Geneva is a chic, multi-national, multi-lingual city, as you’d expect from one of the homes of the United Nations, as well as numerous other major international organisations.
It sometimes feels like all the world is represented here, so rest assured they know how to take care of their visitors. Whether you’re staying in this sparkling city or finding your way around the rural wonders of France, you’re in a part of Europe that doesn’t skimp on the spectacular.
Geneva in a day
The UN, the Large Hadron Collider, the famous lake and more chocolate shops than you can count – just how do you fit Geneva into a day? Start at the Jet d’eau, the stunning fountain that shoots water over 140 metres into the air. On a hot day, get as close as you can to feel the benefits of the cooling spray.
The city has numerous landmarks, from the UN’s base at the Palais des Nations to the 12th-century St. Pierre Cathedral in the heart of the old town, Vieille Ville. This is the perfect place to wander, with handsome squares, buildings that have stood since medieval times and even some Roman remains.
Don’t neglect the chocolate shops, from the artisan boutiques to the household names. You can sample the goods in many shops before buying. Additionally, you can arrange a chocolate-making course or go behind the scenes at premium brands such as Auer and Stettler. It’d be rude not to fill up on Swiss chocolate after all.
In the midst of the mountains
Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Jura may not exactly roll off the tongue – unless you speak impeccable French – but this huge park is easy to fall in love with.
It hugs the border of Switzerland and France, and is engulfed by mountains as well as being peppered with dozens of small, picturesque villages and pine forests.
It’s a popular place for skiers in winter and hikers in summer. In spring and autumn, it’s a place where you can find real peace and quiet amongst the crisp, clean mountain air.
Lakeside life
As you leave the airport, whether in Geneva or in France, it’ll be hard to miss the still, blue waters of Lac Leman. Whether you travel along the north or south bank, you’ll find lovely places to stop for a picnic as well as restaurants, cafes and hotels with idyllic views of the water.
You can head east along the northern edge to reach the gorgeous town of Lausanne. It’s picture-postcard stuff, with wonderful buildings lining the port-side, and the lake shimmering all the while.
Where better to tuck into the local speciality of fondue, the gooey, sticky cheese dish that never disappoints? Look out for the 13th-century Gothic marvel that is the Notre Dame Cathedral, as impressive as its Parisian namesake, and the thoroughly modern Olympic Museum.
Car hire at Geneva Airport means you can explore the best of both the old and the new worlds, not to mention delicious French cuisine and sweet Swiss deserts.
