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Perched atop a hill overlooking the lake is Geneva’s historic Old Town, called Vieille Ville in French. At the heart of Old Town is Bourg-de-Four Square, a former ancient Roman trading market now lined with cozy cafes and traditional restaurants. There are an abundance of churches and museums in Vieille Ville, with the most notable being St. Peter’s Church and the Museum of the Reformation. Characterized by quiet streets and tall shuttered grey stone buildings, this atmospheric district is romantically scenic. Wander through the maze of cobblestoned streets to discover more of the historical and cultural gems this area has to offer.
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Geneva could be considered an international capital because of the many international businesses and organizations that have their headquarters in the city. The United Nations European Offices are the main attraction in this international district, offering daily tours to the public. Housed in the Palais des Nations, this institution offers historic meeting rooms, fascinating exhibits, and a refined art collection that represent the diversity and mission of the UN. During the tour, stop and see the official conference room that hosts over 8,000 meetings each year.
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On every science nerd’s bucket list, The European Organization for Nuclear Research, formerly known as CERN, is dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of the universe. This is the largest particle physics laboratory in the world and is credited with discovering the Higgs boson particle, the God particle. CERN also played a key role in the development of the World Wide Web. Guided tours are available by appointment, but what’s included in the tour can be seen in the two exhibits on display in the Microcosm and the Globe of Science and Innovation.
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The city of Geneva is found on the southern shores of Europe’s largest inland body of water, Lake Geneva. Situated between Switzerland and France, this crescent-shaped lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and alpine scenery. Boat cruises on Lake Geneva are popular among locals and tourists alike. Take a Geneva city cruise to admire lakeside castles and hilly vineyards along the shores. A day trip cruise offers an opportunity to explore other Swiss cities such as Lausanne and Montreux. Enjoy one of the finest gourmet experiences with a four-course dinner cruise on the prestigious Belle Epoque ship “Savoie.”
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Soak up a bird’s eye view of the second-largest city in Switzerland from the nearby Saléve mountain, which happens to be located just over the border into France. This local mountain is a favorite day trip from the city frequented by both locals and tourists. The first ridge of the mighty Alps can be reached by a cable car that travels to the first plateau of the Saléve where you can then spend the day walking the trails to higher levels and exploring the wildlife area. This is a popular place for paragliders to begin their flights, so on bright days, you might be able to see some taking off from the Orientation Table. On clear days it’s also possible to see the Jura hills in the north and the Savoy Alps and Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Europe, in the southeast.
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On a steep slope overlooking Lake Geneva, Lausanne is the Olympic Capital and Switzerland’s most attractive city. This charming city offers a small yet memorable variety of cultural and historic sites. From the stained-glass windows of the gothic Lausanne Cathedral to the magnificent collection at Collection de l’Art Brut, a day trip to Lausanne can easily be the best day of your trip to Switzerland. Explore the boutique shops, visit the bustling markets, and stop for a drink in one of the quiet cafes that line the streets of the city center. Afterward, head down towards the lake to the Ouchy district and stroll along the promenade. The Olympic Museum is located in this area so don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind exhibit open year-round.
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On the eastern end of Lake Geneva is Montreux, a Swiss city best known for the Château du Chillon. The castle is open year-round, and the exhibits inside tell of the castle’s rich history. Montreux is also the starting and finishing station of the famous Golden Pass train ride that winds and climbs through the mountains on its way to Lucerne. Some many activities and festivals take place along the lakefront throughout the year, including the Montreux Jazz Festival in June/July and the Christmas Markets, which begin at the end of November. Music lovers will enjoy the Queen Experience at the Mountain Studios, formerly owned by the rock group Queen, and the statue of Freddie Mercury, lead singer of the band, along the lakeside. Wander along one of the most beautiful lakeside promenades in the world and enjoy the panoramic views of the Alps before returning to Geneva.
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About an hour south of Geneva lies the small French city of Annecy. Interlaced within this medieval town are canals and arched bridges, decorated with flowers, and colorful houses. With snow-capped mountain scenery and 12th-century castle, Château d’Annecy, overlooking the city center, it’s easy to imagine Annecy as a storybook kingdom. Indulge in a French croissant and coffee at one of the many cozy cafes found amongst the romantic winding streets of Old Town, Vieille Ville in French. Don’t forget to take a stroll through Jardins del’ Europe, a park on the shore of Lake Annecy, that boasts some of the most beautiful panoramic views in the world.
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Chamonix is one of the most popular resorts in the Alps because it’s the home of Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in the alps and the highest point in Europe. Mont Blanc reaches a height of 4810m (15,781ft) and towers over the city below. During winter, Chamonix attracts ski and snowboard enthusiasts from all over the world. Spring and summer is perfect for hiking and biking. Take a cable car to Aiguille du Midi and come face to face with the enormous beauty. While at the summit, be sure to “Step into the Void” on the full glass viewing platform. After you pull yourself out of the clouds, explore the Chamonix city center that is filled with outdoor shops, souvenir stands, and many great restaurants and pubs. Don’t miss out on this beautiful day trip during your stay in Geneva.
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