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Geneva is a Swiss city located on the south shore of Lake Geneva. Many of its’ 200,000 inhabitants are foreigners and also hosts numerous International Organizations, including UN headquarters, Red Cross and CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research – the world’s largest particle physics laboratory). It is also a major international financial centre, known for privacy banking laws.
Even though most tourists plan their visit during the spring or summer months, I actually love to visit during the winter! You will see the Swiss sitting outside, enjoying a very hot cup of what looks like “tea”. It is actually mulled wine, garnished with mint and fruit. The snow covered mountain views are breathtaking, and if you are an avid skier why not plan a trip to Mont-Saleve. It is easily accessible by cable car and just a few minutes after leaving the city centre. The views are magnificent and well worth a visit, whether or not you take in some cross-country skiing.
A trip to Geneva always includes a visit to one of the historical watch making museums, the Patek Philippe being my favorite, as well as satisfying my chocolate fetish! There are other brands that are scrumptious other than Lindt or Toblerone! I recently discovered Favarger (since 1826) and love the romantic story. A watchmaker fell in love with the chocolate maker’s daughter, got married, and joined the family in making chocolate. Seven generations later, they still take pride in exact standards, loyalty and making a top quality product.
Some of the highpoints of your visit should include:
The Jet d'Eau is a large fountain in Geneva, is the city’s most famous landmark! It is also one of the largest fountains in the world. Situated at the point where Lake Geneva empties into the Rhone River, it is visible throughout the city and from the air, even at an altitude of 33,000 feet!
The Patek Philippe Museum traces the evolution of watch making in Geneva from its humble origins to being a world leader today. The museum presents an evocative collection of timepieces dating back as far as the early 16th century, demonstrating the artistic and engineering prowess of Geneva’s past and present masters.
Other museums which are worth a visit depending on your time include the International Museum of the Reformation, the Museum of Art & History, and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum which headquarters this wonderful charitable organization!
I so enjoyed visiting the St. Pierre Cathedral – where Calvin preached. If you want a bit of exercise (as if walking throughout the city has not been enough!), take a hike up the stairs to the tower which overlooks the city!
As a fan of Audrey Hepburn, you can visit her grave at the Tolochenaz Cemetery.
The Flower Clock is a renewable living masterpiece. It lays a few steps away from the lake and is one of Switzerland’s most photographed sites. The clock features the world’s longest seconds-hand. The clock, situated at a corner of the Jardin Anglais, was created for the first time in 1955 and contains about 6,500 flowers and plants. The floral arrangements change according to the season. The flower clock is not only pretty, it also tells the time with Swiss precision - the time you see is transmitted by satellite. Another important detail - the seconds-hand is 2.5 metres long, the world’s longest!
Enjoy Geneva!
Happy Travels!
January 9, 2023
