DAY 2 - SEPTEMBER 3 - PARIS TO GENEVA TO EVIAN

 

We arrived at Paris CDG about 10 AM, and were met by a lady with a wheelchair in the jetway. She took us to the disabled area in the same terminal and left us to sit. Ron said he was going to get a beer, but the gate agent said there wasn’t enough time. Then they instructed us to come along (on foot) and go down an elevator, then down a few steps and onto a shuttle bus that had other people with mobility issues aboard. It took us to Terminal 2E. A wheelchair guy met us at the bus, took us upstairs, and walked a long, long way to the AF lounge. The pusher was minimum help and didn't assist Ron with his bags at all. Ron was exhausted and lagging behind. 

When we arrived at the beautiful and welcoming AF lounge, we realized how far it was and requested TWO wheelchairs to take us to the departure gate.

The club is very sleek, modern and light-filled. We sat on a modular sofa in front of the massive windows, and enjoyed our first glass of French champagne.

😊

When it was time to go to the gate, there was only one wheelchair.  At the last minute an AF supervisor in uniform found a second chair and volunteered to push. It was so kind of her - above and behind her duties. Ron said he didn't know if he could make it otherwise, as he was totally "knackered". The distances are astonishing, especially pulling a heavy roll-on topped with a carry-on. The young lady escorting me insisted on leading me through the jetway, politely moving all of the other passengers aside. Kudos to Air France for their helpful staff.

The plane to Geneva was better than the usual European domestic business class. Seats configured 2/2 rather than the old trick of three across with middle seat block. This made it a bit more spacious, and leather upholstery was a plus. It was a quick flight, and the view on approach to Geneva is incredibly stunning, taking in the River Rhone, Lake Geneva and the Alps.

The lady wheelchair attendant who met us at the gate was very kind and helpful. She took us to the luggage area, obtained a trolley, called the Citroen car agent, helped lift bags off the conveyor, and then took us into the French side of the airport. This involves traversing very long, drab corridors, something we remember from past trips. She took us to a parking garage where we were met by a driver in a large van. Ron gave the young lady 20 EU for her outstanding help.

The leasing company is in Ornex, a suburb about 5 miles from the airport. Our vehicle is a Citroen S3 SUV, a cute, sporty looking little car. The odometer read ZERO kilometers. We have used both Citroen and Renault many times – they offer the unusual concept of purchase/buy-back. The price is very competitive and includes unlimited mileage and zero deductible insurance, which is important since we usually return the vehicle with some scrape, broken wheel, or other damage.

Ron had never seen some of the French controls, so had to call the attendant back three times for questions, including how to put the car into drive. It was slow-going leaving that area, Had to be so careful on narrow roads with many vehicles, bikes and pedestrians.

We drove through the center of Geneva past the famous city landmark, Jet d'Eau, a fountain located where the Rhone exits Lake Geneva. It shoots water 460-feet into the air, using 130 gallons of water per second. Followed along the lakeshore, which has  changed so much in recent years. The climate has become more "Mediterranean", attributed to global warming, and people are out enjoying the lake and all the beautiful facilities. There are newly  built swimming areas, including an enormous, floating wooden circular platform, the Quai de Cologny. The traffic was too bad to stop for photos, and it is better viewed from the air, but you can google it.

Speaking of Cologny, it is the richest area of Geneva, which is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. The UN has a major presence in Geneva, and it is home to numerous  international organizations, including the Red Cross. Cologny is the neighborhood where many diplomats, bankers, celebrities, company CEO's and, according to Wikipedia, "heirs" reside. Home prices range from about US$10 million to $25 million and going on up from there. It seems the area has attracted the rich and famous for centuries. It was interesting to me to learn that Lord Byron rented a villa there in the summer of 1816. He hosted a group of people during an unusual spell of bad weather. The guests included Percy and Mary Shelley. For those several days, they entertained themselves by telling gothic horror stories, and from that experience came the original draft of the novel "Frankenstein". Mary Shelly was only 18 at the time.

It was about an hour drive to Evian. The entrance to the Hilton is around back, and limited area to park for check-in. Turned over the car for valet parking in the hotel garage at 16 EU/night. Not bad, considering the hills and limited parking, and being "knackered".

Our room (#5212) was an upgrade to a lake view. There is really no reason to stay here other than  the view! The room was simple, but the view was spectacular – and a balcony to boot. What more could you ask for?

After showers and change of clothes, we went up to the Executive Lounge on the sixth floor. Free snacks and drinks were provided until 7 PM. Gorgeous view of sunset over the Lake (basically same view as from our room).  We were both in bed asleep before 10 PM.

 

View from Executive Lounge

We love it here!