Geneva, places to visit?

An elegant city with an excellent quality of life

This Swiss city, capital of the Canton of the same name and the largest in Switzerland after Zurich, welcomes tourists and hosts guests with various entertainment events and cultural activities. Its location is enchanting: situated on Lake Geneva, the largest lake in western Europe, at the point where it meets the Rhone River, the city also has a spectacular views over Mont Blanc.

Landscape of the city of Geneva. Photos: © Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock

Jet d’eau in Geneva

Water is an important presence in Geneva, and one of the symbols of the city is the famous ‘Jet d’eau’, which from water in the Port is projected towards the sky to a height of 140 metres, producing a rainbow of colours during the day caused by reflections from the sun. Due to its impressive height this fountain is also known as the Eiffel Tower of Geneva.

Jet d’eau in Geneve. Photos: © Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock

In 2014 Geneva, because of its features and high quality of life, was assigned a prestigious award that classified it as ‘the principal and best travel destination in the world’.

The CERN in Geneve. Photos: © Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock

The headquarters of the United Nations and the Red Cross in Geneva

Since 1919, after the end of World War I, the city has been home to the headquarters of the United Nations. But Geneva is also the international headquarters of the Red Cross, CERN and the European Council for Nuclear Research.

Because it is the centre of numerous international associations and due to the beneficial results these generate, Geneva is also worthy of the name of ‘City of peace’.

The Flower Clock in Geneve. Photos: © Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock

The clocks in Geneva

However the city’s name is linked, above all, to prestigious watches and clocks and it’s no coincidence that each year it holds the exclusive International Fair of Fine Watchmaking. Another unique symbol of this flourishing activity is the Flower Clock, the largest in the world at 5 metres diameter, which is located in a corner of the Jardin Anglais and made up of some 6,000 different plants that are changed every season.

There are also numerous parks that have left a characteristic mark on the city; in addition to the Jardin Anglais, worthy of a visit are Bastions Park, the richly filled Botanical Garden and Genève Plage, which is also equipped with an Olympic sized pool. Windsurfing can also be practised on the lake. Always ready to welcome the world’s best products, the city also hosts the International Motor Show, as well as Inventors’ Fair and the very busy Book Fair.

Mouettes in Geneve. Photos: © Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock

Mouettes in Geneva

The best way to enjoy the atmosphere of Geneva is to take one of the many Mouettes, water taxis, which travel to the other side of the lake, while larger boats offer relaxing cruises with views over the city and surrounding mountains.

The old town is very attractive, and features the beautiful St. Pierre Cathedral at its peak, one of the city’s most visited monuments. Just a short distance away is Place du Bourg-de-Four, which is filled with interesting and inviting boutiques, craft stores and bistros.

The Reformation Wall in Geneve. Photos: © Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock

The Reformation

The Museum of the Reformation, in Maison Mallet, offers an interesting and in-depth look at the history of the Protestant Reformation (Calvinist), which took place in the sixteenth century. In remembrance of the Reformation, of which Switzerland is proud, Geneva also has the Reformation Wall, with the most important personalities of the age, beginning with Calvin, sculpted in relief in monumental dimensions.

An experience not to be missed is the climb – in five minutes by cable car – to the top of Mont Salève, where, from an altitude of 1,200 metres, fantastic views can be enjoyed over the city, lake and Alpine mountains, including the Jura and Mont Blanc.

Mont Salève in Geneve. Photos: © Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock

The city also has an excellent culinary tradition which, together with international recipes and menus, make it a gastronomic centre par excellence. From starred restaurants to fun bistros, diners are spoilt for choice: from oven baked or soused lake perch and fricassee of pork to special cardoon au gratin, without forgetting the exquisite Gruyere or Vacherin de la Vallée de Joux cheeses. The Geneva vineyards produce some excellent wines; special ones include white Perlan and red Gamay wines.