Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Geneva shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Geneva offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Geneva at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Geneva? Wrong! If the Geneva is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about Geneva then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Geneva? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Geneva and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Geneva wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your Geneva then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Geneva site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about Geneva, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your Geneva, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

{{Infobox Swiss town| subject_name = Genève | municipality_name = Genève | municipality_type = municipality | imagepath_coa = Geneve-coat of arms.svg|pixel_coa= | map = Carte Commune Genève.png | languages = French | canton = Geneva | iso-code-region = CH-GE | district = n.a. | lat_d=46|lat_m=12|lat_NS=N|long_d=6|long_m=09|long_EW=E | postal_code = 1200 | municipality_code = 6621 | area = 15.86 | elevation = 375|elevation_description= | population = 185526|populationof=2004 | agglomeration = 960000 | website = www.ville-ge.ch | mayor = [Patrice Mugny|mayor_asof=July 2007|mayor_party= | mayor_title = Maire|list_of_mayors = List of mayors of Geneva | places = | demonym = Les Genevois | neighboring_municipalities= [Carouge, [Chêne-Bougeries, [Cologny, [Lancy, [Grand-Saconnex, [Pregny-Chambésy, [Vernier, [Veyrier, Switzerland | twintowns = |-->Geneva (pronunciation //; French language: Genève //, German language: //, Italian language: Ginevra //, Romansh: Genevra) is the second most populous city in Switzerland (after Zürich), and is the most populous city of Romandy (the French-speaking part of Switzerland). It is situated where the Rhône River exits Lake Geneva (French language Lac Léman) and is the capital of the Canton of Geneva. In 2004, the population of the canton (country subdivision) was 441,000, that of the commune within the traditional city limits 185,526, and that of the metropolitan area — which extends into neighboring France and the Swiss Canton of Vaud — about 960,000. Geneva is widely regarded as a global city, mainly due to the presence of numerous international organizations, including the headquarters of many of the agencies of the United Nations. A 2006 survey found Geneva to have the second highest quality of living in the world (after Zürich).Mercer Human Resource Consulting World-wide quality of living survey. London, 10 April 2006. Last accessed 1 February 2007

See Names of European cities in different languages for a list of the name of this city in other languages.

History For the Catholic ecclesiastical history, see Lausanne and Geneva bishopric(s) Geneva was the name of a settlement of the Celtic people of the Allobroges. The name of Genava (or Genua) in Latin appeared for the first time in the writings of Julius Caesar in De Bello Gallico, his comments on the Gallic Wars. Its name may be identical in origin to the name of the Ligurian language city of Genua (modern Genoa), meaning "knee", that is, "angle", referring to its geographical position; though more likely is based on the root gen- 'birth' (Genawa is at the birth of the river from the womb of the lake; perhaps the name in full means 'birth-water'). After the Roman conquest it became part of the Provincia Romana (Gaul). In 58 BC, at Geneva, Caesar hemmed in the Helvetii on their westward march. In the 9th century it became the capital of Burgundy. Though Geneva was contested among Burgundians and Franks and the Holy Roman Emperors, in practice it was ruled by its Prince-bishops, until the Reformation, when Geneva became a republic.

Due to the work of Protestant Reformation such as John Calvin, Geneva was sometimes dubbed the Protestant Rome. In the 16th century Geneva was the center of Calvinism; the St. Pierre Cathedral in what is now called the Old Town was John Calvin's own church. During the time when England was ruled by the Catholic Queen Mary I Tudor, who persecuted Protestants, a number of Protestant scholars fled to Geneva. Among these scholars was William Whittingham who supervised the translation of the Geneva Bible in collaboration with Myles Coverdale, Christopher Goodman, Anthony Gilby, Thomas Sampson and William Cole. In addition, the social philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born and raised in Geneva's Old Town.

One of the most important events in Geneva's history is l'Escalade (literally: "the scaling of the wall"). For the people of Geneva, l'Escalade is the symbol of their independence. It marked the final attempt in a series of assaults mounted throughout the 16th century by Savoy, which wanted to annex Geneva as its capital north of the Alps. This last assault happened on the night of 11-12 December 1602 and is celebrated yearly in the Old Town with numerous demonstrations and a parade of horses, cannons and armed men in period costumes.

Geneva, or officially the Canton & Republic of Geneva, became a Cantons of Switzerland in 1815.

The first of the Geneva Conventions was signed in 1864, to protect the sick and wounded in war time.

Geography Geneva is located at 46°12 North, 6°09' East, at the south-western end of Lake Geneva, where the lake flows into the Rhône River. It is surrounded by two mountain chains, the Alps and the Jura mountains.

The city of Geneva has an area of 15.86 km², while the area of the Canton of Geneva is 282 km², including the two small enclaves of Céligny in Vaud. The part of the lake that is attached to Geneva has an area of 38 km² and is sometimes referred to as Petit lac (small lake). The Canton has only a 4.5 km border with the rest of Switzerland; out of a total of 107.5 km of borders, the remaining 103 are shared with France, with the Ain to the North and the Haute-Savoie to the South.

The altitude of Geneva is 373.6 m, and corresponds to the altitude of the largest of the Pierres du Niton, two large rocks emerging from the lake which date from the Wisconsin glaciation. This rock was chosen by General Guillaume Henri Dufour as the reference point for all surveying in Switzerland.Swisstopo, Height reference for Switzerland. Last accessed on 1 February 2007.

The second main river of Geneva is the Arve River which flows into the Rhône River just west of the city centre.

Administrative Divisions The city of Geneva is divided into 8 "quartiers" or districts, often made up of several conglomerated neighborhoods(). On the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) these include Jonction, Centre / Plainpalais / Acacias, Eaux-Vives and Champel while the Right Bank includes Saint-Jean / Charmilles, Servette / Petit-Saconnex, Grottes / Saint-Gervais and Paquis / Nations.

Demographics As of 2005, the population of the Commune (city) of Geneva was 185,028, while 441,000 people lived in the Canton of Geneva; around 960,000 people live in the Geneva Residential community, which extends into Vaud Canton and neighboring France.

The population of the Canton is split between 148,500 people originally from Geneva (33.7%), 122,400 Swiss from other cantons (27.6%) and 170,500 foreigners (38.7%), from 180 different countries. Population of Geneva, on the website of Statistique Genève. Last accessed 1 February 2007. Including people holding multiple citizenship, 54.4% of people living in Geneva hold a foreign passport.OCSTAT. Les binationaux dans le canton de Genève. Résultats du recensement fédéral de la population 2000. Communications statistiques n° 24, Geneva, December 2005.

While Geneva is usually considered as a Protestant city, there are now more Roman Catholics (39.5%) than Protestants (17.4%) living in the Canton. 22% of the inhabitants indicate that they are not part of any religion, the rest being shared between Islam (4.4%), Judaism (1.1%), other religions and people who did not respond. Inhabitants of the Canton of Geneva according to their religion, on the website of Statistique Genève. Last accessed 1 February 2007.

International organizations Geneva is the seat of the European headquarters of the United Nations and of many other international organization, including: Geneva was the seat of the League of Nations between 1919 and the league's dissolution in 1946. It was first housed in the Palais Wilson, and then in the Palais des Nations, which now hosts the United Nations. Numerous international non-governmental organizations have also elected Geneva as their headquarters, including:

The Geneva Environment Network (GEN) publishes the Geneva Green Guide, and extensive listing of Geneva-based global organizations working on environment and sustainable development. Partnerships for the Planet - Stories from Geneva (by the Swiss Government, WBCSD, UNEP and IUCN) includes stories about how NGOs, business, government and the UN cooperate. By doing so, it attempts to explain why Geneva has been picked by so many NGOs and UN as their headquarter location.

Economy Geneva's economy is mainly services oriented. The city has an important and old Financial services, which is specialized in private banking (managing assets of about 1 trillion United States dollar) and financing of international trade. It is also an important centre of Commodity markets.

Geneva hosts the international headquarters of companies like Japan Tobacco, Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A., Serono, SITA, Société Générale de Surveillance and STMicroelectronics. Many other Multinational corporation like DuPont, Electronic Arts, Hewlett-Packard, INVISTA, Procter & Gamble and Sun Microsystems have their European headquarters in the city too.

There is a long tradition of watchmaking (Baume et Mercier, Chopard, Franck Muller, Patek Philippe & Co., Rolex, Raymond Weil, Omega, etc.). Two major international producers of flavours and fragrances, Firmenich and Givaudan, have their headquarters and main production facilities in Geneva.

Many people also work in the numerous offices of international organizations located in Geneva (about 24,000 in 2001).

Geneva Motor Show is one of the most important international auto-shows. The show is held at Palexpo, a giant convention center located next to the International Airport

Infrastructure Transport The city is served by the Geneva Cointrin International Airport. It is connected to both the Rail transport in Switzerland network SBB-CFF-FFS, and the France SNCF network, including direct connections to Paris, Marseille and Montpellier by TGV. Geneva is also connected to the motorway systems of both Switzerland (A1 (Switzerland)) and France.

Public transport by bus, trolleybus or tram is provided by Transports Publics Genevois (TPG). In addition to an extensive coverage of the city centre, the network covers most of the municipalities of the Canton, with a few lines extending into France. Public transport by boat is provided by the Mouettes Genevoises, which link the two banks of the lake within the city, and by the Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman (CGN) which serves more distant destinations such as Nyon, Yvoire, Thonon-les-Bains, Évian-les-Bains, Lausanne and Montreux using both modern diesel vessels and vintage paddle steamers.

Trains operated by SBB-CFF-FFS connect the airport to the main station of Cornavin in a mere six minutes, and carry on to towns such as Nyon, Lausanne, Fribourg, Montreux, Neuchâtel, Berne, Sion, Sierre, etc. Regional train services are being increasingly developed, towards Coppet and Bellegarde. At the city limits, two new stations have been created since 2002: Genève-Sécheron (close to the UN and the Botanical garden) and Lancy-Pont-Rouge.

In 2005, work started on the CEVA (Cornavin - Eaux-Vives - Annemasse) project, first planned in 1884, which will connect Cornavin with the Cantonal hospital, the Eaux-Vives station and Annemasse, in France. The link between the main station and the classification yard of La Praille already exists; from there, the line will go mostly underground to the Hospital and the Eaux-Vives, where it will link up to the existing line to France. Support for this project was obtained from all parties in the local parliament.

Taxis in Geneva can be difficult to find, and may need to be booked in advance especially in the early morning or at peak hours. In addition, which may be surprising in a modern country like Switzerland, taxis often refuse to take babies and children.

Utilities Water, natural gas and electricity are provided to the municipalities of the Canton of Geneva by the Public ownership Services Industriels de Genève (or SIG). Most of the drinkable water (80%) is extracted from the Lake Geneva; the remaining 20% is provided by groundwater originally formed by infiltration from the Arve River. 30% of the Canton's needs in electricity are locally produced, mainly by three hydroelectricity dams on the Rhone River (Seujet, Verbois and Chancy-Pougny). In addition, 13% of the electricity produced in the Canton is made from the heat induced by the burning of waste at the Waste management#Incineration of Les Cheneviers. The remaining needs (57%) are covered by imports from other cantons in Switzerland or other European countries; SIG buys only electricity produced by renewable energy, and in particular does not use electricity produced using nuclear reactors or fossil fuels.Natural gas is available in the City of Geneva, as well as in about two-thirds of the municipalities of the canton, and is imported from western Europe by the List of Swiss companies Gaznat. SIG also provides telecommunication facilities to carriers, service providers and large enterprises. From 2003 to 2005 "Voisin, voisine" a FTTH pilot project with a Triple play (telecommunications) offering was launched to test the end-user market in the Charmilles district.

Education Geneva is home to the University of Geneva, founded by John Calvin in 1559. Also, the oldest international school in the world is located in Geneva, the International School of Geneva, founded in 1924 along with the League of Nations.Webster University, an accredited American university, has a campus in Geneva. It is considered the most prestigious school that has classes in English in Switzerland.

The city is also home to one of the most prestigious graduate schools of international relations, the Graduate Institute of International Studies.Other international schools include the International School of Geneva and Institut International de Lancy (founded in 1903).

The Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations is a private university located on the grounds of the Château de Penthes, an old manor with a park and view of Lac Leman.

The Canton of Geneva's public school system has "écoles primaires" (4-12), "cycles d'orientation" (12-15), and the post-obligatory "collèges" (15-19), the oldest of which is the Collège Calvin. It is housed in the ancient buildings of the University of Geneva, and could be considered one of the oldest public schools in the world.

Geneva also has a wide choice of reputed private schools. (see Geneva Association of Private Schools)

Culture Monuments and landmarks Brunswick

Geneva is one of the greenest cities in Europe with more than 20 parks in the city center offering countless opportunities for rest and relaxation.

No trip to Geneva is complete without a visit to the European Headquarters of the United Nations. The sprawling complex is accessible only via guided tour, offering unique insight into the inner workings of the world’s most important international body. Highlights include the 2,000 seat Assembly Hall and the Council Chamber decorated with gold murals depicting the human struggle for peace.

Geneva ’s world famous lakefront is the centerpiece of the city and offers endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation throughout the year. The Jet d’eau spouting 140 meters into the air is the world’s tallest and symbolizes Geneva’s heritage as a leader in the field of hydraulic power. The Promenades along the left and right banks of the lake are filled with cafes, parks, street markets and other diversions from lake cruises to amusement rides to water skiing. The Bains des Paquis on the western shore has been a crowd favorite since its opening in 1932 and continues to draw visitors and locals alike who flock to its saunas and unique bathing areas to see and be seen along this sunny concrete jetty. Dominating the eastern bank, the giant Flower Clock in the English Garden is a tribute to Geneva’s watch industry, harmonizing Swiss ingenuity with the floral bounties of nature. The dial is composed of some 6,500 flowers and is updated with new arrangements several times per year.

This romantic island named for the Genevan philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau is a bastion of serenity amidst the turbulent waters of Le Rhone River. The island contains a bird sanctuary and a restaurant with stunning views of the surrounding cityscape.

Built in 1886, the Batiment Des Forces Motrices was Geneva’s first hydro-electric power plant providing the city with water and electricity. Today the massive building serves as a 985 seat opera house overlooking the Rhone River.

Towering over the Old Town in the heart of the city, Saint Peter’s Cathedral is Geneva’s oldest and most impressive architectural treasure. The Cathedral was began in 1160 and took over 400 years to complete, suffering numerous makeovers and fires throughout the years. The north tower offers incredible panoramic views of the city, while the basement houses an Archaeological Museum chronicling the excavation of artifacts found beneath the Cathedral, some dating back as far as 350 AD.

Geneva ’s ancient Old Town is a maze of sloping cobblestone streets and alleyways filled with cafes, boutiques and historical landmarks at every turn. A former Roman marketplace, the Bourg-de-Four is the oldest public square in Geneva and remains a hub of activity surrounded by bistros, terraces, bars and other popular meeting spots. The 15th century Hotel De Ville located along Rue de l’Hotel-de-Ville still serves as the seat of government in Geneva and is the site of many political milestones including the first convening of the Geneva Convention in 1864 and the founding of the League of Nations in 1920. Across the street, the Old Arsenal is a former battery, now home to a 1949 mosaic by Alexandre Cingria depicting Caesar’s arrival in the city 58 BC. Finally, The Treille Promenade on the south side of the Old Town was once an artillery post and today offers beautiful views of the city from atop the towns last remaining rampart wall.

The unexpected Russian Church pierces the skies near the old town with its flaming gilded cupolas and golden spires, offering a unique contrast to the predominantly French and medieval architecture which dominates the rest of the city. The church was completed in 1866 by Russian expatriates living in Geneva with funding from the sister-in-law to Tsar Alexander 1 st. The Byzantine styled exterior and opulent interior, filled with orthodox icons, is an inspiring treat.

Located in beautiful Bastions Park, this monument commemorates the major events and figures of the Protestant Reformation. Larger than life statues of Guillaume Farel, Jean Calvin, Théodore de Bèze and John Knox dominate the central part of the 100 meter wall, eternally guarding over their “City of Refuge.”

Bounded by the Conservatory of Music, the Grand Opera Theater, the Rath Museum and the nearby Victory Concert Hall, the square at Place Neuve represents the pinnacle of high culture in Geneva. A statue of the Swiss General Henri Dufour sits in the center of the square adding to the air of sophistication which permeates the plaza. High class cafes and restaurants are also on hand to cater to the theater crowds.

A peaceful oasis in the center of the city, the Plainpalais Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Geneva’s most prominent citizens including John Calvin, James Fazy, Augustin de Candolle, Henri Dufour, and Sergio Vieira de Mello, the late UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The cemetery is filled with interesting gravestones dating back to 1482.

Named after the French word for the “Smurfs,” the Schtrumpfs is a modern architectural landmark located in the funky Les Grottes neighborhood behind the train station. The apartment complex was designed by three architects determined to create the most unconventional building possible. The result is a Gaudi-esque amalgamation of colors and styles that has to be seen to be believed.

Despite its reputation as Geneva’s unofficial red light district, the Paquis in the heart of the right bank is actually Geneva’s most diverse and colorful neighborhood. The area is filled with authentic ethnic restaurants and numerous interesting shops, bars and nightclubs.

Just over L’Arve River, the neighboring town of Carouge is a Mediterranean style hamlet modeled after the city of Nice in France. The former trading town is today commonly referred to as the ‘Greenwich Village of Geneva’ for its many boutiques and studios where artisans and craftsmen of every ilk can be observed plying their trade. The bohemian vibe carries on into the night in Carouges’ many jazz and night clubs.

Looking over the city like a big brother, Mount Saleve sits in Geneva’s backyard just 5km from the city center. A cable car offers quick access to the peak 1,380 meters above sea level, where breathtaking views of the Alps to the west and the Jura mountains to the east await. Day trippers can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city from a mountain top cafe or head off on one of the many trails criss-crossing the mountain to find their own slice of heaven.

Museums and Galleries Geneva is home to more than thirty museums and galleries presenting a wide array of cultural and historical offerings. From the ultra modern Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art to the ancient Maison Tavel, Geneva’s museums capture the full spectrum of the city’s history and major cultural influences. Free admission is offered the first Sunday of every month at most city sponsored museums and new exhibits are constantly updated throughout the year.

One of the most popular museums in Geneva, the International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent traces the history of the world’s first humanitarian organization from its humble beginnings through modern day. The museum features a multi-media extravaganza that overwhelms the senses and provides access to the latest news and film footage taken straight from today’s headlines.

MAMCO, located in an old factory building, is a dynamic museum on the cutting edge of modern art in Europe. Supported by a stable of artists from the nearby Centre of Contemporary Art, MAMCO constantly reinvents itself, updating not only its exhibits, but also its interior construction three times per year. The works of Marcel Duchamp, the inspiration for the museum, are on display year round.

This old Geneva residence was destroyed by fire in 1334, but has since been restored by the city. The house contains artifacts of daily life in Geneva from the Middle Ages through the late 1800’s. The attic contains a scale model of pre-1850’s Geneva when walls still surrounded the city. Medieval graffiti in the basement of the house is a highlight for many visitors.

Open year round, the Botanical Gardens and Conservatory offers an escape from the winter blues or, in summer, a chance to experience one of the most comprehensive botanic collections in the world. The conservatory contains over 16,000 different plant species and is a working natural refuge dedicated to preservation and the advancement of horticulture. There are many areas to discover on the grounds including a rock garden, an animal park and a garden of scent and touch.

The Natural History museum presents an educational look at the world of nature with special emphasis on the ecological history of Switzerland. Included is a life size model menagerie of bears, foxes, alligators, aardvarks and other animals from around the globe, as well as a complete collection of every mineral and plant indigenous to Switzerland. There is a special children’s area for kids and a working lab for visiting scientists.

The Patek Philippe Museum traces the evolution of watch making in Geneva from its humble origins through to its current apogee as the world leader in the industry. The museum presents an evocative collection of timepieces dating back as far as the early 16th century, demonstrating the artistic and engineering prowess of Geneva’s past and present masters. Modern masterpieces from Patek Philippe’s latest collections are also on display as well as music boxes, pistols and other historic bibelots spread over the museum’s four floors.

Nicknamed “The Temple of the Muses”, the Rath Museum was the first museum dedicated solely to the fine arts in Geneva in 1826. The building itself is an architectural triumph located at the seat of high culture in Geneva at Place Neuve near the city’s only remaining rampart walls. The Rath is an affiliate of the colossal Art and History Museum and contains classic examples of Swiss art, as well as an ongoing rotation of exhibits from all over Europe.

With over 400 vehicles on display, the International Automobile Museum is a must for car buffs. The museum houses an eclectic mix of mostly German, French and Italian automobiles ranging from prototypes to race cars to antique classic cars and motorcycles. Also included are separate exhibits for rare engines, wheels, drawings and even a section on “Weapons and Cars.” The museum is the site of the largest annual car show in Europe sponsored each March.

The Barbier-Mueller Museum is home to the combined collections of two of Switzerland’s best known collectors: Josef Mueller and Jean Paul Barbier. Throughout their lives, both men traveled the globe in search of art from Antiquity, Africa, Asia and Oceania, bringing forth so called “primitive art” into the main stream. The museum is an archeologists dream with over 7,000 masks, tools, statues, ornaments and other singular articles in the permanent collection and numerous itinerant exhibitions on display throughout the year.

Billed for infants from 4 to 104, this joyous museum contains over 200 marionettes from 25 different countries. The museum hosts seminars on marionette construction and puts on weekly spectacles for children in its own Theatre du Reve. The shows are in French but quickly transcend all language barriers through their lively play.

The largest museum in Geneva, The Art and History Museum is veritable catalogue of western culture with over one million pieces in its collection organized in three different wings. The Archeology wing contains relics from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. The Fine Arts wing houses paintings from the Renaissance onward including works by Van Gogh and Renoir. Finally, the Applied Arts wing features furniture, weapons and other articles of daily life from the Middle Ages.

The Ariana Museum or Swiss Museum of Ceramics and Glass is a unique museum located on the grounds adjoining the United Nations. The museum contains all manner of kiln crafts including stoneware, porcelain, pottery, and glass from Europe, the Middle East and Asia. 20,000 different pieces are on display dating back to the 1300’s. The lovely neo-baroque and neo-classical building compliments every visitor experience.

A short distance away from Geneva by car or bike, the Olympic Museum is a tribute to the history of the Olympic Games and the spirit which they embody. The museum is housed in a modern facility on the shores of Lake Geneva surrounded by panoramic views of the nearby Alps. The museum presents the history of the Games beginning with the ancient Greeks and traces the Games’ evolution through a stunning collection of memorabilia, audiovisual clips and other mementos that takes visitors up through today.

Media The city's main newspaper is the Tribune de Genève, a Newspaper founded on 1 February 1879 by James T. Bates, with a readership of about 187,000.Le Courrier, founded in 1868, was originally supported by the Roman Catholic Church, but has been completely independent since 1996. Mainly focused on Geneva, Le Courrier is trying to expand into other cantons in Romandy. Both Le Temps (headquartered in Geneva) and Le Matin (Switzerland) are widely read in Geneva, but both journals actually cover the whole of Romandy.

Geneva is covered by the various French language radio networks of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, in particular the Radio Suisse Romande. While these networks cover the whole of Romandy, special programs related to Geneva are sometimes broadcast on some of the local frequencies in the case of special events such as elections. Other local station broadcast from the city, including RadioLac (FM 91.8 MHz), Radio Cité (Non-commercial radio, FM 92.2 MHz), OneFM (FM 107.0 MHz, also broadcast in Vaud), and World Radio Geneva (FM 88.4 MHz), Switzerland's only English-language radio station.

The main television channel covering Geneva is the Télévision Suisse Romande; while its headquarters are located in Geneva, the programs cover the whole of Romandy and are not specific to Geneva. Léman Bleu is a local TV channel, founded in 1996 and distributed by cable.

Entertainment Hotel des Bergues on the Lake GenevaTheatre
Most theater in Geneva is in French, however there are several companies that stage regular English productions. Many French spectacles are worth a look even if you don’t speak the language for their experiment and avant-garde visual style.

Cinema
Movie going is a favorite activity in Geneva and there are plenty of theaters throughout the city. Most movies are dubbed into French so look for films marked V.O. for “Version Original.” Many cinemas still observe the tradition of a ten minute intermission so don’t be surprised if the lights go up halfway through.

Restaurants
In Geneva food is serious. With over 1,000 restaurants, the city is the undisputed capital of cuisine in Switzerland. Local specialties include fondue, raclette, lake fish dishes, smoked sausage and a variety of casseroles. As an international city, Geneva also offers visitors the chance to sample food from around the world. Although many of Geneva’s most refined gourmet restaurants are quite pricey and formal, diners can enjoy Geneva’s more relaxed café culture at a reasonable price.

Geneva hotels
As an international center, Geneva is a master of hospitality ready to cater to the highest of tastes to the lowest of budgets. There are over 14,000 beds in the city center ranging from student hostels to luxury five star resorts. Despite having the largest hotel capacity in Switzerland, reservations are recommended as hotels do fill up quickly, especially during the summer months and holidays. Major conferences and city exhibitions during the year may also make finding a room difficult if you don’t plan ahead

Traditions and customs Since 1818, a particular chestnut is used as the official "herald of the Spring (season)" in Geneva. The sautier (secretary of the Parliament of the Canton of Geneva) observes the tree and notes the day of arrival of the first bud. While this event has no practical impact, the sautier issues a formal News release and the local newspaper will usually mention the news. In 2007, the first bud appeared on 2 March.

Geneva celebrates Jeune genevois on the first Thursday following a Sunday in September. By local tradition, this commemorates when the news of the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre of Huguenots reached Geneva. The Genevois joke that the federal equivalent holiday, Jeune fédéral, is celebrated two weeks later on account of the rest of the country being a bit slow on the uptake.

Sports The main sport team in Geneva is Servette FC, a football (soccer) club founded in 1890 and named after a borough on the right bank of the Rhône River. Servette was the only club to have remained in the top league in Switzerland since its creation in the 1930s; however, in 2005, management problems caused the bankruptcy of the club's Holding company, causing the club to be demoted two divisions lower. It is now playing in second division. Geneva is also home of the Genève-Servette HC, who play in the Swiss Nationalliga A.

Parks and gardens Geneva is often referred to as the “city of parks” due to the fact that over one quarter of the city is covered by public parks. Many of the parks were once grand estates that were later dedicated to the city. Most of the parks are situated along the lake with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Situated on the left bank near the Jet d’Eau, the English Garden is home to the infamous “flower clock,” the largest of its kind in the world and a symbol of Geneva’s dedication to integration with nature. Several statues of note inhabit the park including the ‘Monument National,’ and a sculpted bronze fountain by Alexis Andre.

A former botanical garden and site of the first university in Geneva, tree lined Bastions Park is popular with students and abuzz with activity most hours of the day. A set of life size chess boards at the north end of the park attracts chess masters both young and old looking for a challenge. Finally, Reformation Wall built along the old rampart wall of the Old Town pays tribute to the founders of the Reformation forever immortalized in statue along the wall.

Geneva’s largest park encompassing 12000 square meters along the lake. The park contains the largest rose garden in the city and a horticultural center. The Verdure Theatre on site hosts free concerts every Wednesday and Friday during the summer months.

Located just next door to Parc la Grange, Eaux Vives Park is a sloping hillside park topped by an 18th century castle that now serves as a restaurant. The park is also the location of the headquarters of the Geneva Sports Association.

The ‘Pearl of Lake’ and adjoining Park Moynier is arguably the most beautiful area in Geneva with clear views of the Mont Blanc and the lake. The parks are flush with flowers with plenty of shady spots to wile away the afternoon. The History of Science Museum, a former estate home, is located in the center of Park Moynier.

Covering some 20 hectares, Batie Woods is a refuge of wildlife near the city center. Several hiking trails criss-cross through the park popular with joggers and hikers a like. A small zoo and several terrace restaurants are also located in the park.

Communities As the Geneva authorities say, the history of the city is closely related to that of the foreign communities. Ever since the migration of foreigners to Geneva, these communities have found refuge, bringing their Procedural knowledge, their customs and hope of a new life. They have widely participated in the international influence of Geneva, to its economic prosperity, and also to the spreading of views and of science. LGBT community Many other communities or minorities are also very well represented in Geneva, including sexual minorities, with no less than three organizations: Dialogai, a gay organization; Lestime, a lesbian organization; and association 360, an LGBT organization. The Gay International Group (Geneva, Switzerland) is a good resource for gay foreigners, tourists or expatriates. Also, a new LGBT group has debuted within the University of Geneva itself, called "Think Out". This group addresses students and Professers linked directly or indirectly with the matter of sexual diversity.

Religious communities There are quite many communities in Geneva. Religion are very diverse. Even if Geneva is supposed to be the Protestant Rome, many religions meet in Geneva. The Plymouth Brethren have a thriving assembly there, established since the days of John Nelson Darby. Beside the Protestants, the Catholics have been more and more numerous thanks to immigration from Latin countries. The Kehilla is one of the oldest of Switzerland, and the more recent Ummah is emerging in this city which respects all communities.

Famous literature involving Geneva Comic books

Film and television

See also

References

External links Official Tourism Organisations Study

{{Infobox Swiss town| subject_name = Genève | municipality_name = Genève | municipality_type = municipality | imagepath_coa = Geneve-coat of arms.svg|pixel_coa= | map = Carte Commune Genève.png | languages = French | canton = Geneva | iso-code-region = CH-GE | district = n.a. | lat_d=46|lat_m=12|lat_NS=N|long_d=6|long_m=09|long_EW=E | postal_code = 1200 | municipality_code = 6621 | area = 15.86 | elevation = 375|elevation_description= | population = 185526|populationof=2004 | agglomeration = 960000 | website = www.ville-ge.ch | mayor = [Patrice Mugny|mayor_asof=July 2007|mayor_party= | mayor_title = Maire|list_of_mayors = List of mayors of Geneva | places = | demonym = Les Genevois | neighboring_municipalities= [Carouge, [Chêne-Bougeries, [Cologny, [Lancy, [Grand-Saconnex, [Pregny-Chambésy, [Vernier, [Veyrier, Switzerland | twintowns = |-->Geneva (pronunciation //; French language: Genève //, German language: //, Italian language: Ginevra //, Romansh: Genevra) is the second most populous city in Switzerland (after Zürich), and is the most populous city of Romandy (the French-speaking part of Switzerland). It is situated where the Rhône River exits Lake Geneva (French language Lac Léman) and is the capital of the Canton of Geneva. In 2004, the population of the canton (country subdivision) was 441,000, that of the commune within the traditional city limits 185,526, and that of the metropolitan area — which extends into neighboring France and the Swiss Canton of Vaud — about 960,000. Geneva is widely regarded as a global city, mainly due to the presence of numerous international organizations, including the headquarters of many of the agencies of the United Nations. A 2006 survey found Geneva to have the second highest quality of living in the world (after Zürich).Mercer Human Resource Consulting World-wide quality of living survey. London, 10 April 2006. Last accessed 1 February 2007

See Names of European cities in different languages for a list of the name of this city in other languages.

History For the Catholic ecclesiastical history, see Lausanne and Geneva bishopric(s) Geneva was the name of a settlement of the Celtic people of the Allobroges. The name of Genava (or Genua) in Latin appeared for the first time in the writings of Julius Caesar in De Bello Gallico, his comments on the Gallic Wars. Its name may be identical in origin to the name of the Ligurian language city of Genua (modern Genoa), meaning "knee", that is, "angle", referring to its geographical position; though more likely is based on the root gen- 'birth' (Genawa is at the birth of the river from the womb of the lake; perhaps the name in full means 'birth-water'). After the Roman conquest it became part of the Provincia Romana (Gaul). In 58 BC, at Geneva, Caesar hemmed in the Helvetii on their westward march. In the 9th century it became the capital of Burgundy. Though Geneva was contested among Burgundians and Franks and the Holy Roman Emperors, in practice it was ruled by its Prince-bishops, until the Reformation, when Geneva became a republic.

Due to the work of Protestant Reformation such as John Calvin, Geneva was sometimes dubbed the Protestant Rome. In the 16th century Geneva was the center of Calvinism; the St. Pierre Cathedral in what is now called the Old Town was John Calvin's own church. During the time when England was ruled by the Catholic Queen Mary I Tudor, who persecuted Protestants, a number of Protestant scholars fled to Geneva. Among these scholars was William Whittingham who supervised the translation of the Geneva Bible in collaboration with Myles Coverdale, Christopher Goodman, Anthony Gilby, Thomas Sampson and William Cole. In addition, the social philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born and raised in Geneva's Old Town.

One of the most important events in Geneva's history is l'Escalade (literally: "the scaling of the wall"). For the people of Geneva, l'Escalade is the symbol of their independence. It marked the final attempt in a series of assaults mounted throughout the 16th century by Savoy, which wanted to annex Geneva as its capital north of the Alps. This last assault happened on the night of 11-12 December 1602 and is celebrated yearly in the Old Town with numerous demonstrations and a parade of horses, cannons and armed men in period costumes.

Geneva, or officially the Canton & Republic of Geneva, became a Cantons of Switzerland in 1815.

The first of the Geneva Conventions was signed in 1864, to protect the sick and wounded in war time.

Geography Geneva is located at 46°12 North, 6°09' East, at the south-western end of Lake Geneva, where the lake flows into the Rhône River. It is surrounded by two mountain chains, the Alps and the Jura mountains.

The city of Geneva has an area of 15.86 km², while the area of the Canton of Geneva is 282 km², including the two small enclaves of Céligny in Vaud. The part of the lake that is attached to Geneva has an area of 38 km² and is sometimes referred to as Petit lac (small lake). The Canton has only a 4.5 km border with the rest of Switzerland; out of a total of 107.5 km of borders, the remaining 103 are shared with France, with the Ain to the North and the Haute-Savoie to the South.

The altitude of Geneva is 373.6 m, and corresponds to the altitude of the largest of the Pierres du Niton, two large rocks emerging from the lake which date from the Wisconsin glaciation. This rock was chosen by General Guillaume Henri Dufour as the reference point for all surveying in Switzerland.Swisstopo, Height reference for Switzerland. Last accessed on 1 February 2007.

The second main river of Geneva is the Arve River which flows into the Rhône River just west of the city centre.

Administrative Divisions The city of Geneva is divided into 8 "quartiers" or districts, often made up of several conglomerated neighborhoods(). On the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) these include Jonction, Centre / Plainpalais / Acacias, Eaux-Vives and Champel while the Right Bank includes Saint-Jean / Charmilles, Servette / Petit-Saconnex, Grottes / Saint-Gervais and Paquis / Nations.

Demographics As of 2005, the population of the Commune (city) of Geneva was 185,028, while 441,000 people lived in the Canton of Geneva; around 960,000 people live in the Geneva Residential community, which extends into Vaud Canton and neighboring France.

The population of the Canton is split between 148,500 people originally from Geneva (33.7%), 122,400 Swiss from other cantons (27.6%) and 170,500 foreigners (38.7%), from 180 different countries. Population of Geneva, on the website of Statistique Genève. Last accessed 1 February 2007. Including people holding multiple citizenship, 54.4% of people living in Geneva hold a foreign passport.OCSTAT. Les binationaux dans le canton de Genève. Résultats du recensement fédéral de la population 2000. Communications statistiques n° 24, Geneva, December 2005.

While Geneva is usually considered as a Protestant city, there are now more Roman Catholics (39.5%) than Protestants (17.4%) living in the Canton. 22% of the inhabitants indicate that they are not part of any religion, the rest being shared between Islam (4.4%), Judaism (1.1%), other religions and people who did not respond. Inhabitants of the Canton of Geneva according to their religion, on the website of Statistique Genève. Last accessed 1 February 2007.

International organizations Geneva is the seat of the European headquarters of the United Nations and of many other international organization, including: Geneva was the seat of the League of Nations between 1919 and the league's dissolution in 1946. It was first housed in the Palais Wilson, and then in the Palais des Nations, which now hosts the United Nations. Numerous international non-governmental organizations have also elected Geneva as their headquarters, including:

The Geneva Environment Network (GEN) publishes the Geneva Green Guide, and extensive listing of Geneva-based global organizations working on environment and sustainable development. Partnerships for the Planet - Stories from Geneva (by the Swiss Government, WBCSD, UNEP and IUCN) includes stories about how NGOs, business, government and the UN cooperate. By doing so, it attempts to explain why Geneva has been picked by so many NGOs and UN as their headquarter location.

Economy Geneva's economy is mainly services oriented. The city has an important and old Financial services, which is specialized in private banking (managing assets of about 1 trillion United States dollar) and financing of international trade. It is also an important centre of Commodity markets.

Geneva hosts the international headquarters of companies like Japan Tobacco, Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A., Serono, SITA, Société Générale de Surveillance and STMicroelectronics. Many other Multinational corporation like DuPont, Electronic Arts, Hewlett-Packard, INVISTA, Procter & Gamble and Sun Microsystems have their European headquarters in the city too.

There is a long tradition of watchmaking (Baume et Mercier, Chopard, Franck Muller, Patek Philippe & Co., Rolex, Raymond Weil, Omega, etc.). Two major international producers of flavours and fragrances, Firmenich and Givaudan, have their headquarters and main production facilities in Geneva.

Many people also work in the numerous offices of international organizations located in Geneva (about 24,000 in 2001).

Geneva Motor Show is one of the most important international auto-shows. The show is held at Palexpo, a giant convention center located next to the International Airport

Infrastructure Transport The city is served by the Geneva Cointrin International Airport. It is connected to both the Rail transport in Switzerland network SBB-CFF-FFS, and the France SNCF network, including direct connections to Paris, Marseille and Montpellier by TGV. Geneva is also connected to the motorway systems of both Switzerland (A1 (Switzerland)) and France.

Public transport by bus, trolleybus or tram is provided by Transports Publics Genevois (TPG). In addition to an extensive coverage of the city centre, the network covers most of the municipalities of the Canton, with a few lines extending into France. Public transport by boat is provided by the Mouettes Genevoises, which link the two banks of the lake within the city, and by the Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman (CGN) which serves more distant destinations such as Nyon, Yvoire, Thonon-les-Bains, Évian-les-Bains, Lausanne and Montreux using both modern diesel vessels and vintage paddle steamers.

Trains operated by SBB-CFF-FFS connect the airport to the main station of Cornavin in a mere six minutes, and carry on to towns such as Nyon, Lausanne, Fribourg, Montreux, Neuchâtel, Berne, Sion, Sierre, etc. Regional train services are being increasingly developed, towards Coppet and Bellegarde. At the city limits, two new stations have been created since 2002: Genève-Sécheron (close to the UN and the Botanical garden) and Lancy-Pont-Rouge.

In 2005, work started on the CEVA (Cornavin - Eaux-Vives - Annemasse) project, first planned in 1884, which will connect Cornavin with the Cantonal hospital, the Eaux-Vives station and Annemasse, in France. The link between the main station and the classification yard of La Praille already exists; from there, the line will go mostly underground to the Hospital and the Eaux-Vives, where it will link up to the existing line to France. Support for this project was obtained from all parties in the local parliament.

Taxis in Geneva can be difficult to find, and may need to be booked in advance especially in the early morning or at peak hours. In addition, which may be surprising in a modern country like Switzerland, taxis often refuse to take babies and children.

Utilities Water, natural gas and electricity are provided to the municipalities of the Canton of Geneva by the Public ownership Services Industriels de Genève (or SIG). Most of the drinkable water (80%) is extracted from the Lake Geneva; the remaining 20% is provided by groundwater originally formed by infiltration from the Arve River. 30% of the Canton's needs in electricity are locally produced, mainly by three hydroelectricity dams on the Rhone River (Seujet, Verbois and Chancy-Pougny). In addition, 13% of the electricity produced in the Canton is made from the heat induced by the burning of waste at the Waste management#Incineration of Les Cheneviers. The remaining needs (57%) are covered by imports from other cantons in Switzerland or other European countries; SIG buys only electricity produced by renewable energy, and in particular does not use electricity produced using nuclear reactors or fossil fuels.Natural gas is available in the City of Geneva, as well as in about two-thirds of the municipalities of the canton, and is imported from western Europe by the List of Swiss companies Gaznat. SIG also provides telecommunication facilities to carriers, service providers and large enterprises. From 2003 to 2005 "Voisin, voisine" a FTTH pilot project with a Triple play (telecommunications) offering was launched to test the end-user market in the Charmilles district.

Education Geneva is home to the University of Geneva, founded by John Calvin in 1559. Also, the oldest international school in the world is located in Geneva, the International School of Geneva, founded in 1924 along with the League of Nations.Webster University, an accredited American university, has a campus in Geneva. It is considered the most prestigious school that has classes in English in Switzerland.

The city is also home to one of the most prestigious graduate schools of international relations, the Graduate Institute of International Studies.Other international schools include the International School of Geneva and Institut International de Lancy (founded in 1903).

The Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations is a private university located on the grounds of the Château de Penthes, an old manor with a park and view of Lac Leman.

The Canton of Geneva's public school system has "écoles primaires" (4-12), "cycles d'orientation" (12-15), and the post-obligatory "collèges" (15-19), the oldest of which is the Collège Calvin. It is housed in the ancient buildings of the University of Geneva, and could be considered one of the oldest public schools in the world.

Geneva also has a wide choice of reputed private schools. (see Geneva Association of Private Schools)

Culture Monuments and landmarks Brunswick

Geneva is one of the greenest cities in Europe with more than 20 parks in the city center offering countless opportunities for rest and relaxation.

No trip to Geneva is complete without a visit to the European Headquarters of the United Nations. The sprawling complex is accessible only via guided tour, offering unique insight into the inner workings of the world’s most important international body. Highlights include the 2,000 seat Assembly Hall and the Council Chamber decorated with gold murals depicting the human struggle for peace.

Geneva ’s world famous lakefront is the centerpiece of the city and offers endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation throughout the year. The Jet d’eau spouting 140 meters into the air is the world’s tallest and symbolizes Geneva’s heritage as a leader in the field of hydraulic power. The Promenades along the left and right banks of the lake are filled with cafes, parks, street markets and other diversions from lake cruises to amusement rides to water skiing. The Bains des Paquis on the western shore has been a crowd favorite since its opening in 1932 and continues to draw visitors and locals alike who flock to its saunas and unique bathing areas to see and be seen along this sunny concrete jetty. Dominating the eastern bank, the giant Flower Clock in the English Garden is a tribute to Geneva’s watch industry, harmonizing Swiss ingenuity with the floral bounties of nature. The dial is composed of some 6,500 flowers and is updated with new arrangements several times per year.

This romantic island named for the Genevan philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau is a bastion of serenity amidst the turbulent waters of Le Rhone River. The island contains a bird sanctuary and a restaurant with stunning views of the surrounding cityscape.

Built in 1886, the Batiment Des Forces Motrices was Geneva’s first hydro-electric power plant providing the city with water and electricity. Today the massive building serves as a 985 seat opera house overlooking the Rhone River.

Towering over the Old Town in the heart of the city, Saint Peter’s Cathedral is Geneva’s oldest and most impressive architectural treasure. The Cathedral was began in 1160 and took over 400 years to complete, suffering numerous makeovers and fires throughout the years. The north tower offers incredible panoramic views of the city, while the basement houses an Archaeological Museum chronicling the excavation of artifacts found beneath the Cathedral, some dating back as far as 350 AD.

Geneva ’s ancient Old Town is a maze of sloping cobblestone streets and alleyways filled with cafes, boutiques and historical landmarks at every turn. A former Roman marketplace, the Bourg-de-Four is the oldest public square in Geneva and remains a hub of activity surrounded by bistros, terraces, bars and other popular meeting spots. The 15th century Hotel De Ville located along Rue de l’Hotel-de-Ville still serves as the seat of government in Geneva and is the site of many political milestones including the first convening of the Geneva Convention in 1864 and the founding of the League of Nations in 1920. Across the street, the Old Arsenal is a former battery, now home to a 1949 mosaic by Alexandre Cingria depicting Caesar’s arrival in the city 58 BC. Finally, The Treille Promenade on the south side of the Old Town was once an artillery post and today offers beautiful views of the city from atop the towns last remaining rampart wall.

The unexpected Russian Church pierces the skies near the old town with its flaming gilded cupolas and golden spires, offering a unique contrast to the predominantly French and medieval architecture which dominates the rest of the city. The church was completed in 1866 by Russian expatriates living in Geneva with funding from the sister-in-law to Tsar Alexander 1 st. The Byzantine styled exterior and opulent interior, filled with orthodox icons, is an inspiring treat.

Located in beautiful Bastions Park, this monument commemorates the major events and figures of the Protestant Reformation. Larger than life statues of Guillaume Farel, Jean Calvin, Théodore de Bèze and John Knox dominate the central part of the 100 meter wall, eternally guarding over their “City of Refuge.”

Bounded by the Conservatory of Music, the Grand Opera Theater, the Rath Museum and the nearby Victory Concert Hall, the square at Place Neuve represents the pinnacle of high culture in Geneva. A statue of the Swiss General Henri Dufour sits in the center of the square adding to the air of sophistication which permeates the plaza. High class cafes and restaurants are also on hand to cater to the theater crowds.

A peaceful oasis in the center of the city, the Plainpalais Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Geneva’s most prominent citizens including John Calvin, James Fazy, Augustin de Candolle, Henri Dufour, and Sergio Vieira de Mello, the late UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The cemetery is filled with interesting gravestones dating back to 1482.

Named after the French word for the “Smurfs,” the Schtrumpfs is a modern architectural landmark located in the funky Les Grottes neighborhood behind the train station. The apartment complex was designed by three architects determined to create the most unconventional building possible. The result is a Gaudi-esque amalgamation of colors and styles that has to be seen to be believed.

Despite its reputation as Geneva’s unofficial red light district, the Paquis in the heart of the right bank is actually Geneva’s most diverse and colorful neighborhood. The area is filled with authentic ethnic restaurants and numerous interesting shops, bars and nightclubs.

Just over L’Arve River, the neighboring town of Carouge is a Mediterranean style hamlet modeled after the city of Nice in France. The former trading town is today commonly referred to as the ‘Greenwich Village of Geneva’ for its many boutiques and studios where artisans and craftsmen of every ilk can be observed plying their trade. The bohemian vibe carries on into the night in Carouges’ many jazz and night clubs.

Looking over the city like a big brother, Mount Saleve sits in Geneva’s backyard just 5km from the city center. A cable car offers quick access to the peak 1,380 meters above sea level, where breathtaking views of the Alps to the west and the Jura mountains to the east await. Day trippers can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city from a mountain top cafe or head off on one of the many trails criss-crossing the mountain to find their own slice of heaven.

Museums and Galleries Geneva is home to more than thirty museums and galleries presenting a wide array of cultural and historical offerings. From the ultra modern Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art to the ancient Maison Tavel, Geneva’s museums capture the full spectrum of the city’s history and major cultural influences. Free admission is offered the first Sunday of every month at most city sponsored museums and new exhibits are constantly updated throughout the year.

One of the most popular museums in Geneva, the International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent traces the history of the world’s first humanitarian organization from its humble beginnings through modern day. The museum features a multi-media extravaganza that overwhelms the senses and provides access to the latest news and film footage taken straight from today’s headlines.

MAMCO, located in an old factory building, is a dynamic museum on the cutting edge of modern art in Europe. Supported by a stable of artists from the nearby Centre of Contemporary Art, MAMCO constantly reinvents itself, updating not only its exhibits, but also its interior construction three times per year. The works of Marcel Duchamp, the inspiration for the museum, are on display year round.

This old Geneva residence was destroyed by fire in 1334, but has since been restored by the city. The house contains artifacts of daily life in Geneva from the Middle Ages through the late 1800’s. The attic contains a scale model of pre-1850’s Geneva when walls still surrounded the city. Medieval graffiti in the basement of the house is a highlight for many visitors.

Open year round, the Botanical Gardens and Conservatory offers an escape from the winter blues or, in summer, a chance to experience one of the most comprehensive botanic collections in the world. The conservatory contains over 16,000 different plant species and is a working natural refuge dedicated to preservation and the advancement of horticulture. There are many areas to discover on the grounds including a rock garden, an animal park and a garden of scent and touch.

The Natural History museum presents an educational look at the world of nature with special emphasis on the ecological history of Switzerland. Included is a life size model menagerie of bears, foxes, alligators, aardvarks and other animals from around the globe, as well as a complete collection of every mineral and plant indigenous to Switzerland. There is a special children’s area for kids and a working lab for visiting scientists.

The Patek Philippe Museum traces the evolution of watch making in Geneva from its humble origins through to its current apogee as the world leader in the industry. The museum presents an evocative collection of timepieces dating back as far as the early 16th century, demonstrating the artistic and engineering prowess of Geneva’s past and present masters. Modern masterpieces from Patek Philippe’s latest collections are also on display as well as music boxes, pistols and other historic bibelots spread over the museum’s four floors.

Nicknamed “The Temple of the Muses”, the Rath Museum was the first museum dedicated solely to the fine arts in Geneva in 1826. The building itself is an architectural triumph located at the seat of high culture in Geneva at Place Neuve near the city’s only remaining rampart walls. The Rath is an affiliate of the colossal Art and History Museum and contains classic examples of Swiss art, as well as an ongoing rotation of exhibits from all over Europe.

With over 400 vehicles on display, the International Automobile Museum is a must for car buffs. The museum houses an eclectic mix of mostly German, French and Italian automobiles ranging from prototypes to race cars to antique classic cars and motorcycles. Also included are separate exhibits for rare engines, wheels, drawings and even a section on “Weapons and Cars.” The museum is the site of the largest annual car show in Europe sponsored each March.

The Barbier-Mueller Museum is home to the combined collections of two of Switzerland’s best known collectors: Josef Mueller and Jean Paul Barbier. Throughout their lives, both men traveled the globe in search of art from Antiquity, Africa, Asia and Oceania, bringing forth so called “primitive art” into the main stream. The museum is an archeologists dream with over 7,000 masks, tools, statues, ornaments and other singular articles in the permanent collection and numerous itinerant exhibitions on display throughout the year.

Billed for infants from 4 to 104, this joyous museum contains over 200 marionettes from 25 different countries. The museum hosts seminars on marionette construction and puts on weekly spectacles for children in its own Theatre du Reve. The shows are in French but quickly transcend all language barriers through their lively play.

The largest museum in Geneva, The Art and History Museum is veritable catalogue of western culture with over one million pieces in its collection organized in three different wings. The Archeology wing contains relics from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. The Fine Arts wing houses paintings from the Renaissance onward including works by Van Gogh and Renoir. Finally, the Applied Arts wing features furniture, weapons and other articles of daily life from the Middle Ages.

The Ariana Museum or Swiss Museum of Ceramics and Glass is a unique museum located on the grounds adjoining the United Nations. The museum contains all manner of kiln crafts including stoneware, porcelain, pottery, and glass from Europe, the Middle East and Asia. 20,000 different pieces are on display dating back to the 1300’s. The lovely neo-baroque and neo-classical building compliments every visitor experience.

A short distance away from Geneva by car or bike, the Olympic Museum is a tribute to the history of the Olympic Games and the spirit which they embody. The museum is housed in a modern facility on the shores of Lake Geneva surrounded by panoramic views of the nearby Alps. The museum presents the history of the Games beginning with the ancient Greeks and traces the Games’ evolution through a stunning collection of memorabilia, audiovisual clips and other mementos that takes visitors up through today.

Media The city's main newspaper is the Tribune de Genève, a Newspaper founded on 1 February 1879 by James T. Bates, with a readership of about 187,000.Le Courrier, founded in 1868, was originally supported by the Roman Catholic Church, but has been completely independent since 1996. Mainly focused on Geneva, Le Courrier is trying to expand into other cantons in Romandy. Both Le Temps (headquartered in Geneva) and Le Matin (Switzerland) are widely read in Geneva, but both journals actually cover the whole of Romandy.

Geneva is covered by the various French language radio networks of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, in particular the Radio Suisse Romande. While these networks cover the whole of Romandy, special programs related to Geneva are sometimes broadcast on some of the local frequencies in the case of special events such as elections. Other local station broadcast from the city, including RadioLac (FM 91.8 MHz), Radio Cité (Non-commercial radio, FM 92.2 MHz), OneFM (FM 107.0 MHz, also broadcast in Vaud), and World Radio Geneva (FM 88.4 MHz), Switzerland's only English-language radio station.

The main television channel covering Geneva is the Télévision Suisse Romande; while its headquarters are located in Geneva, the programs cover the whole of Romandy and are not specific to Geneva. Léman Bleu is a local TV channel, founded in 1996 and distributed by cable.

Entertainment Hotel des Bergues on the Lake GenevaTheatre
Most theater in Geneva is in French, however there are several companies that stage regular English productions. Many French spectacles are worth a look even if you don’t speak the language for their experiment and avant-garde visual style.

Cinema
Movie going is a favorite activity in Geneva and there are plenty of theaters throughout the city. Most movies are dubbed into French so look for films marked V.O. for “Version Original.” Many cinemas still observe the tradition of a ten minute intermission so don’t be surprised if the lights go up halfway through.

Restaurants
In Geneva food is serious. With over 1,000 restaurants, the city is the undisputed capital of cuisine in Switzerland. Local specialties include fondue, raclette, lake fish dishes, smoked sausage and a variety of casseroles. As an international city, Geneva also offers visitors the chance to sample food from around the world. Although many of Geneva’s most refined gourmet restaurants are quite pricey and formal, diners can enjoy Geneva’s more relaxed café culture at a reasonable price.

Geneva hotels
As an international center, Geneva is a master of hospitality ready to cater to the highest of tastes to the lowest of budgets. There are over 14,000 beds in the city center ranging from student hostels to luxury five star resorts. Despite having the largest hotel capacity in Switzerland, reservations are recommended as hotels do fill up quickly, especially during the summer months and holidays. Major conferences and city exhibitions during the year may also make finding a room difficult if you don’t plan ahead

Traditions and customs Since 1818, a particular chestnut is used as the official "herald of the Spring (season)" in Geneva. The sautier (secretary of the Parliament of the Canton of Geneva) observes the tree and notes the day of arrival of the first bud. While this event has no practical impact, the sautier issues a formal News release and the local newspaper will usually mention the news. In 2007, the first bud appeared on 2 March.

Geneva celebrates Jeune genevois on the first Thursday following a Sunday in September. By local tradition, this commemorates when the news of the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre of Huguenots reached Geneva. The Genevois joke that the federal equivalent holiday, Jeune fédéral, is celebrated two weeks later on account of the rest of the country being a bit slow on the uptake.

Sports The main sport team in Geneva is Servette FC, a football (soccer) club founded in 1890 and named after a borough on the right bank of the Rhône River. Servette was the only club to have remained in the top league in Switzerland since its creation in the 1930s; however, in 2005, management problems caused the bankruptcy of the club's Holding company, causing the club to be demoted two divisions lower. It is now playing in second division. Geneva is also home of the Genève-Servette HC, who play in the Swiss Nationalliga A.

Parks and gardens Geneva is often referred to as the “city of parks” due to the fact that over one quarter of the city is covered by public parks. Many of the parks were once grand estates that were later dedicated to the city. Most of the parks are situated along the lake with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Situated on the left bank near the Jet d’Eau, the English Garden is home to the infamous “flower clock,” the largest of its kind in the world and a symbol of Geneva’s dedication to integration with nature. Several statues of note inhabit the park including the ‘Monument National,’ and a sculpted bronze fountain by Alexis Andre.

A former botanical garden and site of the first university in Geneva, tree lined Bastions Park is popular with students and abuzz with activity most hours of the day. A set of life size chess boards at the north end of the park attracts chess masters both young and old looking for a challenge. Finally, Reformation Wall built along the old rampart wall of the Old Town pays tribute to the founders of the Reformation forever immortalized in statue along the wall.

Geneva’s largest park encompassing 12000 square meters along the lake. The park contains the largest rose garden in the city and a horticultural center. The Verdure Theatre on site hosts free concerts every Wednesday and Friday during the summer months.

Located just next door to Parc la Grange, Eaux Vives Park is a sloping hillside park topped by an 18th century castle that now serves as a restaurant. The park is also the location of the headquarters of the Geneva Sports Association.

The ‘Pearl of Lake’ and adjoining Park Moynier is arguably the most beautiful area in Geneva with clear views of the Mont Blanc and the lake. The parks are flush with flowers with plenty of shady spots to wile away the afternoon. The History of Science Museum, a former estate home, is located in the center of Park Moynier.

Covering some 20 hectares, Batie Woods is a refuge of wildlife near the city center. Several hiking trails criss-cross through the park popular with joggers and hikers a like. A small zoo and several terrace restaurants are also located in the park.

Communities As the Geneva authorities say, the history of the city is closely related to that of the foreign communities. Ever since the migration of foreigners to Geneva, these communities have found refuge, bringing their Procedural knowledge, their customs and hope of a new life. They have widely participated in the international influence of Geneva, to its economic prosperity, and also to the spreading of views and of science. LGBT community Many other communities or minorities are also very well represented in Geneva, including sexual minorities, with no less than three organizations: Dialogai, a gay organization; Lestime, a lesbian organization; and association 360, an LGBT organization. The Gay International Group (Geneva, Switzerland) is a good resource for gay foreigners, tourists or expatriates. Also, a new LGBT group has debuted within the University of Geneva itself, called "Think Out". This group addresses students and Professers linked directly or indirectly with the matter of sexual diversity.

Religious communities There are quite many communities in Geneva. Religion are very diverse. Even if Geneva is supposed to be the Protestant Rome, many religions meet in Geneva. The Plymouth Brethren have a thriving assembly there, established since the days of John Nelson Darby. Beside the Protestants, the Catholics have been more and more numerous thanks to immigration from Latin countries. The Kehilla is one of the oldest of Switzerland, and the more recent Ummah is emerging in this city which respects all communities.

Famous literature involving Geneva Comic books

Film and television

See also

References

External links Official Tourism Organisations Study



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