GENEVA
GENERAL INFORMATION-Geneva, Switzerland has many nicknames – "The Smallest of Big Cities"; "City of Peace" and the "City of Parks." The city is located on the shores of Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps. Geneva is Switzerland's second largest city and a very influential city due to the many international organizations based here, including the United Nations and the Red Cross and Red Crescent. As a capital of democracy it was also where the Geneva Convention was signed which insures the rights of war prisoners. It is also a major international economy hub with many major foreign banks based here. Geneva is a green city with about 20% of the city land allocated to parks and gardens. Geneva is one of the greenest cities in Europe with more than 20 parks in the city center offering countless opportunities for rest and relaxation. Being on Lake Geneva you can take boat cruises from the city and enjoy the brilliant lake views. People arrive in Geneva via the Geneva Airport and with a valid boarding pass you can get a free public transport ticket for the buses or train from the airport into the center. The Geneva Transport Card is your free passport to Genevas transport network. Trains and buses link Geneva to the rest of Europe on regular routes which run like Swiss clockwork. Geneva is the most international city in Europe with over 40% of its population coming from outside Switzerland. The main industries are banking, inter- and non-governmental administration, technology, and tourism. There is a long tradition of watchmaking (Baume et Mercier, Charriol, Chopard, Franck Muller, Patek Philippe, Gallet, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Rolex, Universal Genève, Raymond Weil, Omega, Vacheron Constantin, Frédérique Constant, etc).
HISTORY-Geneva was a fortified town before the Romans arrived in 121BC, it was ruled by a Bishop in the 5th century and by a count in the Middle Ages until the 14th century when it became self-governing. From the 16th century the city was an independent republic. During the Protestant Reformation Geneva was a safe haven for John Calvin (the founder of Calvinism) and other spiritual leaders. At the end of the Napoleonic Wars, in 1815, Geneva was admitted to the Swiss Confederation. In 1907, the separation of Church and State was adopted. Geneva flourished in the 19th and 20th centuries, becoming the seat of many international organizations.
GEOGRAPHY-Geneva, located at the south-west peak of Switzerland, is geographically surrounded by France from west, south and east. The closest French town to Geneva is Annemasse, located just behind the Swiss-France borders. Distance between Geneva and Annemasse, France, is 4 kilometers. You can easily walk from Geneva to Annemasse without leaving the urban area. The distances are
Geneva to Zurich=275Km.Geneva to Lucern=242km.Geneva to Interlacken=185Km.Geneva to Montreux=82Km
Geneva to Zurich=275Km.Geneva to Lucern=242km.Geneva to Interlacken=185Km.Geneva to Montreux=82Km
AREA-15.93 km2
POPULATION-1, 98,000 (2014)
CO-ORDINATES-46°12′N 6°09′E
TIME ZONE-UTC +1
CLIMATE-
MONTH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
HIGH 4 6 11 15 20 23 26 26 21 15 9 6
LOW -1 -1 -1.6 5 9 12 14 14 11 7 2 0.1
POPULATION-1, 98,000 (2014)
CO-ORDINATES-46°12′N 6°09′E
TIME ZONE-UTC +1
CLIMATE-
MONTH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC
HIGH 4 6 11 15 20 23 26 26 21 15 9 6
LOW -1 -1 -1.6 5 9 12 14 14 11 7 2 0.1
AIRPORT-Geneva International Airport (IATA: GVA), formerly known as Cointrin Airport and officially as Genève Aéroport, is the international airport of Geneva, Switzerland. It is located 4 km northwest of the city center
ATTRACTIONS & SIGHTS AT GENEVA-
001-JET D’EAU-The Jet d' Eau is a large fountain which spurts up out of Lake Geneva at the point where the lake empties into Rhone River. It is also one of the tallest fountains in the world in the lake. The fountain shoots up in a single jet of water 140 meters straight up into the air and is powered by two 500kW pumps from a submerged pumping station. The water leaves the base of the fountain at a speed of 200km an hour. There is constantly 7,000 liters of water in the air when the fountain is functioning.
002-LAKE GENEVA-The city of Geneva is located on the southwest shores of Lake Geneva at the point where the lake flows into the Rhone River in the Rhone River Valley. The crescent-shaped lake is the largest natural body of freshwater in Switzerland with a northern shore of 95km and a southern shore of 72km. The Promenades along the left and right banks of the lake are filled with cafés, parks, street markets and other diversions from lake cruises to amusement rides to water skiing. The Bains des Paquis on the western shore has been a crowd favorite since its opening in 1932 and continues to draw visitors and locals alike who flock to its saunas and unique bathing areas to see and be seen along this sunny concrete jetty.
Switzerland shares Lake Geneva with France, which is 60% in Switzerland and 40% in France. The lake is one of the largest in Western Europe. The beauty of the lake has attracted many of the rich and famous to visit and even make their homes along the water's edge including Charlie Chaplin, Vladimir Lenin, Freddy Mercury and David Bowie. Today the lake is a vacation destination for water sports, beaches and scenic hiking trails along the shore. It is possible to take boat excursions from several points along the shore. Catamaran sailing is specifically popular and the annual Bol d'Or race runs from Geneva and back again. Most of the towns along the lake are connected by boats.
Switzerland shares Lake Geneva with France, which is 60% in Switzerland and 40% in France. The lake is one of the largest in Western Europe. The beauty of the lake has attracted many of the rich and famous to visit and even make their homes along the water's edge including Charlie Chaplin, Vladimir Lenin, Freddy Mercury and David Bowie. Today the lake is a vacation destination for water sports, beaches and scenic hiking trails along the shore. It is possible to take boat excursions from several points along the shore. Catamaran sailing is specifically popular and the annual Bol d'Or race runs from Geneva and back again. Most of the towns along the lake are connected by boats.
002-FLOWER CLOCK-The Geneva flower clock is 5 meters in diameter and the seconds hand is 2.5 meters long (the world's longest second hand). For 45 years Geneva's flower clock was the largest flower clock in the world until a similar clock was planted in Tehran, Iran with a 15 meter diameter. Geneva's flower clock is located in Jardin Anglais (English Garden) which is fitting as the first ever flower clock was made in Edinburgh Scotland. It was first created in 1955 and since then every season the clock face is replanted with a new carpet of seasonal shrubs and flowers. The clock is on a grassy bank surrounded by greenery and other flower beds. It is composed on 6,500 flowers and plants and is one of the city's most photographed sites.
003-OLD TOWN-The area has picturesque narrow meandering cobble stone streets lined with historic grey-stone buildings which now hold boutiques, sidewalk cafes and restaurants. The Old Town is built on a hill side south of the Rhone River. Here are many of Geneva's most interesting attractions and sites like the Barbier-Mueller Museum, the St. Pierre Cathedral, the International Museum of the Reformation, The Art and History Museum and the Tavel Mansion. The heart of the Old Town is the Place du-Bourg-de-Four which comes alive at night with trendy bars and restaurants. Place du-Bourg-de-Four was probably built on top of the old Roman Forum and later was a medieval market place. The Palais de Justice was constructed at the square in 1707 and was used as a court of law since 1860. In the center of the square is a decorative fountain, one of several in the Old Town.
004-ST.PIERRE CATHEDRAL-The Prince-Bishop of Geneva established the St. Pierre Cathedral in the 12th century.The church took 100 years to complete and was begun in 1160.The church has a neo-classical façade which was added in 1750, two square towers and a green spire added in the 1800s. Primarily the design is Romanesque with a few Gothic elements. Within the church are the remains of historic murals on the walls and Romanesque capitals on the columns. The church was Catholic up until 1536 when it became Protestant. When the church became Protestant most of the church art was destroyed or painted over. The French Protestant leader Duc Henri de Rohan is buried in the church. The north tower has 157 steps which will bring you to a great observation point looking out over the city. Admission for Cathedral: free.
005-PALACE BOURG DU FOUR-This square is at the heart of Geneva's Old Town near to St. Peter's Cathedral, it is Geneva's oldest square. In 1707 the Palais de Justice was built on the edge of the square but was used as a shelter for nuns and as a hospital up until 1860 when it took on its true purpose and became a court of law. The square features a decorative 18th century fountain. One of the well-known establishments on the square is the bistro La Clemence which has terraces overlooking the square.
006-THE REFORMER WALL-This represents the city's connection with reformation. The Reformation Wall commemorates the significant events and personalities who were pivotal in the reformist movement .Geneva has a strong connection with Protestantism and was the hub of Calvinism in the 16th century. The wall was built from 1909 to 1917 in Parc des Bastions, located on the campus of the University of Geneva. The wall stretches for 99.06 meters and is 9.14 meters high and it was built into the remains of the Geneva city walls. Along the wall are a group of four 4.57 meter high statues of important figures in the reformist movement who just happen to be Genevans as well – William Farel, John Calvin, Theodore Beza and John Knox. Together with the four main protagonists there are other smaller statues, bas-reliefs and inscriptions. Along the wall the reformist motto "After Darkness, Light" is written in Latin.
007-MUSEE D’ART ET HISTOIRE-The Museum of Art and History is the city's largest and one of its most important institutions. The museum is housed within a building constructed from 1903 to 1910, the building's exhibition space covers four floors and 7,000m². The building itself is a treasure with an inner courtyard and a façade featuring sculptures. The collections are divided into thematic categories focusing on Applied Arts, Fine Art and Archaeology. There is an art section in the museum with paintings from the middle ages to the 20th century including works by Konrad Witz, Rembrandt, Modigliani and Rodin. In the archaeology section are pieces from prehistoric Europe, ancient Egypt, African, Greek and Roman cultures. Other interesting pieces in the collection are medieval stained glass, 12th century armor, Swiss watches and Greek vases.
008-PALACE OF NATIONS- The Palace of Nations was built specifically to be the headquarters of the League of Nations, between 1929 and 1936, and since 1946, it has been the headquarters of the United Nations. Switzerland only became a member of the UN in 2002. The building is located in Ariana Park overlooking Lake Geneva and is the 2nd largest building complex in Europe after Versailles. For admission Passport is required. The sprawling complex is accessible only via guided tour, offering unique insight into the inner workings of the world’s most important international body. Highlights include the 2,000 seat Assembly Hall and the Council Chamber decorated with gold murals depicting the human struggle for peace. On the tour one will see the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room ,the Assembly Hall which is the largest room in the building; the Council Chamber with wall paintings , a short film about the UN and you will see a display of gifts given to the UN by various countries. The walls of the building are adorned with art inherited from the League of Nations and gifts of art from many sources. There are sculptures, frescoes, stained glass, tapestries and paintings. Among the works of art on the UN grounds are The Celestial Sphere (1939), a spherical metal frame adorned with the constellations.
009- RUSSIAN CHURCH-The architecture of this Russian Church stands out with its 19th century gold onion domed towers. The interior holds 16th and 20th century treasures from the Russian Imperial family. Russians arrived in Geneva during the 19th century inspired by the writings of Nikolai Karamsin who described the city. In 1859 the liberal town authorities granted the small Russian Orthodox community permission to build a church, this was encouraged by the Tsar who didn't want the Russians to be assimilated. The Grand Duchess Anna Fyodorovna of Russia, the Tsar's sister-in-law, was one of the wealthy Russian expats living in the city and she funded the church's construction in 1863 and it was completed in 1866.
010- MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY-This museum focuses on the natural ecological history of Switzerland, among the exhibits are life-size models of various animals from Switzerland and the rest of the world. This is the largest Natural History museum in the country covering 10,000m² of exhibition space spread over 5 floors. Most of the museum exhibits come from the private collection of Louis Jurine (1751-1819), a Swiss physician and naturalist who was from Geneva. His collection consists of Hemiptera (bugs), Coleopteran (beetles), Lepidoptera (butterflies) and Hymenoptera (flying insects like bees, wasps and sawflies). Also on display is a collection of glass models of invertebrates, the models were created by Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka who were famous for their glass biological models. One can see a live two headed tortoise which was born at the museum. There is a section on the origin of man which includes a life-size bronze statue of "Lucy" the fossilized hominid Australopithecus afarensis. Other sections include fossils, dinosaurs and the geology of the Lake Geneva region. The museum holds a collection of all the minerals and indigenous plants of Switzerland.
011- PATEK PHILIPPE MUSEUM- This museum highlights the history and culture of watch making in Switzerland. On display are timepieces which comprise one of the world's best collections of its kind. There are two permanent collections – the Archive Collection of antique timepieces and the Patek Philippe Collection of pieces produced by this illustrious watch company. The Antique Collection includes pieces from the 16th to 19th century from Europe, Switzerland and specifically Geneva. One of the prized pieces on display was worn by much loved Austrian Princess Sissi. In the Patek Philippe Collection are pieces produced by the company in the 175 years that they have been in business. The company rose to fame when Queen Victoria of England took a fancy to their keyless watches. This brought them into the public eye and had them in demand from the rich, famous and powerful. The Geneva-based company was founded in 1839. The collection now includes more than just their basic timepieces, also musical automata, 16th century portrait miniatures, pocket watches and jewelry. There is a free guided tour of the museum in English on Saturdays at 2:30pm.
012- GRAND THÉÂTRE DE GENÈVE- The original Geneva Grand Theatre was a wooden structure built in 1766 and lasted 2 years before being destroyed by a fire. A new theatre. The theatre was replaced in 1879 to better accommodate the city's growing population. The auditorium is square shaped and has 1500 seats, there is a magnificent polychrome marble floor in the entrance hall and the fittings and decoration are faithful to the original designs where ever possible. The freestone building façade has 8 Jura limestone columns on two levels, the façade is adorned with moldings, reliefs and sculptures. The theatre has a permanent ballet company, Grand Theatre de Geneve Ballet company which performs here together with international productions of opera, dance and classical music.
013- SCHTRUMPFS BUILDING-Named after the French word for the “Smurfs,” the Schtrumpfs is a modern architectural landmark located in the funky Les Grottes neighborhood behind the train station. The apartment complex was designed by three architects determined to create the most unconventional building possible. The result is a Gaudi-esque amalgamation of colors and styles that has to be seen to be believed.
014- THE PAQUIS-Its reputation as Geneva’s unofficial red light district, the Paquis in the heart of the right bank is actually Geneva’s most diverse and colorful neighborhood. The area is filled with authentic ethnic restaurants and numerous interesting shops, bars and nightclubs.
015-GENEVA BOTANICAL GARDEN-The Geneva Botanical Gardens (Jardin Botanique) feature exotic plants from around the world. The Jardin Botanique are located on the north side of Lake Geneva, near Geneva's Science Museum. The Botanical Garden of Geneva is simultaneously an educational facility for the study of Botany and a popular local destination for relaxation. The large park with its plants, trees, flowers, special biotopes, greenhouses and a zoo has been open to the public since 1904.The plant species are categorized according to their native habitat and there are information panels: the species on display include protected plants, medicinal and useful plants, garden plants, flowers and exotic blossoms. The zoo houses endangered species, old strains of domesticated animals and spotted deer, ducks and flamingos in special water biotopes and exotic birds such as parrots and parakeets in aviaries.
016-JARDIN ANGLAIS/ENGLISH GARDEN- The Jardin Anglais in Geneva Switzerland is located on the south shore of Lake Geneva just below the Vieille Ville (Geneva's old town). The attractive park features Geneva's famous Horlage Fleurie (clock made of flowers), statues and a beautiful fountain. On the western outskirts of the garden are the National Monument inaugurated on 7 September 1869, commemorating the incorporation of Geneva to the Swiss Confederation in 1814, and the famous flower clock, symbol of the importance of Geneva in the watchmaking Swiss (5 meters diameter), created in 1955 by the city gardeners at the initiative of the Association of Geneva interests.
017-LAKE SIDE WALKWAYS-Tourists to Geneva Switzerland can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore where they can admire the many sailboats, yachts and paddleboats on the lake. The promenade stretches from the Jardin Anglais to Parc de la Grange, Parc des Eaux-Vives and beyond.
018- LOCK SYSTEM IN GENEVA-The Rhone River is an important European waterway for trade and transportation. Visitors to Geneva Switzerland can hike along the Rhone and view the lock system used to regulate the water supply. The Lock System on the Rhone River allows boats to travel up and down the river
019-GENEVA CORNAVIN CFF TRAIN STATION-The Geneva CFF railway station, also known as the Geneva Cornavin train station is located in the city center of Geneva, Switzerland. The railway station is just 700 meters from the lakefront of Lake Geneva. Geneva Cornavin is the city’s main station, passage or end station for many of the Swiss railway network’s trains and also for French (including the TGV) and Italian trains. International trains from main European cities like Paris and Milan call at the Geneva railway station. Local trains from Bern or Zurich also call at the Geneva railway station. The station is an important travel hub in the city of Geneva. There are more than 200 arrival and departures every day from Geneva railway station.
Local trains & subway: There are connections with the local tramway, line 13 to 18.
Buses: Local buses operated outside the Geneva CFF station. Line 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 19, 27, 29.
Taxis: Available outside the train station.
Airport: There is a direct link from the Geneva CFF (Geneva Cornavin) railway station to the Geneva Cointrin International Airport. It takes only 6 minutes from/to Geneva city centre by train (every 12 minutes at rush hours).
Local trains & subway: There are connections with the local tramway, line 13 to 18.
Buses: Local buses operated outside the Geneva CFF station. Line 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 19, 27, 29.
Taxis: Available outside the train station.
Airport: There is a direct link from the Geneva CFF (Geneva Cornavin) railway station to the Geneva Cointrin International Airport. It takes only 6 minutes from/to Geneva city centre by train (every 12 minutes at rush hours).
020-BOAT CRUISE IN THE LAKE-Several navigation companies organise Lake Geneva cruises stopping at charming places. Numerous landing stages along the lakeshore allow passengers to get off and enjoy a walk through the countyside or to take a boat back to the city. Boat tours operate mid-April through the early November. There is a limited daily schedule May 1 through June 14, and last Sunday in August through last Sunday in October. The full schedule runs June 15 through the last Sunday in August. On weekends throughout the season we always add additional tours to our regular schedule.There are several longer boat trips (cruise-like) and ferry services (quick lake crossing). These are the main ones:
- One hour round trips from and to Geneva via Bellevue;
- Round trips from and to Geneva via Hermance (90 minutes or longer);
- Cruises in the western part of the lake between Geneva, Nyon, Yvoire, Morges and Lausanne (3 to 4 hours maximum).
- Sample Trips by Boat and Train or bus
- Take a boat from Vevey to Villeneuve (1 hour), and back by train (15 minutes). Optionally you can visit Montreux and Chillon Castle along the way;
- By boat from Geneva to Lausanne (more than 3 hours), and back by train (40 minutes);
- By boat from Geneva to Hermance (45 - 60 minutes), and back by bus (45 minutes).
GENEVA OUTSTATION DAY TOURS -
001- CHAMONIX DAY TRIP (Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes)-It was the site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924. Located at the foot of Mont-Blanc(15,780ft) is a picturesque alpine town dominated by the surrounding mountains and glaciers rising majestically upwards to Mont Blanc at 4,810 meters. Cross the Switzerland-French border on this day trip from Geneva to Chamonix (France) is a 90-minute drive. Explore the beautiful valley of Chamonix with a day excursion that will take you from Geneva to the famous mountain resort. You'll be transported in the bus. An audio guided tour commentary is provided throughout the journey from Geneva as you travel along the Arve Valley. The first half of your tour ends as you set you down conveniently at the Aiguille du Midi. Chamonix is one of the oldest ski resorts in France and is known as the "gateway to the European Cascades." The north side of the summit of Mont Blanc, and therefore the summit itself are part of the village of Chamonix. It is a base for almost all types of outdoor activity, especially their more extreme variants, such as ice climbing, rock climbing, extreme skiing, paragliding, rafting, cannoning and Wingsuit flying.
i-Aiguille Du Midi Cable Car Ride-Chamonix is famous for its spectacular cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi 3,842 m (12,605 ft),it is a 20 minutes ride. Constructed in 1955, it was then the highest cable car in the world. Together with a cable car system going up to the Pointe Helbronner 3,462 m (11,358 ft.) from Entréves in the Aosta Valley (Italy). It is possible to cross the entire Mont Blanc massif by cable car (the latter is only open during the summer).Where you'll see stunning panoramas of the surrounding peaks and Mont Blanc. Then, prepare to be awed by the spectacular panoramic views of the Chamonix Valley and the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. On a clear day, you may even see Mattherhorn, the famous Swiss peak and icon of Switzerland. The North Column comprises the arrival and departure station, the 3842 m restaurant, the cafeteria, a souvenir shop and a terrace overlooking Chamonix, the Mont-Blanc terrace. On the Central Column, the Mont-Blanc gallery leads to the lift which will take you up to 3842 m. Here, at the summit, the summit terrace offers an exceptional 360°view over Mont- Blanc and the principal peaks of over 4000 m. Not to be missed! From here, you can follow the roped mountaineering teams en route for Mont Blanc.
ii- Montenvers Rack Railway-The Montenvers Railway or Chemin de fer du Montenvers is a rack railway line in the Haute-Savoie region of France. The line run from Chamonix, to the Hotel de Montenvers station, at the Mer de Glace, at an altitude of 1,913 m (6,276 ft.). The line is 5.1 km (3.2 miles) long. The Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) is a glacier located on the northern slopes of the Mont Blanc massif, in the Alps. At 7 kilometers (4.3 mi) long and 200 meters (660 ft.) deep, it is the longest glacier in France.
iii-Restaurents- For the ultimate experience, provided by the sophisticated Michelin Star restaurant, Le Bistrot.
i-Aiguille Du Midi Cable Car Ride-Chamonix is famous for its spectacular cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi 3,842 m (12,605 ft),it is a 20 minutes ride. Constructed in 1955, it was then the highest cable car in the world. Together with a cable car system going up to the Pointe Helbronner 3,462 m (11,358 ft.) from Entréves in the Aosta Valley (Italy). It is possible to cross the entire Mont Blanc massif by cable car (the latter is only open during the summer).Where you'll see stunning panoramas of the surrounding peaks and Mont Blanc. Then, prepare to be awed by the spectacular panoramic views of the Chamonix Valley and the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. On a clear day, you may even see Mattherhorn, the famous Swiss peak and icon of Switzerland. The North Column comprises the arrival and departure station, the 3842 m restaurant, the cafeteria, a souvenir shop and a terrace overlooking Chamonix, the Mont-Blanc terrace. On the Central Column, the Mont-Blanc gallery leads to the lift which will take you up to 3842 m. Here, at the summit, the summit terrace offers an exceptional 360°view over Mont- Blanc and the principal peaks of over 4000 m. Not to be missed! From here, you can follow the roped mountaineering teams en route for Mont Blanc.
ii- Montenvers Rack Railway-The Montenvers Railway or Chemin de fer du Montenvers is a rack railway line in the Haute-Savoie region of France. The line run from Chamonix, to the Hotel de Montenvers station, at the Mer de Glace, at an altitude of 1,913 m (6,276 ft.). The line is 5.1 km (3.2 miles) long. The Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) is a glacier located on the northern slopes of the Mont Blanc massif, in the Alps. At 7 kilometers (4.3 mi) long and 200 meters (660 ft.) deep, it is the longest glacier in France.
iii-Restaurents- For the ultimate experience, provided by the sophisticated Michelin Star restaurant, Le Bistrot.
002- FROM GENEVA TO MONTREUX-Montreux is famous for its beautiful location on Lake Geneva and the most frequented resort in the southwestern part of Switzerland. Travel time by train is about one hour. There are usually two trains per hour leaving Geneva; no need to book seats in advance, but do buy a ticket before boarding the train. The distance from Geneva by car (take the A1 and A9 autoroutes (i.e. highways) is 59 miles (95 km). Montreux is a small Swiss town on the banks of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) facing the spectacular Dents-du-Midi mountains that rise on the far side of the lake. Make the most of the scenery by following the pedestrian walkway along the lakeside. A short bus-ride from the town itself is the famous Château de Chillon, a striking 13th century castle and fortress on a rocky island in the lake. The Château, which has inspired writers and poets down through the ages, is open all year round, and guided tours are available.