ATTRACTIONS

Geneva Attractions

Lake Geneva (Lac L�man)

The largest lake in central Europe that is shared by both Switzerland and France, Lake Geneva (Lac Léman to its French-speaking inhabitants) has for decades drawn visitors to its shores. Attracted by the alpine panorama, quaint wooden chalet villages, vineyard-covered slopes and sailboats skimming across the blue waters, many famous writers, musical composers, actors and poets came to settle and the area has become something of an inspiration to the arts. Situated in the westernmost district of Vaud, the region contains a diversity of attractions and activities, from wine-growing villages and mountain ski resorts, picturesque castles, and magnificent cathedrals, to low-key lakeside resorts, boat cruises, and cosy fireside pots of fondue. Sophisticated shopping and cultural life can be found in the cities of Geneva and Lausanne, with sweeping views across the sparkling lake to the Alps and the distinctive pinnacle of Mont Blanc. Among the vineyards and affluent villas clinging to the slopes lie the lakeside towns of Vevey and Montreux, the pearls of the Swiss Riviera. Scenic winding roads stretch along the shores, and train trips offers outstanding views, while below steamers crisscross the waters of Lake Geneva, offering a variety of ways to experience the splendour of its location.

Geneva Attractions

Jet d'Eau

The tallest fountain in the world, the Jet d'Eau is a Geneva attraction that cannot be missed. Projecting 460 feet (140m) into the air at a speed of 124 miles per hour (200km/h) and pumping 132 gallons (500 litres) of water per second, the fountain was initially established to release pressure for hydropower generation on the Rhone River, but was so loved by the populace that in 1891 the city created a permanent fountain. As Paris has the Eiffel Tower and New York has the Empire State Building, Geneva has the Jet d'Eau. For a breathtaking and romantic sight, visit at night, when the fountain is lit up.

Address: Quai du G�n�ral-Guisan; Opening time: Open from 10am to 4pm in winter and 9am till 11.15pm in summer. Closed for three weeks in November for annual maintenance

Geneva Attractions

International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum

One of the most creative and thought provoking museums in Europe, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum brings together sculpture, installation, photography and film to highlight the importance of human rights, the history of conflict in the 20th century and the humanitarian work the Red Cross has done in providing aid to combatants and civilians caught up in both war and natural disasters. Funded entirely by outside donors, the museum is appropriately situated on the hillside opposite the United Nations, within the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross. A significant stopover on a visit to Geneva, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum provides insight into the gross implications of war and the tragedy that surrounds but also the committed work of the volunteers and Red Cross representatives alike. All the exhibits have an English language option.

Address: 17 Avenue de la Paix; Website: www.micr.ch; Telephone: (0)22 748 9525; Transport: Bus 8 to Appia bus stop, direction OMS or Appia. 12 minute walk from Cornavin railway station; Opening time: Open daily except Tuesday from 10am to 5pm. Closed on 24, 25 and 31 December and on 1 January ; Admission: Free

Geneva Attractions

St Peter's Cathedral

With initial construction commencing in 1160 and lasting nearly a century, St Peter's Cathedral has over the years become a hotchpotch of architectural styles with Romanesque, Gothic and Neoclassical features. A former Catholic cathedral, St Peter's became a Protestant church in 1536 at the advent of the Reformation and was cleared of its ornate fittings such as altars, statues, paintings and furniture, but the stained glass windows remained. Prominent theologian John Calvin preached at St Peter's Church from 1536 to 1564 and the church soon became the centre of Protestantism. For a breathtaking panoramic view of Geneva and Lac Leman, climb the 157 steps that lead to the summit of the cathedral's north tower.

Address: Cour Saint-Pierre; Opening time: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5.30pm and Sunday 12pm 6.30pm (1 October to 31 May). Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 6.30pm and Sunday 12pm to 5.30pm (1 June to 30 September); Admission: Access to the tower Sfr8 (adults), Sfr4 (children). Combined admission to the Archaeological site and tower: Sfr16 (adults), Sfr8 (children)

Geneva Attractions

Public Parks

Public parks cover over one quarter of Geneva providing the populous with a quiet haven of rolling lawns and tree lined walkways. Dotted with many curious sculptures and attractions, there are a few parks worthwhile visiting. Bastion Park houses the 328-foot (100m) Reformation Wall, a monument commemorating the major figures and events of the Protestant Reformation, as well as life size chess boards at the north end of the park. To view the famous flower clock, a symbol of the Swiss watch industry, head to the English Garden close to the water fountain and for outstanding views of Mont Blanc and the lake, Park Moynier is a firm favourite, with the History of Science Museum situated in the centre. Twenty hectares of woodland and hiking trails is what you will find at Batie Woods on the outskirts of the city.

Address: Place Neuve, Quai Gustave-Ador, Route du Lausanne and Jonction respectively

Geneva Attractions

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Opened in 1994, the cutting edge Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art refuses to conform and as museum director Christian Bernard says, the museum 'is not here to present the acceptable face of contemporary art'. With modern works dating from the 1960s to the present day, exhibited in a turn of the century factory, visitors to MAMCO will spend hours marvelling at the range of contemporary art that covers three floors. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art constantly reinvents itself, changing its exhibits and interior construction three times a year. The works of famous Dadaist Marcel Duchamp are on display all year round.

Address: 10 rue des Vieux-Grenadiers; Telephone: (0)22 320 6122; Transport: Tram 12, 13, 14, 15 or 17, stopping at Rond-Point de Plainpalais; Opening time: Open Tuesday to Friday, 12pm to 6pm. Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 6pm. Open from 12pm to 9pm on the first Wednesday of every month; Admission: Sfr8 (adults), children free. Free from 3pm on the first Sunday of every month and 7pm on the first Wednesday of every month

Geneva Attractions

Palais des Nations (United Nations)

Built between 1929 and 1937 to host the League of Nations, the Palais des Nations now houses the United Nations Office at Geneva, which was inaugurated in 1966 after the dissolution of the League of Nations. The biggest United Nations station outside of the headquarters in New York, the office at Geneva provides critical support to the organization. Situated in 45-hectare Ariana Park, the extensive Palais des Nations is bordered by century old trees, and it is not uncommon to see peacocks darting around, the result of a request by the former owner of the land who bequeathed it to the City of Geneva on condition that peacocks may run freely on its grounds. Tours include the council room with frescoes by José Maria Sert and the Assembly Hall. Identity documents are required.

Address: Pregny Gate, 14 avenue de la Paix; Website: www.unog.ch; Telephone: (0)22 917 4896; Transport: Bus number 8, 18, F, V or Z to Appia stop or 5,11 and 14 to Nations stop; Opening time: Open daily from April to October from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm. July and August from 10am to 5pm. The rest of the year from Monday to Friday from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm, except over the Christmas period; Admission: Sfr10 (adults), Sfr8 (students and seniors) and Sfr5 (children)

Geneva Attractions

Plaine de Plainpalais Flea Market

For quality fresh produce stop in at the Plaine de Plainpalais Flea Market on Tuesday and Friday mornings and visit the fruit and vegetable stalls in their attractive outdoor park setting. For antiques, vintage clothing, clocks, paintings, records, books and more head to the Plaine de Plainpalais Flea Market on Wednesday and Saturday, when stalls are piled high with bric a brac, sometimes at Sfr1 a pop and large crowds of residents and tourists comb the many stalls in search of bargains to be had and souvenirs to gather. Established in 1848, the Plaine de Plainpalais quarter was the setting for the Swiss National Exhibition in 1896.

Address: Plaine de Plainpalais; Transport: Tram 12 or 15 to Plaine de Plainpalais or bus number 1, 4 or 32; Opening time: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 6.30am to 6pm

Geneva Attractions

Barbier-Mueller Museum

A comprehensive collection of 7,000 artworks and artefacts from civilizations around the world, the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva is the outcome of the articles accumulated by Josef Mueller, whose collection began in 1907 and is now continued to this day by his heirs. Founded in 1977, the museum wanted to preserve and study the sculptures, fabrics and ornaments brought from "primitive" civilizations that were once isolated communities. Lookout for the megalithic monuments from Indonesia, the statues and items of worship from Oceania, pre-Columbian art from the Americas and ancient masks and shields from Africa.

Address: 10 Rue Jean-Calvin; Website: www.barbier-mueller.ch; Telephone: (0)22 312 0270; Transport: Bus number 2, 7, 12 or 16 to Molard. Bus number 17 to H�tel-de-Ville; Opening time: Daily from 11am to 5pm; Admission: Sfr8 (adults), Sfr5 (concessions). Children under 12 years free

Geneva Attractions

Place Neuve

The cultural hub of Geneva, Place Neuve sits just outside the former ramparts and is a great access point for the Old Town, which lies on the other side of the high retaining walls. Home to three of Geneva's regal performance and exhibition halls, the Grand Theatre (opera house), Conservatory of Music and Rath Museum, the Place Neuve is worth visiting to witness the architectural aesthetic of these buildings. In the centre of the square is the emblematic statue of Swiss general Henri Dufour, who was the first person to establish a map of Switzerland and also presided over the First Geneva Convention. The highest mountain in Switzerland, Dufourspitze, is named after him.

Geneva Attractions

Museum of Art and History

Comprising of three sections, the captivating Museum of Art and History explores the passage of western culture and international civilizations with over 7,000 pieces covering archaeology (Roman, Greek, Egyptian and Etruscan), fine arts (paintings from the Renaissance to modern times) and applied arts (found objects from the Middle Ages to the 20th century). One of Geneva's largest museums, the colossal Museum of Art and History was built at the beginning of the 20th century, between 1903 and 1910. When visiting lookout for paintings by legendary artists Van Gogh and Renoir.

Address: Rue Charles-Galland 2; Website: www.ville-ge.ch; Telephone: (0)22 418 2600; Transport: Bus number 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 or 36; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm; Admission: Permanent collection, free. Temporary exhibits: Sfr5 (adults), children under 18 free

Geneva Attractions

Patek Philippe Museum

An exquisite collection of timepieces from the 16th to 19th century is housed in this fascinating museum, home to the prestigious creations of the Geneva-based firm of master watchmakers which was founded in 1839. The intricate details and designs, moving parts and beautiful colours of the collection will provide hours of fascination.

Address: Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 7; Website: www.patekmuseum.com; Telephone: (0)22 807 0910; Opening time: Tuesday to Friday 2pm to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm; Admission: Sfr10 (adults)