Geneva
(pop. 175,000) is a very cosmopolitan city. Its location on
the southwestern shore of Lake Geneva (called Lac Leman in
French) imparts a relaxed and graceful atmosphere to the city.
The emblematic Jet d'Eau, a tall stream of water gushing from
the lake, is another elegant feature.
Stroll through the Old Quarter, which is dotted with fountains,
sculptures and frescoes. At the center of the quarter is Bourg-de-Four,
the city's oldest square and still a popular gathering place.
Nearby is St. Pierre Cathedral. Be sure to visit the interesting
archaeological dig under the cathedral. The Hotel de Ville
(town hall) is just south of the cathedral. A short walk to
the west is Place de Neuve, which is the main heart of the
city's cultural life, with several theaters and museums nearby.
You'll also find a wide array of boutiques in the Old Quarter,
particularly ones that sell jewelry, watches and designer
goods.
Geneva has lots of parks where you can stroll
or just sit and watch the world go by. Two of our favorites
are the Jardin Anglais, featuring a large clock made of
flowers, and the Park la Grange, with large rose gardens.
On the opposite shore (Rive Droite), the lake promenade
to La Perle du Lac is also very nice.
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L'Horloge Fleurie
A living tribute to Switzerland's most
venerated industry, this colorful clock was built in 1955
despite a number of technical difficulties. It has a diameter
of 5 meters and a circumference of 15.7 meters, and its
2.5 meter second hand is the longest in the world. The clock
is painstakingly designed, encompassing 6,500 plants, and
is set in the Jardin Anglais on the lakeside promenade.
A new design is created every season, each one as tasteful
as the last. It is one of Geneva's most photographed sites.
Foire de Genève
Along with the International Motor Show,
this is the most popular exhibition at Palexpo. Approximately
300,000 visitors come to see 600 exhibitors of fitted kitchens,
food and drink (the pieces of fresh fruit dipped into chocolate
fondue are delicious!), books, mulitmedia, furniture, household
appliances and bathrooms. The exhibition space covers more
than 1,500m2 and is only a hop, skip and a jump from the
airport.
L'Escalade
On the night of December 11th, 1602, the
Duke of Savoy's soldiers attacked the old walled town of
Geneva. The locals defended their town as a woman named
Mre Royaume emptied her cauldron of piping-hot vegetable
soup over enemy soldiers. At five o'clock in the morning
the invaders retreated, and Geneva kept its independence.
The night is celebrated by eating vegetable soup and chocolate
cauldrons filled with marzipan vegetables, and parades with
period weapons and flame torches, pipes and drums. Costumes
aboud, giving protestant Geneva a carnival atmosphere.
Parc des Bastions
The giant chessboard complete with chessmen
is popular with both players and spectators. Walk a little
further and there is a bandstand converted into a cafe/restaurant
just behind the chessboard. Continue your stroll and you
come to the Mur des Reformateurs. This park is also the
home of the Mairie (Town hall) and is the scene of many
public celebrations; the now traditional May Day March finishes
here. At the end of the year, a party for Geneva City primary
school children, the fête des promotions, is thrown.
Institut et Musee Voltaire
In the former residence of Voltaire, a
museum has stood since 1954. Principally a center of research
on the philosopher and the 18th century, it houses old editions,
manuscripts, paintings, drawings and sculptures. Articles
belonging to Voltaire himself are on display giving you
a fascinating taste of the day-to-day life of the author.
The library can be used by appointment in the mornings.
The mansion is in the grounds of the Parc Delices which
Voltaire himself described as "Les jardins d'Epicure".
Maison Tavel
The Maison Tavel is the oldest standing
private house in Geneva. The house, which was burnt down
in 1334 and rebuilt shortly afterwards, is listed as a historical
monument. Visit the cellar and its archaeological ruins,
then go up to the ground floor to discover Geneva from the
Middle Ages to the Restoration. On the first floor paintings,
engravings and photographs depict the evolution of the city,
and in the main hall woodwork, locksmithing and ironwork
by Genevan craftsmen of the 17th and 18th centuries are
exhibited.
Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques
Founded in 1817, this 28 hectares of conservatory
has dedicated itself to the nurturing and study of plant
and animal life. It boasts some 16,000 species of animals,
trees, plants, rose garden, flowers, rock gardens, streams
and mountain flora from all over the world, as well as an
arboretum, an unusual "scent and touch" garden,
an aviary with multi-colored birds and an animal park. A
state-of-the-art research laboratory with a herbarium and
a library (22,000 books on botany) make it one of the world's
most important botanical centers.
Fondation Culterelle Islamique
King Faisal of Saudi Arabia asked for this
mosque to be built and it was opened on June 1st 1979. The
building contains a mosque, a conference room, a library,
classrooms and a morturary. The five daily prayers, the
Friday sermon (djoumoua), Arabic language courses for children
and adults and conferences all take place. The interior
of the mosque itself is tiled mosaic and carved stone -
the beautiful work of Moroccan craftsmen.
Le Salève
Is the Salève mountain Swiss or
French? It dominates the city of Geneva from all sides and
locals spend much time on it, but it is in fact in France
- just across the border. Take a cablecar up the mountain
or, if you prefer, climb up or go by car, and once you have
reached the summit enjoy the spectacular view of Geneva
and its surroundings. Nature lovers can take a walk and
discover the interesting flora and fauna of the region.
Those who are looking for something more adventurous may
enjoy the thrills of mountain-biking, hang-gliding or rock-climbing.
And before leaving, enjoy a drink or a meal on the terrace
of the restaurant while taking in the view. Cablecar: Until
end September every day from 9:30am to 8pm (weather permitting).
Carouge
Today Carouge is part of Geneva, but this
was not always so. Until the 17th century the area was practically
deserted and in 1754 Carouge became part of the Kingdom
of Sardinia. King Victor Amedee III commissioned architects
from Torino to design a town which he hoped would become
Geneva's economic competitor. Still today, the minute you
reach Carouge you feel as though you are entering a foreign
village with its own identity and atmosphere. It is a real
treat to stroll through this preserved late-18th century
town; quaint narrow streets, old buildings, inner courtyards,
flowered gardens, sidewalk cafes, churches, fountains antique
shops and boutiques, as well as a colourful market on Wednesday
and Saturday morning all add to its charm.
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