As well as providing transfers from Geneva airport we also offer our service from Geneva city centre, Lyon, Chambery, Lausanne and many more arrival point in Switzerland, Italy and France.

For further information about our services and offers please do not hesitate to contact us on 00 33 (0)6 79 01 46 02.

or via email on – info@deluxe-transfers.com

james coates

Skier on the Aiguille du Midi

Its Spring in the Chamonix valley and many people choose to travel to Chamonix for the day, especially from Geneva.  Our knowledge of Geneva city centre and Geneva centre Hotels is second to none, we provide this service on a regular basis.

Chamonix valley is the ideal location for a day trip from Geneva, at only a 50 minute drive there is plenty to do in a day.  From restaurants, shopping and Cafes to Telecabins, hiking, climbing and many more sporting activities there is enough to keep eveyone busy.

For more information about Chamonix day trips please do not hesitate to contact us directly at Deluxe Transfers.

James Coates

Due to the large amount of snow that fell none stop during January and February the snow depths are still very impressive making perfect conditions.  The forecast on 9th March (today) is showing a slight return to colder weather next week with slight snow fall.

For more information about weather – www.chamonix-meteo.com

The alps at this time of year can be a busy time and Chamonix is no exception.  French and British school holidays contribute largely to the influx of people at this time of year but also the reliable snow at the “high skiing” resorts such as Chamonix mean people are attracted here rather than elsewhere.

Skiers on the Aiguille du Midi

High Skiing doesn’t come much better (or higher) than the famous “Aiguille du Midi” and its Vallee Blanche, a 20+ Km off-piste run that winds its way back down to Chamonix through magnificent scenery and amazing glacial terrain.  With a drop of just under 3 vertical KM’s (and a conveniently situated mountain refuge for lunch) this is a run that can easily take all day!

As i write this on Sunday 17th February the sky is blue, the snow is deep (over 4 meters at 2500m altitude) and the conditions on the valle blanche are perfect.  Many of the cravasses on the “normal” route are well filled in and skiing right down to town is possible.

Skiing any of the routes down from the Aiguille du midi should not be underestimated and the services of a high mountain guide are strongly recommended.

By far the easiest and fastest way to get through a busy Geneva airport arrivals hall is to book a “Private” Geneva airport transfer.

Not only will you (or your clients) be the only people in the vehicle but we will leave the airport as soon as you exit baggage claim, and, with “Deluxe” we will do our best to avoid the 20 minute “train station” walk to the weekend minibus carpark.

Snowshoe signs in Chamonix

Not everyone visiting the Alps in winter is a ski/board fanatic! some come to discover a new area, switch off the stress and do some exercise.  One of the best ways to get out of town and away from the crowds is to strap on a pair of snowshoes and head  for the hills.

Our advice would be to enlist the professional services of a snowshoe guide such as Alpinetreks who are based in the Chamonix valley and know where to go and where not to go depending on snow conditions.

However, even without a guide there are some wonderful walks to discover in and around the valley that are only accessible to those on snowshoes.  Ask at the tourist office for a simple map that will point you in the right direction.

At just over 1hr 30mins from Geneva international airport and about 20 mins from Chamonix, “Deluxe” can get you through to this secret spot quickly and easily in one of our winter equipped 4×4 Mercedes vehicles.

Video courtesy of TVmountain.

James Coates

Geneva’s Fountain

The Jet d’Eau is the large water fountain (that you cant fail to see!) in Geneva, Switzerland, and is one of the city’s most famous landmarks, it even features on the city’s official tourism web site.  It is one of the largest fountains in the world.

Situated at the point where Lake Geneva empties into the Rhone River, it is visible throughout the city, it is even visible flying over the city when coming in to land at Geneva airport.

Five hundred litres of water per second are pumped to an altitude of 140 metres via two 500 kW pumps, consuming over one megawatt of electricity.  The water leaves the nozzle at a speed of 200 km/h. At any given moment there are about 7,000 litres of water in the air.

The original pressure release valve

The original Jet d’Eau was installed in 1886 at the Usine de la Coulouvrenière, a little further downstream from its present location.  Originally it wasn’t a tourist attraction at all, it was used as a safety valve for a hydraulic power network and could reach a height of about 30 metres.  When factories closed down in the evening the valve was used to release pressure in the system.  In 1891, its aesthetic value was recognised and it was moved to its present location.  Its maximum height is about 90 metres. The present Jet d’Eau was installed in 1951 in a partially submerged pumping station to pump lake water instead of city water!

Since 2003, the fountain has operated during the day all year round, except in case of frost and particularly strong wind. It operates in the evening between spring and autumn and is lit by a set of 12 lights.

James Coates