Travel guide Geneva
Geneva : The best time to go
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Geneva : Practical information for travel
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Edition 2025
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Geneva : What to see, what to do ?
Geneva : Where to go?
The most beautiful tourist sites
Geneva : Other nearby tourist attractions
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Geneva : Petit Futé's best addresses
Discover the most beautiful addresses selected by the authors of Petit Futé.
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Geneva : Featured articles
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Geneva : How do I travel?
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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Geneva : Travel
Ideas for holidays and week-end breaks 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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Geneva : Discover
Geneva has many faces to discover. It's rich not just in terms of financial investments, but also in culture, sport, festivities and the arts. This city is a hymn to nature, culture and sport. Global, cosmopolitan and multicultural, thanks to the UN and many other international organizations and NGOs, it 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. You can swim and dance on its shores, in its sumptuous parks, listen to concerts, attend a music or film festival, a triathlon, a historical commemoration or a not-to-be-missed exhibition. The winning duo of chocolate and watchmaking is not to be overlooked, as you're touching on perfection! And don't forget the lively markets and gourmet addresses where you can enjoy excellent Swiss service.
Geneva : The 12 keywords
#Banks
It's hard to imagine Switzerland without its famous banks. Geneva leads the way in private wealth management, its specialty since the early 20th century, and manages 27% of the world's offshore wealth. It is the world's sixth-largest financial center, with over 140 banking headquarters (60 of them foreign).
#Calvin
Jean Calvin, theologian, pastor and writer, collaborated with Guillaume Farel, pioneer of the Protestant Reformation. In 1536, he reorganized the Church, introduced social and political reforms, and invested in culture and the economy. The Wall of the Reformers pays tribute to him and other preachers who left their mark on Geneva's history.
#Chocolate
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!
#Escalade
This festival, celebrated in mid-December, commemorates Geneva's victory over the troops of Duke Charles-Emmanuel I of Savoy. On the night of December 11-12, 1602, Savoyard troops attempted to storm the city walls, but failed. The event is celebrated with parades, masquerade costume, singing and races!
#Watchmaking
Geneva is undoubtedly the cradle and world capital of luxury watchmaking. A number of monuments bear witness to this, including the Horloge fleurie and the carillon in the Passage Malbuisson, not to mention museums such as the Patek Philippe Museum, boutiques on the Rue du Rhône and the unmissable Salon Watches and Wonders Geneva in April.
#International
The European headquarters of the UN, Geneva is home to 42 international organizations, including the ICRC, UNHCR, WHO, CERN and some 750 NGOs. One hundred and seventy-eight states have permanent representations. Geneva is a major diplomatic center. Humanitarian operations are conducted here, multilateral agreements are signed..
#Water jet
From the shores of Geneva's Lake Geneva, you can admire the famous 140 m high jet d'eau. Before it became one of the city's most important symbols, it was used as a safety valve when the water produced by the Coulouvrenière hydroelectric plant on the Rhône was over-pressurized, and when craftsmen stopped work in the evening.
#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.
#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.
#Rousseau
Philosopher and writer, author of the Confessions,Émile ou De l'éducation, the Social Contract and Julie ou la Nouvelle Héloïse, pays tribute to him on Rousseau Island. Although his subsequent travels took him to Switzerland, France and Italy, it was in Geneva that he spent the first sixteen years of his life.
#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.
#Vineyard
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" and "septante" for "soixante-dix".
You answer "service" when someone thanks you.
You are punctual. The land of fine watchmaking!
You leave a tip in restaurants and bars. Not compulsory, but Genevans do it.
You drive slowly. Between Geneva and Lausanne, speed cameras are installed every 5 to 7 km on the freeway. Warning devices are prohibited!
You give way to pedestrians, even if you have plenty of time to do so.
You kiss someonethree times .
You pick up a newspaper in self-service outlets and pay for it, of course!
You're tolerant and respectful, preferring 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.
You eat a meringue with double Gruyère cream to finish the meal (yes, even after a fondue!)
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