Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) The largest lake in central Europe that is shared by both Switzerland and France, Lake Geneva (Lac Léman to its French-speaking inhabitants) has for decades drawn visitors to its shores. Attracted by the alpine panorama, quaint wooden chalet villages, vineyard-covered slopes and sailboats skimming across the blue waters, many famous writers, musical composers, actors and poets came to settle and the area has become something of an inspiration to the arts. Situated in the westernmost district of Vaud, the region contains a diversity of attractions
and activities, from wine-growing villages and mountain ski resorts, picturesque castles, and magnificent cathedrals, to low-key lakeside resorts, boat cruises, and cosy fireside pots of fondue. Sophisticated shopping and cultural life can be found in the cities of Geneva and Lausanne, with sweeping views across the sparkling lake to the Alps and the distinctive pinnacle of Mont Blanc. Among the vineyards and affluent villas clinging to the slopes lie the lakeside towns of Vevey and Montreux, the pearls of the Swiss Riviera. Scenic winding roads stretch along the shores, and train trips offers outstanding views, while below steamers crisscross the waters of Lake Geneva, offering a variety of ways to experience the splendor of its location.
Lausanne Picturesquely located on the shores of Lake Geneva, the youthful and energetic city of Lausanne is built above the lake on a sequence of tiers connected by a small metro. The upper or Old Town contains the grand Gothic cathedral, Notre-Dame; its turreted towers a well-known symbol of the city. The lower town on the lakeshore was once the small fishing village of Ouchy and is now the prime waterfront area with outdoor dining and cafés, promenades and sporting activities. The gardens around the Quay d'Ouchy are home to the city's foremost attraction, the Olympic Museum, containing a wealth of sporting memories and a collection of unique objects pertaining to the Olympic Games from its beginning until the present. Lausanne relishes its importance as the Olympic World Capital and headquarters of the International Olympic Committee. Website: www.lausanne-tourisme.ch Transport: Lausanne is a 40-minute train journey from Geneva
Château de Chillon One of the best-maintained medieval castles in Europe, the 13th century Château de Chillon is the most visited historical building in Switzerland. With its stunning lakeside location near the chic town of Montreux, jutting out into the water and framed by mountains, it is one of the more frequently photographed castles in Europe. An important fortress in the Middle Ages, it was strategically positioned to control the narrow passage between mountains and lake protecting the major north-south route. It was also the favorite summer residence of the Counts of Savoy. Later it served as a state prison. Visitors can tour the dungeons where the castle's most famous prisoner was chained for four years, the priest François Bonivard, a supporter of the Reformation. The fortress became famous when Lord Byron wrote about Bonivard's fate in an inspired poem entitled Prisoner of Chillon. Besides the dungeons, visitors can wander round the towers and courtyards, discover narrow secret passages, and see the grand knight's halls, frescoed chapel, luxurious bedchambers and rooms containing medieval weapons, furniture and paintings. Address: Avenue de Chillon 21 Phone Number: (0)21 966 8910 Website: www.chillon.ch Transport: Lake steamer from Lausanne to Montreux (one hour), or train to Montreux station (30 minutes) and then tram 1 to the castle Hours: Open daily from 9am to 6pm (April to September), 9.30am to 5pm (March and October), 10am to 4pm (January, February, November, December). Closed 25 December and 1 January Admission: Sfr12 (adults), Sfr6 (children 6-16). Concessions available. A guided tour costs Sfr6 extra for adults, no charge for children
Jet d'Eau The tallest fountain in the world, the Jet d'Eau is a Geneva attraction that cannot be missed. Projecting 460 feet (140m) into the air at a speed of 124 miles per hour (200km/h) and pumping 132 gallons (500 liters) of water per second, the fountain was initially established to release pressure for hydropower generation on the Rhone River, but was so loved by the populace that in 1891 the city created a permanent fountain. As Paris has the Eiffel Tower and New York has the Empire State Building, Geneva has the Jet d'Eau. For a breathtaking and romantic sight, visit at night, when the fountain is lit up. Address: Quai du Général-Guisan Hours: Open from 10am to 4pm in winter and 9am till 11.15pm in summer. Closed for three weeks in November for annual maintenance
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum One of the most creative and thought provoking museums in Europe, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum brings together sculpture, installation, photography and film to highlight the importance of human rights, the history of conflict in the 20th century and the humanitarian work the Red Cross has done in providing aid to combatants and civilians caught up in both war and natural disasters. Funded entirely by outside donors, the museum is appropriately situated on the hillside opposite the United Nations, within the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross. A significant stopover on a visit to Geneva, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum provides insight into the gross implications of war and the tragedy that surrounds but also the committed work of the volunteers and Red Cross representatives alike. All the exhibits have an English language option. Address: 17 Avenue de la Paix Phone Number: (0)22 748 9525 Website: www.micr.ch Transport: Bus 8 to Appia bus stop, direction OMS or Appia. 12 minute walk from Cornavin railway station Hours: Open daily except Tuesday from 10am to 5pm. Closed on 24, 25 and 31 December and on 1 January Admission: Free
St Peter's Cathedral With initial construction commencing in 1160 and lasting nearly a century, St Peter's Cathedral has over the years become a hotchpotch of architectural styles with Romanesque, Gothic and Neoclassical features. A former Catholic cathedral, St Peter's became a Protestant church in 1536 at the advent of the Reformation and was cleared of its ornate fittings such as altars, statues, paintings and furniture, but the stained glass windows remained. Prominent theologian John Calvin preached at St Peter's Church from 1536 to 1564 and the church soon became the center of Protestantism. For a breathtaking panoramic view of Geneva and Lac Leman, climb the 157 steps that lead to the summit of the cathedral's north tower. Address: Cour Saint-Pierre Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5.30pm and Sunday 12pm 6.30pm (1 October to 31 May). Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 6.30pm and Sunday 12pm to 5.30pm (1 June to 30 September) Admission: Access to the tower Sfr8 (adults), Sfr4 (children). Combined admission to the Archaeological site and tower: Sfr16 (adults), Sfr8 (children)
Public Parks Public parks cover over one quarter of Geneva providing the populous with a quiet haven of rolling lawns and tree lined walkways. Dotted with many curious sculptures and attractions, there are a few parks worthwhile visiting. Bastion Park houses the 328-foot (100m) Reformation Wall, a monument commemorating the major figures and events of the Protestant Reformation, as well as life size chess boards at the north end of the park. To view the famous flower clock, a symbol of the Swiss watch industry, head to the English Garden close to the water fountain and for outstanding views of Mont Blanc and the lake, Park Moynier is a firm favorite, with the History of Science Museum situated in the center. Twenty hectares of woodland and hiking trails is what you will find at Batie Woods on the outskirts of the city. Address: Place Neuve, Quai Gustave-Ador, Route du Lausanne and Jonction respectively
Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Opened in 1994, the cutting edge Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art refuses to conform and as museum director Christian Bernard says, the museum 'is not here to present the acceptable face of contemporary art'. With modern works dating from the 1960s to the present day, exhibited in a turn of the century factory, visitors to MAMCO will spend hours marvelling at the range of contemporary art that covers three floors. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art constantly reinvents itself, changing its exhibits and interior construction three times a year. The works of famous Dadaist Marcel Duchamp are on display all year round. Address: 10 rue des Vieux-Grenadiers Phone Number: (0)22 320 6122 Transport: Tram 12, 13, 14, 15 or 17, stopping at Rond-Point de Plainpalais Hours: Open Tuesday to Friday, 12pm to 6pm. Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 6pm. Open from 12pm to 9pm on the first Wednesday of every month Admission: Sfr8 (adults), children free. Free from 3pm on the first Sunday of every month and 7pm on the first Wednesday of every month
Palais des Nations (United Nations) Built between 1929 and 1937 to host the League of Nations, the Palais des Nations now houses the United Nations Office at Geneva, which was inaugurated in 1966 after the dissolution of the League of Nations. The biggest United Nations station outside of the headquarters in New York, the office at Geneva provides critical support to the organization. Situated in 45-hectare Ariana Park, the extensive Palais des Nations is bordered by century old trees, and it is not uncommon to see peacocks darting around, the result of a request by the former owner of the land who bequeathed it to the City of Geneva on condition that peacocks may run freely on its grounds. Tours include the council room with frescoes by José Maria Sert and the Assembly Hall. Identity documents are required. Address: Pregny Gate, 14 avenue de la Paix Phone Number: (0)22 917 4896 Website: www.unog.ch Transport: Bus number 8, 18, F, V or Z to Appia stop or 5,11 and 14 to Nations stop Hours: Open daily from April to October from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm. July and August from 10am to 5pm. The rest of the year from Monday to Friday from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm, except over the Christmas period Admission: Sfr10 (adults), Sfr8 (students and seniors) and Sfr5 (children)
Plaine de Plainpalais Flea Market For quality fresh produce stop in at the Plaine de Plainpalais Flea Market on Tuesday and Friday mornings and visit the fruit and vegetable stalls in their attractive outdoor park setting. For antiques, vintage clothing, clocks, paintings, records, books and more head to the Plaine de Plainpalais Flea Market on Wednesday and Saturday, when stalls are piled high with bric a brac, sometimes at Sfr1 a pop and large crowds of residents and tourists comb the many stalls in search of bargains to be had and souvenirs to gather. Established in 1848, the Plaine de Plainpalais quarter was the setting for the Swiss National Exhibition in 1896. Address: Plaine de Plainpalais Transport: Tram 12 or 15 to Plaine de Plainpalais or bus number 1, 4 or 32 Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 6.30am to 6pm
Barbier-Mueller Museum A comprehensive collection of 7,000 artworks and artifacts from civilizations around the world, the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva is the outcome of the articles accumulated by Josef Mueller, whose collection began in 1907 and is now continued to this day by his heirs. Founded in 1977, the museum wanted to preserve and study the sculptures, fabrics and ornaments brought from "primitive" civilizations that were once isolated communities. Lookout for the megalithic monuments from Indonesia, the statues and items of worship from Oceania, pre-Columbian art from the Americas and ancient masks and shields from Africa. Address: 10 Rue Jean-Calvin Phone Number: (0)22 312 0270 Website: www.barbier-mueller.ch Transport: Bus number 2, 7, 12 or 16 to Molard. Bus number 17 to Hôtel-de-Ville Hours: Daily from 11am to 5pm Admission: Sfr8 (adults), Sfr5 (concessions). Children under 12 years free
Place Neuve The cultural hub of Geneva, Place Neuve sits just outside the former ramparts and is a great access point for the Old Town, which lies on the other side of the high retaining walls. Home to three of Geneva's regal performance and exhibition halls, the Grand Theater (opera house), Conservatory of Music and Rath Museum, the Place Neuve is worth visiting to witness the architectural aesthetic of these buildings. In the center of the square is the emblematic statue of Swiss general Henri Dufour, who was the first person to establish a map of Switzerland and also presided over the First Geneva Convention. The highest mountain in Switzerland, Dufourspitze, is named after him.
Museum of Art and History Comprising of three sections, the captivating Museum of Art and History explores the passage of western culture and international civilizations with over 7,000 pieces covering archaeology (Roman, Greek, Egyptian and Etruscan), fine arts (paintings from the Renaissance to modern times) and applied arts (found objects from the Middle Ages to the 20th century). One of Geneva's largest museums, the colossal Museum of Art and History was built at the beginning of the 20th century, between 1903 and 1910. When visiting lookout for paintings by legendary artists Van Gogh and Renoir. Address: Rue Charles-Galland 2 Phone Number: (0)22 418 2600 Website: www.ville-ge.ch Transport: Bus number 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 or 36 Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm Admission: Permanent collection, free. Temporary exhibits: Sfr5 (adults), children under 18 free
Patek Philippe Museum An exquisite collection of timepieces from the 16th to 19th century is housed in this fascinating museum, home to the prestigious creations of the Geneva-based firm of master watchmakers which was founded in 1839. The intricate details and designs, moving parts and beautiful colors of the collection will provide hours of fascination. Address: Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 7 Phone Number: (0)22 807 0910 Website: www.patekmuseum.com Hours: Tuesday to Friday 2pm to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm Admission: Sfr10 (adults)
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