: The cathedral has no bell tower although it was planned to put one in the plans of the building. It is believed that the engineers miscalculated the weight and also, in turn, did not have sufficient funds, so they decided to make only a single tower. Another curious fact is that, in order to raise funds to finance its completion, in 1370 a decree stipulated that those who received important inheritances, had to pay in cash the equivalent of the value of the most expensive garment that the deceased had.
The entrance to the nave of the cathedral can be done at any time of the year and is free of charge. On the other hand, the ascent to the tower can be done from March 1st to November 30th from 10:00 to 18:00 h. (Sundays and holidays from 11:00 to 17:00 h.). Here you have all the information.
0.5 mi
10 min
11:055 min
Berne Bridge
Landmark
Open Details
There are about 15 bridges in Freiburg, but the most popular is undoubtedly the Bern Bridge. Its initial construction dates back to 1270.
0.5 mi
15 min
11:2545 min
Café Du Gothard
Restaurant
Open Details
Enjoy thetypical Freiburg cuisine in one of the oldest restaurants in the city (from the late 1800s).
What could be tastier than eating the star dish of the region?: A fondue. Bon apetite!
Opening hours: From Thursday to Monday (Tuesday & Wednesday closed) from 10:30 — 23:00 h. For reservations or more information click here
Opening hours: From Thursday to Monday (Tuesday & Wednesday closed) from 10:30 — 23:00 h. For reservations or more information click here
0.3 mi
10 min
12:2015 min
Funicular Neuveville/Neustadt - St-Pierre/St. Peter
Landmark
Open Details
This is a funicular and a historical monument as well. Why? Well, it is truly one of a kind: built in 1899 it operates by means of a counterweight system that moves using the city's sewage.
It connects the river side with the downtown area.
If you prefer to do a bit of physical exercise and save the fare, there is a stairway located right next to the funicular.
Opening hours: June 1 to August 31 from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. From September 1 to May 31 from 7:00 to 19:00 hours.
Here you´ll find more information
If you prefer to do a bit of physical exercise and save the fare, there is a stairway located right next to the funicular.
Opening hours: June 1 to August 31 from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. From September 1 to May 31 from 7:00 to 19:00 hours.
Here you´ll find more information
0.2 mi
5 min
12:401 min
Parking des Alpes Fribourg SA
Parking
Open Details
Time to pick up the car to continue the trip.
21.4 mi
40 min
13:251 min
Gruyères - Parking P1 - Chavonne
Parking
Open Details
Say Cheese!!!
If Switzerland is famous for something, it is for its cheeses. Well, You have arrived to the medieval city of the famous Gruyere cheese... mmmm... how good it is!
It´s better to leave the car here to start touring it.
Keep in mind that in summer the parking lot 1 can be crowded. Going up from the lower parking lots usually takes about 5 minutes walking.
Keep in mind that in summer the parking lot 1 can be crowded. Going up from the lower parking lots usually takes about 5 minutes walking.
0.3 mi
5 min
13:3545 min
Château de Gruyères
Landmark
Open Details
Let yourself be enchanted by this 13th century castle and the fantastic views it offers its visitors. Both its inside and its outside have no waste.
The castle opens daily, including Christmas and New Year’s day. April – October: From 9:00 to 18:00 h. November – March : From 10:00 to 17:00 h. (Last entry: 45 minutes before closing)
Please note that the museum of the famous artist H.R. Giger (creator, among other artworks, of the ALIEN from Ridley Scott's famous movie) is just a few steps away from this castle. If you are interested in visiting it, you can buy a combined ticket for both the castle and the Giger Museum.
Here you can find all the information you need to visit the castle
The castle opens daily, including Christmas and New Year’s day. April – October: From 9:00 to 18:00 h. November – March : From 10:00 to 17:00 h. (Last entry: 45 minutes before closing)
Please note that the museum of the famous artist H.R. Giger (creator, among other artworks, of the ALIEN from Ridley Scott's famous movie) is just a few steps away from this castle. If you are interested in visiting it, you can buy a combined ticket for both the castle and the Giger Museum.
Here you can find all the information you need to visit the castle
0.1 mi
5 min
14:2515 min
HR Giger Bar Museum
Bar
Open Details
This bar, regardless of whether you like science fiction, is a rarity and something worth experiencing from an artistic point of view.
IMPORTANT:
It may have quite an intense atmosphere, but if you dare to enter, you will be drinking a beer in a unique place in the world (at least in this world…)
Opens daily from 10:00 to 20:30 h.
But… you may wonder: How did these aliens end up in this village? Well, the Swiss-born artist, after winning an Oscar for his set design and his Alien in the famous movie, gained worldwide fame (and his consequent fortune) and instead of buying a mansion in Los Angeles, he bought the beautiful Château St. Germain. The largest collection of his works has been on display there since 1998.
Opens daily from 10:00 to 20:30 h.
But… you may wonder: How did these aliens end up in this village? Well, the Swiss-born artist, after winning an Oscar for his set design and his Alien in the famous movie, gained worldwide fame (and his consequent fortune) and instead of buying a mansion in Los Angeles, he bought the beautiful Château St. Germain. The largest collection of his works has been on display there since 1998.
0.6 mi
15 min
14:5515 min
Restaurant des Remparts
Restaurant
Open Details
If what you want is a warm, cozy atmosphere and where they serve an excellent cheese fondeau (Gruyere, of course!) you have a few meters away (from the bar of H.R. GIGER) the café - Restaurant des Remparts.
This establishment used to be a typical house of the village, from the 16th century.
They are open daily from 8:30 am, all day long. Here you have more information and contact details in case you want to make a reservation
NOTE: The estimated time to spend in both cafes has been split in two in order to allow giving you both options.
They are open daily from 8:30 am, all day long. Here you have more information and contact details in case you want to make a reservation
NOTE: The estimated time to spend in both cafes has been split in two in order to allow giving you both options.
0.4 mi
10 min
15:201 min
Gruyères - Parking P1 - Chavonne
Parking
Open Details
Please pick up the car to continue on this unforgettable route.
62.7 mi
1 hr 20 min
16:501 min
Parking the Duche
Parking
Open Details
It´s recommended to leave the car here (this parking lot is open 24 hours).
It has a very convenient location and gives us easy access to a central area of town with the best views of the lake.
There´s an elevator that facilitates the access to a green area with playground for kids.
0.1 mi
5 min
17:0015 min
Chateau de Nyon
Landmark
Open Details
This castle never had a defensive purpose for the city, but administrative functions.
The courthouse functioned here until 1999. It also served as a museum and prison.
Inside is shown, on one hand the history of Nyon and also the history of porcelain made in the region.
It´s probably not open when you arrive as it closes at 17:00 hours, anyway it is a recommended site for its architectural beauty, the extraordinary state of preservation that has and the beautiful scenery surrounding it.
Inside is shown, on one hand the history of Nyon and also the history of porcelain made in the region.
It´s probably not open when you arrive as it closes at 17:00 hours, anyway it is a recommended site for its architectural beauty, the extraordinary state of preservation that has and the beautiful scenery surrounding it.
0.1 mi
5 min
17:2010 min
Statue de Jules César
Open Details
This city was founded by the emperor Julius Caesar of Rome, for that reason many Roman ruins, dated from that time, have been preserved.
From this esplanade, where the statue of the emperor is located, to the Marroniers square (next proposed point of interest) going through the gardens of La Duche, you will have a beautiful walk with fabulous views of Leman lake.
If you are traveling with kids there is a children's playground along the route.
From this esplanade, where the statue of the emperor is located, to the Marroniers square (next proposed point of interest) going through the gardens of La Duche, you will have a beautiful walk with fabulous views of Leman lake.
If you are traveling with kids there is a children's playground along the route.
0.2 mi
5 min
17:355 min
Roman Columns
Open Details
These remains of Roman columns were originally part of the Roman forum of the city. They were placed here to celebrate the 2000 years of the creation of the city.
An ideal place to take beautiful pictures of the lake.
An ideal place to take beautiful pictures of the lake.
0.1 mi
5 min
17:4510 min
Temple de Nyon (Notre-Dame de Nyon)
Church
Open Details
This church, although on the outside it may seem more modern, due to its renovations, inside it retains its original charm and appearance. Its original construction took place between the 12th and 15th centuries, today it is an evangelical church.
From here you can walk along the Grand Rue, returning to the parking area, that way you will have a brief walk through the main part of the village.
From here you can walk along the Grand Rue, returning to the parking area, that way you will have a brief walk through the main part of the village.
0.3 mi
5 min
18:001 min
Parking the Duche
Parking
Open Details
Time to get back to the car, Annecy awaits you!!
45.5 mi
1 hr
19:051 min
Parking de l'hôtel de ville
Parking
Open Details
The hotel where it is recommended that you spend the night (see suggestion below) covers the cost of overnight parking in this parking lot (from 19:00 to 08:00 hours) for its customers, but also in other two parking lots, that are a little further away, in case this one is crowded:
Parking Prefeture Bonlieu
Parking Saint-Claire
IMPORTANT: The hotel does not reserve parking spots in any of the 3 parking lots, they simply cover the costs. This hotel is located in a beautiful pedestrian zone, but it´s accessible by car until 11:00, so you can bring your car the following day, in case you need to.
Remember to always book your room in advance.
If the 3 parking lots are full or if you decided to stay in another hotel, you have also the option to park in the Estade Nautique parking lot.
IMPORTANT: The hotel does not reserve parking spots in any of the 3 parking lots, they simply cover the costs. This hotel is located in a beautiful pedestrian zone, but it´s accessible by car until 11:00, so you can bring your car the following day, in case you need to.
Remember to always book your room in advance.
If the 3 parking lots are full or if you decided to stay in another hotel, you have also the option to park in the Estade Nautique parking lot.
0.2 mi
5 min
19:1510 min
Pont Perrière
Open Details
Undoubtedly the first stop in Annecy is the view from this bridge of the Palais de l'île.
This building was declared a historical monument of France not only for its history but also for its beauty and unusual shape. It is the main protagonist of many of the tourist postcards here, it is located in the middle of the largest channel of this "Venice of the Alps" (as many call Annecy): the Thiou.
Do not despair, oh you regal traveler! The fact that you have arrived at Annecy at sunset is because this city has a great charm to be toured at this time of the day although, as expected, you wont find any tourist site opened.
But again, don´t worry, the visit is designed so that, the following day, you´ll be able to visit the most emblematic places in order to not miss anything at Annecy: nor the charm of its sunsets, nor the beauty of its corners in broad daylight.
This building was declared a historical monument of France not only for its history but also for its beauty and unusual shape. It is the main protagonist of many of the tourist postcards here, it is located in the middle of the largest channel of this "Venice of the Alps" (as many call Annecy): the Thiou.
Do not despair, oh you regal traveler! The fact that you have arrived at Annecy at sunset is because this city has a great charm to be toured at this time of the day although, as expected, you wont find any tourist site opened.
But again, don´t worry, the visit is designed so that, the following day, you´ll be able to visit the most emblematic places in order to not miss anything at Annecy: nor the charm of its sunsets, nor the beauty of its corners in broad daylight.
0.1 mi
5 min
19:451 hr
Chez Mamie Lise
Restaurant
Open Details
This beautiful restaurant has an atmosphere with a typical Savoyard decoration.
It has an excellent gastronomic offer, typical plates of the Haute Savoie, Gourmet tables and an extensive wine list.
A dish you can't miss is the Raclette, made with melted reblochon cheese (typical from the region) and if you like fish, the lake produces delicious trout and perch. Wines of the region? Well, the Chignin or the Roussette are the best in the area.
Open daily from 12:00 — 14:00 and from 19:00 — 22:00.
For reservations and more information click here
A dish you can't miss is the Raclette, made with melted reblochon cheese (typical from the region) and if you like fish, the lake produces delicious trout and perch. Wines of the region? Well, the Chignin or the Roussette are the best in the area.
Open daily from 12:00 — 14:00 and from 19:00 — 22:00.
For reservations and more information click here
0.1 mi
5 min
21:0015 min
Pont Morens
Open Details
In the Middle Ages Annecy was a fortified town and to enter and leave it, you had to pass through protected gates and pay a tax.
This is one of the few gates that are still standing and very well preserved.
The illumination of this area at night gives it a bohemian and magical air.
From this point you can see the city illuminated and the lights reflecting on the water. It is an idyllic picture of the night in Annecy.
The illumination of this area at night gives it a bohemian and magical air.
From this point you can see the city illuminated and the lights reflecting on the water. It is an idyllic picture of the night in Annecy.
0.4 mi
10 min
21:3010 min
Pont des Amours
Landmark
Open Details
Few people know how beautiful it is to look out over the city and toward the lake, from this bridge, at night. It is definitely a show not to be missed.
0.3 mi
10 min
22:0010 hrsHotels
Hôtel du Palais de l'Isle
8.4
This hotel is one of the best located, among the narrow streets of the old town or the "Vieille ville" as the locals call this part of town.
Remember to always book your room in advance.
Check in is available from 15:00 and check out until 11:00.
Remember to always book your room in advance.
Check in is available from 15:00 and check out until 11:00.