The enigmatic city of Geneva is nestled
on the southern edge of croissant-shaped Lake Geneva. Being surrounded by
mountains and favoured by a purifying north wind, Geneva is one of the
cleanest and most beautifully positioned cities in the world. Its lovely
landmarks, combined with its French-influenced boutique shopping and dining,
set the perfect scene for relaxation and self-indulgence.
The French-speaking city of Geneva at Lake Geneva is home to the United
Nations European headquarters, as well as a host of other major
international organizations. Also on the lake are Lausanne, and Montreux.
Lausanne is known for its cathedral and Olympic Museum. Montreux is home of
the summer jazz festival. The Castle of Chillon is nearby. In short Geneva
is the right destination for a peaceful and magical vacations.
Geneva is also famous for winter sports which attracts lovers of these
adventure sports every season.
Fact File
Country : Switzerland
Population : 178,400
Area : 41,290 square kilometers
Languages : German, French, Italian, and Romansch
Climate : The weather is very cold between the months of November
and february.
Between mid-August and late October when the weather is settled. The months
of June, July, August and September bring hot weather and September brings
the season of rains
Geneva's low and high temperatures are: Dec.-Feb., -2 to 6 degrees Celsius;
March, 2-10°C; April, 5 - 15°C; May, 9 - 19°C; June-Aug., 13
- 25°C; Sept., 12 - 21°C; Oct., 7 - 14°C; Nov., 3 – 8°C.
Official
Currency : Euro; 1 Euro = 52.443 Indian Rupee = 1.2047 US $ = 0.678141
GBP (subject to change)
Location : Geneva is tucked away in the southwestern corner of the
almost-French Swiss Alps.
Getting There
By Air : Geneva International airport is the gateway for all the
visitors coming from across the globe. Airlines use Geneva's Cointrin
airport - (code-GVA). Frequent, fast and good value rail and bus connections
available to central Geneva - which is only 4km away.
By Train : The airport station situated just a couple of minutes
walk from the main terminal area - is well connected to the main Switzerland
train network. A number of Inter-city destinations can be reached directly
from the airport.
Getting Around
By Road : Buses & Trams are the most ideal transportation for
those who are interested in Road transportation. The TPG (Transports Publics
Genevois) runs an excellent bus and tram services in the city.
Taxis are an important mode of getting around the city.
By Boat : Lake Geneva Cruises are arranged daily from the Jardin
Anglais Pier at 8am and 10:15am. These can be either full day cruises or
half day cruises.
Accommodation
The city of Geneva provides a very comfortable stay for the tourists. Below
is mentioned a list of few of the good hotels in the city.
5 star hotels in the city:
Hotel beau – Rivage
Hotel Des Bergues
Mandarin Oriental hotel du Rhone
4 star hotels in the city:
Hotel Intercontinental Geneva
Ibis Geneva Centre Gare
Grand Pre Swiss Q hotel
3 star hotels in the city:
Hotel Le Richemond
Drake & Longchamp Swiss Q hotel
Hotel Moderne
Major Tourist Attractions
Maison Tavel : Acclaimed as the oldest house in Geneva, the Tavel
House has gone through many structural changes and incarnations. Its latest
is a museum, since 1986. The display of items in daily use, from the middle
ages to the 19th century, is an illuminating study of the lives of Genevans
through the ages.
Le Jet D’Eau : This famous fountain is practically the symbol
of Geneva. Its burst of water sends it very high into the sky, usually about
138 metres.
The Old Arsenal : The cannons used to protect the city of Geneva in
times past are on exhibition at this landmark in the old town. A series of
modern mosaics showcasing episodes from the history of the city is a
remarkable attraction of the arsenal. The Arsenal today serves the important
function of housing State archives, which include original documents written
by Calvin.
Jardin Anglais : The beautiful park has numerous fountains, statues
and a bandstand. The highlight is the famous flower clock, fittingly located
in a city known for its clock-makers.
Lake Geneva Cruises : The lake is very much a part of the character
of this busy metropolis at the heart of Europe. Also known as Lac Leman, the
various cruises follow different itineraries, which take cruisers to see
villages situated outside the city.
Calvin Auditory : In the 16th century, this was a hotbed for radical
ideas. It was here that John Calvin made his sermons to articulate a new
Christianity, which would have a deep impact on the entire world. John Knox
was another major figure active here, after being exiled from Scotland.
Other Attractions
Musee de l‘Horlogerie : The museum is housed in a
villa set in a fine garden, which makes it a pleasant place to view the
historical timepieces, sundials and dainty jeweled watches from the past.
Palais des Nations : The former headquarters of the League
of Nations, precursor to the United Nations, is host to the Museum of the
League of Nations, and the Rockefeller Library.
