Page 115 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Switzerland

2 DAYS

in Geneva

Day 1 Day 2
Morning Start the day discovering early Morning Enjoy a leisurely morning
Geneva at the city’s oldest house, 12th- croissant by the river, then take a walk
century Maison Tavel (p121). Spend a through the university campus to the
couple of hours diving into Geneva’s International Red Cross and Red Crescent
fascinating history, then, once you’ve Museum (p122), where the well-curated
worked up an appetite, swing by one three-part permanent exhibition takes
of the lively local markets to choose visitors on an emotional journey to high-
picnic treats from stalls crammed light humanitarian efforts around the
with fresh produce. world. From there, head over the Arve
Afternoon Visit the home of the Large river via the cross-hatched Hans-Wilsdorf
Hadron Collider at CERN (home.cern) for bridge and make your way to Carouge,
a fascinating 3-hour (pre-booked) tour. If Geneva’s very own “Little Italy”. Towards
you would rather be out in the fresh air, the neighbour hood’s southern end is
hop on bus 8 for an easy outing up industrial-chic Blue Balloon (p121).
“Geneva’s moun tain”, Mont Salève Serving up an excel lent coffee, it’s
instead. Get off at Veyrier-Douane, where the perfect spot for a petit pause.
it’s a mere 10-minute walk across the Afternoon Allow some time to take in
Swiss–French border (remember your the sights, sounds and delicious smells
passport) to the foot of the cable car that of this dynamic neighbourhood. Once a
ascends the mountain. Travel to the top hamlet built in the Sardinian style, it is
and pop into the summit restaurant for now a bohemian enclave, filled with arti-
coffee with a stupendous view over the san boutiques, craftsmen’s workshops
city and Lake Geneva. Follow the paths and quaint streets lined with independent
that cling to the rockface. There are glori- bistros and cosy cafés.
ous views to be found round every corner. Evening Stroll back along the river
Evening Return to the city for an towards the Old Town and dine at the
atmospheric dinner aboard the Savoie iconic Café-Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville
paddle steamer, built in 1914. As you (p123). Dating from 1764, it is steeped in
dine, the boat passes numerous land- the old-fashioned charm of a neighbour-
marks, including the impressive Jet d’Eau hood bistro, serving up classic Genevois
(p120), a powerful water fountain that has dishes such as traditional Fricasée de
become symbolic of the city. porc (spiced pork stew).
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