General Sightseeing and Orientation in Geneva

Geneva is situated on the south-western end of Lac Léman - Switzerland's largest lake.
The city is divided by the River Rhône with the centre spread across both shores, the Old Town to the south of the river and the suburbs and train station to the north.
Geneva is a major centre of banking but is also renowned for the manufacture of watches and jewellery. This combined gives Geneva the reputation of being an expensive city of luxuries.
Geneva is often known as the 'City of Parks', many of which are on the shores of the lake. The Promenade des Bastions is located below the Old Town walls, and contains the famous Reformation Wall.
The city has an excellent public transport system although most of the city's major attractions can be explored on foot. One of the best ways to see the city is by taking a trip on a motorboat across the lake.

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Places to Visit in Geneva

St Peter's Cathedral was build between 1160 and 1289, underneath the cathedral is one of Europe's largest archaeological sites with 14th century mosaics. Entrance to the Cathedral is free. The North Tower offers panoramic views of the lake and the old town of Geneva, the North Tower imposes a small charge of SFR3.

Botanical Gardens
Chemin de l'Impératrice 1
1292 Chambésy
Geneva

The World Famous botanical gardens were created in 1817 by A P de Candolle. The gardens cover 69 acres and exhibit tropical and aquatic plants from six continents. There are thousands of varieties of flowers and a park of rare birds and animals. An extensive library and research laboratory is also located at the site. Admission to the gardens is free of charge.

Palais des Nations
Avenue de la Paix 14
Geneva

The Palais des Nations is set in a park and was built between 1929 and 1937 to host the League of Nations, it is now the second largest United Nations building after New York and allows visitors to enter room such as the Assembly Hall and sign the Livre d'Or, the golden book of peace. Guided tours available. Open every day from April to October. Rest of year, Monday to Friday or on appointment. Tel 022 917 48 96

Museum of the International Red Cross
Avenue de la Paix 17
Geneva

Open everyday from 10 to 5, except Tuesdays. closed 24, 25 and 31 December, and 1st January. Audio guides, shop and restaurant. For more information call +41 22 748 95 25

Jardin Anglais (English Garden)
Quai Général Guisan
Geneva

The Jardin Anglais dates from 1854 and is home to some of the major attractions of the city. One of which is the L'Horloge Fleurie (Flower Clock), which was fitted in 1955 in recognition of Geneva's watch-making history.
The clock is the largest in the word and is decorated with an amazing 6300 plants. The park is also home to the Monument National, a statue of two women symbolising Geneva's attachment to the Swiss Confederation.

Jet d'Eau (Water Fountain)

The Water fountain is Geneva's landmark. At 140 metres the tallest fountain in Europe shoots water at a speed of almost 130mph and dominates views of the harbour. The fountain can be seen close up from the motorboats that travel across the lake and is illuminated at night.

Place du Bourg-de-Four

This public square, the oldest in Geneva, has become the "in" place to meet in the Old Town. From the vantage point of its charming 18th century fountain you'll see tiny antique shops, bistros and outdoor cafes. To the east is the Palais de Justice: first a convent, then a general hospice, this building has housed Geneva's judiciary power since the middle of the 19th century.

The Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville)

From the Bourg-de-Four, the rue de l'hotel de ville leads to this 15th century building which houses Geneva's Parliament. In the adjoining Baudet Tower are the offices of the Council of State. Don't miss the cobbled ramp which at the end of the 16th century facilitated the ascent of dignitaries on horseback. It follows a spiral course, but rather than curved, it is square-shaped. On the ground floor, in a south wing added in the 1700's is the Alabama Room, named after the so-called Alabama dispute between the USA and England, and its international arbitration held here in 1872. However, the historical significance of this site had already been established eight years earlier through the signing of the first Geneva Convention on the Red Cross in 1864. During the summer months, the inner courtyard comes alive with a series of outdoor concerts.

The Arsenal

Opposite the Hotel de Ville, take a look at the old arsenal. Built in the 15th century as a granary, it became an arms depot in 1720, and today houses on the 2nd floor Geneva's state archives. In the covered outdoor area, you'll see five original canons from artillery dating back from the 17th and 18th centuries. Three mosaics on the back wall represent the arrival of Julius Caesar in Geneva, fairs at the Bourg-de-Four during the Middle Ages, and the welcoming of the Huguenot refugees.

Maison Tavel

A few steps from the Arsenal, on rue du Puits-Saint-Pierre, you'll find yourself in front of the oldest private house in Geneva. Though actually dating from the 12th century, the current facade looks the way it did in the 17th. Since 1986 the Maison Tavel has housed the Museum of Old Geneva. Over several floors it traces the history and daily life of the "Genevois" from the 14th to the 19th centuries. A must-see on the top floor - Switzerland's largest relief map which depicts Geneva when it was a walled city around 1850.

Carouge

This tiny city, separated from Geneva by the Arve river and looking decidedly Mediterranean, has been classified as a national landmark. Most of Carouge originated in the 18th century when the king of Sardinia commissioned architects from Turin to build in the Piedmontese style. The city offers a unique view of post-medieval urbanism. Place du Marché, the main plaza with its old foundtain and delightful market, is shaded by plane trees. Strolling about, you'll see the former mansion of the Count of Veyrier and its lovely courtyard. The perfect way to end your visit? A drink at an outdoor café.

Télépherique du Salève

Have the best view over Geneva, the lake and the Alps, by taking a cable car up to the viewing point at the top of the Salève cliff which dominates Geneva. A two hour excursion not to be missed. For more information call +33 450 39 86 86