Geneva

Geneva, the beautiful city

Magnificently situated on the banks of the largest lake in central Europe, at the foot of the Jura Mountains and at the gates of the Alps, Geneva has all that is need to charm you. The town, whose rich past still comes to life today, is a true international capital and can offers visitors a great number of different aspects. These include its humanitarian commitment, its varied cultural activities, its major congresses and exhibitions and its renowned cuisine, beautiful countryside and opportunities for many different excursions.

The beauty of the site, the close proximity a prestigious Alpine region and its privileged location along the main axes of the West, make Geneva naturally one of the largest European centres of tourism.

Geneva, the crossroad of men and ideas

As a traditional meeting place for more than 2’000 years, Geneva today has about 400’000 inhabitants. Its international role is assured by the one third of its population that comes from 157 different nations. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Geneva was a place refuge for Protestants persecuted in their own countries. In 1863, it became the birthplace of the Red Cross. In 1919, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson decided to install the headquarters of the League of Nations in Geneva.

Today, Geneva houses some 200 international governmental and nongovernmental organizations, including the Office of the Unites Nations, to which 150 diplomatic missions are accredited. Considered as the “City of Peace”, it is the headquarters of number humanitarian institutions.

Since Calvin founded his academy in 1599, Geneva has been a renowned university and scientific centre, which has welcomed eminent scientists and researchers. Geneva’s reputation as a congress centre goes well beyond its status as an international city. With more than 200 meeting halls, including some which can receive up to 10’000 people, Geneva every year hosts hundreds of conferences and exhibitions.

Geneva, a centre of the arts and culture

This “smallest of the largest capitals” offers a particularly rich artistic and cultural life. Concerts, all kinds of shows and exhibitions of the highest quality take place throughout the year. Geneva is proud of its conservatories of music and its opera and has some thirty museums. The Old Town has a number of exceptional sites, antique shops, art galleries and typical bistros.

Thanks to its exceptional location in the centre of Europe, Geneva offers numerous possibilities for excursions.

Geneva, recreation and fun on the banks of the lake

The lake gives Geneva a resort flavours. During the summer it is possible to engage in a number of sports such as sailing, rowing and water skiing. The “Mouettes” boats provide a quick means of crossing from one bank to the other. The Jet d’eau fountain, symbol of Geneva, decorates the bank of the lake with its white plume of water. In the winter, alpine and cross-country skiing can be practised in the neighbouring Jura and Alp ski resorts.

The parks and promenades, as well as the flower-lined quays are a haven for walks and strolls. As for shopping, Geneva has numerous facilities.

Geneva, its fairs and festivals

Geneva offers a large variety of shows. Its agenda of festivals and cultural events alternates theatre, dance, classical and contemporary music, jazz, and even open-air cinema on the lakeside. Every summer, classical music concerts are held in the courtyard of the Town Hall, while jazz and brass bands perform in the parks and along the lake.

At the beginning of August, Geneva echoes with the sounds of its famous musical fireworks during the traditional “Fêtes de Genève”, which attract thousands from all over the world.