Experiences
After 21 months of complete renovation, Le Richemond re-opened its doors on the 21st of September 2007.
Palais des Nations
Although the UN moved to New York in 1945, Geneva has kept its European office in what is the second largest building on the continent (Palace of Versailles is the largest). Areas of the European headquarters of the United Nations are open to the public with guided tours.
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum
This renowned museum on Avenue de la Paix is universally acclaimed as one of the best in the city and provides a moving reminder of the importance of international humanitarian efforts.
Jet d'Eau
This remarkable fountain, 140 metres high, is the city's most famous landmark and can be seen towering over the lake.
Little Carouge
This is Geneva's oldest quarter, once an independent town in its own right, and a haven of peace where you can sit in outdoor cafés and watch the world go by.
Shopping
The centre of luxury shopping is the Rue du Rhône, where window shoppers will find designer boutiques and jewellers selling the famous watches of Switzerland. At the foot of the Old Town is the less expensive, trendier Rue de la Confédération. In the pedestrian-only Grand Rue there are galleries, antique shops, book shops and boutiques, and souvenir shops can be found on the Place du Bourg-de-Four, Rue du Mont-Blanc, on the right bank.
Outdoor Markets
The daily flower market is located on the Place du Molard and the clothing and book market on Place de la Madeleine. The market on the Plaine de Plainpalais sells fruit and vegetables on Tuesday and Friday mornings and becomes Geneva's principal flea market every Wednesday and Saturday. There are other markets on the Place du Marché in nearby Carouge and Boulevard Helvétique in the centre of town. Every Thursday at the Place de la Fusterie, a variety of regional handicrafts is sold.
Festivals
Geneva's best known is L'Escalade on 11th December, which involves massive consumption of chocolate and marzipan, and marks the occasion in 1602 when an unhappy housewife poured her boiling cauldron of vegetable soup over the head of one of the invading Duke of Savoy's soldiers. The festival features torch-lit processions in historic costume and a huge bonfire in the cathedral square. The Fêtes de Genêve takes place over two weekends in July / August with parades, open-air concerts and fireworks.
Cruises
See Geneva against the backdrop of the Alps from the lake itself. Cruises on Lake Geneva or the Rhône take place throughout the day and can be as leisurely as your mood. Our Concierge will be happy to arrange cruises for you.
