Le Salève

Known as Geneva’s local mountain, the Salève is actually just over the border in France. But the Genevois are justified in staking their claim, as this natural haven is just 20 minutes by bus from the city centre. It’s refreshing to slip out of Geneva’s money-focused commercial centre and head so easily into nature. From the cable car at Veyrier it’s a short ride up to 1,379m from where you’ll gape at the city and lake sprawled far below. A number of hiking paths meander over the mountain, including one which leads through the woods and on to an open meadow, the perfect spot for a picnic or snooze in the sun with a view of Mont Blanc. The mountain is popular with bikers and paragliders, while the less adventurous can content themselves with eating and drinking in several restaurants and cafés dotted around the hill.