But Geneva is convenient for trips around France. Paris is only 2.5 hours away by TGV. In addition, there is a lot of traffic from Geneva cheap flights to France and Spain EasyJet , so if you don’t stay in Switzerland, then Geneva is quite a good starting city.
Due to its location on the "tail" extending into France, surroundings of Geneva is primarily a French territory (Rhône-Alpes region), but there are also several Swiss towns along the shores of Lake Geneva.
What to see in the vicinity of Geneva:
There are several interesting towns around Geneva that are worth visiting:
Nyon
Yvoire
Yvoire- a small village on the French shore of Lake Geneva. For its charm and beauty, as well as its well-preserved old town, Yvoire is included in the list of the Most Beautiful Villages in France (Plus Beaux Villages de France). Distance from Geneva - 27 km (40 minutes by car or boat from Nyon).
Évian-les-Bains
The town of Evian (France) is famous throughout the world for its mineral waters, which are credited with medicinal properties. If you go by car, the journey will take about an hour (45 km).
Walrus- a traditional town in the canton of Vaud, located on the shores of Lake Geneva. Attractions include the castle and the old town. The distance between Geneva and Morges is 52 km, which is about 44 minutes by car and 28 - 36 minutes by direct train.
Lausanne- one of the most beautiful cities stretching along the shore of Lake Geneva. Picturesque French architecture and multi-level buildings, the old town with a magnificent cathedral and unchanging French charm! The distance between Geneva and Morges is 65 km, which is about 52 minutes by car and 33 - 48 minutes by direct train.
Save on transport:
Regional pass from Lake Geneva to the Alps
This regional ticket gives unlimited use of trains, ships, buses and cable cars for 2 or 3 days, and 50% discount on public transport on other days. It can be bought at any tourist office, at train stations and ports. There is also a “junior card” - for children 6-16 years old.
There is a “5 regional pass” ticket, which gives the right to 2 days of free use of transport and 3 days of a 50% discount. Cost (2nd class) - 94 francs for adults, 75 francs with halbtax or Swiss Pass - 75 francs, children 6-16 - 47 francs.
For a 7-day ticket (3 free and 4 days with a 50% discount) - 114, 91 and 57 francs respectively.
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Geneva is a city in Switzerland, the second largest. An elite, calm and peaceful holiday here is combined with a turbulent political life. It is also called the “capital of the world” due to the numerous headquarters of international organizations located there (UN office, nuclear physics laboratory, Red Cross, Green Cross). In the 19th century, Dostoevsky called Geneva “the height of boredom,” but less than two centuries later, this Swiss city has become one of the main tourist destinations in Europe. We'll tell you what to see in and around Geneva, and also give some useful tips for tourists.
In Geneva, especially if you come with children, you should definitely visit the Botanical Garden. This place is considered one of the most picturesque on the planet. Lovers of exotic flora come here from different parts, and local residents love to spend their weekends here. The garden is perfectly planned, among the numerous flowers, bushes and trees there are interesting figures of branches and roots everywhere. In the shade of centuries-old oak trees, you can truly enjoy the silence, which is broken only by the singing of birds.
This is not to say that the garden is huge; it is quite possible to see it in one day. It is most beautiful in the spring, when nature wakes up and everything begins to bloom, but in the fall, during the leaf fall, it is no less chic here. The collection includes about 12 thousand plants. Of particular interest to visitors is the unique garden of smells and touches, which contains plants that exude different aromas and feel strange to the touch. Kids will be delighted with the mini-zoo, where deer, sheep, goats live, as well as the poultry yard and the garden of pink flamingos.
You can get to the Botanical Garden by tram number 14; the ride from the center is only 10 minutes. Visiting is free for everyone.
The Jet Deaux Fountain is one of the main attractions not only of Geneva, but throughout Switzerland. Like many cities in the world, it is mounted in the very center, but not in the main square or in a park, but in the middle of Lake Geneva. 
Until 1951, it was installed in a different place, using tap water, which rose to a height of 90 m. Now this fountain is one of the tallest and most powerful in the world, at 147 m it shoots water to a height of 200 km/h, pumps pump it straight from the lake. It can be seen from any point, it is a kind of beacon for lost tourists - to get to the center, you need to focus on the fountain.
You can get closer to it; there is a special path that goes into the lake. But you need to be extremely careful on it, because it is very slippery, and there are no railings. The fountain works constantly; it is turned off only during severe frosts and winds. In the evening it is illuminated very beautifully. The greatest emotions can be experienced if you admire the fountain from the side of the lake. There are plenty of tourists on the embankment who want to take tourists on a yacht. The pleasure is not cheap, but worth it. It is no less pleasant to watch the stream of water gushing from the lake while sitting in some bar or restaurant with a cup of coffee.
Temples
Among the religious attractions you can see:
Cathedral of Saint-Pierre
The Cathedral of Saint-Pierre (St. Peter) is one of the first churches of the Protestant Calvinist movement. It was built over almost three centuries (XII-XIV centuries), and therefore combines most European styles (Romanesque, Gothic, classicism) in its architecture. This is the special interest of the cathedral for tourists; it is rare to see such a combination of architectural forms anywhere in Europe. 
The interior decoration is quite ascetic. The cathedral houses a unique exhibit - Calvin’s chair (the throne of the reformer, from which he read his sermons). There is an observation deck on the bell tower, it has an amazing view, you can even see the surrounding area, which is located near Geneva. You have to climb 157 steps, but it's worth it. The ascent is paid (ticket for children - 2 euros, adult - 4.5 euros).
Belongs to the diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. It was built and opened to believers in the 19th century. The temple is built in a cruciform shape from white stone, crowned with five gilded domes. The walls inside are beautifully painted with geometric figures and floral patterns in the Byzantine style, the vault is sky blue with golden stars. Among the shrines of the cathedral are particles of the relics of the Great Martyr Panteleimon, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and part of the clothes of St. Seraphim of Sarov.
This is the main Catholic church in the city, located a couple of minutes walk from the railway station. The majestic Gothic-style basilica was built in the mid-19th century. Its main shrine is a sculpture of the Virgin Mary, made of white stone. Unlike other churches, the Basilica of Notre Dame has luxurious stained glass and bas-relief decoration inside. Entrance is free for everyone, you just cannot enter in revealing clothes.
This Reformed church is located in the old district of the city on the square of the same name. It was built at the beginning of the 18th century in the Baroque style, when Huguenots (Protestants) began to be oppressed in France and they headed in droves to Switzerland. The spatial planning and architectural style of the church almost completely repeated the destroyed Huguenot temple in the Paris suburb of Charenton-le-Pont. His images were preserved in engravings, according to which the church in Geneva was built.
All temples are located within the city limits, you can visit them in 1 day. So if you are interested in history, architecture and religion, there is a good opportunity to get acquainted with several styles and confessions (Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Protestantism, Calvinism).
Museums
You can learn more about the history and culture of Switzerland in local museums:
This entire palace complex is where world organizations are based (the second branch of the UN after New York, the World Health Association). But the palace is not closed; there are excursions here, during which you can see the ceremonial halls.
In it you can find out how the city lived from the 14th to the 19th centuries.
You could say that this represents a different approach to art. The exhibition is not for everyone, for connoisseurs of contemporary painting and sculpture.
The exhibition presents the history of the organization's activities.
Here you can endlessly enjoy masterpieces of watchmaking. Some exhibits strewn with jewels are rightly called treasures.
There is a wonderful exhibition of glass and ceramic products from all over the world.
Where to go near the city?
There is a lot to see in the vicinity of Geneva. If you came for more than one day and have already explored the city itself, it’s worth visiting:
Nyon
In the town of Nyon, the founder of which is Julius Caesar himself. Lovers of antiquity will love the Roman Museum there. A very interesting White Castle from the Middle Ages, with magnificent views from its observation deck.
Montreux
In the resort town of Montreux. It seems like it has the most elegant buildings on the planet. If you're lucky, you can listen to jazz music at the popular festival held here every year.
3 km from Montreux is Chillon Castle, which was sung by Lord Byron in the poem “The Prisoner of Chillon”.
Gruyere
From Montreux, take the chocolate train to the village of Gruyere, so you can get to know three interesting places near Geneva in one trip. In the cozy alpine village of Gruyères. You will get around it quickly, but the splendor of the surrounding nature will not allow you to leave here right away. After enjoying nature to your heart's content, you can visit a beautiful castle and the famous cheese factory where Gruyère cheese is made.
Lausanne
In one of the most beautiful Swiss cities - Lausanne, where the International Olympic Committee is based. It is worth visiting the Olympic Museum.
Since Geneva is located on the border with France, we advise you to get out to this country at least for a day at the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc ski resort. You don't have to come here only in winter to ski. You can take the cable car to the top of the Aiguille du Midi (3777 m) even in summer. From there you will see views of Mont Blanc and the Alpine ridge that defy any description. Videos and photos taken at the top will become a rare masterpiece.
Where to stay?
Most hotels in Geneva are located near the railway station and in the old part of the city. The most fashionable hotels are on the embankment near the lake, since most international organizations are located in the next block. The further you are from the lake, the cheaper the housing. The cheapest place to stay is near the airport. Public transport is so well developed in Geneva that you can get to the center without any problems, but you will save a lot on housing.
How to get there?
How to get to the city? The best option is a direct flight from Moscow. Keep in mind that Geneva airport offers free transport to the center. There is a machine where you can buy a ticket for public transport; it is valid for 80 minutes. Many hotels also provide free shuttle buses.
The city is relatively small and easy to navigate. The Rhone River flows almost through the middle, dividing it into two parts - the business center and the cozy old town. Buy a guidebook, with it you will quickly figure out what to see in Geneva during your vacation.
Top five: 5 resorts near Geneva that are worth a closer look
Text: Alina TrofimovaTiring transfers, hours-long traffic jams on serpentines, queues for ski lifts, crowds on the slopes - all this can be easily avoided if you go to one of the resorts located near Geneva. We have chosen five places where you can spend a romantic weekend or a full-fledged vacation without fuss, long journeys and extra expenses. In addition, all of them can be reached by train.
The criteria by which we selected resorts:1. Short transfer from Geneva;
2. The ability to get there by train, so you can do without a car;
3. Family resort, well suited for families with children;
4. Affordable prices and/or attractive special offers;
5. Interesting ski area and entertainment after it.
How to get there: You can get to Villars by train (with a change in Bex) or by train and bus (with a change in Aigle). The train journey from Geneva Airport takes about 2 hours, and can be reached in 1.5 hours by car.
www.villars.ch
Where to stay: in Leysan, small 3* hotels predominate, the most comfortable and beautiful of them is Hotel Le Grand Chalet, located near the station (you will have to walk to the center of the resort, but sometimes you have to work through hours-long dinners).
Where to have lunch: in the restaurant at the top of Kuklos. This is one of three Swiss revolving restaurants, and during lunch you can see not only the nearby Mont Blanc or Dents du Midi, but even the Matterhorn, Eiger and other famous peaks.
Besides: After skiing, and perhaps instead for families with children, it’s worth spending a few hours in the toboggan park (its founder is Olympic bobsled champion Silvio Giobellina, so it’s all serious).
Snow tubing (or “cheesecake” riding) here is not just an ordinary entertainment for kids, it is a real park with turns, a significant difference in elevation and trails up to 300 meters long. A lift takes you to the top.
About money: from 260 euros / 2 nights, including ski pass, discounts on rentals and instructor services, as well as entrance to the toboggan park.
How to get there: The journey by nice train (with one change in Aigle) will take 1 hour 45 minutes; by car you can get from Geneva to Leysin in 1.5 hours. The ski area of Villars-Gryon and Les Diablerets can be reached from Leysin in 20 minutes (included in the single ski pass).
Les Diablerets
Why go: snow guarantee and views. The ancient “devilish” resort is located at the foot of the glacier (Glacier 3000 is considered “their” by both Villars and neighboring Gstaad, but there is enough excellent snow for everyone). The season here lasts from October to May, and tourists from Asia come to Les Diablerets specifically to look at the Quille du Diable - the “devil's skittle” and taste the most delicious fondue.
Besides: on a fine day, it’s worth going up to the observation deck on the Glacier3000 glacier. At an altitude of almost 3 km, where the lift climbs, such a panorama opens up that you involuntarily freeze with delight. A suspension bridge was built right on the glacier, from one peak to another. The Peak Walk is a unique 107-meter-long observation deck that connects two mountains on Glacier 3000. The bridge is located really high, and at first it’s a little scary to walk on, but then the views make you look beyond your feet , and on the sides. In good weather, you can see 24 peaks over 4000 meters high. When you’re a little tired from skiing on the glacier or on the steeper (and longest in the region) Combe d’Audon piste, it’s worth stopping by the panoramic restaurant built at the top station of the ski lift by the architect Mario Botta - they serve excellent beef and fondue.
Where to stay: The main type of accommodation in Les Diablerets are chalets and small guesthouses, and those who prefer hotels should take a closer look at Eurotel Victoria 4*.
About money: the lowest season when you can still ski both on the lower slopes near the village and on the glacier is March and early April (the resort is open until April 10, the glacier until May 8). Accommodation for 3 days/4 nights in March - from 480 CHF for a 3* hotel, including half board, ski pass and discounts on instructor services and rentals, as well as various additional services.
How to get there: the journey by car from Geneva Airport takes 1.5 hours, by train (with one change in Aigle) – 2.5 hours.
www.diablerets.ch
Chateau d'E (Château-d'Oex)
Why go: traditions and skating. Located on the border of the cantons of Vaud and Bern, the resort is well known to photographers: every year at the end of January, the most colorful hot air balloon festival takes place there, bringing together more than 70 teams from different countries. In Pays d'Enhaut, which has preserved its traditions, people like to come with children, and not only because kids rest for free. This small resort is located almost ideally: 15 minutes from Gstaad with its shops and chic restaurants, 30 minutes from Gruyères, where you can see the medieval castle and visit the cheese factory. And above the Chateau d'Eu itself and in the surrounding area there are 220 km of pistes (Gstaad region), including the 10-kilometer La Videmanette piste, which is served by a new 8-seater cabin.
Where to stay: Hotel Roc et Neige is one of the most comfortable hotels in the region, other attractive options include B&B Rosaly (more equivalent to 4*) or Ermitage with excellent cuisine.
Where to have lunch: Cafe du Cerf in Rougemont is where people come for the best fondue and raclette in the region.
How to get there: the journey by train will take 2 hours 13 minutes; by car, 150 km from Geneva can be covered in 1 hour 40 minutes.
About money: one night in a 3* hotel + ski pass for 1 day: 70 CHF for adults, 40 CHF for children over 9 years old.
www.chateau-doex.ch
Portes du Soleil / Champéry
Why go: atmosphere and skiing. An absolutely idyllic village located at the foot of two impressive peaks - Dents-du-Midi and Dents Blanches. It is one of the oldest tourist destinations in Switzerland, with the first hotel opening here in 1857. The Swiss love Champéry for the charm of its ancient streets, preserved leisurely way of life and endless opportunities for ski holidays, because this resort is part of the Portes du Soleil region, which is 650 km of slopes on the border of Switzerland and France.
Where to stay: Art.Boutique.Hotel Beau-Sejour is a real find for those who love a combination of comfort, tradition and excellent service. Chalet de Champery or Hotel National Resort & Spa also boast excellent guest reviews.
Where to have lunch: Restaurant La Croix-de-Culet is located at the top station of the cabin and offers traditional dishes from the cantons of Valais and Vaud, a variety of mushroom dishes, as well as excellent lamb.
Besides: In March, Portes du Soleil hosts the Rock the Piste rock festival, which brings together famous bands. This year the festival will take place from March 13 to 19. To relax after skiing, you can go to the Lavey les Bains thermal complex.
About money: Champery and neighboring resorts offer a large selection of apartments and chalets (from 170 CHF per apartment per family).
How to get there: the journey from Geneva airport to Champery by train (with a change in Aigle) will take 2-2.5 hours, by car – 1 hour 30 minutes (125 km),
http://www.ski-and-bike.ch
Approximate prices
Flight Moscow – Geneva: from 16,000 rubles (skis and boots fly free)
Mulled wine: 4-5 CHF
Hot chocolate/cocoa 4-5 CHF
Fondue in a restaurant: 25-26 CHF
Soup or portion of grilled sausages: 6-7 CHF
White/red wine: 3-5 CHF/glass
Portion of raclette: 8-10 CHF
Train ticket from Geneva airport to the resort: 23-25 CHF
FAQ
- What's with the snow? As of the beginning of February: Villars - 65/130 cm (lower/upper slopes), Les Diablerets - 40/110 cm, glacier - 225 cm; Leysin – 65/125 cm, Champery – 15/90 cm.
- When to go? Glacier 3000 is open until May 8; the ideal time in terms of budget and piste conditions at other resorts is March. Villars and Les Diablerets are open until April 10th.
– Car or train? If you are traveling as a family with children or a group, a car will give you more freedom, but will cost more than traveling by train. In Switzerland you need to purchase a vignette (40 CHF per year) to travel on motorways. The cost of gasoline is 1.3 – 1.5 / liter. There are no toll roads (there are several long toll tunnels). Parking at the ski lifts is usually free, hotel parking is free (open), from 10 CHF/day - indoor.
- What to see? Montreux with the embankment, Chillon Castle and Freddie Mercury's studio, Lausanne with a beautiful cathedral and the renovated Olympic Museum, Gruyères with a medieval castle, the Alien Museum (Giger Museum) and a cheese factory.
Other attractions in the region
Materials
Geneva is one of the largest cities in Switzerland (second largest). In addition, this largest financial center houses the bases of many international organizations. Situated at the westernmost tip of Lake Geneva, the city offers a wealth of entertainment and leisure options.
Two rivers flow through its center, creating a very picturesque atmosphere. Geneva is an attractive place in terms of attractions: here you can see many cultural and historical landmarks, as well as beautiful green parks and recreational areas.
Hospitable and elegant, Geneva, attracting guests from all over the world, is beautiful at any time of the year. Walking through the old part of the city tells about the two-thousand-year history of this settlement; the variety of parks, museums and monuments reveals the skills of architects, artists, and landscape designers.
Excursions by car can be made by driving through parts of the city divided by the Rhône or by water bus to admire the picturesque scenery and ancient buildings from the water. To rent a car you will need.
Sights of Geneva: photos and descriptions
Museum of Art and History
This Geneva museum is considered the largest in Switzerland. Its collection includes more than 650 thousand exhibits - paintings by famous artists, musical instruments, sculptures and archaeological artifacts. The area of the Museum of Art and History is almost seven thousand square meters. m, the museum is located in the very center of Geneva, a couple of minutes walk from another famous landmark - the Cathedral.
The museum is located at Geneve, Rue Charles-Galland, 2, in a beautiful palace decorated with columns in the spirit of classicism.
There are several stone sculptures on the roof. Tourists are not charged a fee to visit the museum! The exception is temporary exhibitions (there are up to 10 of these per year), where the entrance ticket is 5-20 francs. But there is no point in feeling sorry for them, because such exhibitions feature works by Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir and other famous painters.
The museum's opening hours are from 11.00 to 18.00. Monday is a day off. You can get here by bus (No. 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 36) or by tram (No. 12) to the Saint-Antoine stop.
The art museum has a restaurant called Le Barocco, where you can taste local cuisine and very interesting wines in a bohemian atmosphere.
Botanical Garden
The Geneva Botanical Garden is a world famous: in addition to many different flowers and plants, here you can see the zoo, relaxing in a landscaped area on the shore of the lake, there is also a children's playground, so neither adults nor children will be bored. The collection of the botanical garden includes tens of thousands of plants from all over the world.
Having visited the territory of the complex, you cannot miss the so-called Garden of Smells and Touches, where you can find plants that feel strange to the touch with a whole trail of different aromas. You can significantly expand your knowledge of flora by visiting the Herbarium Garden - the plant collection here numbers 6 million specimens! The exhibits are on tables-stands, they are convenient to view, you can turn on the lamps standing next to them.
The total collection of the botanical garden is several tens of thousands of plants collected from all parts of the planet. The conditions in flower beds and greenhouses are close to natural, so you can visit both the humid tropics and alpine meadows. The Botanical Garden of Geneva is also rich in medicinal plants. Here you can learn how to grow a home “pharmacy” in your summer cottage.
Another nice thing is that admission is for all visitors, as are excursions in the botanical garden free of charge! The Botanical Garden of Geneva is open to tourists all year round.
Opening hours are from 9.30 to 17.00 in winter, from 8.00 to 19.30 in the summer months. The restaurant at the botanical garden is open from 8.30 to 19.00.
You can get to the botanical garden by buses number 1, 11, 25 and 28 to the Jardin botanique (“Botanical Garden”) stop.
Also, don’t miss the botanical gardens in other European countries:
Basilica of Notre Dame
The main Catholic church in Geneva is the Basilica of Notre Dame. It is easy to find, especially from the train station - literally a two-minute walk. The majestic Notre Dame Basilica was built in the mid-19th century according to all the canons of the Gothic style.
The main shrine of the Basilica of Notre Dame is a sculpture of the Blessed Virgin Mary made of white stone.
Compared to other religious sites, the Catholic Basilica of Notre Dame has luxurious decoration: it is decorated with many bas-reliefs and stained glass windows. The temple building is built of sandstone, which in itself is a rarity for Geneva buildings.
Entrance to the temple is free for everyone, the only requirement is compliance with the dress code: closed clothing.
Church address: Geneve, Rue de Chantepoulet.
Services in the temple are held on Mondays - at 12.15 and 18.30, Tuesday - Friday - at 7.00, 8.00 and 18.30, Saturday - at 8.00. You can attend Sunday Services at 7.30, 9.00, 10.00, 11.30 and 17.00.
The Cathedral of Our Lady can also be seen in.
Saint Paul's Cathedral
St. Peter's Cathedral is considered in Geneva the main religious attraction of the city. The Swiss monastery has a rich history (the cathedral was built in the early 13th century), but for tourists its value lies elsewhere. Such architectural forms, which are built into St. Peter's Cathedral, are not often found.
Of the unique relics that have survived to this day, the cathedral contains the throne of the famous reformer John Calvin.
The temple was rebuilt many times and after all the renovations it represents a mix of different styles - Baroque, Romanesque, classicism. With all the variety of architectural options, St. Peter's Cathedral looks like a single ensemble. The interior decoration of the temple is not permanent either. Now it is closer to ascetic, although there are some Catholic elements.
After visiting the cathedral, you can visit the archaeological museum, which is located on the back side of the church. Here, visitors are presented with parts of the temples found during excavations of the cathedral; according to archaeologists, they existed back in the 4th century.
Address: Geneva, PlaceBourg-Saint-Pierre.
You can visit the cathedral: on weekdays and Saturdays from 9.30 to 18.30, on Sundays from 12.00 to 18.30. In winter, the temple closes an hour earlier.
Entrance fee to the church ─ 4 francs; Entrance tickets to the museum are purchased separately, also for 4 francs.
Flower clock
In Geneva, time is checked not only by clocks on city towers and business centers. The flower clock shows time accurate to the second. This unique attraction can be seen in the English Park, next to Lake Geneva. The flower clock has been keeping time continuously for 60 years.
The peculiarity of the Geneva flower clock in Geneva is that, in addition to the usual mechanisms, it uses the natural biorhythms of plants. The exact time on the dial, whose diameter is more than 5 m, is shown by both hands and flowers! For this purpose, flowers are planted in flower beds in the order in which they bloom according to their biological clock. Of course, these changes do not occur in seconds, but it is very interesting to observe a natural phenomenon and the operation of mechanisms.
The condition of the clock mechanisms installed underground is controlled by Swiss craftsmen, and the plants are renewed every night by florists. Geneva owes this amazing landmark to the famous scientist Carl Linnaeus, who spent his entire life studying flowers and created the world's first plant clock. He planted his creation in Geneva in 1903; in the 50s, the flower clock was changed to one that delights vacationers in the English Park to this day.
You can admire the flower clock in Geneva for free; it is located just on the street.
Address: Geneve, QuaiduGeneral-Guisan, 28
Geneva is rich in unique attractions, but one of them - the Jet d'Eau fountain - is not ignored by any tourist. The Geneva Fountain is located in the city center, but not in a square or in a park, as usual, but in the middle of a lake. And this is no coincidence. The fountain was launched in 1886; it was not just a landmark - it worked for the citizens, maintaining the smooth operation of the city's hydraulic system.
The fountain is turned on every day - from morning to evening, so there is no need to worry about the operating mode.
Today, the Geneva Fountain is one of the most powerful in the world: the jets of the water complex rise to a height of... 140 meters! This can be compared to the height of a 46-story building! In addition to the powerful jet, which takes on various bizarre shapes, the Geneva Fountain is distinguished by beautiful multi-colored lighting.
At dusk, the spotlights are turned on, and the lake with a fountain turns into an incredible spectacle. The only thing that can hinder your pleasure is the weather: on windy and frosty days the water complex is not opened for safety reasons.
Address: Geneve, QuaiGustave-Ador
There is no charge for visiting the Geneva Fountain - you can freely watch it from any observation deck.
Most tourists begin their acquaintance with the Swiss city from the historical Bourg de Fours square. According to historical facts, this square was already operational in the era of Ancient Rome. At that time there was a market here, where there was a brisk trade in livestock every day.
Near the square you can see an equally famous meeting place for citizens and guests - the Promenade de la Treille.
Nowadays, in addition to the beautiful fountain, which is already three hundred years old, on the Bourg des Fours square there is a whole complex of city attractions. So, walking along the square you can see the Town Hall, the Tavel House, the oldest in Geneva, the Palace of Justice, and the University of John Calvin.
Traveler reviews
Place of the Union of Nations
Geneva is, first of all, the center of many international organizations and corporations, so getting to know the city will be incomplete without visiting the UN. The UN European Headquarters is located in the modern part of the city, accessible by any means of transport. I decided to take a walk. It's easy to figure out on the map of Geneva - it's not a very big city. From Lake Geneva the walk took 40 minutes.
The first thing you notice on the way to the UN is the famous cannon with a tied barrel as a sign of the UN's anti-war policy.
A little further on the square, where fountains gush upward (a great way to cool off in the heat), there is an unusual monument in the form of a huge three-legged chair ─ a symbol of protest against the use of anti-personnel mines (the torn off chair leg symbolically reflects the crippled leg of a person who stepped on such a mine). Very symbolic and sad.
Here is the UN building. The entrance will be to the left of the square (if you walk along the fence). Tours of the building are available in English and French. Entrance is approximately 10 francs. During the excursion they talk about the history of the UN, key personalities, and the organization’s policies. Sitting in the meeting room, you feel like a full-fledged member of the UN. There is also a room with flags of countries indicating the places of their representatives.
Everyone is excitedly trying to find their country ─ it’s fun, patriotism is awakening. Gifts for organizations from different countries are also presented here. Educational and useful ─ immediately there is a desire to do something for our world. By the way, there are no cafes or restaurants at the UN. I couldn't even buy water. So stock up in advance.
LaGrange Park
Walking along the promenade, you can get to LaGrange Park (Parc de la Grange). This is a huge area with many walking paths and places that are pleasant to the eye.
Here you can:
- Sleep under a tree for a few hours. Here they treat this normally: some are sleeping, some are just lying on the lawn, some are writing or dreaming. And none of the law enforcement officers bothers me.
- Have a mini-picnic. Only there is nowhere to buy food and drinks there. Stock up in advance.
- Ride a bicycle, which you can rent for free (!) on the embankment, and from there get to the park and take a walk. I really liked this option, because... The park is large and hilly. With a bicycle you can see more.
- In the depths of the park there are many beautiful reservoirs, which take a long walk to reach. Just don’t forget that a free bike is given out for an hour (additional time is paid) and on the security of your passport.
- Go to a concert. There is a concert area and events are usually written on the notice board at the entrance to the park.
- Admire the rose garden. Not far from the entrance to the park there is a small rose garden with magnificent flowers. The smell there is amazing.
By the way, the view of the lake from the park is simply amazing! Great place for a photo shoot.
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