Lisa’s guidebook

Lisa
Lisa’s guidebook

Sightseeing - Bellevue

Stunning views from the lakeside: Mont Blanc (highest peak in Europe) and of the Salève (smallest mountain in Europe). The beach is public and hosts a fondue yurt in winter and a buvette (refreshments) during the warmer months. There are public toilets, showers, loungers as well.
5 minutes walk down to Lake Geneva to see a stunning view of the Mont Blanc!
Bellevue
5 minutes walk down to Lake Geneva to see a stunning view of the Mont Blanc!
This animal park hosts felines such as the lynx, to monkeys such as the macaques, marmosets and tamarins, to birds such as parrots, sparrows, pheasants, ducks, peacocks, and owls as well as wild boards, squirrels, guinea pigs, rabbits and the occasional fox, wolf, or deer. Most of these animals can be released back into the wild once they are strong enough.
Bioparc Genève
33 Rte de Valavran
This animal park hosts felines such as the lynx, to monkeys such as the macaques, marmosets and tamarins, to birds such as parrots, sparrows, pheasants, ducks, peacocks, and owls as well as wild boards, squirrels, guinea pigs, rabbits and the occasional fox, wolf, or deer. Most of these animals can be released back into the wild once they are strong enough.

Sightseeing - Geneva

Lots to do in Geneva... but there are some must-see spots I can recommend.
We always take our guests to climb the stairs of the cathedral to admire the 360º view of Geneva. Extrait from Know-it-all passport®: 12th century structure includes an eclectic mix of styles. It is best known as the adopted home church of John Calvin, one of the leaders of the Protestant Reformation. Inside the church is a wooden chair used by Calvin. Note: Fantastic 360° view of Geneva and surrounding mountains from the top. Climb up the 153 stairs, revel in the magnificent views along the way and discover the inner workings of this historical landmark. If you can stand loud noises, then make sure you are at the top on the hour so you can hear at close-hand the bells ring. There are 2 towers, North and South. Note: Please respect the red light/green light system on some of the narrow spiral stairs that allow traffic flow with a one-way system. Price to climb up the tower: Fr. 5.-/adult, Fr. 2.-/child age 6-16. Open October through May 10h-17h30 (Sunday from 12h), June through September 9h30-18h30, Saturday till 17h, Sunday 12h-18h30.
260 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Собор Святого Петра
Cour de Saint-Pierre
260 (рекомендации местных жителей)
We always take our guests to climb the stairs of the cathedral to admire the 360º view of Geneva. Extrait from Know-it-all passport®: 12th century structure includes an eclectic mix of styles. It is best known as the adopted home church of John Calvin, one of the leaders of the Protestant Reformation. Inside the church is a wooden chair used by Calvin. Note: Fantastic 360° view of Geneva and surrounding mountains from the top. Climb up the 153 stairs, revel in the magnificent views along the way and discover the inner workings of this historical landmark. If you can stand loud noises, then make sure you are at the top on the hour so you can hear at close-hand the bells ring. There are 2 towers, North and South. Note: Please respect the red light/green light system on some of the narrow spiral stairs that allow traffic flow with a one-way system. Price to climb up the tower: Fr. 5.-/adult, Fr. 2.-/child age 6-16. Open October through May 10h-17h30 (Sunday from 12h), June through September 9h30-18h30, Saturday till 17h, Sunday 12h-18h30.
The amazing landmark that makes Geneva special, has got to be the 140m high jet d'eau (water fountain). Extrait from Know-it-all passport®: In 1886, a company located at the end of the lake used to pump and distribute water under pressure for craftsmen’s machines. Since there was little need in the evening, they let the pressure escape through a small hole on one extremity at La Coulouvrenière, resulting in a water fountain of a few meters. In 1891, the City of Geneva decided to install the Jet d’Eau where it is today, on the Rade, to celebrate Switzerland’s 600th anniversary. To project half a cubic meter of water per second up to 140 meters high requires two powerful groups of motor pumps, representing a global weight of over 16 tons and a total power of close to 1,000 kilowatts, fed by an electric tension of 2,400 volts. The water is drawn in a circular water-pump and is directed towards an exit pipe where the speed reaches 200 km/h (130 miles per hour).
395 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The Geneva Water Fountain
Quai Gustave-Ador
395 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The amazing landmark that makes Geneva special, has got to be the 140m high jet d'eau (water fountain). Extrait from Know-it-all passport®: In 1886, a company located at the end of the lake used to pump and distribute water under pressure for craftsmen’s machines. Since there was little need in the evening, they let the pressure escape through a small hole on one extremity at La Coulouvrenière, resulting in a water fountain of a few meters. In 1891, the City of Geneva decided to install the Jet d’Eau where it is today, on the Rade, to celebrate Switzerland’s 600th anniversary. To project half a cubic meter of water per second up to 140 meters high requires two powerful groups of motor pumps, representing a global weight of over 16 tons and a total power of close to 1,000 kilowatts, fed by an electric tension of 2,400 volts. The water is drawn in a circular water-pump and is directed towards an exit pipe where the speed reaches 200 km/h (130 miles per hour).
An historic monument, Maison Tavel is one of Switzerland’s remarkable examples of civilian medieval architecture. Destroyed by a fire which ravaged part of the city in 1334, the house was rebuilt by the Tavels, a family of Geneva nobles who gave the house its character of fortified mansion and urban palace. After passing through the hands of various influential local families over the centuries, the house was acquired in 1963 by the City of Geneva, which carried out a respectful and exemplary restoration. Viewable in its entirety, from the cellars to the attic, Tavel House is devoted to the urban history and daily life of Geneva. Objects, drawings, engravings and photographs, coins, furniture and collections of silver - all bear witness to Geneva’s past, from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 20th century. A huge scale model dating from 1896, known as the Magnin maquette, reconstructs the appearance of Old Geneva as it was before 1850, still surrounded by its fortifications.
51 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Tavel House
6 Rue du Puits-Saint-Pierre
51 (рекомендации местных жителей)
An historic monument, Maison Tavel is one of Switzerland’s remarkable examples of civilian medieval architecture. Destroyed by a fire which ravaged part of the city in 1334, the house was rebuilt by the Tavels, a family of Geneva nobles who gave the house its character of fortified mansion and urban palace. After passing through the hands of various influential local families over the centuries, the house was acquired in 1963 by the City of Geneva, which carried out a respectful and exemplary restoration. Viewable in its entirety, from the cellars to the attic, Tavel House is devoted to the urban history and daily life of Geneva. Objects, drawings, engravings and photographs, coins, furniture and collections of silver - all bear witness to Geneva’s past, from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 20th century. A huge scale model dating from 1896, known as the Magnin maquette, reconstructs the appearance of Old Geneva as it was before 1850, still surrounded by its fortifications.
If you are still looking for something to do with visitors, and you haven’t already been here, then make sure to put this on your to-do list. It is really amazing to see the intricate work and mechanics that goes into such precision instuments. Note: A favorite are the automaton bird clocks.
108 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Музей Patek Philippe
7 Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers
108 (рекомендации местных жителей)
If you are still looking for something to do with visitors, and you haven’t already been here, then make sure to put this on your to-do list. It is really amazing to see the intricate work and mechanics that goes into such precision instuments. Note: A favorite are the automaton bird clocks.
Mouettes Genevoises on lake in Geneva city center. The yellow boats are the commuter lines and you may ride these with your Geneva Transport Card. Open all year-round.
Pâquis Navigation
Mouettes Genevoises on lake in Geneva city center. The yellow boats are the commuter lines and you may ride these with your Geneva Transport Card. Open all year-round.

Recommended restaurants

I think this is so much fun if you can't get to other traditional spots in Switzerland! Extract from Know-it-all passport®: Not just for tourists as this is the Genevois way to feel you have gone on holiday to Zermatt for the evening! The ultra touristic haunt is as typical as you can imagine. The decor is truly original as well: wooden panelling and checkered tablecloths. Alp horn, live folk music with yodelling, and coin-rolling. A five-franc piece is rolled around the inside of a bowl, which is held on the palm of one hand carefully maintaining the rythm and sound. Add a few cow bells, a fondue, some viande séchée, and you are all set. Bon appétit!
18 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Restaurant Edelweiss
2 Pl. de la Navigation
18 (рекомендации местных жителей)
I think this is so much fun if you can't get to other traditional spots in Switzerland! Extract from Know-it-all passport®: Not just for tourists as this is the Genevois way to feel you have gone on holiday to Zermatt for the evening! The ultra touristic haunt is as typical as you can imagine. The decor is truly original as well: wooden panelling and checkered tablecloths. Alp horn, live folk music with yodelling, and coin-rolling. A five-franc piece is rolled around the inside of a bowl, which is held on the palm of one hand carefully maintaining the rythm and sound. Add a few cow bells, a fondue, some viande séchée, and you are all set. Bon appétit!
This department store has the most amazing rooftop restaurant with a view. This IS the place to go for your breakfast, lunch, or snack!
140 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Manor Genève
6 Rue de Cornavin
140 (рекомендации местных жителей)
This department store has the most amazing rooftop restaurant with a view. This IS the place to go for your breakfast, lunch, or snack!

Sightseeing - Vaud

Further down the lake you will find Nyon, Vevey, Montreux, and Aigle.
Vevey: Charlie Chaplin’s home is the perfect location for a museum which celebrates this brilliant comedian for all fans, young and old alike. The Museum site features the very latest technology, combining standard and modern interpretation methods. Permanent and temporary exhibits, cinematic presentations, an outdoor forum, cultural programs, various festivals and an art gallery attracting the finest artists from around the world.
130 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Мир Чаплина
2 Rte de Fenil
130 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Vevey: Charlie Chaplin’s home is the perfect location for a museum which celebrates this brilliant comedian for all fans, young and old alike. The Museum site features the very latest technology, combining standard and modern interpretation methods. Permanent and temporary exhibits, cinematic presentations, an outdoor forum, cultural programs, various festivals and an art gallery attracting the finest artists from around the world.

Sightseeing - Neighboring France

45 minutes from Geneva. Canals run through the old town of Annecy and restaurants line every street. The lake is well-known for its beauty; paddle or row boats may be hired. There is a large old-fashioned carrousel near the lake that runs most of the year. The flea market is held in the old town streets the last Saturday of the month.
70 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Annecy-le-Vieux
70 (рекомендации местных жителей)
45 minutes from Geneva. Canals run through the old town of Annecy and restaurants line every street. The lake is well-known for its beauty; paddle or row boats may be hired. There is a large old-fashioned carrousel near the lake that runs most of the year. The flea market is held in the old town streets the last Saturday of the month.
The best way to get to medieval Yvoire is to make your way to Nyon (either park there by car or take train). The CGN boats go frequently from the port during the warmer months (best to go from April through October). This town is strictly pedestrian and is known to serve delicious filets de perches from the lake. Keep in mind that Yvoire is basically shut down from mid-December through January.
365 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Yvoire
365 (рекомендации местных жителей)
The best way to get to medieval Yvoire is to make your way to Nyon (either park there by car or take train). The CGN boats go frequently from the port during the warmer months (best to go from April through October). This town is strictly pedestrian and is known to serve delicious filets de perches from the lake. Keep in mind that Yvoire is basically shut down from mid-December through January.

Flea markets - Junking - Brocante - Antiques

One of Lisa's hobbies: junking! If you are interested, you can hire Lisa for a small fee to take you on a tour of the best junking places. She has a Geneva circuit, Lausanne circuit, or Bern circuit. I've just mentioned one of the charity shops here but there are many more. Flea markets in Geneva’s Plainpalais are every Wednesday and Saturday. The Nyon Flea Market is held on the last Sunday of the month (none in August and then mid-December).
Outdoor flea market every Wednesday and Saturday from about 9h-16h. If you want me to go with you, just let me know. I know the vendors at this market and might be able to negotiate prices for you!
28 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Plaine de Plainpalais
28 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Outdoor flea market every Wednesday and Saturday from about 9h-16h. If you want me to go with you, just let me know. I know the vendors at this market and might be able to negotiate prices for you!
This charity shop holds tons of treasures. You never know what you will find!
Brocante La Fouine, Caritas
19 Chem. de la Milice
This charity shop holds tons of treasures. You never know what you will find!
Almost every last Sunday of the month from 8h-18h30, Nyon hosts a bountiful outdoor flea market selling everything, including the kitchen sink! Along the lakeshore and surrounding streets.
43 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Nyon
43 (рекомендации местных жителей)
Almost every last Sunday of the month from 8h-18h30, Nyon hosts a bountiful outdoor flea market selling everything, including the kitchen sink! Along the lakeshore and surrounding streets.

Рекомендации для путешественников

Обычаи и культура

Cheesy dishes

Remember, it is advised to drink white wine, hot tea, or Coca Cola with melted cheese dishes to help digest. Fondue au Fromage Pieces of bread dipped in melted cheese (usually moitié/moitié, 50% Gruyère and 50% Vacherin Fribourgeois), white wine, kirsch, and garlic. Malakoff A deep-fried wonder: a slice of bread topped with a cheese mixture! Raclette Slices of raclette cheese melted under a heated element, then scraped off onto hot boiled baby potatoes. Roesti Grated potato cooked and topped with melted cheese. You can add bacon or ham, onions, or a fried egg too!
Транспорт

Mouettes Genevoises on lake in Geneva city center

Mouettes Genevoises on lake in Geneva city center The yellow boats are the commuter lines and you may ride these with your Geneva Transport Card, included in your booking. Open all year-round.
Как сэкономить

Shopping on a Sunday

At the "Les Tuilieries" train station, you will find a Migros Voi supermarket. It is open Tuesday through Sunday! I have left a shopping cart with wheels under the kitchen sink.