SWITZERLAND TRAVEL, HOTEL, HOLIDAY & ACCOMMODATION GUIDE
HOTELS IN GENEVA - GENÈVE- LAKE GENEVA

What Are Some of the Must-see Places in Geneva, Switzerland?    by Maria Regina Dulay

Below are some of the places you should definitely see:

Jet d'Eau - gigantic water jet

A must-see in Geneva (though one can't really avoid it as it can be seen from just about any angle in the city!) is the Jet d'Eau (gigantic water jet), which sprouts into the sky from the end of a long jetty located on the left bank of Lake Geneva It is about 140m high and is THE landmark of Geneva, the United Nations headquarters being a close second. The most rewarding experience is to get as close to it as safely possible and really experience this powerful jet spring out via hundred of tons of pressure. 

Be prepared to get wet as the spray is quite intense as you walk along the jetty! There's a barrier about 3 meters from the base of the jet so one can't actually touch it.  And the Jet d'Eau always looks different depending on the weather conditions. When the air is still, it shoots up straight as an arrow; and with a stiff breeze it looks like a veil of water.  In strong windy weather, however, it's switched off as the spray would blow towards the shore and shower everyone and everything! As a tribute to the European Football Championship in June 2008, a giant blow-up football "floated" on top of the jet, attached by cables to the base, and illuminated by night. Geneva Old Town The Geneva Old Town has retained its original cobblestones and Calvinistic architecture (sober and solid, with clean strict lines). You can still picture the horse carriages clattering through the streets. In fact, one of the public administration building which is about 5 floors high has no elevator or stairs, but a sort of ascending cobble-stoned corridor because in the old days the officers would reach their offices on horseback through this corridor.

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Quite fascinating and quaint. Nearby is the canon monument with the actual canons used to fight off the French when they tried to invade Geneva in 1602. The Geneva old town is a great place to visit antique and small specialty shops and to frequent the numerous chic bars and restaurants. It is also one of the most expensive residential areas in the city due to its obvious flair. 

Recommendations:

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La Clemence, Place Bourg de Foure - a pub and open-air cafe (yes, even in winter) right on the main square and across from the police station and court of justice, hence a safe place to be, no bar-room brawling here! This is a very popular gathering locale for the young and old, usually trendy crowd. Bar Demi-Lune, rue Etienne Dumont - or half-moon bar in English. A very nice place to have an after-work drink and a decent hamburger. Cosy atmosphere, looks like you're walked into somebody's living room! Restaurant La Finestra - the smallest restaurant I've ever seen, has only 8 tables, 4 below and 4 above, reached via a narrow spiral staircase. Cosy and elegant but not overdone, with excellent Italian cuisine, not the usual pasta and pizza but regional specialties one doesn't find in other restaurants.

La Tour Carree

Recently renovated, this lake shore cafe/restaurant is the place to go to watch the sunset, hear the gentle waves lapping on the shore and feeding the native birds and ducks. As it is somewhat out of the way, one gets there by car, bicycle, inline skates or, if you have the time and the energy, walking. 

Located on the far left bank of Lake Geneva, about 15-20 minutes from the French border. Nice because it doesn't get too crowded and is more frequented by customers living in the neighbourhood. I believe they still do great barbecue at a reasonable price. Also nice for watching boats and windsurfers (in summer) and getting a lovely distant view of the Jet d'Eau, which looks like a stick of white cotton candy from here! Plainpalais Flea Market Every Wednesday and Saturday. Plainpalais is a huge square in downtown Geneva which holds a twice-weekly flea market selling everything from pricey antiques to old shoes and clothes. You buy useful (and not so useful) things at the stall for 3 or 5 francs.

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About the Author - The author is an English teacher who has recently ventured into writing. If you are unsure of where to get expert advice on the best travel packages to Europe, visit www.triplandia.com. From the comfort of your home, and at no cost, you can send in your inquiries and, before you know it, you will receive responses from travel specialists in that area.

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