Perhaps the most French of Swiss cities, French-speaking Geneva is located on the western shore of Lake Geneva, a few kilometers from the French border. Many French people from the region go there to work instead of visiting. But it would be too simplistic to reduce Geneva to that. Geneva is a city where life is good, a city where one feels good, a city open to all. As proof of this openness, it is the headquarters of many international organizations(United Nations, WHO, International Committee of the Red Cross, WTO, etc.). as a "world city", Geneva offers an extraordinary range of cultural activities and places to visit that you will find in your travel guide: the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMCO), the Baur Foundation for Oriental Arts, the Martin Bodmer Foundation, the Patek Philippe Museum (dedicated to watchmaking)... And it doesn't stop at museums. Those who come to Geneva will also have to discover its gastronomic scene: indeed, on the Lake Geneva shore, one finds the greatest density of gastronomic restaurants in the world. A very lively city, it is also easy to escape to the neighboring Alps and the shores of Lake Geneva. Lake Geneva offers the treasure of Geneva: the "jet d'eau", which is adorned with colors during specific events. Magical! Follow the Geneva guide to discover this surprising destination.

When to go Geneva ?

The high tourist season for visiting Geneva is from May1st to September 30th. It peaks in July and August. The low season runs from October 1st to April 30th.

The best time to visit Geneva is certainly the summer season. Pleasant temperatures favor a wide variety of outdoor activities. You can combine relaxation and swimming in Lake Geneva with cultural visits. It is also a period with less traffic (the Genevans go on vacation themselves) and therefore less traffic jams. Moreover, Geneva hosts every summer the "Fêtes de Genève" which enliven the harbor with multiple animations and tasting stands. Numerous festivities take place in the open air during the summer in the parks, including free concerts.

If you visit Geneva in spring or autumn, you will of course avoid the crowds of tourists and will be able to take advantage of lower rates.

Note that the Geneva Motor Show, which takes place every year between March1 and 15, attracts a significant number of visitors, around 700,000. During the exhibition periods, prices increase in hotels near Palexpo and in the center. Make sure you book well in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises. Outside the exhibition period, it is attractive to come and stay in Geneva.

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Practical information for travel Geneva

A sudden craving for chocolate, a trip on a steamboat on the Geneva lagoon, a vintage shopping spree, a desire to attend a world-renowned themed event such as the Motor Show (Gims)? The pretexts for staying in Geneva are numerous. To discover the architecture, history and richness of Geneva, there's nothing better than to treat yourself to a walk or a bike ride, lasting a few hours or half a day. We also offer you the opportunity to discover Geneva through its "Cultural Trails" or during the thematic guided tours offered by the Tourist Office and its partners. Make the most of your stay in the heart of the city to optimise your travel and enjoy exploring Geneva in a thousand ways. There are many offers and accommodation of all categories. The strategic location of the city is a perfect starting point to broaden your discovery of the Lake Geneva region.

 

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How to go Geneva

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How to go alone

It is very easy to travel alone in Geneva. Public transportation and hotels are abundant, so you can make your choice. To avoid wasting too much time queuing in front of each monument, think of buying your tickets in advance on the Internet or on the spot the day before, and above all, check the dates of trade fairs and congresses before your stay.

How to go on a tour

There are many tour operators that offer stays. The most common ones are getaways (3 days and 2 nights or 4 days and 3 nights) and long weekends. Prices vary according to the means of transportation chosen and the time of booking; last minute offers are the most interesting. In Geneva, because of the location, there are many cultural trips, but the prices are higher.

How to get around

It is useless and expensive to have a car in Geneva. To get around the city, prefer public transport (streetcars, buses and trolleybuses). During the summer, bicycles, to rent or buy, or even bicycle cabs allow an original discovery of the city, its surroundings and neighboring France. The Mouettes genevoises, small boats are adequate to move from one side of Geneva to the other of Lake Geneva.

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Discover Geneva

Geneva is easily conquered. It is rich, not only in terms of financial investments, but also in the cultural, sporting, festive and artistic fields. This city is a hymn to nature, culture and sport. It is cosmopolitan, multicultural, world-oriented, thanks to the UN and many other international organizations and NGOs, and is constantly reinventing itself. It is unique for its setting thanks to its lake, without which Geneva would not be Geneva, it is in the heart of Lake Geneva that the soul of Geneva resides. One swims, dances on its shores, eats in its sumptuous parks, listens to concerts, goes to a music festival, a film festival, a triathlon, a historical commemoration, or an exhibition not to be missed. Far from the clichés of chocolate and watchmaking (which should not be overlooked, however, as it is a perfect example) and banking, Geneva has many faces to discover.

Pictures and images Geneva

Vieil arsenal. Philippe GUERSAN - Author's Image
Cathédrale Saint-Pierre. Philippe GUERSAN - Author's Image
Quai Gustave Ador. Philippe GUERSAN - Author's Image
Genève. Chaoss - iStockphoto

The 12 keywords Geneva

1. #Banks

It is difficult to talk about Switzerland without its famous banks, and not without reason. Geneva ranks first in terms of private wealth management, its specialty since the beginning of the 20th century, and manages 27% of offshore wealth. It is the sixth largest financial center in the world and has more than 140 banking establishments.

2. #Calvin

Jean Calvin © Grafissimo - iStockphoto.com.jpg

In Geneva, Jean Calvin, a French man of letters, pastor and theologian, worked with Guillaume Farel, a pioneer of the Protestant Reformation. In 1536, he became involved in the fields of culture, economy and politics. The Wall of the Reformers pays tribute to this central figure in the city's history and to other preachers.

3. #Chocolate

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Artisan chocolate makers and specialized establishments: all compete in creativity. Richness of flavors, aromas of chocolates from the four corners of the world highlighted with original shapes, pots, pearls, hot chocolates, pralines, truffles ... Chocolate is honored: guided tours, chocolate bars ... Enjoy them!

4. #Escalade

This festival, celebrated annually on December 12, commemorates Geneva's victory over the troops of Duke Charles-Emmanuel I of Savoy. On the night of December 11 to 12, 1602, Savoyard troops attempted to storm the city walls, but failed. The event is commemorated with parades, masquerade costume, songs and races!

5. #Watchmaking

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Geneva is undoubtedly the cradle and world capital of luxury watchmaking. Several monuments attest to this, including the Horloge fleurie, the carillon of the Passage Malbuisson, as well as museums such as the Patek Philippe Museum, the boutiques of the Rue du Rhône and the unmissable Salon international de la haute horlogerie.

6. #International

As the European headquarters of the UN, Geneva is home to 42 international organizations such as the ICRC, UNHCR, WHO, CERN, etc., and approximately 750 NGOs. One hundred and seventy-eight States have permanent representations. Geneva is a major center of diplomacy. Humanitarian operations are conducted here, multilateral agreements are signed..

7. #Water jet

From the Geneva shores of Lake Geneva, you can admire the famous 140 m high water jet. Before it became one of the strong symbols of the city, it was used as a safety valve during the overpressure of the water produced by the Coulouvrenière hydraulic plant on the Rhone, when the craftsmen stopped working in the evening.

8. #Longeole

This pork sausage flavored with fennel or cumin is an integral part of the Geneva culinary tradition. In 2009, the Federal Office for Agriculture (OFAGE) even awarded it a protected geographical indication (PGI). This sausage made of pork shoulder and rind must be produced in the canton of Geneva.

9. #Seagulls

They are not birds flying around the lake, but small canary-yellow boats crossing Lake Geneva from various districts. Just like the streetcars that run through the city, the elegantly shaped seagulls are an integral part of Geneva's life, managed by the Geneva Public Transport.

10. #Rousseau

Philosopher and writer, author of the Confessions,Emile or Education, the Social Contract and Julie or the New Heloise, the city pays tribute to him on Rousseau Island. Even if his travels took him to Switzerland, France and Italy, it was in Geneva that he spent the first sixteen years of his life.

11. #Green

A true city of parks, the city of Geneva has about 50 parks spread over more than 310 hectares, with 428,000 plants, including 40,000 roses and 40,000 trees. In addition to their undeniable social, aesthetic and climatic roles, some parks will allow you to discover the great variety of fauna and flora.

12. #Vineyard

Vignoble et campagne genevoise (c) Séverine VULLIEZ.jpg

With its 1,400 hectares of vineyards, Geneva is the third largest wine-producing canton in Switzerland. This tradition, which the Romans initiated on Geneva soil, was threatened at the end of the 19th century by competition from French wines. The twenty or so grape varieties are worth tasting. Visit the cellars and try the chasselas, muscat and pinot noir.

You are from here, if...

You say "nonante " for "quatre-vingt dix".

You say "service" to someone who thanks you.

You say "goodbye" when someone says "hello".

You are punctual. The land of fine watchmaking!

You leave a tip in restaurants or bars. It is not obligatory, but Genevans generally do it.

You drive slowly. Between Geneva and Lausanne, speed cameras are installed every 5 to 7 km on the highway. Be careful, GPS speed cameras are forbidden in Switzerland!

You give way to a pedestrian, even if you have plenty of time to pass.

You kiss a personthree times when you kiss them, not twice.

You take a newspaper in self-service stores and pay for it, of course!

You are tolerant and respectful and prefer to explain yourself rather than get angry.

You drink your coffee with a little cream.

You buy a chocolate pot to celebrate the Escalade in December.

Card Geneva

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