Tourist Attractions & Monuments Geneva

Dare to ask, they are there to help you! The association Bienvenue works for a better quality of life in the urban environment by welcoming people, promoting social and economic development, providing access to cultural activities and helping vulnerable people (elderly, pregnant women, people with reduced mobility). You will be able to recognize the volunteer members thanks to their "Geneva Welcome" t-shirt. The association also offers guided tours in the international district or "Geneva from Cornavin station to Place Neuve".

The museum is housed in a typical Carouge house, in the heart of a beautiful private garden in the middle of town. This charming building houses collections by local artists, including sculptures, photographs of contemporary ceramics, earthenware, enamels and works of fine art, reflecting the history of Carouge and its artistic evolution.

The exhibition "Espèce de cornichon" : art, cuisine et chirat, until May 2023, retraced the history of the gherkin through the centuries. A highly original theme.

A very beautiful residence houses the Graphic Arts Cabinet of the Museum of Art and History of Geneva. It is undoubtedly one of the most important European centres in the field of the conservation and dissemination of works on paper. It preciously preserves engravings, prints, drawings, pastels... Some 375,000 items are kept in this case, including the world's largest collection of works by Jean-Etienne Liotard and drawings by Ferdinand Hodler.

Opened in 1910 at the same time as the Geneva Museum of Art and History, it became a public library in 1911. It is the largest art library in Switzerland. Its collections are made up of works in all artistic fields: archaeology, fine arts, decorative arts, architecture, numismatics, museology, restoration, from prehistory to the contemporary era. More than 300,000 monographs, 6,000 journal titles and books.

Located on the Place de Neuve, opposite the Parc des Bastions, the neoclassical style of this building is reminiscent of a Greek temple. It is only open for temporary exhibitions (see the museum's website or that of the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire). This museum, which opened in 1826, was founded by the sisters of General Rath, a great art lover, and was the first Swiss fine arts museum. It regularly features interesting exhibitions, the most recent of which evokes the fascinating life of traveler Ella Maillart.

An excellent museum, simple and highly didactic, a must-see. A treasure trove for those who find the subtleties of the Reformation obscure, or who want to better understand Geneva's history. The museum's layout is highly educational. Before the advent of Protestantism, it's important to look at the historical context. Europe was in the grip of plague epidemics. Yesterday's convictions were being called into question. The Americas had just been discovered, the famous "great discoveries", and science was also challenging the great truths of the Church, which could no longer meet society's expectations. The Reformation? This is a movement of thought that seeks to take the founding texts of Christianity, the Bible, as its basis, without going through the interpretations of the Church. It was rooted in the humanism of the Renaissance, which was then in full swing. The Reformation was one of the key stages in Geneva's spiritual and political development. The museum is housed in a handsome ^18th-century mansion, the Maison Mallet. Located a stone's throw from Saint-Pierre Cathedral, it occupies the cathedral's former cloister. A highly symbolic location: on May 21, 1536, the Reformation was adopted here. A video in the entrance traces the history of Martin Luther, then that of Jean Calvin, through the wars of religion that tore France apart. In 9 stages, it tells the story of Protestantism from the ^16th century to the present day, from Luther's theses, born in part from the famous sale of indulgences by the Church to the faithful for the salvation of their souls. What price, then, for an assured passage to heaven? Luther was scandalized by these abuses of the Church, which was made rich by these particularly lucrative sales. These new ideas, revolutionary at the time, were widely disseminated thanks to the invention of the printing press. Books became accessible to a large population, 90% of whom were illiterate. Previously, their extremely high price and rarity made them accessible only to a very wealthy elite. Various personalities, including Luther and Calvin, put forward new ideas. Between 1562 and 1598, when Henry IV promulgated the Edict of Nantes, establishing tolerance between religions, France was bloodied by the Wars of Religion, culminating in the horror of the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre in 1572. The first caricatures appear, and the persecutions of French Huguenots, provoked by the revocation of the Edict of Nantes promulgated by Louis XIV in 1685, are evoked, culminating in the exile of Protestants to Switzerland, with the arrival of Calvin in 1536, and the role of Geneva in the influence and spread of Calvinism... On a fascinating map, you'll follow the journeys of Protestant refugees, from the arrival of the Mayflower in America in 1620, to the celebration of the first Thanksgiving, and the arrival of other refugees in Huguenot South Africa, convinced they were arriving in the Promised Land, with all the well-known consequences for the original inhabitants. In each land of exile, these emigrants brought with them their know-how: wine in South Africa, lace in Holland, the famous watchmaking in Switzerland.... What's also interesting is to see old and sometimes moving writings: a personal letter from Calvin, accounts of the St. Bartholomew's Day massacres, engravings, historical documents, original works and objects dating from the ^18th century wars of religion: bibles, old engravings of Geneva, Calvin's works in their original editions, portraits of the reformers, souvenirs of the persecutions and the Refuge. Don't miss the music room, where you can listen to true musical masterpieces inspired by Protestantism from the 16th^century to the present day, set against a backdrop of stained-glass colors. It has been said that "Catholicism is for the eyes, Protestantism is for the ears". Here's a magnificent example of this, as we listen to the beauty of South African, Ethiopian and Hungarian Reformed songs, songs in Old French, Aretha Franklin, and Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus", covered here by Johnny Cash.... Finally, the historical cellars offer a look at contemporary Protestantism around the world. Interesting debates are set up, and we listen to excerpts from Martin Luther King's magnificent speech. You'll also be able to read some wonderful quotes from thought-provoking personalities. These magnificent words include one from Desmond Tutu, an icon, like Nelson Mandela, in the fight against apartheid: "Be kind to white people, they need you to rediscover their humanity".

"In the footsteps of the Reformation": a 10-stop tour of the old town, duration 1 hour. You can download the tour and educational packs at www.musee-reforme.ch/ecoles/

Activities at the MIR for children: we're given an interactive screen, and when we place it in front of some of the paintings, the personality of the work comes to life and begins to evoke the historical context of its period, its role etc. Excellent! An audio guide in 10 languages is available free of charge.

The store : the museum shop offers a wide selection of specialist books on the Reformation.

This foundation was created in 1998 by the city of Carouge from the bequest of Charlotte Bruckner who wished to contribute to the cultural development of the city. In order to promote the work of ceramics in the broadest sense, the city thus revives a historical activity: important ceramic factories were indeed located here from 1803 to 1933. The workshops can be made available to individuals or institutions. It is a lively place where artists and amateurs from all over the world can ask for residence to develop their art. A firing service is available in the kilns and courses in modeling, throwing or molding can be offered. The Bruckner Foundation organizes the Parcours Céramique Carougeois. This international ceramic biennial takes place every four years, the next one will probably take place in 2026. It encourages the public to discover contemporary ceramics in Carouge and in the canton. The Parcours Céramique Carougeois is a festival that allows the public to discover contemporary ceramics through exhibitions, conferences, guided tours, spectacular open-air firings, screenings and workshops for children. This place of creation leaves room for imagination and poetry. This Foundation places the city of Carouge as a recognized artistic center. A site that is more for the residents of Geneva and its region, but if you like ceramics..

Don't miss this opportunity to discover Geneva in an authentic tramway dating from the ^20th century! The Geneva Tramway Museum Association, which is in charge of their conservation, offers an unusual tour. From May to October, one Sunday a month, the streetcars take us back in time to discover the city, from Carouge to the Nations, passing through Plainpalais, from Rive to Place Neuve and back down to Carouge. A must try!

Built on the former bastion when Geneva was dismantling its fortifications, this park has become one of the most popular green spaces in the city. It is here that the first botanical garden was established in 1817 by Augustin-Pyrame de Candolle. About fifty trees, with rare and varied species, remain in this park, which is rich in hundred-year-old trees. An oasis of 6.5 hectares of greenery in the center of the city, it is an essential place for all kinds of activities. Genevans, Plainpalais residents, students, lawyers from neighboring schools, come here to recharge their batteries, take a breath of fresh air and picnic on the deckchairs provided free of charge in summer. There are also the regulars who meet to play their game of chess on the giant checkers located near the Place Neuve. It is the paradise of children who enjoy the swings and the sandbox, it is the historical passage of the marathon runners during the Escalade race in December. And above all, it is home to an unmissable point of Protestant Geneva with the wall of the reformers against the old city walls. The Bastions University in its center dating from 1873, invites scholars and students to come and consult the works of the most important library in Switzerland. The music festival sets up its numerous stages and the city councillors sit in the Eynard Palace (1817). Strollers can stop at the bandstand and have a drink.

It is difficult to visit Geneva without paying tribute to one of its unavoidable specialties: chocolate. Over the years, the quality and unique flavors of Swiss chocolate have not wavered. The Geneva Tourist Office has set up a very original program to allow travelers to taste the various flavors and aromas of Geneva's chocolates. The concept is simple: the purchase of the "choco pass" allows to test a wide range of chocolates in a "tasting plate" proposed in the stores listed in the "choco pass".

One of the meeting points for Genevans - there's almost always something going on here: concerts, festivals, food trucks, the highlight of the Fête de la Musique, ephemeral bars, the site of the Ferris wheel in summer and early autumn, and home to the Geneva Lux light festival in winter. In short, this is a must-see venue for everyone. You won't want to miss it, on the left bank of the lake, next to the Mont-Blanc bridge. A landmark? Parked tourist buses: there you are. Here, you can admire the mosaic of flowers - changing with the seasons - that make up the famous flower clock, or simply relax. You're bound to pass by it on your way to the quays on the way to Eaux Vives beach, and further on to Parc Lagrange and Parc des Eaux Vives, and even further on to Genève Plage. The garden is not lacking in charm and offers a beautiful, shady view of Lake Geneva. Reclaimed from the lake when the harbour was filled in in 1854, it was the city's first English-style park. The writer Dostoyevsky described it as "an ugly little square". It's not lacking in charm, with its bronze fountain (1862), late ^19th-century bandstand, Four Seasons fountain, national monument and pavilion. You're bound to stop here to admire the lake, take a photo of the fountain, enjoy a drink on the summer terrace in the shade or relax on the lawns. Not to be missed; but you won't miss it anyway.

Here, we are in the heart of a Geneva that is open to the world. This neighborhood is home to a large number of international organizations: the UN of course, the UNHCR, the ICRC, the WTO, the ILO, the WIPO, the ERI and many others. In the center of the square, the work of the Geneva artist Daniel Berset: Broken Chair (1997), a giant chair with a piece of one of its legs amputated, symbol of the fight against antipersonnel mines erected by Handicap International. Facing the square, the great entrance of the Palais des Nations, an alley lined with the 192 flags of the member states.

Located on the Pont de la Machine, overlooking the Rhône as it joins Lake Geneva, the site reflects Geneva's early industrialization. It was one of the first structures built "on the water". Its function was to regulate the water level of the Rhône. Today, it is dedicated to the presentation of exhibitions on environmental, humanitarian and artistic themes, through interactive displays. It makes an interesting little tour from the quays adjacent to the Four Seasons to the old town.

If the theme of this museum - ceramics and glass - can leave some people cold, think again! It's well worth a visit - after a guided tour of the UN, for example, since it's right next door. The site is a jewel, well worth a visit for the richness of its collections, the beauty and refinement of its works, the quality and creativity of its exhibitions juggling contemporary and classical art. Housed in a beautiful, light-filled building, the museum is dedicated to the history and art of ceramics, glass and stained glass. Its collections, from Switzerland, Europe and the Far East, bring together pieces of unique beauty dating from the ^9th century to the present day. We learn a great deal, following step by step, around the world, the history of porcelain, imported from China to Europe by the ships of the East India Company. As the museum's curator asserts, ceramics, glass and stained glass, the "arts of fire", were born of the four elements, earth and sand, nourished by water, then shaped by fire and nurtured by air. A true "connection with nature". Then comes the artist's extraordinary inventiveness over time. It's a journey around the world, through history and cultures. Over the course of history, these pieces reflect the almost infinite creativity and refinement of artists from a wide variety of cultures, and the wealth of exchanges and influences between these same cultures. Is it because the museum is housed in a vast, luminous building, with an atmosphere that reflects its founder's openness to the world? Quite simply, it makes you feel good. Close to the UN, this imposing building with its imposing dome, dating from the late ^19th century, is surrounded by a beautiful park, the last remains of the vast estate of its founder, Gustave Revilliod (1817-1890). This wealthy man of letters was an exceptional traveler, art collector, archaeologist, scholar, humanist and polyglot, who traveled throughout Europe, the Orient and the rest of the world, bringing back masterpieces. He was passionate about everything: painting, sculpture, prints, textiles, furniture, ceramics, glass... As a patron of the arts, he travelled extensively and collected over 30,000 pieces, notably from the Far East. Today, the site houses over 28,000 pieces. The museum is well laid out, with large, well-lit rooms where the works are particularly well displayed. The museum evokes the odyssey of porcelain, which originated in China, appeared in the Middle East and then in Europe. It arrived by ship from the Middle Kingdom, and the round trip took eighteen months. Porcelain was a phenomenal success, but the secrets of its manufacture - jealously guarded by Chinese ceramists - remained unknown until the early ^18th century. The fascinating history of ceramics over the centuries right up to the present day is recounted here. You'll be able to admire sumptuous pieces originating in China, the famous blue and white ceramics, the three-colored ceramics, and ceramics adapted to Western orders. The representation of Westerners as seen by the Chinese on ceramics is not without its salt. Wherever you are in the world, the way you look at things differs according to your country of origin. Persian ceramics reflect a civilization of unique wealth and refinement. As you enter the site, you are impressed by the imposing entrance hall, the brightly-lit rooms and the imposing vaulted ceiling. The building was dedicated to Gustave Revilliod's mother - named Ariana. Its architecture is inspired by Baroque and Italian influences. Its appearance is imposing, to say the least.

Works are exhibited in large, bright rooms, arranged along circular galleries around or above the imposing entrance hall - a grand staircase had been planned when the building was designed, but the idea was eventually abandoned.

Take a break in the small salon on the first floor, where you'll hear some travel stories told by Gustave Revilliod himself. Fascinating memoirs in which this open-minded and curious man of the world recounts not only some of his travel experiences, but also his exasperation with an overly conventional, sclerotic society and its contemporaries. As he says, the latter drove him to go back to the other side of the world.

The park - most of which now belongs to the UN - has a few souvenirs, including a replica of a bell from Japan's Shinagawa temple,

The temporary exhibitions are well worth a look, and the presentation of the pieces is really well thought-out and highly original. The dynamism of the museum's team is to be commended, as they always combine intercultural, social and historical aspects.

Every first Sunday of the month, as well as on certain Thursdays, the museum organizes excellent free guided tours of current exhibitions, not to be missed if you're visiting Geneva during this period. To find out more about the various events and workshops organized by the museum, consult the agenda available directly on the website (www.musee-ariana.ch/fr/agenda).

If only for the beauty of its redbark redwoods, its pines and firs and other trees of unique beauty, come and walk in this park. Created in the 16th century, located in the extension of the Lagrange park, it is a marvel. This "ocean of greenery", a true haven of peace, offers an exceptional view of the lake and the Jura. Its name originates from the presence of numerous underground springs that once fed the city. You can relax on the lawns, while children will enjoy the games. You will be able to have a meal.

In 1945, the park's gardener set up makeshift shelters to take in injured animals from the region, giving rise to the creation of this small animal park. It is now home to the region's wild fauna (wild boar, ducks, ibex, etc.)! We work for the conservation of endangered species. A pleasant site for families with young children. From here, you can follow the many paths along the Rhône, which are particularly beautiful in autumn...

When the Sardinian city installs a hydraulic machine and lays its first lead pipes, J. D. Blavignac, imagine some monumental and fanciful fountains dating from the years 1867-1868 and which are now classified as historical monuments. In addition to the architectural work which the artist wanted, they were also used to supply water to the people of Carouge. They are visible at Place du Marché (the most monumental square which is dedicated to the river along Carouge, the Arve), Place du Temple (known for its dragon-like chimeras and its Gothic appearance), Ancienne Street (basin decorated with two bronze swans) and Jacques-Dalphin Street (the least majestic). Blavignac's fountains are signed by his brand, that is, a snail. They are partly carved from local rocks and decorated with bronze sculptures.

From the outside, the MAMCO building, housed in an old, disused factory, looks rather unappealing. But think again! It owes its creation to Amam (Association des amis du musée d'Art moderne), founded in 1973. Many patrons wish to share their works. You don't need to be an Andy Warhol aficionado or an expert in contemporary art to appreciate the works. The Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain de Genève (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Geneva) is open to all visitors, from 0 to 150 years of age, whether or not they are art connoisseurs, and features 3,500 m² of exhibition space spread over several floors, in large, light-filled halls. As its name suggests, this museum is dedicated to contemporary art. Whether you like it or not, you won't remain indifferent to the works on display. A common thread that defines it? Its dynamism! The museum is constantly reinventing itself: in addition to the permanent exhibition, three temporary exhibitions are organized each year. The permanent works are regularly renewed, mingling with those in the temporary exhibition. You'll never get bored! The entity has built up a veritable collection of important works for Contemporary Art in Switzerland. Guided tours and public education are a constant feature, and the museum's ambition is to introduce newcomers to the richness of this heritage. And it succeeds! The MAMCO is full of surprises! The themes of the exhibitions are interesting, the ideas always very creative and the works very well presented.

Far Eastern art enthusiasts, this visit is for you! Sumptuous is the word to describe the collections of exceptional works from China and Japan assembled by Swiss collector Alfred Baur (1865-1951). He made his fortune trading in organic fertilizers in Sri Lanka, the country formerly known as Ceylon. On his return to Switzerland in 1906, he developed a passion for collecting Asian art, and began a parallel career as a "collector", focusing mainly on Japanese works, and later on Chinese ceramics. The works, all of great refinement, are displayed in a ^19th-century mansion. The museum is small, but well worth a visit. A staircase leads to the department specializing in China, then to Japan. The museum rooms are brightly lit, and the works are well displayed. You'll admire ceramics of perfect beauty and harmony, the earliest dating back to the Tang dynasty (618-907). A saddled horse testifies to the intensity of trade between China and the West via the Silk Road. These ceramics cover all dynasties up to the Qing (1644-1911). Jade objects, miniature tobacco flasks, perfume burners, cups and bowls, some Indian-influenced or inspired by Tibetan Buddhist art, date from the ^18th to the ^20th century. Note the jade objects, a reflection of the long and hard work involved. Jade - considered a symbol of purity and integrity in China - is perceived as a very precious stone. Very hard, it was considered indestructible. In addition to its high value, it was therefore associated with immortality, and jade was often placed in the graves of emperors and aristocrats. Imagine the time it took to carve a perfume burner, a bowl or a brush holder. Take a look at some of these highly original vases, in which Westerners - and not to their advantage - are depicted. It's interesting to discover how Easterners look at Westerners. In the 17th and 18th centuries, China and the Far East in general aroused great interest and admiration among Westerners. These famous "chinoiseries" were, at first, imitations of Chinese objets d'art made in the West, but the term was later extended to include objects made in China. Cloisonné enamels and remarkable Chinese textiles are also on display.

Don't miss the department dedicated to Japan. These collections date back to the Edo period and the Meiji, Taisho and Showa eras, stretching from the ^18th to the early ^20th century. It brings together everyday objects and fashion accessories, reflecting the influence of the outside world on Japan. You'll be seduced by the beauty of the prints. They represent the leisure activities of city dwellers. The faces of Kabuki theater actors, courtesans and, later, landscapes and heroes appeared. Netsuke, small ivory figurines used to hang various objects from belts, often depicting characters from Japanese mythology, were essential fashion accessories for city dwellers in the Edo period. On display are true marvels, including tea caddies, paint pots, sword ornaments, Japanese ceramics and tea sets. Writing cases include an ink stone, brush and cruet. During the Edo period, publishing was booming. These writing cases belonged to literati and wealthy city dwellers. The lacquers are exceptional, of uncommon refinement. They are made using gold - and mother-of-pearl, originally from China. To make an object, layers of lacquer were accumulated, and the craftsman then engraved his design. To decorate some of them, gold and silver flakes were applied with a bamboo stick and sprinkled on the surface. These are makis. Observe the finesse of the design on the Inro, the medicine boxes. In Japan, people don't bother with heavy furniture. So we used a plethora of chests, storage boxes and cases. The objects you see belonged, no doubt, to very wealthy citizens.

The "tea room" you'll see in an adjacent room, was installed in a pavilion reserved for this practice. Here, tea was served in the famous ceremony known as the "Japanese tea service". This is the Chanoyu, or Chado "way of tea" in Japanese. The event is much more than a simple gathering of friends. It's a traditional art inspired by Zen Buddhism, with each step highly codified. Did you know that the study of the tea ceremony can take several years? Both host and guest must know the chado, the various types of tea, how to serve, and on the guest's side, what words to say, the technique of drinking tea, the style of dress... Sword decorations are true masterpieces. In the Edo period, they embodied the soul of the Samurai. China has exerted an important influence in many fields in Japan over the past 5,000 years. Round off your visit with a visit to the Zen garden, a true reflection of the gardens you'll find in Japan!

Remarkable, that's the word. Cedars contemporary to their first owners - they are two hundred years old - hundred-year-old oaks, imposing, subjugating by their size, their height and their beauty, a forest of beeches, a rose garden, rhododendrons, the constantly reinvented creativity of the gardeners in the floral arrangements, a lawn that invites to lie down for hours, games that make the happiness of the children... The park of the Grange, adjoining the park of the Eaux-Vives, is a wonder. It offers a real island of coolness during the hottest hours of the summer, a sumptuous stroll in the purple colors of autumn, or an excellent opportunity to take a magnificent stroll, a real haven of peace, all year round, away from the urban frenzy.

Children are not left out, a beautiful playground is dedicated to them, as well as a paddling pool in summer for the youngest.

In summer, the park offers a moment of pure happiness, when you come to listen to a concert under the stars in front of the Ella Fitzgerald stage, to see a show at the Orangerie theater, to read a good book on the greasy lawn in the shade of a hundred-year-old oak tree in front of this spectacular view. Indeed, the park slopes gently down to the lake, dominated by the Jura mountains. You can also relax in the ephemeral "guinguettes" open during the summer season. Thus, you can eat or refresh yourself on the terrace of the "Guinguette" between April and September, and play boules or pétanque. From June onwards, you can eat, drink or listen to music all summer long at the Orangery Theater's refreshment stand.

The park has a long history: since the ^18th century, when it was a private agricultural property belonging to the Lullin family, known as Parc Lagrange, it has welcomed distinguished guests to this holiday site outside the walls of Geneva. More recently, the house hosted Presidents Biden and Putin for a summit in June 2021. Between 1768 and 1773, the family built the mansion in the center of the park. It was transformed by the following owners who embellished the estate with a pond, wide paths, an orangery, a pergola, a creamery and finally the imposing entrance opening onto the quay and the lake. The house still houses a beautiful library.

Nowadays, its outbuildings remain: the stables, the barn, the fountain and the shed. William Favre, the last owner, bequeathed his estate to the city in 1917.

Strolling along the banks of Geneva from Swiss Boat promises you a gentle stroll rich in discoveries. The Swiss Boat company organises several types of themed cruises, for example "Along the Rhône", or the cruise known as "The Mermaid". Routes last up to 2 hours 45 minutes for the cruise along the Rhône, which takes you to Peney (gastronomic stopover at the Café de Peney) or Verbois. The company also rents yachts and boats for private events.

The museum is worth a visit just for the beauty of its setting. Located in the heart of the Parc de la Perle, it is housed in the superb Villa Bartholoni, built in 1830. In very bright rooms with a superb view of the lake, a wide range of scientific objects dating from the 17th to the ^19th century are presented. You will be able to observe astronomical glasses and objects from other disciplines such as physics, electricity or meteorology.

Keytours has more than one trick up its sleeve to offer you a tour that meets your expectations. For the fun part, go on board a small train and receive live commentary on one of the 3 themed tours: "the old town", "the parks and residences", or "international Geneva". A range of daily excursions goes to the neighboring towns and mountains: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (package including the Aiguille du Midi or the Mer de glace), Gruyères (Cheese and Chocolate factory), Lausanne-Montreux-Chillon (includes the cruise to the Chateau).

It was the center of power five hundred and fifty years ago, and remains so today. The tower was the seat of Geneva's communal power in the Middle Ages, and nowadays it houses the Council of State. When you pass the porch, don't miss the visit of the Baudet Tower, built in 1455. Originally, its function was military, as evidenced by the cannons outside. Indeed, Geneva was under a double threat: the House of Savoy was threatening and saw the city as the "key to Switzerland". In domestic politics, the episcopal see which controlled temporal power was partly in the hands of this same house of Savoy. Republican aspirations or episcopal aristocracy? Geneva was torn between these social struggles. Climb to the top of the tower by the ramp; it was designed to allow two horsemen to climb abreast without stepping on the ground, or citizens subject to gout disease to reach the top floor without getting off their sedan chair. In 1762, the works of Rousseau, Emile and The Social Contract, were burned there. These works were accused of "destroying religion and governments". The burning caused the author to renounce his citizenship of Geneva. Sitting on the bench at the entrance, the judges pronounced their sentences. The Alabama Room was the site of the first diplomatic and arbitration decisions: the resolution of a dispute between the United States and England in 1872. On August 22, 1864, the Geneva Convention was signed, the first step towards the Red Cross

A royal building? Classified as a historical monument by the State Council of the City of Geneva in 2001, the Maison Royale is undoubtedly the most impressive building in the harbor, but has never housed a crowned head! Built between 1907 and 1909 by the architects Henri Garcin and Charles Bizot, it aroused the ire of the people of Geneva who named it "the jewel with a macaque taste" during the 1909 facade competition. It was said that the building "embodied, down to its slightest moulding, an architecture capable of impressing the bourgeois and frightening the Genevois".

The present building was erected on the remains of a 4th century Palaeochristian funerary church and the foundations of a 10th century Romanesque church. In Gothic style, the church of Saint-Gervais, of the same name as the district surrounding it, was erected in the middle of the 15th century in what was then a town in the medieval old town on the right bank. Several restorations brought back to light frescoes and paintings that can be admired today, as well as the magnificent carved wooden stalls in flamboyant gothic style and beautiful stained glass windows.

Built in two stages (the plan has changed in the meantime!), between 1777 and 1826, this church in the Sardinian city was at the centre of the religious struggles between Catholics and radicals. It was in 1921 that the Roman Catholics recovered it. Musical treasures to discover: the church's carillon is one of the most important in Switzerland, in terms of number of bells and the historical organ dating from 1832 and rebuilt in 2010. Be discreet during the services. The Feast of the Holy Cross is on September 14.

The association Pré en Bulle proposes to create links between the districts of Grottes, Cropettes, Montbrillant by activating the associative and collective fabric. It sets up activities for children, teenagers and the general public. In addition to the bicycle exchange, it offers an original way to discover Geneva, and more particularly the Grottoes district. Why not take a bike or simply your two feet, a headset and let yourself be guided through the unusual places of the district, in a completely free way? The audio recordings are provided by the association, as well as the mp3 player if you don't have one with you. Visiting this neighborhood with locals, on a bike, is a very personalized way to get to know all the details.

In the ^18th century, Carouge was home to about 450 artisans. The toponymy of the roads and the architecture of the houses of the city testify to this past wealth. A new city built according to a checkerboard plan, the old districts are articulated around the current Ancienne and Vautier streets. Do not hesitate to explore these small streets to soak up the charm of this city, which already seems far from Geneva. In the past, the Genevans liked to come here to indulge themselves, in total contradiction with the austerity encouraged by the Calvinist ideas.

Experience Geneva's historical moments as if you were there! Every Sunday, at the Brunswick monument, a guide in a cap awaits you and accompanies you to seven statues of historical figures who share the urban landscape of Geneva. A dozen actors and actresses in costume perform 4 to 5 minute sketches. Head for the landing stage for the re-enactment of Sissi's assassination, Rousseau Island, the bust of Henry Dunant or the Reformers' Wall... A walking tour, exclusively outdoors, with no particular difficulty.

When you arrive by air, this airport kiosk will provide touristic information about Geneva, its region and neighboring France. Very handy info about eventual discovery ideas, upon arrival!

It's a very interesting and original concept. If you're a book lover or a keen cyclist, you won't want to miss these guided tours. It's an excellent idea to explore a city, in a small group and by bike, following in the footsteps of literary personalities who have left their mark on its history. The idea comes from Sita Pottachuvera, an independent heritage guide, literature enthusiast and eco-citizen. Discover Geneva's heritage through its literature. At the end of the tour, visitors are invited to discuss the works they have read.

Some Genevans have forgotten about it, but it is still there! Every day since 1962, this clock marks the hours by evoking a traditional Genevan tune. To accompany it, a procession of 13 floats and 42 bronze figures re-enact the events of December 12, 1602, a key date in the history of Geneva, when the Genevans repelled the assaults of the Duke of Savoy's troops. A creation of Edouard Wirth, watchmaker, with painted decorations and bronze sculptures of Geneva artists. An unusual visit to see a work of local craftsmanship.

Geneva Escapade team members are deeply attached to their city, and will share its beauty, wealth and past with you through its history: traditional escapades or original and unusual themes, such as "Bridges", international tours like "Humanitarian Geneva" or special tours for "Newcomers". The website offers a fine selection of tailor-made guided tours, corporate events, local produce tastings and afterwork tours.

With her electric, colorful universe, somewhere between street art and pop art, this painter and sculptor from Savoie offers us a breath of fresh air through her works. Listed and referenced on the international art market (she's one of the top 10 contemporary artists today), she works in acrylic, the paint that enables her to construct her works: misshapen faces, joyful and metaphorical atmospheres. "Art is the most profitable and safest investment in the world, even before gold and real estate

It is the "Quadruvium" (Latin word for crossroads) where Sigismond (king of Burgundi) was crowned and to which the city probably owes its name. The name of this square is due to its circular shape and its crossing function between two main traffic lanes. Especially in the past, with a road coming from Annecy and the other from Chambéry. This meeting place was very frequented by the people of Carouge and the Savoyards, who were discussing in a convivial atmosphere. There you can see the monument of the Nine Municipalities together; this work which was made by a pupil of Rodin, James Vibert, dates from 1925 and its 11 figures of women celebrate the annexation of several communes (of which Carouge obviously forms part) to the canton of Geneva. The monument was planned for the centenary of the event, but the First World War has delayed its inauguration.

Built in 1818 and 1822, this neoclassical temple is worth a visit for its astonishing Romanesque-Byzantine wood carvings (1919-1930) by Ernest Christen, pastor and artist. It is a building renowned for its interior paintings: paintings by Eric Hermès and stained glass windows by master glass artist Charles Wasem (based on models by Eric Hermès) complete the decoration. Some of the frescoes evoke the former parish of Carouge. The stained glass windows are also masterpieces for the period in which they were made. In addition to worship, concerts are organized.

In the heart of a building with an innovative past (the former SIP industrial building), the contemporary art center showcases the full range of contemporary artistic culture (video, painting, photography, sculpture, drawing, music, architecture, design...). Its aim is to organize original exhibitions that anticipate current art trends, and to enable young artists in residence to develop their art. Through exhibitions and the Dynamo cinema, local and international artists invite the public to discover their unique and sometimes ephemeral work. The library, with its 3,000 books on contemporary art, is open to the public.

Originally, this magnificent building served an industrial purpose as a hydroelectric plant. It was here that the power supply to the town's fountains, houses, factories and the curtain dam on the Pont de la Machine was regulated, and disused a century later. It was built in the middle of the Rhône between 1883 and 1892 by engineer and politician Théodore Turrettini. Listed as a historic monument, it hosts ballets, shows and concerts, and boasts excellent acoustics.

"From the height of your greatness, deign to take care of your slaves a little," wrote Napoleon Bonaparte to Josephine de Beauharnais. Did you know that the Château de Pregny, below the estate, belonged in 1811 to the Emperor's beloved and later repudiated wife? The name of the site does not come from its steep slope, but from its owner, in the 17th century, the Lord of Penthaz. Stretching between the lake and the road leading to the ICRC and the UN, this park offers a beautiful walk, in the middle of sumptuous trees. It offers a magical panorama on the lake.

Parking is available according to the type of washing. All products are biodegradable and even dry cleaning is possible while respecting your vehicle. A practical and useful address.

Travelers, art lovers from Africa, Asia, the Americas or Oceania, this is a must-see visit. It is a journey before time and a discovery to admire pure wonders. This small museum exhibits true masterpieces of the so-called "primitive" art. Jewelry, ornaments, statues, textiles: each exhibition highlights some of the most beautiful pieces of a rich collection of 7,000 works, gathered by the collector Jean-Paul Barbier-Mueller, revealing the traditional arts of the whole world through history. A treat!

The Villa Les Délices - Voltaire's main residence from 1755 to 1760 - was a hotbed of literary creation and philosophical reflection. The poem about the Lisbon earthquake was partly written here, as was Candide, and d'Alembert was welcomed in the grand salon when he wrote his "Geneva" article for theEncyclopédie. Thanks to its permanent collection, Les Délices now offers visitors the chance to relive these key moments of the Age of Enlightenment during events and guided tours.

When you walk down the Grand-Rue, the main street of the old town, you will discover a plaque with the inscription: "It is great occasions that make great men" Welcome to the birthplace of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, born on June 28, 1712. This beautiful house with its cream-colored stones is a place for meetings and debates. Thus, the house where this great man of letters was born is still a center of activity in the literary world.