Whatever time of you're planning to visit, Geneva - or the gateway to the Alps - has something for everyone It’s the gateway to numerous Alpine ski resorts, but Geneva is an interesting city that’s certainly worth a stopover en route to the slopes. From paragliding onto Mont Blanc to exploring medieval castles, there are a host of activities for families to tackle at reasonable driving distances from the city. Here, the MCC team has put together a selection of experiences.

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Signal de Bougy

About 45 minutes’ drive out of Geneva is Signal de Bougy, a large green country park offering a host of activities for both children and adults. Hiking, games, workshops, picnics, an adventure park and much more make the park a good family day out. Find out more Address: Route du Signal 16, Bougy-Villars 1172 Switzerland Call: +41 58 568 31 50

Lac Souterrain de Saint-Léonard

This extraordinary place, two hours from Geneva, is the largest underground lake in Europe that can be explored by boat. Locals had always known about it, and vineyard-owners used to cool their bottles of wine inside it, but it wasn’t until the 1940s that it was explored. These days the lake is illuminated and it’s possible to take 30-minute guided tours through the caves that enclose it. There’s a restaurant with lovely views – and watch out for music festivals and events. Address: CP 75 Rue du Lac 21, 1958 St Léonard, Switzerland Call: +41 27 203 22 66

Lavaux Express

The Lavaux wine area, dotting the lake and about an hour from Geneva, is a UNESCO heritage site and its wines are not available anywhere else except locally. One of the easiest ways to explore the terraced vineyards – and on some trips to sample the wines – is to take a ride on the little tourist train, the  Lavaux Express from the Lutry or Cully piers and enjoy the wonderful views. Find out more Address: Quai Gustave Doret 1, 1095 Lutry, Switzerland Call: +41 848 848 791

Cruise on Lake Geneva

One of the prettiest ways to see Lake Geneva is on a boat trip. This company offers a number of different types, from a well-priced hour-long trip around the lake’s high spots, to lunch sailings, wine-tasting sailings and much more. Find out more Address: Avenue de Rhodanie 17, Case postale 390, 1001 Lausanne, Switzerland Call: +41 848 811 848

Domaine et Château de Montrottier

Looking like a castle out of a fairytale, Montrottier Castle is an hour’s drive out of Geneva and into France at Lovagny near Annecy. Dating originally from the 13th century – with later additions common to all castles –  Its rooms house curiosities and artworks from all periods of its history. There are also frequent events for families and children – check the website. Find out more Address: Château de Montrottier, 74330 Lovagny, France Call: +33 4 50 46 23 02

Les Gorges du Fier (Annecy)

This amazing natural attraction an hour’s drive from Geneva is a deep gorge with the River Fier running through it, and a footbridge spanning it.There are walks through the area, a visitor center, café and gift shop. This attraction is unsuitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Find out more Address: Gorge du Fier, 74330 Lovagny, France Call: +33 4 50 46 23 07

Adrenaline Parapente (Lac Annecy)

For those who would rather jump off an Alp than sit and look at it, this paragliding school an hour’s drive out of Geneva and into France at Annecy, offers a wide variety of experiences. There are children’s and tandem flights, flights combined with cross-country skiing and hiking, and a tandem flight onto Mont Blanc. Find out more Address: 150 Chemin du Pré Monteux, ZA Perroix, 74290 Talloires-Montmin, France Call: +33 06 59 48 07 37

Megève Ski Resort

The resort has more than 400km of slopes, many lined with wooded areas, perfect for skimming between the trees while taking in the views of Mont Blanc. The slopes have merged with surrounding villages to become a giant ski area, particularly popular with beginners and intermediates because it’s not one of the highest resorts and has plenty of green and wide blue slopes. Find out more Address: 220 Rte du Téléphérique, 74120 Megève Call: +33 4 50 21 57 10

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