When in Geneva
This extraordinarily wealthy city is only Switzerland's third largest but is surely its best known. Home of a myriad of peace initiatives yet consistently neutral when it comes to international relations itself, Geneva is home to a huge number of foreigners, with nearly half of the city's inhabitants originally from elsewhere.
Within easy reach of the French and Swiss Alps, there is much to recommend this French-speaking city as a destination for going elsewhere, but Geneva should have sufficient attractions to amuse you for a few days.
The Cathédrale de St Pierre in the old town is one of the main tourist attractions in the city. Designed with the help of an amalgamation of styles, the cathedral was home to John Calvin, who preached here from 1536 to 1564. Underground, the remains of a much older church can be discovered. At the nearby Musée International de la Réforme one can learn more about the history of the man and his teachings.
The Jet d'Eau, the world's tallest fountain, is another "must-see". It propels water out at 124 mph, forming a 140-metre plume that is especially popular with children. Closed during windy weather for fear of showering their parents.
In the Varembé district one can find the International Red Cross & Red Crescent Museum. Rather than a history of the organisation itself, which was formed in the city following the 1864 Geneva Convention, the museum charts the various atrocities humanity has inflicted upon itself in the past 150 years. It is well done, with the help of multimedia exhibits, and is an unforgettable experience.
Geneva also has a number of good beaches nearby, where keen swimmers and water sport enthusiasts can enjoy themselves throughout the summer. With it being a glacial lake, the water can be a touch on the fresh side, so make sure you choose a hot day.
Geneva International Airport receives flights from all major European and many international cities. It is just a six-minute train ride into Gare de Cornavin, although the number ten bus is also an option for the three-mile trip.
Trains arrive from a number of cities in France, Italy and Germany, with many providing wonderful Alpine scenes in the process, while buses generally come in to Place Dorcière, just 17 hours away from London.
A novel way of arriving or departing is by boat, with steamers departing across Lake Geneva to destinations such as Lausanne and Montreux during the summer months.
Buses, trains and trams all service the majority of places you'll want to go within the city, and with severe regulations on cars, central roads are relatively free of traffic. A one-hour bus ticket allows you unlimited travel within zones 11 and 12, which is good value, although hiring a bike is a fun and cheap alternative.
The weather in Geneva is notoriously unreliable, although visitors can usually count on January being cold, July, hot, although not unbearably so, and September, wet.
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Introduction
