After a great stay in Montreux, we took the train to Geneva. This scenic train ride was about an hour and took us along Lake Geneva, through the major towns of Vevey, Lausanne and Nyon.
Geneva is a stunning city that is nestled between the lake and mountains. It is Switzerland's third largest city and it is home to over 200 international governmental and nongovernmental organizations, including The International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations. That said, it is a very cosmopolitan city with foreigners making up about 45% of the population.
Both David and I have visited Geneva before, but this was many years ago before we met. It was great to go back to Geneva together and the city is very much how we both remember it. We had an enjoyable stay in Geneva and it was a great way to end our visit to Switzerland.
Le Jet d'Eau and Lake Geneva
Geneva is split by the Rhône, which flows through the city to create Geneva's greatest attraction - the lake. What sets this lake apart from other lakes is the Jet d' Eau. The Jet d'Eau is the 140 meter-tall (460 feet) lakeside fountain that shoots up water with incredible force (there is seven tonnes of water in the air at any one time). It is a spectacular sight!
The Horloge Fleurie and Jardin Anglais
The Horloge Fleurie is Geneva's most photographed flower clock and it is located in the Jardin Anglais. The clock is symbolic of the fact that Switzerland is the birthplace of fine watchmaking. This clock is crafted from 6500 plants and has ticked since 1955 in the garden. The Jardin Anglais is the flower garden on the shore of Lake Geneva. We happen to be in Geneva during the Geneva Festival (held in the Jardin Anglais), so the garden was busy and filled with tents and food vendors. Each night there was also live music which added to the festive atmosphere.
Cathedrale Saint-Pierre
Geneva's lovely cathedral was started in the 11th century and is mainly Gothic with an 18th century neoclassical facade. We were allowed to climb the 150 plus stairs to access the towers for a magnificent lake panorama and view of the surrounding areas.
Geneva's lovely cathedral was started in the 11th century and is mainly Gothic with an 18th century neoclassical facade. We were allowed to climb the 150 plus stairs to access the towers for a magnificent lake panorama and view of the surrounding areas.
The Swissotel Metropole Geneva
The Swissotel Metropole Geneva is in a great location on the south-side of the lake (across the street from the lake), a short walk from the Jet d'Eau and the Old Town. This ideal location made it very convenient to many of the major attractions. The room itself was very modern and different to other Swissotels we have stayed at before. Some of the design ideas reminded us a little of the Le Royal Monceau Raffles Hotel in Paris, but obviously not as fancy. We got a great room on the first floor facing the lake, but unfortunately the view was restricted by the tress and the tents at the Geneva Festival that was taking place in the Jardin Anglais (Geneva's waterfront garden that is opposite the hotel). The view from the rooftop bar was a different story though and we got a nice view just as the sun was setting.
The Swissotel Metropole Geneva is in a great location on the south-side of the lake (across the street from the lake), a short walk from the Jet d'Eau and the Old Town. This ideal location made it very convenient to many of the major attractions. The room itself was very modern and different to other Swissotels we have stayed at before. Some of the design ideas reminded us a little of the Le Royal Monceau Raffles Hotel in Paris, but obviously not as fancy. We got a great room on the first floor facing the lake, but unfortunately the view was restricted by the tress and the tents at the Geneva Festival that was taking place in the Jardin Anglais (Geneva's waterfront garden that is opposite the hotel). The view from the rooftop bar was a different story though and we got a nice view just as the sun was setting.
Palais des Nations
The Palais des Nations was built between 1929 and 1936, and was formerly the headquarters of the now-defunct League of Nations. It has been home to the United Nations since 1966 (is now the European headquarters of the United Nations). The "Broken Chair" that stands opposite the street from the Palais des Nations, is a symbol of the opposition to land mines and cluster bombs, and a reminder that these issues still affect many people in some parts of the world.
David unfortunately had a conference call for work, so he stayed at the hotel while I caught the bus to Palais des Nations and took one of the tours that they offer. The tour was an hour long and it included a tour of the building and some of the important rooms like the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations room (decorated by famous artist Miguel Barceló); the Assembly Hall and the Council Chamber. The tour also covered the history of the United Nations, the role of the United Nations and also some of the current activities that the United Nations is involved in. It was a very interesting tour and such a pity David missed it. Unfortunately on the day I visited, the surrounding grounds and gardens were not open to the public.
The Palais des Nations was built between 1929 and 1936, and was formerly the headquarters of the now-defunct League of Nations. It has been home to the United Nations since 1966 (is now the European headquarters of the United Nations). The "Broken Chair" that stands opposite the street from the Palais des Nations, is a symbol of the opposition to land mines and cluster bombs, and a reminder that these issues still affect many people in some parts of the world.
David unfortunately had a conference call for work, so he stayed at the hotel while I caught the bus to Palais des Nations and took one of the tours that they offer. The tour was an hour long and it included a tour of the building and some of the important rooms like the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations room (decorated by famous artist Miguel Barceló); the Assembly Hall and the Council Chamber. The tour also covered the history of the United Nations, the role of the United Nations and also some of the current activities that the United Nations is involved in. It was a very interesting tour and such a pity David missed it. Unfortunately on the day I visited, the surrounding grounds and gardens were not open to the public.
The International Committee of the Red Cross
The International Committee of the Red Cross is located opposite the street from the Palais des Nations. The role of the ICRC is to support the 80 delegations worldwide that carry out humanitarian work. It is also involved with international humanitarian law and works with government and humanitarian organizations to further the cause.
Perch and Steak
Pan-fried filets de perche (perch fillets) is a Lake Geneva speciality and we had to try it. On our last evening in Geneva we found a restaurant close to the hotel and had this fish fresh from the lake. It was really good, as was the steak with beurre maitré d'hotel.
Vieille Ville
Geneva's Old Town is situated south from the lakeside and it is nearby other famous attractions like the Jet d'Eau, Jardin Anglais and Cathedrale Saint-Pierre. The Swissotel is a stones throw away from the main pedestrian street Rue du Rhône in Vieille Ville, which made it very convenient for us to walk to. Rue du Rhône is a shopper's paradise, as it is home to a large concentration of luxury brands and expensive watch shops.
Geneva's Old Town is situated south from the lakeside and it is nearby other famous attractions like the Jet d'Eau, Jardin Anglais and Cathedrale Saint-Pierre. The Swissotel is a stones throw away from the main pedestrian street Rue du Rhône in Vieille Ville, which made it very convenient for us to walk to. Rue du Rhône is a shopper's paradise, as it is home to a large concentration of luxury brands and expensive watch shops.
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