Geneva is a Swiss city located at the western end of Lake Geneva. It is the second most populous city in Switzerland after Zurich. It is the capital and the most populous commune in the canton of Geneva. By 2017, the city had more than 200,000 inhabitants. Its metropolitan area, or urban area, forms a cross-border conurbation: the "Grand Genève", which extends over the canton of Vaud and the French departments of Ain and Haute-Savoie, for a total population of up to 950,000 inhabitants. The city's emblem is its 140-metre high jet of water. With 23 international organizations and more than 2506 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Geneva is the city that hosts the most international organizations in the world7. These international organisations include the United Nations European headquarters, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).
The 140-metre high jet of water in the Lake Geneva harbour is the symbol of the world's smallest metropolis. Most of the major hotels and restaurants are located on the right bank of the lake. The old town, the heart of Geneva with its shops and business district, overlooks the left bank. It is dominated by Saint-Pierre cathedral, but it is the Place du Bourg-de-Four, the oldest square in the city, which is the true heart of the old town. The quays, walks along the lake, its innumerable parks, the lively alleys of the old town and elegant shops invite you to stroll. The Grand-rue, which was the birthplace of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, is one of the best preserved old streets. The "seagulls", a kind of taxi on the water, allow you to pass from one shore to the other while larger boats invite you to cruise on Lake Geneva.
His lake. The city is "cut" in two by the end of the lake which forms the harbour of Geneva (and its famous 140 m high water jet), as well as by the Rhone which resumes its course there. A gulls ride, these small yellow and red boats, will take you from the left bank (rue du Rhône and Eaux-Vives district) to the right bank (Pâquis), while the small boats of SwissBoat Navigation will make you discover the curiosities that line the shores of the lake. Water skiing and wakeboarding are also possible thanks to two spots, one near the Geneva-Plage swimming pool and the other in La Perle-du-Lac.
Its monuments. The St. Peter's Cathedral, the Brunschwig Monument, the Reformers' Wall, the Palais de Nations, The Flowered Clock, The Jet d' eau, the architecture of the Place du Bourg-de-Four. Below you will find the main museums that make the reputation of Geneva.
His museums. The Museum of Art and History, the International Museum of the Red Cross, the MEG, the MAMCO, the Rath Museum, the Ariana Museum, the Archaeological Site of St. Peter's Cathedral, the International Museum of the Reformation, the Museum of Natural History and the CERN Museum.
His hobbies. Lovers of lake swimming find their happiness on the beaches of Céligny, Hermance and Geneva-Plage, where the swimming pools offer a variety of pleasures. The Bain-Bleu thermal baths and the Cressy baths offer a wellness alternative in case of bad weather. Indoor entertainment options include the Yatouland children's amusement park, Laserland 22 recreation centre, La Praille Bowling and Meyrin Bowling, as well as the SimulPro car driving centre. The dark rooms are not to be outdone with two multiplexes equipped with state-of-the-art technologies that guarantee an exceptional viewing experience: Pathé Balexert with its IMAX projection system and Arenas Cinemas and its unique 4DX screens in French-speaking Switzerland. The outdoor fun is also possible at Geneva's Parc Aventure, the region's first treetop adventure course.
His campaign. Who would have believed it, it is full of vines! Enough to surprise wine lovers. Many cellars are open on Saturdays and invite you to wine-tastings. Not to be missed every year in May, the open cellars where all winegrowers open their doors and discover their products. The Geneva countryside is also a source of nice walks. The Vallon de l' Allondon and the Vallon de l' Hermance allow beautiful escapes along the water. The bicycle is the ideal vehicle for exploring Geneva's villages, as there are many bike paths. From the city you can take pleasant family routes to Salève, the Signal de Bernex, Satigny or along the Route du Rhône. In winter, as soon as the conditions are good, snow enthusiasts in sledding, bobsledding or garbage bag go to the Signal de Bernex to set off in the middle of the vineyards...
His gastronomy. Geneva is a canton of winegrowers, known for its Gamaret. On the plate side, another local speciality is the longeole, a sausage made up of one-third meat, one-third fat and one-third gelatinous matter from the pig, all contained in a pork gut. If you like to take risks, try the cardoons in gratin. One will always wonder who dare to try this spiny vegetable for the first time, but once properly prepared, it is excellent.
Its specificities. With its international reputation, the city hosts many world-class conferences. The city of Calvin is also home to several international organizations, such as the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Labour Office (ILO) and CERN. In other words, traffic jams are common at the end of the lake.
His inescapable visits. The Japanese who visit Switzerland know it well, Geneva would be nothing without its water jet! To approach its 140 m high of the mainland, take the pier. If you prefer to see it from the lake, climb on a Geneva seagull, these small boats crossing the harbour. Don't miss the Flower Clock either. Located in the English Garden, it recalls that the watchmaking industry has built Geneva's reputation with luxury brands such as Rolex and Patek Philippe. To believe you in the south and take the aperitif, direction Carouge! Built on the banks of the Arve by the king of Sardinia, this small town overflows with nice shops and nice bistros. Finally, to better understand the charms of the city of Calvin, why not take a cruise with the CGN?
His dates. The Bol d' Or (June), the festivals of Geneva (August), the International Motor Show (March) and the Festival arbres et lumières (December) are some of the highlights of Geneva.