Tours to Geneva Switzerland
Geneva is a cosmopolitan city in Switzerland with a population of 175,000. With Switzerland flexi tours you can visit the tourist city of Geneva. The city is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Geneva and has a relaxed and graceful atmosphere. In French the city is well known as 'Lac Leman'. On your Geneva tour you can visit the emblematic Jet d'Eau, a tall stream of water gushing from the lake, which is an elegant feature of this city. While on tour to Geneva, stroll through the Old Quarter, dotted with fountains, sculptures and frescoes. Visit the city's oldest square and a popular gathering place; known as Bourg-de-Four, here you can also visit the nearby St. Pierre Cathedral. Be sure to visit the interesting archaeological dig under the cathedral. You can relax at the Hotel de Ville, which is situated at the south of the cathedral. On Geneva tours you can also visit Place de Neuve, known as the main heart of the city's cultural life, with several theaters and museums nearby. Here you will find a wide array of boutiques in the Old Quarter, selling jewelry, watches and designer goods. Geneva has lots of parks for strolling or just relaxing. Among the favorites are the Jardin Anglais, featuring a large clock made of flowers, and the Park La Grange, with large Rose Gardens. On the opposite shore, the lake promenade to La Perle du Lac is also very scenic. Day trips to Geneva include a ferry ride on the Lake Geneva, a tour of one of the 21 castles on the lake or a hike through the nearby wine region with stops for samples along the way. Geneva is also close to the border with France, making it a good base for exploring the French Alps.
Tour of Geneva:
You will see many beautiful sights on your tour of Geneva, Switzerland.
L'Horloge Fleurie
On your tour to Geneva you can visit the L'Horloge Fleurie, the colorful clock built in 1955 as a living tribute to Switzerland's most venerated industry. With a diameter of 5 meters and a circumference of 15.7 meters, its 2.5 meter second hand is the longest in the world. The clock is designed, encompassing 6,500 plants, and set in the Jardin Anglais on the lakeside promenade. Every season a new design is created, which visitors can enjoy on their Switzerland tours.
Foire de Genève
Foire de Genève is a popular exhibition at Palexpo, along with the International Motor Show. Every year many people, who come on Geneva tours, visit the place to see 600 exhibitors of fitted kitchens, food and drink, books, multimedia, furniture, household appliances and bathrooms. The exhibition space covers more than 1,500m and is only a hop, skip and a jump from the airport in Geneva, Switzerland.
Maison Tavel
You can visit the oldest standing private house in Geneva, Maison Tavel on your tour to Geneva. It got burnt down in 1334 and was rebuilt shortly afterwards. It is listed as a historical monument. Visit the cellar and its archaeological ruins, then go up to the ground floor to discover Geneva from the Middle Ages to the Restoration. On the first floor paintings, engravings and photographs depict the evolution of the city, and in the main hall woodwork, blacksmithing and ironwork by Geneva craftsmen of the 17th and 18th centuries are exhibited.
Institut et Musee Voltaire
It is a museum that has stood since 1954 in the former residence of Voltaire. You can visit the Institut et Musee Voltaire on your tour to Geneva. The museum is a center of research on the philosopher and the 18th century; it houses old editions, manuscripts, paintings, drawings and sculptures. You will find on display articles belonging to Voltaire himself giving a fascinating taste of the day-to-day life of the author. The library can be used by appointment in the mornings. The mansion is in the grounds of the Parc Delices which Voltaire himself described as "Les jardins d'Epicure". Admission is free for tourists in Geneva, Switzerland.
Parc des Bastions
One of the main tourist spots covered under the Geneva tours is the Parc des Bastions. It is a giant chessboard complete with chessmen and is popular with both players and spectators. You can also find a bandstand converted into a cafe/restaurant just behind the chessboard. Stroll down to the Mur des Reformateurs. This park is also the home of the Mairie and is the scene of many public celebrations; the now traditional May Day March finishes here. At the end of the year, a party for Geneva City primary school children, the fête des promotions, is thrown.
Fondation Culterelle Islamique
This Islamic centre was opened on June 1st 1979. The building contains a mosque, a conference room, a library, classrooms and a mortuary. The five daily prayers, the Friday sermon (djoumoua), Arabic language courses for children and adults and conferences all take place. The interior of the mosque is tiled mosaic and carved stone. Visitors can admire the beautiful work of Moroccan craftsmen on their Geneva, Switzerland tours.
Le Salève
It dominates the city of Geneva from all sides and locals spend much time on it. Take a cable car up the mountain or, if you prefer, climb up or go by car, and once you have reached the summit enjoy the spectacular view of Geneva and its surroundings. Nature lovers can take a walk and discover the interesting flora and fauna of the region. Enjoy the thrills of mountain biking, hang-gliding or rock-climbing. And before leaving, enjoy a drink or a meal on the terrace of the restaurant while taking in the view on tours of Geneva.
L'Escalade
L'Escalade festival is a patriotic celebration of the city's independence. On the night of December 11th, 1602; the Duke of Savoy's soldiers attacked the old walled town of Geneva. The locals defended their town as a woman named Mere Royaume emptied her cauldron of piping-hot vegetable soup over enemy soldiers. At five o'clock in the morning the invaders retreated, and Geneva kept its independence. The night is celebrated by eating vegetable soup and chocolate cauldrons filled with marzipan vegetables, and parades with period weapons and flame torches, pipes and drums. Costumes abound, giving protestant Geneva a carnival atmosphere, which you can enjoy on your Geneva Tour.
Carouge
Today Carouge is part of Geneva, but this was not always so. Until the 17th century the area was practically deserted and in 1754 Carouge became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia. King Victor Amedee III commissioned architects from Torino to design a town that he hoped would become Geneva's economic competitor. Still today, the minute you reach Carouge you feel as though you are entering a foreign village with its own identity and atmosphere. It is a real treat to stroll through this preserved late-18th century town; quaint narrow streets, old buildings, inner courtyards, flowered gardens, sidewalk cafes, churches, fountains antique shops and boutiques, as well as a colorful market on Wednesday and Saturday morning all add to its charm.
Restaurants in Geneva
Restaurant Les Armures
This restaurant in Geneva is popular for its magnificent Swiss food combined with rustic Swiss charm. It is Picturesquely situated near the old armaments square in Geneva's Old Town, A whole host of fondues and raclette await you, as well as a mix of other specialties. The hotel's claim to fame is that more than one American president has enjoyed its hospitality, like Jimmy Carter and the Clintons. Brasserie Lipp
Brasserie Lipp is an ideal brasserie in Geneva known for a number things like its huge ornate mirrors, yellow patterned tiling and somewhat aloof waiters dressed in the traditional long white aprons. Although there is a solid selection of traditional French cuisine, the food does not much extend from typical brasserie fare featuring dishes such as choucroute. It might fairly be dubbed a shade expensive; the main highlights for many guests are the lovely flowered terrace featuring an old fountain, and the fact that they are open late.
Relais de L'Entrecôte
Relais de l'Entrecôte is the perfect choice of restaurant in Geneva, if you fancy steak; there is a set option for the first two courses: a lettuce and walnut salad to start, entrecote with a tasty sauce and a platter of crisp thinly-sliced French fries as the main course, and a selection of tempting desserts such as crème brulee or chocolate profiteroles to follow. A long narrow Parisian-style bistro aligned with dark wooden tables and panelling, this is a popular and lively restaurant, but not one for intimacy or private conversations.
Le Bearn
Le Bearn is one of the renowned restaurants in Geneva. The cuisine at the Le Bearn displays a light and modern take on classic French fare, with a preference for truffles. Winter diners at Le Bearn may even encounter a rich truffle-based menu, exquisite to the last morsel of truffle-laden dessert. The restaurant offers an imperial style, which is quite formal, with salmon-colored tablecloths and ornate decorative objects. Le Bearn is perfect for conducting business meetings. You can find an extensive list of wines at Le Bearn.
Opera Bouffe Opera Bouffe is one of the most popular restaurants in Geneva offering a golden, baroque-like interior. The restaurant is composed of three rooms, which include large rooms for conducting group events. The restaurant offers international menu, which varies monthly comprising of three 'acts' rather than courses. One of the main features of this restaurant in Geneva is that it offers dishes being presented elaborately. Polished wooden floors and candlelight ensure the restaurant is always aglow with a warm and homely atmosphere. You can find an extensive list of wines at Opera Bouffe.
McWong
It was the first Asian fast food restaurant in Geneva. The day when this restaurant in Geneva was inaugurated, it has become increasingly popular, especially among the expatriate community. This restaurant in Geneva offers an excellent variety of curries and other Thai dishes, at great prices. Centrally located close to the station, McWong is open on Sundays for the enjoyment local residents and tourists on Geneva, Switzerland, tours.