Travel

Europe’s Gateway to the Alps

It’s a sweltering summer day in Geneva and I am surrounded by crowds taking the plunge at the shores of Bains des Paquis. From a distance a small yellow taxi boat is ferrying passengers to the next stop around the lake. It’s an all-encompassing scene of people spending long evenings chatting on the bulwarks of the lake, while others savour every bit of sunshine in Geneva’s abundant parks. When it gets too hot Geneva welcomes summer and takes on an urban air like no other city in the world. 

When the beach season arrives Bains des Paquis not only offers a breathtaking scene of the lake but also becomes a beehive of activity. The long beach lined with sand and pebbles has several restaurants and food stalls surrounding it, the most popular being Buvette des bains serving everything from fresh seafood to the quintessential and traditional Swiss cheese fondue. 

After soaking up the sun at Bains des Paquis I head out for a brief stroll around the city to explore its landmarks. First stop on my to-do list is a stop by the jet de eau, the largest water fountain in town and one of Geneva’s major attractions. Gracing Lake Geneva the water fountain pumps 500 liters of water per second reaching a height of 140 meters. Other options include exploring Geneva’s waterways by rafting on the Arve and Rhone, two major rivers crossing Geneva. Thrill seekers will find it exhilarating to get up close and personal with mother nature by experiencing the waterfalls, rapids and canoeing along the water. A gentler way to explore the river would be to take an inflatable boat.

You can also opt to take a boat cruise on the lake, there are several luxury options to choose from. Nevertheless, upon checking-in at any hotel in Switzerland you will immediately get a complimentary transportation card, with it you have access to all trains, boats and buses in Geneva. Once you get hold of your card don’t miss the chance to hop on the Mouettes genevoises shuttle boat. The brightly colored yellow shuttle boats run every 10 minutes from different piers around the lake ferrying passengers across its vast expanse. The boat tour is a welcome respite especially after a long day of walking.

Geneva has several walking trails worth exploring, the most typical being a walk from Lake Geneva to place du Molard then to the Old Town and down to Parc des bastions. Several monuments of interest surround Lake Geneva the most popular being the Brunswick Monument, a large mausoleum built in the heart of the city in honor of Charles II Duke of Brunswick. Originally from Germany the Duke donated all his wealth and fortune to the city and was honored by being buried in a mausoleum aboveground in a prominent area in the heart of town.

After exploring Lake Geneva, I head to Place du Molard, this shopping area is in the heart of the city. Located in the center of the shopping plaza, it is a stone’s throw away from the Old Town and the renowned Mont Blanc bridge. Filled with designer stores and abundant chocolate and watch shops, Place du Molard is certainly a worthwhile spot to explore. Take a seat in one of its many outdoor cafes as you enjoy the city’s bustling scene, after relaxing head to the Old Town for a cultural and scenic tour like no other.

One of the landmarks of the Old Town is its narrowing cobblestone roads filled with art galleries, museums and antique shops. St Pierre Cathedral is another landmark of the Old Town. Founded in the 4th century it is a marvel of design and is home to several excavations revealing artefacts dating to Roman times. The cathedral pays tribute to John Calvin, one of the founding fathers of Protestantism who spent hours preaching within its walls. Also worth exploring is Parc des Bastions, located directly below the Old Town it is famous for the Reformation Wall depicting the major figures of the Protestant reformation as giant sculptures. The park is lined with trees and provides a quiet and serene surrounding for summer time reading or watching the changing Fall colors.

Geneva can also be a quirky city, small yet pristine it opens up to the most stunning mountain views. After exploring the Old Town, I hop on a bus to the United Nations office building in Geneva, the organization’s second largest office site. Located in Palais des Nations this area is busy all year round not only by UN staff but also by hordes of tourists’ eager to capture a selfie with the UN building and the sculpture of the Broken Chair. Swiss artist Daniel Berset was commissioned to create this sculpture to draw attention to the plight of landmine victims. The 12-meter-high chair has its left leg missing and stands tall overlooking the UN building. 

The Broken Chair isn’t the only landmark worth exploring. From a distance on the right bank of the UN building I spot the Jet d’eau which spouts from the lake with the Mont Blanc and the Alps as a backdrop. On the left, is yet another summit of the Jura mountains rising high above the horizon. No matter where you are in Geneva a mountain summit can easily be spotted from any elevated building. 

Geneva’s ideal location enables you to go from one of the largest mountain summits in Europe to France’s renowned Mont Blanc. Another place worth exploring on the border of France is the town of Chamonix, situated on the north of Mont Blanc it is considered one of the oldest ski resorts in France. Skiing enthusiasts and hikers can particularly enjoy the scenery on the traditional cable car known as Aiguille du Midi. The 3842-meter peak in Mont Blanc is a popular attraction open all year round. 

Once you hop on the Aiguille du Midi, you can take in the spectacular views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. On a clear day the other peaks you could easily spot and explore include the Mont Blanc summit and the Matterhorn, which is featured on most Swiss chocolate boxes including the renowned Toblerone chocolates. The entrance to the Aiguille du Midi has several terraces coupled by a cafeteria and snack bar. At the departure and arrival point of the cable car, is a display showcasing the history of the mountain peak, nevertheless the highlight of the trip is the breathtaking scenery you enjoy as you climb to the summit on the cable car itself. The view of the snowy peaks and surrounding mountains is exhilarating to say the least.

The Swiss Alps are home to massive ski resorts with altitudes reaching a height of 2000 meters. Switzerland’s best ski resorts usually open when the season kicks-in from mid to late November and extend all the way through winter until April. Renowned ski resorts include St. Moritz, the Matterhorn over Zermatt and Verbier. In any case, whether it’s the thrill of gliding down the slopes over a trail or trying a track over fresh powder you are never far from a Swiss mountain that offers it. 

With its plentiful shopping venues, monuments and landmark, Switzerland’s serene city of Geneva is certainly unique in its own right. A far cry from other bustling metropolises, Geneva has a variety of activities to choose from along with remarkable museums, outdoor markets and high-end shopping, making it the ideal gateway to the Alps. Whether you are planning to spend a few days or heading out to its skiing slopes Geneva is the ideal destination to explore for a pre or post trip to the Alps!