Geneva: World’s Smallest Metropolis

The symbol of the “world’s smallest metropolis” is the “Jet d’eau”, a jet of water 140 meters high on the shore of Lake Geneva. On the right bank of the lake is most of the big hotels and many restaurants. Above the left bank lies the old town, the heart of Geneva with its shopping and commercial district. This is dominated by the Cathedral St-Pierre, while the center of the old town itself is the Place du Bourg-de-Four, as the oldest plaza in town. Wharves, coastal walks, abundant parks, lively streets of Old Town and elegant shops invite you to stroll. One of the best preserved ancient street is the Grand-Rue, which was born Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The ‘Mouettes “, a kind of water taxi, allow navigation from one side to another. There are large ships that call to launch cruise on Lake Leman.

Geneva is the most international city in Switzerland, as is the UN European headquarters. Also the International Red Cross monitors from its humanitarian operations here. Geneva is not just convention center but also of culture and history, for trade fairs and exhibitions. The «Horloge Fleuri», the flower clock in the English Garden (Englischer Garten) is a world-renowned symbol of the Geneva watch industry.

A cultural level, the city in the Far East of Switzerland has much to offer. At the Grand Théâtre, Geneva Opera, presents internationally acclaimed artists, and various museums such as Musée international de l’horlogerie, a watch museum with a collection of watches and jewelry, or the Music Museum International Red Cross and Red Crescent, which provides information on the work of the humanitarian organization, they invite a visit.

An attractive destination is the mountain Salève, located in the nearby neighboring France. In less than five minutes the cable car takes visitors to an altitude of 1100 meters and can enjoy a unique view to the town, the Alpine mountains, the Jura and Montblanc.

Top Events

- International Automobilsalon – shows the largest car manufacturers in Europe around the world presented their latest (March).

- Le Bol d’Or – a sailing regatta largest lake in Europe and the beginning of the summer in Geneva (June).

- Escalade – Memorial torchlight parade and costumes of that time to commemorate the soldiers refused to attack the Savoy December 11 of 1602 (December).