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chaletspool

Book through knowitall.ch and receive a free gift of local Aravis reblochon cheese too!

If you fancy a relaxing break in the mountains, but don’t want to travel too far, then a week’s holiday in the 4-star Chalets de la Serraz may be just what you are looking for.

Situated in the Aravis valley, just an hour’s drive from Geneva, this traditional mountain hotel is a relaxing haven of tranquility and provides a wonderful base for exploring the beautiful Haute-Savoie region. As one of the members of the Hotels-Chalets de Tradition (www.hct.net), the hotel retains a wonderfully authentic farmhouse character, dating back to 1874.

English-speaking Managing Director, Raphaël Gallay, told knowitall.ch, “ With our 4-star rating, we have been hosting diplomats from Geneva for many years. We now welcome this opportunity to invite knowitall.ch clients to our hotel. Families with children, couples and singles can all benefit from the wide range of luxurious facilities we offer to our guests.”

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If you are planning to collect anyone from Geneva Airport, then you should be aware of the new arrangements now in place for picking people up.

The small, short stay car park (P2) situated on the arrivals level of the airport has, from 1 October 2012, been relocated temporarily to the first underground level (-1) of the main car park (P1 Illimté).  The new car park, which will have provision for the same number of parking places and will cost the same as before, will remain in place until the end of March 2013.

Whilst these changes are in place, a new system of signs will direct visitors to the car park, to avoid any confusion.   The changes are due to ongoing works at the airport, which are scheduled to finish at the end of 2014.

From 1 July 2012, it will be compulsory for all drivers in France to possess a breathalyzer test kit in their car.

This means that, in addition to the safety triangle and safety jackets which are already compulsory, drivers must now carry a hand-held breathalyzer kit in their cars, which has not been used and is still within its validity dates.

The new rule applies to all motorized vehicles. Only the drivers of “mobylettes” and those whose vehicles are equipped with an integrated system of alcohol detection will be exempt.

The rule also applies to foreign cars driving within France, even if this only happens occasionally.  

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The Pitstop Garage Team, featured on knowitall.ch earlier this year, is giving customers the chance to get their cars cleaned for free!

For every service booked with them between March 21st and April 30th, you will receive a free spring clean, worth Fr. 125.-.  The offer is valid for services priced Fr. 300.- and above.  Knowitall.ch customers can also combine this offer with Pitstop's generous 15% discount on labor rates offered in our last article, providing the total amount paid for services after the discount is Fr. 300.- or more.

To book your service, just call them on: 022 341 15 18 for Vernier or 022 342 15 18 for Geneva center.

And whilst you're at it, don''t forget to have your winter tires swapped over to summer tires to prevent them from getting too worn.

PitStop Garage Team is listed on page 66 of Know-it-all passport® 2011/2012.

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PitStop Garage Team was recommended to Know-it-all passport® about 6 years ago and has been listed in the last 2 editions. As you know, all the listings in the book are free, but must come from a recommendation. The quote that was sent in by one of their clients was fantastic:

"Works on all makes of cars. Honest, trustworthy, organized, speaks English, and gets you the best combination of price and quality."

What great comments to say, especially about a garage in Switzerland! But after meeting with the owner, Emmanuel Stern, we were completely under his charm as well. His English is flawless, the corporate identity is professional and carried out through the garage in color and style, and the garage is modern and upbeat (one can almost imagine turning it into a trendy restaurant or nightclub).