Our tips for a great
getaway in... Geneva Switzerland
At the top of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) nestled between the mountain ranges of the Jura and the Alps, Geneva is an international crossroads, a bustling business centre and the home of many humanitarian causes. It's also the place to be for some of the best luxury shopping, gastronomic delights and cosmopolitan nightlife. Switzerland may be neutral, but there’s nothing bland about the joie de vivre and cool elegance of Geneva. Forget lederhosen and cuckoo clocks, think chic, think sleek, and above all think classy.
bestmeal with a view: La Perle du Lac La Perle du Lac (or “the pearl of the lake”) is the gem its name implies. Overlooking the lake and facing Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, this is simply one of the best places to taste top-class French gastronomy, with an emphasis on seafood specialties. Where >La Perle du Lac, 126 Rue de Lausanne, Geneva, Tel: +41 (0)22 909 1020. view map Website > www.laperledulac.ch
besttourist must-see: The Chair The stunning centrepiece of the Place des Nations (the square outside the UN) is a massive, towering wooden chair with one of its four legs broken off. The sculpture symbolises the struggle against landmines and has become a favourite landmark with locals who often arrange to meet “at The Chair”. Where >The Chair, Place des Nations, Avenue de la Paix 14, Geneva, Tel: +41 (0)22 917 48 96. view map Website > www.unog.ch
best-value bubbly: Quai 1 bar If you’re feeling a little flat and need some fizz in your day, check out the little Quai 1 bar by platform 1 at the train station. As well as snacks, it also serves Moët et Chandon champagne at a mere 12CHF a glass or 20CHF for a little bottle – reasonable by Geneva standards.
Where >Quai 1 bar, Cornavin train station, Geneva, Tel: +41 (0)22 732 4306.
bestplace for a game of chess: Parc des Bastions Wrap up warm and head to the Parc des Bastions, at the foot of the old town. Not only is it great for a stroll, but there’s also a giant chessboard with huge pieces for you to play the ultimate game. There’s usually a large group of locals willing to take on newcomers, and for the less cerebrally minded there’s also a giant draughts board. Where >Parc des Bastions: get off at Place Neuve tram/bus stop in the Old Town and the park is directly in front of you.
bestshop for Swiss specialities on the cheap: Migros and Denner Give duty-free and souvenir shops a miss. If you want to take back Swiss chocolates, cheese (raclette or fondue) or a surprisingly good bottle of local wine, then look no further than the supermarket Migros and its sister shop Denner. Both stores are dotted all around Geneva, but the Les Cygnes shopping centre (by the train station, Cornavin) is one of the handiest. Get chocs and cheese at Migros, then head to Denner for bargain-priced wine. Where >Migros and Denner, Les Cygnes shopping centre, 16-20 Rue de Lausanne, Geneva, Tel: +41 (0)22 7385908. view map Website > www.lescygnes.ch
bestplace to nab free postcards: Café La Ferblanterie Why splash the cash on boring tourist postcards when you can get quirky free ones showcasing Swiss humour and art? Head to the Café La Ferblanterie in the trendy district of Plainpalais and sip a hot drink while you people-watch. This former ironmonger's shop displays local artwork and kindly provides all your “wish you were heres”. Where >Café La Ferblanterie, 8 Rue de L’Ecole de Medicine, Geneva, Tel: +41 (0)22 3209042. view map
bestfondue: Café du Soleil and a fondue cruise on the lake The 400-year-old Café du Soleil, close by the United Nations, has the reputation for offering the best fondue in town, but if you don’t fancy being so static, why not take a fondue night cruise around the lake? Thursdays and Saturdays are the days for meat lovers, while Fridays are strictly a cheesy affair with the more traditional cheese fondue on the menu. Where >Café du Soleil, 6 Place du Petit Saconnex, Geneva, Tel: +41 (0)22 7333417; Fondue cruise, Jardin Anglaise and Quai du Mont Blanc (the steam paddleboats depart from here), Tel: +41 (0)848 811848. view map Website > www.cafedusoleil.ch; www.cgn.ch
Compiled by Lou McMullen
besttrivia
Genevans claim to be sensitive to local winds. In winter there's the Bise, a cold northerly wind, while the warm south-easterly Föhn ruffles feathers at other times. Both are blamed for a host of ailments from headaches and allergies, to irritability and depression. Some local newspapers even publish indices of which wind will blow and how strongly, along with warnings of what symptoms to expect!
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