Switzerland Guide
Geneva
Mont Salève
First ridge of the Alps rising southeast of Geneva is Mont Salève (1380m), the city-dwellers' principal retreat into nature, with wide-open countryside for walking or skiing, and views over the city, the whole canton and the Jura hills opposite. There are footpaths galore on top (which become cross-country skiing trails in winter), both through woodland and, higher up, across expansive green meadows dotted with wildflowers in season. In contrast to the sheer face presented to Geneva, the other, southern side of the mountain is a gentle slope, looking out onto Mont Blanc and the Savoy Alps.
Bear in mind that Salève is across the French border, so if you're going to need a visa (either to get into France, or to get back into Switzerland), you should give it a miss. Bus #8 terminates on the border at Veyrier, from where it's a short walk through customs to the cable car, which rises to a crest of the ridge. Opening time: May– Sept daily; April & Oct closed Mon; check at other times